Lalbagh-like garden planned in south Bengaluru: D K Shivakumar

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday said a Lalbagh-like garden will be developed in south Bengaluru, about 25 to 30 km from the iconic botanical garden.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 219th Republic Day Flower Show at Lalbagh, Shivakumar said the city needs more large green spaces as its population has grown from 11 lakh, when Lalbagh was established, to about 1.5 crore now.

“In the north, we are opening the Vishwaguru Basavanna Biological Park. In the south, we have Forest Department land about 25–30 km from Lalbagh, where we will develop another garden like Lalbagh,” he said.

The theme of this year’s flower show is 'Tejaswi Vismaya', honouring the late Kannada litterateur and naturalist KP Poornachandra Tejaswi.

Inside the historic Glass House, a green mountain with a waterfall and a statue has been created to reflect Tejaswi’s love for nature. His life and interests have been depicted through seven statues showing him as a writer, musician, painter, photographer, hunter, farmer-supporter and coffee enthusiast.

A separate floral display depicts his marriage to Rajeshwari Tejaswi, the first 'Mantra Mangalya' ceremony conducted by his father, poet Kuvempu.

His family shared photographs and key personal details with the Horticulture Department for the exhibition.

M Jagadeesh, Additional Director of Horticulture (Parks and Gardens), said several varieties of orchids and seven types of chrysanthemums have been used in the display, with all flowers sourced domestically.

Water sprayers have been installed inside the Glass House to keep the flowers fresh.

‘Tejaswi Vismaya’ this year’s exhibition celebrates the life and work of late Kannada litterateur and naturalist KP Poornachandra Tejaswi and will be open till January 26 from 7 am to 7 pm.