Lalbagh flower show, yours organically

Lalbagh flower show, yours organically
The Times of India

Bangalore: Seeing is believing. For those who marvelled at the Independence Day flower show at Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, the sight of the well-arranged and exotic organically grown flowers and vegetables inside the brightly lit-up Glass House was indeed a magical experience.
Amidst drums and frolic, mayor R. Narayanaswamy declared the eight-day flower show open on Monday.

Over 600 new varieties of plants have been introduced this year, the focus being organically grown flowers, vegetables, medicinal plants and herbs. Everything from organically grown ‘ragi’ and jaggery’ to home-preserved jams/jellies and flowers are on display.

A flower cave at the entrance sets the path for the show. Varieties and shades of hybrid and miniature roses, vinca rosea, cockscomb, celosia, dahlias, other colourful species and a strategically placed water fountain is promising garden lovers a gala time.

Since the iron fences around the corners at the Glass House have gone, the corners wear a decorative look. This year’s other attractions are the exclusive stalls outside the Glass House selling honey, home remedies and aromatic/medicinal plants.

There is a stall by the Association for Promotion of Organic Farming (APOFA), another by Jaivik Society, an organic farmers’ group which aims to ‘brand’ organically grown fruits/vegetables/flowers.

Enthusiasts, especially those interested in organic farming, are in for more. Horticulture minister Alangur Srinivas said the Centre had allotted Rs 107 crore under the National Horticulture Mission to promote organic farming in the state. “The less-investment-more production Israel technology for organic farming will be implemented as a pilot project in 10 taluks in the state from next month. Over 40 lakh of saplings, including 11 lakh cashew ones, are being distributed free of cost to farmers,” he added.

Entry fee for the flower show remains Rs 15 per head; the show will be open on all days till August 15, from 9 am to 6 pm.
As always, the Bonzai House, Dutch art, cacti park and vegetable carving are the crowd-pullers.

Since 1904, the Mysore Horticulture Society has been holding the flower show annually. But before the Glass House was built in 1893, there used to be jaathres featuring flowers and fruits. With patronage from rulers of the erstwhile Mysore state as well as the Britishers, what was essentially Hyder Ali’s ‘home garden’ grew to become the display that it is today. This year, the competitive section has received over a 1,000 official entries.

Over 600 new varieties of plants have been introduced this year, the focus being organically grown flowers, vegetables, medicinal plants and herbs. Everything from organically grown ‘ragi’ and jaggery’ to home-preserved jams/jellies and organically grown flowers are on display.
Entry fee for the flower show remains Rs 15 per head and the show will be open from 9 am to 6 pm on all days till August 15.