Road Town, Tortola - The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands have announced plans to stage the 7th annual Flower Show at the Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanic Gardens on Saturday, March 13.

The theme for this year’s observance is ‘Let’s Celebrate Plant Diversity in Harmony and Colour’ and reflects the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s focus on biodiversity.

Speaking on a recent Public Eye, Director of the National Parks Trust Mr. Joseph Smith Abbott highlighted the reasons for the annual observance of the Flower Show and the origins of the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens.

“The original creators of the garden envisaged having aesthetically pleasing grounds surrounding the gardens. They also wished to foster and encourage individuals to take pride in their surrounding and the aesthetics of our country. The flower show continues to celebrate that,” the Director said.

The annual flower show comprises of three main categories, a garden competition, a floral competition and an art and craft competition.

Categories in the garden competition include porch, large, small, speciality, flower, fruit, vegetable, and orchard gardens. The floral competition consists of seven categories namely, hanging baskets, container plants, cut flowers, potted herbs & seasonings, orchids, hibiscus and floral arrangements. The floral arrangement category is further divided into bud vase, miniature, corsage and dry arrangements.

The art and craft competition is open to children ages five to 16 years and may contain items made of natural or recycled materials, water colours, paper and canvas.
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Winners in all categories will be announced at the flower show on March 13 including the top honor of ‘Best In Show’. Gates will be opened to the public from 12:30pm until 5:30pm with entrance fees of $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. A host of entertainment and activities are planned in addition to 15 minutes demonstrations on various planting techniques.

Interested persons may contact the National Parks Trust at 852-3650, 494-4557 or via email: adminofficer@bvinpt.org for more information. Registration forms can also be collected from NPT offices at the Baths, Virgin Gorda, the head office on Main Street or at the fee booth at the Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanic Gardens on Tortola.