The Hindu : Karnataka / Mangalore News : Several new attractions at flower and vegetable show

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Feb 11, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka - Mangalore

Several new attractions at flower and vegetable show

By Anju Narayanan

The pyramid made of coleus flowers which has been drawing the attention of the visitors at the flower and vegetable show at Kadri Park in Mangalore.

MANGALORE, FEB. 10. The annual flower and vegetable show at Kadri Park this time has several new additions, both in the flower and vegetables categories. The additions are aimed at the apartments in the city, where most residents do not have a garden.

"Most of these vegetables that we have grown in pots are the kind that we use every day. We want to create awareness among the people that pot-culture can yield quality crop for any household,'' said Sanjeev Naik, the Headquarters Assistant to the Deputy Director, Horticulture Department, and also in-charge of the Horticulture Departments at Bantwal and Belthangady.

The new additions include Knolkhol, a favourite vegetable in this region, beetroot, radish, carrot and garlic. Vegetables such as garlic, that need dry and arid weather conditions for growth, are successfully being grown in pots. "Pot-culture is suitable for those living in high-rise buildings, and although the yield may not be high, vegetables grown organically are the best quality-wise,'' said Mr. Naik.

Leafy vegetables such as palak, and also cluster beans, have also made an appearance this time. The others are potatoes, tomatoes, capsicum and all varieties of gourds.

"As for root vegetables grown in pots, the moment the plant starts withering, you know your vegetable is ready to be plucked,'' added Mr. Naik.

Among the flowers, the Udupi Mallige or the Udupi jasmines, which has proved to be a much sought-after commercial yield for agriculturalists and horticulturalists, has been introduced for the first time. Hollu hock, pinks, sweet sultan, bachelor button, celocia, cosmos, gailardia, vinca rosia are the other varieties of flowers on display. Efforts have been made to educate children on horticulture and get them interested in such themes. The stone and grass designing on popular themes such as the national flower, animal, bird and the map of Dakshina Kannada district and Mangalore taluk are some of the attractions. The foliage plant, coleus, set in a pyramid structure is also one of the attractions.

In all, 12,000 flower plants are on display. Bonsai, fresh and dry-flower arrangements are on display and for sale besides seeds of flowers and vegetables. The exhibition, which will be on till Sunday, also has terrace garden exhibits.

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