Plant lovers got colored into varied shades of flowers and beautiful plants. The nature lovers had an opportunity to explore the wonders of horticulture. Gujarat Horticulture Association had organized a three day exhibition starting from February 11.

The 43rd exhibition by Gujarat Horticulture Association portrayed variety of plants, flowers and organic fruits & vegetables. The exhibition was inaugurated by P. Nandankumar, Chief General Manageral, SBI. The place was painted with the colors of varied flowers, bonsai and other shrubs. People also could have a look at various organic fruits and vegetables that are rare to find. Children were found grabbing knowledge regarding the growth of plants and vegetables. Various types of flowers like Dianthus, Petunia, Verbena, Aster, Roses and Marigold were displayed. Bunches of varied colors delighted the eyes of the visitors.

Horticulture Association had also kept a competition divided into various themes like bonsai, flowers, fruits and vegetables. “I have displayed sixteen plants out of which three were awarded. Knowing about various plants and growing them is my hobby. It has been three years that I have been into gardening. I think that the event is amazing as it has a huge collection.” said Rishma Praikh, a participant.

Apart from bonsai and flower competition, this year Gujarat Horticulture Association also came up with garden competition, organized ten days before the main exhibition. The entry was open for public gardens, private gardens, farm houses, terrace gardens, traffic islands, school and college gardens, party plots and private society gardens situated within 30 kms from Gujarat Horticulture Association Nursery. 120 entries were received in this category.

Vegetation lovers could not only enjoy the plants but also could buy a few of them from 20 stalls that were set up. People from Goa, Pune and various parts of Gujarat had set up their stalls. Apart from plants, various seeds, designer pots and gardening equipments were also available. “I come here every year and buy different kinds of plants. I find the place very informative as everytime I visit I get to see different varieties. So I keep experimenting with different types of plants.” said Meena Shah, visitor.

Moreover, the response from the people has been great said Kiran Desai, executive member, Gujarat Horticulture Association. “We have been organizing this since past 42 years and the visitors keep on increasing every year. This time the response was overwhelming. There are people who prepared for the competition months ago. This time there is a person who grew certain plants in the jungle and brought it over here for the competition. If I talk about the visitors, this time we are expecting around 50,000 people.”

It was an exhibition that mesmerized the plant lovers. People were seen buying and observing varied plants. It was an erudite exhibition for nature lovers and for the people who want to know about various plants and their seasons.