Nagpur/Mumbai: In the full bloom of spring, Nagpur has got one more reason to bask in its glory! The Gemini Rose from the Raj Bhavan, the winter residence of Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao has been adjudged as the King of Roses at the 56th Annual Vegetable, Fruit and Flower Competition Cum Display held in Mumbai recently. In addition to it Raj Bhavan garden in Mumbai also bagged bagging the Rolling Trophy for Best Garden.
A Raj Bhavan spokesperson confirmed the news on Tuesday. “The ‘Gemini Rose’ from Nagpur Raj Bhavan, the Governor’s winter residence, was adjudged the ‘King of Roses’ from out of 60 entries in the competition. Raj Bhavan bagged 12 prizes in the entire event,” he said. The Raj Bhavan at Nagpur which has a dedicated Rose Garden had sent 25 varieties of rose in the competition. It won four first prizes and five second prizes at the competition including the top ‘King of the Show’ title.
The rolling trophy was awarded in the category of Gardens attached to offices of Government, Semi-Government, Municipality, Railway Offices/Stations, Commercial Establishments and admeasuring 1000 sq. m. or more in area,” the spokesperson said.
The competition, among the most popular horticulture show in India, was organized by the National Society of the Friends of the Trees at the Ruparel College Ground in Mumbai on February 11 and 12.
Meanwhile, Rao, who is holding additional charge as Governor of Tamil Nadu, in a message from Chennai, congratulated the garden in charge officers and staff of Raj Bhavan for the “spectacular achievement”, the spokesperson said.
The garden around the Governor’s residence within the Raj Bhavan premises at Malabar Hill also received the Rolling Trophy for the Gardens – Bungalows maintained by Government Institution – below 2000 sq.m. The first prize for Special Display category was also awarded to Raj Bhavan. The awards and trophies were presented by Sikkim Governor Shriniwas Patil on the concluding day of the event.
