Spring is still a few months away but the amazing assortment of flowers and flowering plants on display at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) botanical gardens has brought a fresh fragrance and vibrance to the city with the opening of the Fifth Covai Flower Show – 2012 being organised by the university and Rotary Uptown, Coimbatore.
More than 200 varieties of flowers ranging from common roses, chrysanthemums and petunias to gypsophylla, banksias, leucospermums and other ornamental varieties of flowers have been arranged in different forms and structures for the public to enjoy over the coming days till January 8.
“The main aim of this flower show is to create an awareness on biodiversity, environment conservation and also to help people appreciate the economic value of flowers. The involvement of horticultural scientists, flower entrepreneurs and flower decorators in putting up a grand show would help public relax in a healthy environment,” organisers of the event said.
‘Say it with flowers’ is the theme for this year’s event. Several special arrangements are also based on themes such as India Gate, an aeroplane made of carnations, waterfalls of gerbera flowers, even a flower girl made of chrysanthemums. “Besides floral arrangements, several handicrafts made of dry flowers and Japanese style arrangements known as ‘Ikebana’ also figure in the flower mela,” TNAU officials said.
While scores of school and college students thronged the flower show on the opening day, organisers of the event expect huge crowds during the weekend and pointed out that special arrangements had been made to streamline parking and toilet facilities for the visitors.
“Last year, we received an unexpected number of visitors and there were some issues with parking and setting up temporary toilet facilities. We are making efforts to ensure it does not happen this year,” the organisers said. Inaugurating the flower show, Kovai mayor S. M. Velusamy said while the city is known across the state as the industrial hub, not many were aware of the soil fertility of the region.
