This is the time of the year when citizens and visitors to the Capital city can enter the hallowed premises of the President of India.
The Mughal Gardens -- a veritable riot of colour -- is open to the public till the end of the month. Designed by Sir Edward Lutyens in a landscaping that borrows from the Mughal as well as British tradition, the six hectare park is witness to flowers of every hue and colour.
Besides showcasing over 250 varieties of roses including the Bonne Nuit, the near-black Oklahoma, Paradise, Blue Moon, and Lady X, it sports a large variety of winter flowers. Fragrant blossoms lof raat ki rani, mogra and motiya brush shoulders with oriental creepers, Calendulas, Antirrhinums, Eschscholzias (the Californian Poppy), Larkspurs, and pansies. The manicured evergreen trees and the lush green grass complete the picture.
Two channels running North to South and two running East to West divide the garden into a grid of squares. Six lotus shaped fountains run criss-cross against the channels. Gushing fountains that rise to a height of 12 feet create the Mughal ambience for the visitor.
The lawns are covered by 'Doob' grass, brought in from Belvedere Estate, Calcutta. Once a year, before the monsoons, the entire turf is removed and fresh new top soil is spread. In three weeks the grass begins to grow again.
In the evenings peacocks can be seen moving around, with other birds like parrots, mynahs, doves and pigeons filling the air with birdsong.
