Minister for Lalbagh-like parks in all districts

R-Day flower show dedicated to Krumbiegel, German designer of Lalbagh

Horticulture Minister Shamanur Shivashankarappa on Saturday stressed the need for developing park/garden in every district on the lines of Lalbagh Botanical Gardens in the City.

 The minister said this while addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Republic Day flower show at Lalbagh.

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers Ananth Kumar, who was present at the inaugural function, reciprocated saying that the Centre would provide the required support to set up the parks in the State.

“The Union government will provide the necessary support, if the State government identifies places for the parks,” he added. The 10-day flower show is dedicated to Gustav Hermann Krumbiegel, German botanist and landscape artist of the Lalbagh.

A large number of visitors gathered outside the Glass House on the inaugural day of the premier flower show. Many foreign nationals settled in the City thronged flower show to have a glimpse of the floral designs and the floral replica of Krumbiegel’s parental house in Germany.  Christina H of United State said: “This is beautiful creation and looks vibrant. I heard about the Lalbagh flower show through one of my friends and I am happy to have witnessed it.”

Similarly, Bruno from Switzerland, who is on an vacation in India, came along with his wife to watch the show.

A 7,000 sq-feet floral vertical garden created on the periphery of the Glass House, replica of boat made from flowers, flower bowls, a picture gallery displaying photos Krumbiegel among others are the major attractions at flower show, this year. A separate pavilion was created near the bonsai circle wherein information boards on efficient water utilisation, rooftop harvesting and other related issues were put up.

   “Flower varieties like petuniya, pancy, dianthus, pot-grown chrysanthemum have been used for making the floral replica of Krumbiegel house. We are expecting a total crowd of around 5 - 5.5 lakh  visitors during the ten-day show.  Last time, we earned a revenue of  Rs 1.9 crore from the republic day flower show. This time, we expect to surpass the last year’s collections,” said Joint Director, Horticulture ( Parks and Garden), M Jagadeesh.

The entry fee is Rs 50 for adults (on all days), Rs 60 on public holidays and Rs 10 for children on all days. There will be no entry fee for schoolchildren from 9 am till 5 pm on January 19 to 26. Consul General of the Federal of Republic of Germany Jorn Rohde was also present in the inaugural function of the flower show.

For Beautiful Bengaluru

A team of members from 'Beautiful Bengaluru', a citizen group, interacted with the visitors to make the City clean, green and safe. Wearing fluorescent jackets and holding placards on cleanliness, the group, of around 20 members, was seen requesting the people not to litter the park and the City.  “We have kick-started our campaign at Lalbagh. We want to create an awareness about keeping the City green and clean at other places too.

Our aim is to help the City retain its old glory. To make it happen we are looking for volunteers who can help us in reaching out to public,” said Odette Katrak, member of Beautiful Bengaluru. Those who want to volunteer for this cause can mail to [e-mail] or  whatsspp on 97389 76776, she added.