The Fatima Jinnah Park turned fragrant and colourful Friday following the start of the 25th Annual Spring Flower and Vegetable Show.

The opening day of the three-day event attracted numerous people, most of whom were left admiring the beauty of nature and the labour put in by the participants. Among the big organisations taking part are the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Public Works Department (PWD) and Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), horticulturist Ghulam Rabbani told Daily Times. Rabbani, a member of the Islamabad and National Horticulture Societies, which has organised the show, said that as many as 3,000 pots of flowers and houseplants had been put on display.

There are 47 varieties of annual flowers, 20 types of perennials and an array of houseplants - all of which seemed alluring. Of particular interest to visitors were the beautifully coloured imported carnations and bulbs. “I did not think this show was going to be so impressive, but I am glad I took out the time to come here,” remarked Muhammad Afzal, a visitor accompanied by his children.

All flowerpots were displayed neatly in rows with each pot having a number. The judges were to give their verdict on the first three positions for all varieties of flowers brought in by the competing organisations.

“The judges have to go by numbers and have no idea to which organisation the pots belong to,” said Rabbani. Other significant features of the event were the miniature gardens, a honey counter and a stall set up by leading photographer Mohammad A. Wali. On display at his stall were some stunning pictures of flowers – all of which were for sale. Wali said that though he specialised in architectural photography, he had come down to Islamabad from Karachi. Meanwhile, vegetables at the show will be displayed on Sunday, said Rabbani.

source :www.redlandsdailyfacts.com