What’s in store for landmark b’day

It will be a year-long programme of events to celebrate the bicentenary, running from February 2022 to January 2023, Director General of the Gardens Dr. Shelomi Krishnarajah told the Sunday Times. The celebrations begin with a multi-religious ceremony on February 21.

The display board on the bicentenary celebrations will be unveiled on February 25. A new Plant House (Glass House) will be opened to exhibit all ornamental plants on April 5. Open days (for education, landscape and tourism) will be held from May 9 - 13 and a Floriculture exhibition from June 10 – 15.

A specially designed centre to educate children on botany, how to identify plants and also make them aware of the importance of nature and the environment will be held from July 26 – 30.

A photography exhibition and competition, and Open Days for Ethnobotany are scheduled from August 29 – 31. Ethnobotany, the Director explains is “the scientific study of the traditional knowledge and customs of people concerning plants and their medical, religious and other uses”.

“An Ethnobotonist thus strives to document the local customs involving the practical use of local flora for many aspects of life, such as plants as medicines, food, intoxicants and clothing. Besides, plants are used for preparation of dyes, weaving of baskets and traditional ornaments.” People will be made aware of these old methods and techniques she adds.

In September, there will be a plant-based food festival and Open Day Plant Nurseries with plant nursery owners invited to display their plants for sale. An art competition for children will be held on October 15.

An International Symposium is scheduled for November 24 and 25, followed by more open days focusing on conservation in December. The celebrations will draw to a close in January 2023 with plants of economic value distributed to the public.