Lalbagh Botanical Gardens to house B'lore's first orchidorium

 Bangalore’s Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, as a New Year gift for Bangaloreans, will throw open the first-of-its-kind orchidorium on its premises from January 1. 

Orchidorium is a place where varied species of orchids are displayed. It is a place where people can see and learn how to take care of flowering species. The orchidorium, spread across two acres, is being created on an island on the lake, near Lalbagh West Gate. Entry tickets are priced at Rs 5 for adults and Rs 2 for children. 

Gunavantha J, Deputy Director, Lalbagh Gardens,  told Deccan Herald that initially the orchidorium will be developed on half-an-acre land and gradually spread across two acres. Currently, around 30 species of orchids have been grown. Gradually, along with experts, Lalbagh officials plan to include over 100 species. 

Species from across the globe are being collected and grown here. They have come from South America, Brazil, Bhutan, Thailand and the pristine Western Ghats and Sikkim. 

“Lalbagh is a botanical garden and it should have all types of plants. Apart from a variety of flowering and fruit-bearing species, there is a Bonsai park too here. So we have gone a step ahead and are creating a place for orchids. People will be shown beautiful plants.

 They will also see how these can be grown and taken care of. They will have the opportunity to purchase the species grown in the orchidorium from the Lalbagh nursery,” Gunavantha said.

Noted environmentalist A N Yellappa Reddy, Chairman of Lalbagh and Cubbon Park Development Committee, said the aim was to make people aware of orchids and their varieties. People should understand how delicate it is and how much care is needed. Unless people see the conducive climate in which they are grown and understand it, conservation of original place where they are grown will not happen. 

“Further, through the orchidorium people can understand how some species can be grown in their homes. This will be the first of its kind in Bangalore and in Karnataka. It is important to educate people about the species and the values it has, including medicinal,” Reddy said.

“There were plans earlier to construct a park in Dandeli, Madikeri and near Cauvery River in Nisargadhama. But they did not materialise. But with proper drip irrigation, care and fertilisers, plants have been grown here. Furthermore, Bangalore’s climate has helped,” he added.