EVERYTHING was rosy in the garden at the Bahrain International Garden Show as it enchanted and educated visitors at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Sanabis.
This particular show definitely called my name, as my name literally means ‘blossom’ in Arabic. Upon entering, visitors must have felt they were stepping into their own secret garden with all the gorgeous greenery on display surrounded by the most fantastic floral scents.
Featuring more than 145 organisations, including 12 farmers from the popular weekly Saturday Farmer’s Market at the Agriculture Centre in Budaiya, the show highlighted a vibrant selection of fresh flowers and vegetables, delightful décor as well as technology, training workshops and opportunities available in the agricultural sector.
This year’s theme was ‘Agricultural Training for a Sustainable Harvest’, and the show attracted experts, exporters and agro-preneurs from across the globe under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad, with support of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty and president of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development.
The first botanical baubles that caught the eye were an amazing assortment of magical mini-terrariums displayed by Hejair Gardening and Landscaping. The clear globes included a small, colourful figurine that highlighted Chinese culture and could be hung from another plant, almost like Christmas tree ornaments.
Mercy Garcia, 32, from Adliya, explained the meaning behind the artistry. “These items are new and feature a small bonsai plant with a lucky charm to commemorate the Chinese New Year. We are trying to adapt some nice concepts from Asian countries,” she said.
After a stroke of good luck from these cute Chinese creations, a bright wall of blossoms at Astra Flowers – which is headquartered in Saudi Arabia and is a subsidiary of Arab Supply and Trading Company – proved mesmerising.
Joined by a beautiful brunette mannequin dolled up in a gown of roses, visitors were able to sit in the patio area and enjoyed fancy and delicious chocolates amid soft French music with Ala Jasser, who works in national flower sales for the company. Photographer, Ryan Bayona, loved the backdrop so much that it turned into an editorial photo shoot rather quickly.
Mr Jasser, a 37-year-old Jordanian native who currently lives in Saudi Arabia, said: “There’s a lot of buzz and it’s exciting to watch people come here and take pictures.
“People might think that flower production from Saudi is low-quality compared to other markets, but we wanted to show everyone that we produce excellent quality.”
There was no doubting that, as the ‘scent-sational’ pure white Casablanca and graceful pink Stargazer lilies spellbound the crowd with their splendour. The fresh lilies, which are produced in specifically-designed greenhouses and glasshouses that meet the highest standards of technology, make up 11.8 per cent of the 28,000,000 flowers that are cut and produced annually.
While flowers and plants are nature’s own artistic creations, it’s great when man can lend a hand to add a sense of style.
Bahraini-based store, Details, offered fresh and modern masterpieces in their collections, whether it was with the addition of fun chairs and loungers or colourful and inventive pottery pieces.
Wahid Halabi, the 43-year old managing director of Details and Budaiya resident, said: “We are here for the second time and work with brands and furniture that have a story to tell. We come to this exhibition because we are passionate about it.”
After a taste of modern art, there was a chance to step into the wild side. While passing through the softly-scented corridor with romantic twinkling lanterns on display above our heads, it felt like we were stepping into the jungle.
There were majestically-crafted life-size displays of elephants, horses and wildcats, as well as fountains that resembled natural cascades. The CD that played sounds of wild birds and trickling water created the ambiance of a serene paradise.
The trek through the wilderness provoked hunger pains and although the vegetables and fruits were enticing with their vibrant colours and tantalising textures, there was more eye candy, in more ways than one, within close distance.
Amina Alsherooqi, the 30-year-old executive manager of La Marquise Chocolates & Floral Art, Charming Receptions and Sherfat Fairouz shared an adorable boutique stall. Even though space was limited, the floral arrangements and soft lighting had the atmosphere of a swanky café and it proved the ideal location to sip on hot coffee and try the cute and tasty canapés and Turkish sweets.
“I started with a flower shop, and then added the touch of hospitality and hot drinks. The combination of the three works well for weddings, corporate events and celebrations,” said Ms Alsherooqi.
What was great about this kind of exhibition is that it showcased many agricultural, artistic and technological possibilities that can grow from a single garden.
Not only did it provide a great learning experience, with the variety of workshops and information that was offered, but also a visual journey that awoke all of the senses.
