The tiny tots in pristine school uniforms had traveled all the way from Karamadai to be there. Mental disability did not deter the 42 youths from Families for Children in Podanur from making the trip.
People from all ages and backgrounds made a beeline to the Botanic Garden of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University on Friday to feast their eyes on a floral extravaganza. It was the fifth edition of the Covai Flower Shower 2012, jointly organised by the university and Rotary Uptown.
Even from as early as 9.30 a.m. students and public started forming serpentine queues to catch a glimpse of the beautiful floral arrangements under various themes. And, they were not disappointed. They got to enjoy a combination of colour and creativity. Though the flower show has now become an annual regular event, there was nothing mundane about this edition.
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Over two lakh flowers of 200 varieties were arranged under thematic presentations. There were no random arrangements just for the sake of beauty. True to the theme of the show “Say it with Flowers”, all the flowers had a message to tell.
The entrance was designed to resemble the India Gate. A waterfall of yellow, red, white, pink and orange gerbera flowers signified conservation of water. A circle filled with asparagus bordered with Songs of India and Birds of Paradise depicting a clock signified the importance of time.
White, pink, baby pink, yellow, and red carnations were transformed into musical instruments to honour the contribution of musical geniuses A.R. Rahman and Ilayaraja.
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Another tribute was paid using roses. Orange, yellow and maroon buds were neatly stacked to form shapes of apples, oranges and pineapple in a fruit basket to fondly remember the contributions of the ‘Apple’ genius Steve Jobs, and also Sir Isaac Newton.
The conceptualization and flower arrangements were made by the students, while the structural designing using bamboo was the handiwork of professionals.
Other arrangements included ‘End Polio Now’, a wreath, bridal mandap, flower boat, World Cup, and an airplane. An arrangement depicting ‘Pongal’ complete with the pot, flower rangoli and sugarcanes, brought the traditional factor into perspective.
Bonsai arrangements, vintage car show, food stalls and a play area, were added attractions. A new attraction this year is the Japanese style of flower arrangement ‘Ikebana’.
Not to be left behind, vegetables also find a place in the show. A bitter gourd dragon does not fail to scare.
Exotic and ordinary flowers from India and abroad compete to offer a total floral delight. The show is on till January 8 and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.