Orchid show wows visitors

The sight and scent of vibrant orchids wafting through the air at M H Marigowda Hall, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, enthralled visitors on Saturday on the occasion of second Annual Orchid Show.

Lady’s Slipper, Cattleya, Epidendrum, Oncidium, Ceologyne, these are some of the names of exotic orchid species on display and sale on the first day of the show.
Visitors and orchid enthusiasts from every nook and corner of the City flocked to take a look at the orchids.

Organised by non-profit group The Orchid Society of Karnataka (TOSKAR), the two-day show was inaugurated by Lalbagh Horticulture department Director D L Maheshwar.

Around 250 to 300 varieties of exotic orchid species and hybrids were on display. Members of TOSKAR and other commercial orchid growers took part in the event.
About eight to ten counters selling orchid plants, potting accessories and books on orchids for the benefit of hobbyists attracted curious visitors.

Rajalakshmi K, a TOSKAR member who had put up a stall for sale of Cattleya plants said "each plant costs Rs 600 and though it is bit expensive, the response from the people is good.”

She maintained that more than 15 people came to buy the plants from her stall within one hour of inauguration on Saturday.The price of the orchid species put up at the show range between Rs 350 to Rs 3,000, maintained stall owners.

They said that the price depends upon the type of plant. Mandhara School of Floral Arts members who used orchid flowers for their Sri Rama Charitham theme was a major attraction.

Orchid flowers in different hues such as pink, blue, red, yellow, green and others were used to depict story of Sita Harana, Ramavanavasa, among others.

TOSKAR has also organised  workshops for orchid enthusiasts during the two-day show highlighting aspects of orchid growing and care.