Floriade kicks off in Canberra

Canberra's annual flower festival Floriade will kick off on Saturday, with nearly half a million people expected through the gates.

Nearly half a million people are expected to visit Canberra's annual Floriade which is paying homage to the Anzacs.

This year's flower festival, which opens on Saturday with a million blooms, marks the centenary of the Gallipoli landings.

Garden beds will be full of images matching the 'Reflections' theme, including the rising sun, slouch hat and poppies.