A woman clicks a photo of a rose at the flower exhibition in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 13: Attracted by myriad hues and fragrance, residents flooded the Ekamra Kanan, the botanical garden of Regional Plant Resource Centre here, like a swarm of bees today.

City-based Plant Lovers’ Association had organised the silver jubilee edition of their annual two-day flower exhibition, which concluded today.

About 550 samples of flowers, which were sent by 40 plant lovers and 17 institutes, were exhibited in the show. Displayed under several categories, the flowers were a visual delight.

From red, yellow, white, pink to orange, roses were seen in all possible colours. With a height about 4 to 5 feet and circumference of 12 inches, the large Dahlias also attracted a lot of attention.

Chrysantheum and Marigolds were there in both small and large varieties. Long Gerbera, twinkling Asters, pleasing Carnations delighted the heart and mind of the visitors.

While the young had immense fun posing in front of the flowers, senior citizens enjoyed a walk around the lawn adorning the fascinating flowers. Some of the best varieties of Zinnia, Antirrhinum, Salvia and calendula were on display, both in form of cut flowers and bouquets.

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

The association had also organised painting and poster-making competitions to create awareness among schoolchildren. The children used their artistry sending out messages on afforestation, pollution control and cleanliness. Seminars and workshops were also held on various topics at the two-day event. A photo exhibition spoke volumes about the endeavours of the association.

Musical programmes also enthralled the visitors.

Nursery owners, who had put up their kiosks, were delighted as visitors splurged while buying saplings, which ranged from Rs 10 to Rs 1,000. Also on sale were flowerpots and booklets on horticulture.

“We judged over 50 gardens of various private owners, companies, institutes and government offices. Forty of them have been awarded. Some 29 running trophies in the categories of “Queen of the Show”, cut flowers, potted flowering plants and flower arrangement, among others, were also awarded,” said P.C. Behera, secretary of the association.

Formed in 1988, the association tries its best to work for a clean and green Bhubaneswar with all its 500 members. Over the years, the association has taken up several plantation drives, conducted workshops in gardening and organising flower exhibitions and competitions.

They also bring out a monthly magazine, Sabujima, containing information on horticulture, floriculture, nutrition and healthcare.

Anybody can become a life member of the association by paying a fee of just Rs 500.