KARACHI: Thousands of marigold flowers aesthetically decorated in rows and circles brought life and colour to the dull lawns of Frere Hall, which hosted the city’s first show exclusively dedicated to the species on Friday.

Organised by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), the three-day Marigold Flower Show is open for the public for free till Sunday.

“Marigolds heralding spring’s arrival are one of the best annual flowers that one can easily grow. Their life spanning only 100 days not only brings colours but also butterflies, bees and other insects to your garden,” said Tofiq Pasha Mooraj, senior horticulturist who had wonderfully decorated his stall with marigold flowers.

“One doesn’t need a reason to grow flowers; they mean love and happiness. It’s unfortunate that we don’t have flower shows frequently in the city, though we have so many indigenous species,” he responded when asked about the plant’s properties.

According to KMC’s deputy director-parks Tanvir Ahmed, several imported marigold varieties have been grown on the Frere Hall lawns for display. “There are around 15,000 to 20,000 plants here right now. Earlier, the KMC had a flower show here in 2016.”

KMC organises such an event after a gap of over four years

The show attracted a big crowd on its first day, thanks to a non-governmental organisation which had announced free gifts for children bringing hand-made drawings and paintings of flowers.

At the ceremony, director general-parks Taha Saleem appreciated the Sindh government and civil society which assisted in putting up a good show.

“The city needs not just more trees but also flowers as they strengthen biodiversity,” he said, adding that the KMC planned to hold a bigger flower show in March.

Karachi Administrator Laeeq Ahmed lauded public interest in the show and the chief minister’s recent initiatives in addressing KMC’s funding constraints. “With this kind of support, I am sure we can host more public events.”

CM’s Law Adviser Barrister Murtaza Wahab was the chief guest. He described the show as a gift to Karachiites and said he was deeply impressed by KMC’s effort.

“These events should spread to other parts of Karachi. All of us must support the KMC in its city beautification efforts that would help build a better and beautiful Karachi for our coming generations,” he said.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2021