The 32nd edition of the Cochin Flower Show 2014, organised by the Ernakulam District Agri-Horticulture Society, got underway at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on January 9.
The venue was shifted due to unavailability of space at Ernakulathappan Ground and Helipad Ground at Marine Drive informs D. Radhakrishnan, secretary of the Society.
This year roses are in full bloom, literally, at the show. “The timing and the climate has been favourable for us. Every year we plan on having at least 1,000 plants but it doesn’t materialise. This year we have close to 1,200 plants,” says Radhakrishnan. Several varieties of roses – HT, floribunda, miniature and polyantha in delightful shades of red, pink, peach, white and yellow are a sight for sore eyes. These were grown in advance at a nursery in Thrissur.
Most of the others have been imported or brought in from Bangalore. The orchids were imported and potted in Kodungalloor. The anthuriums, annuals and cactii too have been brought from Bangalore. The reason for getting the plants from outside, according to Radhakrishnan, is the paucity of space. “We do not have space to keep these plants.” The plants will be put on sale, after the show, on January 16, he adds. All of them are lush and thriving.
This time round there are only a couple of individual participants, the reason being the change of venue. “Our regulars were apprehensive about the response to the show since the venue had changed,” Radhakrishnan adds. Kerala Books and Publishing Society, which has a garden, has put its plants on show. They include femina, celosia, lantana and coleus. The two individual participants, Purushothama Kamath and Lenus Xavier have put up herbs and bonsai respectively. There are some vegetable plants too at the show such as various types of chilli, cauliflower, tomatoes among others.
At the show, the Vismaya Flower Pavilion is wow inspiring. Flowers have been modelled on four themes, two of which are a tribute to Raja Ravi Varma and another is horror-inspired. The pavilion has been beautifully done, the arrangement of flowers intricate. Rich Rose, the company that made the pavilion have done a commendable job. Nurseries have put up stalls besides those selling gardening implements.
The exhibition in on till January 15 and the timings are from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Entry is ticketed.
