On popular demand Indraprastha Horticulture Society organised the 23rd Annual Flower Show on Sunday 7th March 2021 at the newly redeveloped and beautified Tikona Park, Pushpanjali, Delhi. Embracing the new normal, IHS also planned and conducted a Virtual Flower Show. This gave gardening enthusiasts all over the world an opportunity to participate in this nature fiesta in compliance with COVID restrictions.
Graced by chief guest Mr. Naseeb Singh, this year’s show was focused on nurturing the body, mind and soul the natural way with the theme “Towards Wellness”. IHS in keeping with its goal of spreading awareness amongst the youth took active steps to encourage the young to participate in environmental and social causes. From compering to demos, speeches and dance performances – the youth were the star of the show!
The members of the society put on their creative hats and created seven stunning landscapes. Each of these landscapes were unique but interconnected and together paved a way towards physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellness.
Meditation is a way for nourishing and blossoming the divinity within oneself. With a focus towards mental wellness the foliage display with a central Buddha inspired peace and harmony. The display of colourful and strikingly beautiful flowers brought an instant smile to everyone’s face.
To enjoy flowers and foliage one needs a healthy body, this was showcased beautifully in the fruit, vegetable and herbal display, along with home composting and organic fertilisers. With the nationwide lockdown, buying necessities like fresh fruits and vegetables had became a difficult task. This display, aimed at inspiring people to grow their organic produce in their homes, was liked by all.
The tray garden display created magic with its storytelling and magnificent stills from Ramayana. Faith and prayer are the vitamins of the soul, the Ramayana display was focused towards restoring belief in the higher power.
A healthy body cannot be sustained without a healthy environment. The display of landscape made from best out of waste promoted the idea of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. It presented a wealth of ideas to the viewers setting them on a path of creativity of how to use waste material to beautify their surroundings
Bringing nature and trees into our homes not only freshens the air inside our homes, but also makes us feel a part of that same nature, something so sorely needed in these turbulent times. The bonsai display filled these needs beautifully.
Nature has abundant wealth to take care of all our needs. We just need to know how to use it like our ancestors. A dedicated wellness centre was set up providing a mine of information about nutrition and healthy recipes using plants and plant products. Along with healthy eating, a live yoga session emphasised upon importance of physical health.
As in previous years there were stalls to delight both beginners and the ones with well-established gardens. Visitors could not only enjoy locally grown organic produce, but also cakes, cookies and hot fresh food. They could also buy a large variety of plants, pots, plant nutrition products, garden accessories from the several well filled up stalls set up in the premises.
Lastly, the central display, an oasis in the desert represented a haven for weary travellers in the desert bringing them together to recuperate and refresh ready for their journey ahead. The flower show, like the oasis, was a haven for people tackling the challenges of the pandemic, finally being able to come together, leaving behind the stresses of their lives and getting ready to carry on ‘Towards Wellness’.
Highlights of Virtual Flower Show
This year the Society also forayed into the online scene by presenting a Virtual Flower Show produced in four parts.
The first video (Part One) focussed on the Society, its members and contributions by various institutions of Delhi.
The second video (Part Two) allowed the viewers to take a stroll through the gardens, balconies, interiors, terraces and farms of members and other gardening enthusiasts.
Part Three gave an insight into container gardening, including a section dedicated to the Society’s Bonsai Club.
Finally Part Four showcased the society’s commitment to inspiring the community, especially the young in working towards a cleaner, greener and healthier environment.