The annual Republic Day flower show, organised by the Department of Horticulture and Mysore Horticultural Society, will open to the public on January 18 and will go on till January 28. Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar is expected to inaugurate the show.

The main attraction at this year’s show will be a 35-foot high floral replica of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Meant as a floral tribute to Gustave Eiffel, who erected the Eiffel Tower in 1889, the replica will be decorated with more than 2.5 lakh roses and more than 10,000 orchids. It will occupy pride of place at the Glass House. The flower show comprises exhibition of potted plants and cut flowers, Thai art, Jannur, Ikebana, Indian Floral Art, Bonsai and vegetable carving.

Competing teams

The gardening competition will witness teams from the Raj Bhavan, various ministers’ official residences, public sector undertakings, the Indian Institute of Management and gardens on defence properties competing with private sector entities such as Leela Palace, Taj West End, Infosys and Wipro. The organisers have so far received 772 competition entries.

Noted botanical firms such as Florens Flora, Fruit Land and Eden Lora (Bonsai Collections) are also participating.

The dates

While the main show will be inaugurated on January 18, the Ikebana, Indian Floral Art, vegetable carving and Bonsai exhibition will be inaugurated on January 19. Winners of various competitions will be felicitated by Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath on January 24. The same day has been specially earmarked for school students who have free entry to the exhibition.

Entry fee is Rs.40 for adults and Rs.10 for children.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / by Staff Reporter / January 16th, 2013