Brussels Flowertime is a treat for the eyes and taste buds

In 2013, the City of Brussels decided to fill the flower void that occurred during the off years of the Flower Carpet - which is a biennial event - by creating Flowertime, which gives floral artists the opportunity to wow us with their creations.

The event has proved to be very popular and with this third edition the event has grown, with more than 100,000 flowers being used by 19 top Belgian florists decorating 13 historic rooms in City Hall.

But this year, the flowers will not just be for looking at, they will also be for eating. There will be three mini-flower and vegetable carpets on the Grand-Place that will be created by 60 children. Also on the Grand-Place there will be market stalls providing food and drink.

And in the evenings there is a new event, Flowernights, during which visitors will not only be able to enjoy the flower artworks but will also be able to treat their taste buds with the floral tasting menu by Belgian Masterchef and kitchen gardener Claude Pohlig and treat their ears with classical concerts performed by musicians from the Royal Conservatory of Brussels.

The theme this year is "flowers and fruit" and is a nod to the growing urban gardening and farming movement with its urban allotments, baskets of organic produce and growing appreciation for seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Certainly, growing flowers for food is different from regular flower production. Claude Pohlig, who opened his first restaurant more than 30 years ago and who was awarded Best Artisan of the Year as well as a Michelin star, tells us how he harvests flowers for food.

"How do you know when a flower is ready to be picked for eating? It's very simple, follow the bees," he says. "When I'm picking flowers in my garden I look to see which ones are attracting bees and I know that those are at peak pollen content and flavour."

Do all his flowers come from his garden? "No, I also have friends who let me pick in their gardens. Of course, flowers for eating are not grown for looks and need to be pesticide-free. It's all about the taste and health. But, even if they are not grown for looks, offering friends a bouquet of edible flowers is a wonderful thing to do."

Flowertime is also a rare opportunity to see many of the magnificent reception rooms, meeting rooms, hallways and corridors of the 15th century architectural masterpiece that is Brussels' City Hall. The featured florists who will be decorating those rooms come from all three Belgian regions and share an overriding passion for floral beauty.

Some have come to this calling through family tradition, such as Jolien Vanderstrappen from Brussels who is part of the fifth generation of her family to be active in the flower sector. Natalia Sakalova, originally from Belarus but now a resident of Gembloux, arrived in Belgium as an accounting student but discovered her passion for flowers and plants in her new country and has created a niche for herself with her splendid bridal bouquets.

11-15 August, Brussels City Hall and Grand-Place
Regular exhibition visit: €7 (free access to the Grand-Place)
Flowernights (evening event with floral tasting menu): €35