People throng nurseries for new varieties of plants

Islamabad: The rush of visitors at the plant and flower nurseries is increasing day by day with new types of flowers gaining ground in the sale market.

A survey revealed that the seeds are generally imported from Japan, Germany and the United States and the nurseries grow seedlings, ready to sell locally. The traditional species are still popular among the visitors including ‘chambeli’ (jasmine), ‘motia’ (another jasmine variety), ‘champa’ (plumeria), ‘raat ki rani’ (cestrum), roses, ‘nargis’ and the less-known din ka raja (cestrum diurnum).

The visitors are also showing interest in colorful flowers as they are seasonal and permanent plants, which remain active for a couple of years. The plants and flowers nurseries have been set up at mainly three spots in Islamabad with the largest number of around 30 at H-8 sector and the other two at Rawal Dam and Chak Shahzad, which were established in 1960s.

Raza Bangash, a seller, said the bright colored flowers such as pansy, petunia antirrhinum, calendula and dog flowers have become the centre of attraction in this season. He said there are also some types of saplings that are attracting the people including persian shield (Rs. 250); Jade (Rs. 200); scheflerra (Rs. 1,300); alestonia (Rs400); elephant ear (Rs300); sanchezia (Rs. 250); duckweed (Rs. 100); strawberry (Rs. 200); chikoo (Rs. 1,000); and ribbon grass (Rs. 250).