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Water for Life' is the theme at the Riffa Views' Bahrain International Garden Show (RVBIGS) which opens on Friday.
Exhibits, including a display of the ancient techniques used to utilise fresh water springs and farming methods, will explore the theme as it relates to the history of horticulture and agriculture in Bahrain.
The most recent research related to water treatment and preservation will also be on show.
Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, head of the event's organising committee, said that the aim of the theme is to promote efforts to stop unsustainable exploitation of water resources and raise awareness.
There will be 70 exhibitors from across the world including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE and the UK.
Exhibits will include flowers, plants, trees, swimming pools and equipment, garden technology, lighting and furniture, fertilisers, landscaping equipment and tools, ornamental metal work, paving stones, irrigation systems, sprinklers, seeds and seedlings, children's playground equipment, aqua culture, Jacuzzis, spas and hot tubs, greenhouses and garden sheds, awnings and canopies, ponds, barbecue and grill equipment.
The four wining entries of the Riffa Views Eden Challenge competition will be built and on display. These include a water conscious garden, water mobile that recycles water through a hydroponic garden, water sculptures in a water pond made of acrylic and a water mosaic that incorporates clay Dilmun seals.
Among the activities open to visitors are competitions, lectures by local and international experts on landscaping and gardening with Mediterranean plants and a farmers' market that will bring to life a traditional Bahraini market and will have local farmers selling their produce.
Award-winning garden designer, TV presenter and Riffa Views Ambassador, Chris Beardshaw, will attend the show as both ambassador to the Show and chairman of the Riffa Views Eden Challenge adjudicating panel.
Awards will be presented to the winners of the Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa's Prize for Pottery, Annual Flower and Vegetable Competition organised by the Bahrain Garden Club, Riffa Views' Eden Challenge and the Ministry of Education's The Young Garden Researcher Competition, Artistic Collage, Garden Projects and Carpentry competition.
The 'Overall RVBIGS 09 Winning Stand' will be announced and the winning exhibitor will receive a prize money of $10,000 (BD3,780).
There will be a 'Water For Life' forum sponsored by HSBC in partnership with the Bahrain Economic Development Board on April 18 at 6.30pm and a workshop on 'Perfect Irrigation - Perfect Landscaping' on April 19 at 9am.
Shaika Maram said that the RVBIGS has come together through the support and sponsorship of various individuals and groups and despite the global economic downturn those present will be of 'high quality' and are dedicated to the show's message and mission.
Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and President of the Supreme Council for Women, has been one of the staunchest supporters of the event, which will be held under the patronage of King Hamad.
The show will be open for public and trade visitors from April 17-19 at the Halls 1 and 2 of the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre from 10am to 9pm. Tickets are 500fils for a three-day pass with free entry for children up to the age of 12.
