Ooty flower show on May 15, over a lakh footfall expected

The 124th show to be held for five days will begin on May 15. A major crowd puller, the flower show is expected to attract over a lakh visitors, including foreigners, as almost all varieties of flowers would be on display at the famous Botanical Gardens. Speaking to media on the sidelines of a meeting organised to review the preparedness for conducting the festival in which District Collector Innocent Divya and other senior government officials took part, Tamil Nadu, Horticulture Director Subbaiah said that the flower show would be a visual treat to tourists visiting the hills from foreign countries and other states.

This should have been the 125th flower show, but it was cancelled in the year 2000 due to widespread protests by tea growers across the district.

The 62nd three-day fruit show will be held at Sims Park in Coonoor from May 29. Various fruits grown in the hill district will be displayed at the fruit show. Also, the 11th Vegetable Show will be held at Kothagiri from May 2.

Similarly, the 17th edition of Rose Show which will last for three days will kick off at the Government Rose Gardens, which is celebrating its silver jubilee year,said Subbaiah. 

The park, spread over in an area of 4.40 hectares, will have a display of thousands of colourful roses in different varieties. Among those on display is a rose, planted by former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and fondly named after her in remembrance.

Tourists expected to throng in thousands are likely to be treated with eye catchy roses in full bloom. Horticulture departments from various districts are expected to display their works in the garden.

The three-day spice show will begin from May 22at Gudalur.