Children admire beautiful flowers and (below) people watch an array of flowers on display at Regional Plant Resource Centre in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 12: Colours and fragrances of blooming dales attracted visitors at Ekamra Kanan, the botanical garden of Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC), at its two-day state-level flower show, which came to an end today.

Cutting across the age barrier, the visitors appeared mesmerised by the myriad hues of the blooms on display. The flower-bedecked entrance was a huge attraction with the visitors as many posed for pictures in its backdrop.

The organisers RPRC and Plant Lovers’ Association (PLA) — an association of individuals who have been working for environment protection — said that compared to last year, the number and varieties of flowers had gone down in this edition due to the cyclone Phailin and the subsequent incessant rain. However, the footfall at the exhibition remained more or less the same.

Till last year, PLA was the prime organiser of the show. However, from this year RPRC is the main organiser. “This is the 26th edition of the flower show and we have over 25 varieties of flowers on display. Besides we have new entrants such as Scarlet Poinsettia, Bougainvillea and tobacco flowers in this edition,” said Khirod Pattnaik, president of the association.

The exhibition was displayed in two categories. While a section of cut flowers grown by individuals and private institutions were displayed in a tent, the other lot comprising flowers pots were spread over the lush green lawn. Many city-based nurseries had also set up their shops and were selling saplings and fertilisers.

In the competition, there were several categories for which individuals and institutes had sent their entries.

Among them, categories such as large and small varieties of Chrysanthemum, Dahlia, Marigold, Gerbera, Zinnia, Aster, Carnation, Gladioli, Calendula, Salvia, Antirrhinum and Anthurium attracted everyone.

Besides, different flower arrangements done on vases and lanterns as their bases were also on display.

The assortment of flowers in baskets adorned with stems, leaves and grass were delightful to watch. Ensemble of potted foliage plants also looked equally pleasing.

Roses in hues such as red, yellow, white, pink to orange were showcased under the category of ‘Queen of the show’ and proved to be a visual delight for young and old.

Rupashree Senapati, a resident of Baramunda, who had visited the exhibitor with her two kids, said that the flowers could soothe the frayed nerves of anyone.

“Flowers with their sheer beauty can calm anyone’s mind and heart. I have a rooftop garden. I purchased the new varieties such as Scarlet Poinsettia and Bougainvillea saplings for my garden,’ said Senapati, a homemaker.

With a view to create awareness among the schoolchildren, the organisers also held painting and poster making competitions.

The children brought out their artistic and imaginative skills on display and sent across messages on afforestation, pollution control and cleanliness with their paintings.

The paintings using crayons, sketches and pencils bearing thought-provoking messages were worth paying heed to. Musical programmes organised at the venue, too, enthralled the visitors.

The exhibition saw several nursery owners putting up their kiosks. While some of them said that they had done good business in these two days, others complained of lukewarm response.

Akhaya Behera, owner Sagar Nursery of Old Town said that he had good business. “People have been purchasing different types of saplings from my kiosk and enquiring about the plants and flowers. We got a good opportunity for advertising our products in such a forum by just paying Rs 500 per kiosk,” said Behera. He had a business of quite a few thousands on the first day.

The nurseries have been selling potted rose saplings for Rs 25 apiece, while saplings in polythene pack were sold at Rs 10. Similarly, marigold was priced between Rs 10 and Rs 25. Scarlet Poinsettia was sold at Rs 80 for a potted plant, which was also the rate of Chrysanthemum. Organisers said that roses are preferred item of the visitors followed by Gerbera. Besides flowerpots, booklets on horticulture were also available.

“Several private institutes did not take part this time, but we hope next year more flowers species will be part of this exhibition and it will attract more people,” said P.C. Behera, the secretary of PLA.