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Islamabad citizens invade Rose, Jasmine Garden

NISAR AHMAD SHEIKH

ISLAMABAD: Residents of Islamabad virtually invaded the Rose and Jasmine Garden of the Capital Development Authority on Sunday to witness the nature in full bloom, a feast of colours for their eyes and scores of varieties of winter flowers to suit their taste.

This was the occasion of the 'Millennium Flower Show-2000'. It appeared that the citizens of Islamabad were hungry for outdoor activity and the beauty for the discerning eye and the colours galore to their heart's content. Young, old, men, women, children, not excepting tiny tots, were enjoying the bounties of nature.

It is a matter of great satisfaction that the nature is still very kind to the residents of the federal capital for, with a little effort, the people can grow flowers in their kitchen gardens besides the vegetables of daily use. On the adjoining hillocks grow a lot of wild flowers and some flowering shrubs and ornamental fruits.

In many parts of the metropolis, one can witness the well kept and very well maintained small grassy plots and flower beds. Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, a scientist known for his scientific achievements, also famous for his love of nature especially green grassy grounds and flowers, has paid tributes to the Islamabadites for their love of nature, flowers and green grassy areas.

Health Minister Dr. Abdul Malik Kasi, who was the chief guest at the prize distribution of the spring flower show, described the show as a big treat to the human eye. He said Islamabad is fortunate that it has the right kind of weather for the cultivation of large varieties of these blooms and said: "I am so happy to share the delight with you all."

Kasi said that although he is a doctor by profession, yet "I like to tell you that gardening has always been very close to my heart because my elders have been involved in farming and gardening. We grow apples and grapes in Balochistan." Therefore, he added, he was well aware of the hard work and effort that go into this hobby. A small plant which is planted in young age becomes a large tree in old age and is a legacy for future generations.

Dr. Kasi said: "We are lucky to have a country blessed by nature. Our climate is very suitable for horticultural production. The country can benefit commercially as there is hardly any fruit, flower and vegetable which is not grown in Pakistan."

He said he was happy to note that the Capital Development Authority had set up flower markets in the city while its environment wing had played an important role in beautifying the capital of the country. He, however, stressed that Pakistan having lots of opportunities in the agriculture sector, should make particular efforts in floriculture.

The minister, never forgetting Balochistan, said that his province is also known for many wild flowers and he was sure that there are many wild varieties in Islamabad, especially in the Margalla Hills. He said that wild flowers have their own beauty and these should be grown in the house gardens.

He paid tributes to the Islamabad Horticultural Society to promote floriculture in the capital to help improve the environment.

The Society received 1000 entries from large, medium and small professional organisations as well as amateurs. Prizes worth Rs 200 to Rs 3000, and trophies and certificates of commendation were awarded to the contestants.

A special flower arrangement contest was also arranged for school children, college girls and ladies. The contest consisted of Ikebana, a peep into the future, traditional western style and bridal bouquet. The slogan for the contest was 'Dare To Be Different'.

The Capital Development Authority won the first position; Pak PWD the second; and KRL the third place. Overall, first among the small professional organisations was Allama Iqbal Open University. Military Hospital secured the second position, and PIA third.

Among the foreign missions, India won the first position, the French embassy second and the German embassy third position.

The constant amateur prize winners, who once again won the prizes, withdrew their names and vacated the place for the new comers in the amateurs class.

The Society also awarded prizes for the amateur house gardens. Chief Executive's office was given the first prize in government offices while ADBP among the banks was first. Among the factories Attock Oil was first while among the small factories Wilson Pharmaceutical was adjudged the best.

The federal capital holds three flower shows during a year Ñ the Chrysanthemum, the Spring Flowers and the Hot Season Flowers. All these shows are a treat to the eyes but the Spring Flower Show has the distinction of putting up the largest number of varieties like the tulip, pansies, begonias, petunias, poppy, primrose, daffodils, dhalias, lillies, irises, marigold, daisies, fresias, gladiolis etc. As a matter of fact, as many as 70 varieties of spring flowers were on show. A new flower named "Renascalus" in 16 colours and grown by Allama Iqbal Open University was attracting the viewers and lovers of nature. The spring varieties of Chrysanthemums were also on display.

A number of nurseries had put up their stalls to sell bouquets, seeds and flowers. Fibre Tech put on display its fibreglass pots but the prices were very high. Fibre Tech has claimed that fibreglass products are made to suit all architectural requirements, be it home, office, shops, factories or anywhere. Stalls had also been set up to sell seeds for hot summer vegetables and flowers.

However, one missed the roses which are still to bloom. The huge plots of different rose varieties were just waiting for the flowers to bloom in order to spread beauty and fragrance far and wide.