LIMITED options for outdoor excursions has forced Karachiites to the somewhat unhealthy concept of eating out on weekends as the only source of family recreation, leading to the decimation of public health and rampant obesity, cancers and cardiac problems. Therefore, the chance to sample something different is always a welcome opportunity and the latest trend drawing excited crowds this season are the assorted flower shows organized right across the city by different Town committees. One such show organized by the office-bearers of Jamshed Town recently was the proverbial eye-opener in this regard.
Most of the attractive blossoms on display, some of them on sale as well, had been carefully cultivated with tender, loving care by the caretakers of the nursery situated in Jheel Park just off Tariq Road. Although sweltering day-time temperatures in Karachi had begun to take their toll on the flora by the time the show was under way, the blooming beauties on display had managed to retain their splendour a lot longer than what is usually considered normal.
The varieties on display were endless and undistinguishable to the unaccustomed eye of an amateur. Thus, it was only with the help of the one of the organizers that the names of flora were noted which included marigolds, antirhinium, carnations, daisies, lupus, linum, perennials, visceria, and much, much more.
Specially attractive were the mammoth chrysanthemums in an array of attractive colours ranging from bright yellow to mauve, crimson and shaded varieties. Almost as big as an outstretched hand and even bigger, they drew a round of oohs and aahs from the many visitors and were the focal point of the exhibition. Adding to their appeal was the fact that most of them were on sale for a reasonable sum. Almost overnight, a portion of the park that had been nothing more than a stretch of green in the midst of a concrete jungle had been brought to vibrant life by the choicest of flowers arranged in attractive, geometrical and displays.
Rare varieties such as visceria made the show unique in the true sense of the word. A word with the Deputy Town Officer, Parks and Services, Nauman Arshad, revealed that a lot of hard work and effort went into the organizing of the event as the blossoms had been grown from seeds and the show organized by keeping all the respective bye-laws into consideration. Flower shows are arranged at least twice a year with a chrysanthemum exhibition held every December. The exhibits were arranged alphabetically and the attractive, colourful species of non-flowering plants in circular displays made for visually appealing arrangement as well. The show was opened by the Jamshed Town Nazim Ahmed Parekh that operates under the slogan Phool jaisay log, phool jaisa town. During the evening, people from near and far could be seen flocking the venue with families in tow to relish nature’s bounty being celebrated in the vast variety of colours and fragrances. The show was initially scheduled to last for three days but was later extended by two more days on public demand.
LIMITED options for outdoor excursions has forced Karachiites to the somewhat unhealthy concept of eating out on weekends as the only source of family recreation, leading to the decimation of public health and rampant obesity, cancers and cardiac problems. Therefore, the chance to sample something different is always a welcome opportunity and the latest trend drawing excited crowds this season are the assorted flower shows organized right across the city by different Town committees. One such show organized by the office-bearers of Jamshed Town recently was the proverbial eye-opener in this regard.
