Get some ideas for your garden at one of Belgium's biggest flower shows.

Each October Brussels' Basilica of the Sacred Heart bursts into colour with flowers, water features and planets arranged by almost 100 florists.

Pick one of the best hotels in Brussels to use as a base from which to see the spread of talent and explore the displays.

The Basilica was finished in the 1960s, after King Leopold II laid the first stone.

It is the fifth biggest church in Neolithic Gothic design in the world and it is unique in that it incorporates two architects' designs.

A permanent exhibition entitled The History of the Basilica will reveal more about the city as will a panorama of Brussels 53 metres up, which is accessible by lift.

It's also a museum of religious art with 250 paintings and sculptures from all over the world.

The Basilica is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00 except on Saturday which is between 08:00 and 22:00. Admission is free.

Brussels is also home to another biennial floral festival entitled Brussels Flower Carpet which is held at the Grand Palace every other August.

Every two years begonias are intricately worked into a themed pattern, which transforms the city centre. Past work has included Brussels' coat of arms.