For Republic Day, Cubbon to showcase rose garden

Bengaluru: While Lalbagh has its bi-annual flower show to attract flower lovers, Cubbon Park too is gearing up to showcase its rose garden during the forthcoming Republic Day.

The two-acre space opposite Central Library was redeveloped in 2013 to grow different rose species.

"We are maintaining the garden with manure and fertilizers. We plan to prune it after Cubbon Park Children's festival in November. Nearly 45 days prior to the flower show we will cut and prune the rose garden," said Mahantesh Murgod, Deputy Director of Cubbon Park.

Rs 35 lakh was invested to create this space, with an annual maintenance around Rs 60,000. The department says several species of roses were selected for planting, including floribunda, hybrid teas, grandiflora, miniature roses and more.

Walkers unhappy
However, the Cubbon Park Walkers Association members felt the old rose garden, which existed prior to 2013 and was removed to make way for new one, was much better and popular. 

"The old rose garden that existed prior to the redevelopment was a real sight to see. People from everywhere would come to look at this unique spot which is unfortunately lost now. Very few roses have flowered since 2013, making it look like just a lawn," said Umesh Kumar, President of CPWA.

"They allocate and spend so much every year for the rose garden, but there are no results even after so long. Why did they remove what was there in the first place? There is no value addition to the environment in Cubbon," Kumar questioned.

The Horticulture department told Deccan Chronicle that no more roses would be planted in the garden. Lawn grass in between rose plants will remain, they said.