Around 95% of the flowers and plants exhibited at the ongoing Flower Festival at Souq Waqif, organised in co-operation with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), are locally produced.
Local Arabic daily Arrayah reported that this edition of the festival, which has been organised for the third year in row, has seen unprecedented turnout from visitors with large numbers visiting and making purchases at the venue.
Officials of participating farms and plant nurseries stressed that the vast majority of the exhibits at the various pavilions and stalls have been produced locally using sophisticated methods of agriculture and farming to produce them in greenhouses or open fields. They also stressed that there were more than 500 different types of plants and seasonal flowers on display.
Present weather conditions are best suited for home gardening, officials said adding and many of the visitors opt for different types of flowers, especially varieties with fragrance such as Jasmine, basil, gardenias and and roses, besides some trees and shrubs. The prices are reasonable and within the reach of all starting from QR1 up to QR200 a plant, the officials pointed out.
Visitor Mohamed al-Mansuri, said the event has seen a considerable upgrade and development compared to the previous two editions with more participating farms and nurseries. He termed the festival as a must-visit for all plant lovers.
Al Sayyid Mohamed, a seller, observed that demand for indoor plants had increased considerably in addition to seasonal flowers. He disclosed that many people often ask him advice on how to take care and maintain plants at home.
Jabir Hassan, a farmer participating in the event, said his farm had managed to display around 100 types of seasonal flowers. He pointed out that some people spoil their plants at home by over irrigation and excessive watering, which needs to be moderated as per the weather.
Yousef al-Hadad, an exhibitor, stressed that those interested in gardening should take advice from specialist in order to succeed in taking care of their home gardens.