The second edition of the annual flower show organised by Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) got off to a colourful start at the Community Hall here on Friday.
More than 32 varieties of flowers and plants, including indigenous varieties cultivated on the JIPMER campus, are on display. The flowers on display include French and African marigold, roses, petunia, balsam, zinnia, Bird of Paradise, carnation, anthurium, cosmos and varieties of orchids from Bengaluru and Kodaikanal.
Over 15 varieties of foliage plants cultivated by staff members in Jipmer, Ibekana arrangement, varieties of spices and medicinal plants and innovative non-biodegradable artwork made by students of Pachayappan Deaf and Dumb School were an added attraction.
Most people who visited the venue were seen taking either photographs or selfies of the concept-based flower arrangements, fruit and vegetable carvings.
“Jipmer is associated with morbidity and negative images. The purpose of holding the flower show by Jipmer is to infuse a positive impression in the minds of the public about the institution and to motivate the employees to showcase their talents and take up gardening,” Dr. S.C. Parija, Director of Jipmer, said.
Jipmer has been increasing the green cover on the campus and has planted over 8,000 saplings over the last year. The institution has a dedicated horticulture team and has been organising various training programmes for the employees. About two acres of barren land on the campus was transformed into a self-sufficient farm.
The department started cultivating vegetables, including pumpkins, rich gourd in the farm, and the produce is now used in the kitchen to meet the requirement of patients, Mr. Parija said.
The flower show draws to a close on Sunday. The institution will award prizes for the best entries shortlisted under various categories including floral decoration, vegetable carvings and medicinal plant collections.
