Visakhapatnam: Terrace gardeners and bonsai enthusiasts have expressed disappointment over their exclusion from the flower show organised by the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) at Central Park as part of the Visakha Utsav.
For nearly a decade, terrace gardeners’ groups and bonsai associations had regularly participated in the annual event, displaying rare plants and themed exhibits. This year, however, they were not invited, prompting concerns among gardening communities across the city.
Two terrace gardening group administrators said they had not received any communication from the organisers regarding participation in the current edition. Members of various gardening groups said Visakhapatnam had one of the most active terrace gardening communities in Andhra Pradesh, and their exclusion had come as a surprise.
Several visitors also noted the absence of terrace gardens and bonsai displays, which had earlier been among the main attractions of the flower show. Some said the exhibition lacked variety compared to previous years.
Criticism was also raised over the quality of the displays. Visitors pointed out that marigolds and chrysanthemums dominated the exhibition despite claims that flowers were sourced from outside the state. Some also remarked on the use of vegetables and packing material in decorative installations.
The flower show was inaugurated by TD state president and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao and Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao. Officials said the exhibition was organised as part of efforts to promote Visakhapatnam as a tourism destination.
The three-day event is being supervised by senior VMRDA officials. However, the absence of terrace gardeners and bonsai enthusiasts marked a noticeable departure from previous editions of the show.
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