A visitor takes a look at dahlias at the flower show at Kamal Nursery. Picture by Anup Bhattacharya

Roses, dahlias, a variety of chrysanthemums and other colourful blooms filled Kamal Nursery’s yard for the 31st annual flower show organised by the Howrah Flower Growers’ Association. For the past five years, this show is being held at Kamal Nursery under Saraswati Bridge on National Highway 6. The show was on from December 28 to 30. Earlier, it used to be held at Andul Rajbari. “It was difficult getting permission to do the show near Rajbari. There is a lot of space inside the Annapurna temple near the Rajbari but they would not let us do the show,” said Kamal Chakraborty, the owner of Kamal Nursery and also a member of the association.

This year’s show had 62 participants from various parts of Howrah. Apart from seasonal flowers, there were about 25 bonsais, orange and mango fruit plants, palms and a large variety of ornamental foliage plants. Prizes were given for every category but the maximum was won by Archana Bagla of Amrit Hatcheries in Jalan Complex. She had entered both flower and foliage plants for the show. Kamlesh Sabarwal from Andul Station won the prize for the best bonsai. “We had a huge turnout at the show this year. People from neighhbouring areas came to see the show,” said Chakraborty.