The curtain came down on the 13th Ooty Rose Show at the Government Rose Garden (GRG) here on Sunday.
Participating as the Chief Guest in the valedictory function, the Nilgiris Collector, P. Sankar, said all forms of vegetation emerging from forests had long been considered as the mother of agriculture.
The annual Summer Festival of which the Rose Show was a part was being celebrated in honour of the forests and hills.
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He pointed out that the Himalayas alone boasted 30 varieties of forests.
Adverting to roses, their origin, benefits and the role they played in conveying different kinds of messages and feelings, Mr. Sankar said that they had enormous medicinal value.
The GRG has the potential to be promoted as a place for eco therapy and a research facility.
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Starting with just ten varieties in 1995 it now has about 27,000 plants representing 4000 varieties.
The Joint Director of Horticulture, R. Kathiravan, welcomed the gathering.
The Deputy Director of Horticulture, N. Mani, proposed a vote of thanks.
The Rolling Cup for the Outstanding Rose Garden (above 500 bushes) went to M.A. Khan of Golkonda House, Ooty.
The Sterling Biotech Company, Sandynullah, walked away with the trophy for the best collection of roses in pots.
A special prize for the best bloom in show also went to Sterling Biotech Company. The Saint Josephs Boys Higher Secondary School, Coonoor, bagged the rolling cup for outstanding rose arrangements.