The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) area in the city is known for its colourful roundabouts, avenue plantations and manicured lawns that leave visitors in awe.
The effort that goes into maintaining the greenery is put in by the numerous gardeners who work tirelessly, often without any credit.
On Sunday, the gardeners had a field day at Nehru Park as they participated in the 4th Annual Inter-Departmental Flower Show and Competition, where they proudly stood beside their creations while visitors went around admiring the floral beauties.
The two-day exhibition on the theme “Informal Landscape Garden” was inaugurated by NDMC Secretary Nikhil Kumar.
The show was organised by the NDMC Horticulture Department and has been divided into 19 different themes ranging from potted flowering plants, cactus and bonsai to elaborate landscaped gardens and floral arrangements.
Unique concepts like an entire garden in a tray — complete with a fish pond and garden furniture — and fruit plants in a pot captured the attention of plant lovers.
Visitors to the show had a field day clicking photographs with animal figures that have been created using flowers and leaves. Children ran around the park while being given a crash-course on how to identify various plants and flowers by either their parents, grandparents or the malis who stood proudly next to their prized plants. Some children had to literally be held back as they attempted to pluck juicy red strawberries from the plants.
Ram Chandran, a gardener who created a peacock using flowers and leaves, said that he worked overnight to get his arrangement ready. He said he had done it before, on occasions when the NDMC sets up these decorations across their area, but this is for the first time he was doing so for a competition.
Another group of 25-30 malis , who have created a complete landscaped enclosure, said they sat with their seniors, came up with the design and executed it. They hoped their design will stand out and impress the judges.
A nursery was also set-up to sell potted plants and gardening tools. The Horticulture Departments of the Central Public Works Department, the municipal corporations of Delhi and the Delhi Development Authority are also participating in the competition. Trophy for the best entry in each class and a cup for each entry will be awarded in the evening on the second day of the show.
