Flowery treat for Kochi

KOCHI: The city is all set to host one of the biggest flower shows in South India. ‘Cochin Flower Show 2012,’ which will commence on January 10 at the Shiva Temple Ground is organised by the District Agri-Horticultural Society. The show will also witness participation from all across the globe. “Flaunting varieties of flowers, the show will have all the features which will cater to the taste of each and every flower lover,” said District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth.The show will put on display more than 15,000 flowering plants. Out of which around 7000 plants will be brought from Bangalore city, the land of flowers. “Most of the flowers to be brought from Bangalore are specially prepared for the Cochin Flower Show,” he said. Varieties of medicinal plants, decorative flowers from various institutions at different centres will also be presented.  Kerala Books and Publications (KPBS), Kakkanad,  Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council, Kerala, Department of Agriculture, Navy, KERAFED and SHM, Kerala will participate in the Cochin Flower Show, 2012. More than 25 nurseries will put their collections for sale.Based on the theme ‘Indian chuvar chithrangalum, pookkalum,’ there will be a  floral pavilion of about 10000 square feet which will be the major attraction at this show. “This venture will see the participation of prominent artistes and experts in flower decoration and is first of its kind in India,” said Pareeth. Competitions will be held for the government organisations, educational institutions and individual participants. The flower show will be inaugurated by Mayor Tony Chammany at 5.30pm. Collector P I Sheik Pareeth will preside over the function.