Who could have guessed when the first Proflora opened in a small hall 20 years ago it would go on to become the biggest flower show in the Americas and attract visitors from around the globe.

Children of flower farm workers sand the Colombian national anthem at the opening ceremony. 

In a warm and heartfelt speech Augusto Solano, President of Asocolflores, the Colombian flower growers association, thanked over 1250 international delegates for making the effort to attend the 20th anniversary Proflora, the biggest show to date.

Not only did the garden roses from Alexandra Farms sweep the board in the individual catagory but the international team of judges deemed their Piano variety the overall winner and Best in Show.  

The amazing Himalaya Alstoemeria from Flores Funza took top prize in the catagory and 2nd prize in the overall Best in Show awards.

In the variety competitions hundreds of flowers competed for both best in catagory and best in show.  These amazing chocolate Anthurium from Anthura took third place in Best in Show.

How better to show the designer element of flowers than with a hat ... just one of a wardrobe of fashion statements created by the Natuflor team who also created the tallest hand tied in the world!

Day two and another hat from the Natuflora team.

Suasuques, another grower who has moved into production of the amazing Perfection brand of Alstroemeria.

Florverde, the Global Gap recognised social and environmental programme, celebrated its 15th Anniversary during Proflora.  The only independently verified quality programme in the world, Florverde is now viewed as one of the best.

Asocolflores, the grower funded association which most Colombian farms belong to, took the opportunity to showcase it's services and systems to international buyers.

Remember Athena poster shops?  This stand used the clever flip chart system so that buyers could flick through the range of flowers available. 

Israeli based Danziger, one of the worlds leading gypsophila growers and creators of Million Stars, used Proflora to launch their new collection of this ever popular filler flower with Orion, Cassipeia, Stella Maris and New Love joining the ranks. 

SB Talee celebrated their 50th Birthday with a jaw dropping stand full of their amazing carnations.  Breeders as well as growers, Talee are responsbile for the new Pomadero red carnation which is seen as a stronger replacement for Nelson.

Small but perfectly formed, the delightful stand by Luisiana Farms.

The enchanting rustic stand of Redil, one of the rose growers featured on the formal international buyers farm tours. 

We loved this message on the side of this booth ... sums up flowers perfectly we thought. 

Elite is considered one of the very best farms in Colombia with a superb social and environmental programme and the most stunning flowers as well.

In the variety competitions ... judged by an international panel who were amazed at the quality ... Colombian growers proved beyond doubt that they were no longer just a producer of carnations ... see our variety slide show to see why.

Oasis Floral Products sponsored some special demonstrations of floristry by top Colombian designers ... an extension of their education and public demo programme they are running in Bogata.

If it's Colombia there has to be salsa and visitors to Proflora were spoilt with a stunning display by the award winning national dance team.

Esmeralda, who have farms throughout the world, showcased their full range of flowers including a brand new variety of gypsophila that is even better than Overtime.

The trade mark look from Deliflor ... one of the worlds best suppliers of chrysanthemum and, as with all their exhibition displays, not just a showcase of varieties but design ideas as well.

Flores Funza ... who will be featured in Florist & Wholesale Buyer ... took the simple but oh so elegant approach.  The brown paper on the rear wall is made from Carnation stems ... yet another way Colombian growers recycle. 

Natuflora took the top prize for the stand design competition with these amazing hand tieds that were displayed in shallow dishes.  The floor standing red rose design stood nearly 2 metres high!!