The Capital is dotted with protected patches of greenery and known for the manicured lawn and old trees lining the roads of Lutyens’ Delhi. But when it comes to keeping the area around homes green, people always complain about the lack of space. To encourage people to grow plants in even the smallest available space and provide solutions to do so, the focus of the 28th Garden Tourism Festival organised by Delhi Tourism is “Landscaping with Hanging Plants”.
The three-day festival, which is being organised in the 20-acre Garden of Five Senses, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who said it was one of the prime goals of the Delhi Government to make the Capital a tourist hub with proper facilities. He said his government would come out with new ideas to further encourage visitors from India and abroad to come soak in the culture and heritage of the city. He said that the tourism sector is important as it not only improves the prestige of the city but can contribute immensely in employment creation.
Minister for Tourism Jitender Singh Tomar said if ideas from the exhibition were adopted by visitors, they could change the face of Delhi.
Apart from the climbers, creepers and hanging plants, there are a variety of bonsai and indoor potted plants on display. There is an entire section devoted to nurseries where people can buy plants, seeds, pots, holders and other gardening equipment. There are experts who can advise first-timers on what varieties to grow and how much sunlight and water is required. Some even offer to come home and set up a garden on the terrace or in the balcony after making sure that it does not damage the building.
Nurseries from organisations such as DDA, PWD, NDMC, SDMC, EDMC, DMRC, Northern Railway, Aditya Birla, Manav Rachna Institute and Delhi Jal Board are participating in competitions in different categories and have their exhibits on display. Some of the ideas that catch the eye are the miniature gardens that have been made complete with fish ponds and a variety of mini plants.
The festival is on at the Garden of Five Senses (near the Saket metro station) between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. till this Sunday.
