Madikeri (Kodagu) , KARNATAKA :

Madkeri :

The annual flower show being organised at former MP F.M. Khan’s home at the Balayatrie Estate at Boikeri, on the Madikeri-Sunticoppa-Mysore Road, near Madikeri, is sure to become a hit when it opens for the public on Saturday and Sunday.

Mr. Khan played host to the presspersons at his home on Friday as they were taken around the flower arrangements made in front of his home in Boikeri. More than 80 varieties of flowers, all swaying to the gentle breeze and glowing in different hues, are bewitching to watch. Flower-lovers will be surely in for this annual treat, an arrangement being steadfastly followed by Mr. Khan and his family members for many years now.

Name them, the varieties are there. Dahlia, daisy, zerbera, anthurium, lady lock, cactus, marigold, chrysanthemum, bougainvillaea, bonsai, geranium, love in mist, orchids, exora, spider flower, rose, zenia, pinks, and keep counting them, there are more than 80 varieties providing a magnificent sight. It is not an easy task unless one gives personal attention, says Mr. Khan, who was once a firebrand politician and a close confidante of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. However, Mr. Khan says transition from political arena to the kingdom of flowers was not difficult at all.

Mr. Khan had organised flower shows in New Delhi when he was the MP and came under lavish praise from the parliamentarians and flower lovers in the past. Dew drops settled on the flowers on a dewy morning had given a special lustre to the environment. Mr. Khan admits that rearing flowers was a tough task. He rues over the fact that many plants were lost due to unseasonable rains. He has plans to open seed bank in future for the benefit of flower lovers in the district.

Mr. Khan told presspersons that no person in the private sector had opened the flower show for public and he would set his eye on entering the Limca Book of Records in sometime.

A.M. Khan, brother of Mr. Khan, recalled how their father, Yousuf Ali Khan, loved flowers . The show would be open for public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Karnataka / by Staff Correspondent / Mysore – January 21st, 2012