Thousands flock to feast on fabulous floral arrangements

The fragrance of the blooming flowers, giving a splash of colours, has been attracting a large number of Karachiites since the 67th Pakistan Annual Flower Show 2018, one of the biggest exhibitions of flowers in the country, kicked off at the AK Khan Park along Sea View on Thursday.

The event, being held by the Horticultural Society of Pakistan (HSP) in collaboration with the Defence Housing Authority, is one of the staples of the city’s spring social calendar, with hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of floral delights, dazzling colourful flowers, innovative garden designs and amazing horticultural exhibits featuring at this prestigious show.

Farhat Agha, an official of the HSP, acknowledged the support of the partners in making this annual event a resounding success, thanked the chief guests, participants and members at the inaugural ceremony of the show before it was opened for the public.

The chief guests paid tribute to the founder of the Horticultural society of Pakistan, the late Abdul Karim Khan, also known as Baba-e-Baghbani. Khan’s love for flowers and his tireless work towards his goal made the HSP a success in Pakistan. His splendid efforts for promoting gardens, parks and beautification are still praised.

HSP representative Salman Khan said: “HSP started organising this event in 1949 and this exhibition has become the biggest show of flowers in Pakistan. Every year, not only people from Karachi but also from other cities of the country participate and visit this flower show to experience the colours and fragrances of nature.”

He added: “We are engaged in promoting greenery and plantation and maintaining natural beauty. More than 300 varieties are on display this year, including seasonal herbs, rare and ornamental plants. Visitors can get hold of these beautiful displays at a cheaper price as compared to the market price.”

In the ceremony, Lt-Gen (retd) Jahanzaib Arbab presented the awards to the best gardeners in different categories, including the best residential, parks, educational institute, government department, factory, hospital and mosque gardens. The DHA won the overall first prize. The winners among club gardens included the Sindh Club and the Creek Club.

A business opportunity

Seasonal flowers, herbs and ornamental plants have been beautifully displayed. The show is providing an opportunity to amateur and professional gardeners to purchase plants, tools and accessories.

Nursery owners, organic farmers, gardeners, bonsai planters and fertilizer suppliers are putting their expertise and products for the promotion of gardening and farming.

Along with the flowers and gardening items, food stalls have been set up for the visitors to enjoy the dazzling views and memesrising fragrance of the flowers with food.

The show will end today.