NBRI flower show opens with blooming roses, gladioli

Lucknow: An exceptional collection of roses and virtually every hue of gladiolus captivated flower enthusiasts during the two CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute's shows, which commenced on Saturday.From Rosa floribunda ‘Anthony Meilland' rose, a deep, rich shade of yellow that maintains its vibrancy and radiates like the sun to grandiflora and autumn damask rose varieities, the impeccable blooms showcased at NBRI gardens enchanted visitors. Every conceivable colour was represented in the institute's gladiolus collection."I have been residing in Lucknow for over a decade and have never missed NBRI flower show as it's both an opportunity to witness the rarest flower collection as well as purchase plants," said retired professor Abhinva Sahai.Another group of visitors, comprising young students, delighted in taking selfies with roses and remarked that not just the colours of flowers their exquisite fragrance created an indelible impression too.CSIR-NBRI director A K Shasany said, "NBRI has been organising annual rose and gladiolus show regularly for more than 60 years for popularising rose and gladiolus in the north Indian plains and to educate plant lovers and popularising various varieties of roses and gladiolus."Meanwhile, NBRI garden in charge and distinguished scientist S K Tiwari, the convener of the flower show, said there were two major classes and 10 sections including 16 trophies for the exhibitors to win. Entries under different classes of the show have been received from various govt, semi-govt departments, autonomous bodies, nurserymen, individual growers, gardeners, housewives and others. This year, the show received a total of 205 entries belonging to 17 exhibitors from Lucknow and outstations. State agriculture production commissioner Monika Garg was the chief guest.