Government Botanical Garden getting ready for the 125th Flower Show at Udhagamandalam Photo Credit: Satyamurthy M
It is the time of May, when the iconic Government Botanic Garden (GBG) at Udhagamandalam turns into a splash of colours. The timeless calla lilies, lilium, dahlias, salvia and marigolds that grow in this 55-acre garden, established in 1848, are in full bloom in celebration of summer and fall.
More than 45,000 flower pots and one million plants in various blooms are being prepared for display at the 125th annual flower show Which happens between May 19 and May 23.
Flower pots are being arranged at the Government Botanical Garden in Udhagamandalam. Thirty five thousand pots with three hundred and twenty five varieties of flowers will be displayed. , Photo Credit: Satyamurthy M
A gallery of thousands of potted plants showcases more than 200 varieties of exotic flowers, including daylilies, ranunculus, dianthus, petunias, statics and marigolds, at the annual festival.
Exotic flowers are a big draw in flower galleries, especially the trumpet-shaped calla lily that resembles an inverted bell in colors ranging from deep burgundy to lemon yellow and bright orange. There will be native blooms as well as a row of tulips, hyacinths and liatris, along with specials like purple limonium, orange and pink gerberas.
Most of the flower decorations will be theme-based, taking home the message of awareness. According to a horticulture department official, themes including 200 years of Ooty, International Year of Millets, cutting down on plastic and bringing back the environment ManjappaiAnd Nilgiri’s creation on sustainability will be highlighted.
Government Botanical Garden i | Photo Credit: Satyamurthy M
The Horticulture Department starts preparing the garden for the annual exhibition as early as October. They buy exotic flower seeds from dealers who import them from Japan, Canada and other European countries. Millions of plants are grown in the garden to ensure that the plants are in full bloom at the time of the festival.
The Nilgiris district administration has planned other events in the summer festival, including a vegetable show to be held on May 7 and May 8 at Nehru Park in Kotagiri.
Government Botanical Garden | Photo Credit: Satyamurthy M
“Whether it is flower show, rose show, spices or fruits, representatives from eight districts of Tamil Nadu will design some unique themed structures from the region. For example, the Dindigul team makes a replica of the famous Dindigul locks,” says the officer.
There is also a photography exhibition at the Horticulture Department’s office in Charing Cross, organized by the Forest Department. Award-winning macro photographer K Jayaram, who selected the winners of the photography contest, says a huge number of entries have been received in the wildlife, birds and nature categories. “Photos were judged in a variety of categories, including landscapes, buildings and people, in addition to nature and wildlife,” he says. A spice show will be held at Gudalur from May 13 to 15 to highlight several spices such as cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper grown in the hills.
A grand treat is in store for rose lovers at the 18th edition of the Rose Show being held at the Government Rose Garden for three days from May 13. Over 50,000 roses will be used to create the stunning imagery of some of the floral installations.
The fruit show, often considered a visual treat, attracts tourists to the Sims Park in Coonoor. Fruits such as pears, peaches, plums and oranges that thrive in mountainous regions, as well as fruits from temperate, tropical and sub-tropical regions will be displayed in the shape of animals. The show will be held on May 28 and May 29. This year, the district administration has announced cultural programs and dances, which will be performed by the indigenous tribal communities of the Nilgiris. Held from May 18 to May 24 at the RCTC Auditorium, you can see Irula men and women grooving to the tunes played on drums and pipes.
An exhibition will be organized by women self-help groups and others from May 18 to May 31 at the RCTC parking lot on Garden Road. Meanwhile, a boat race will be organized on the lake on May 19. Lakhs of tourists are expected to visit the flower show, the grand event of the annual summer festival after a gap of two years. It drives the economy of the region. And, a tour of the Nilgiris is incomplete without a stop at the historic botanical garden.