Bahrain stage set for 2024 Flower & Vegetable Show Competition

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Zahra Ayaz

Bahrain Garden Club, renowned for its historical Annual Flower & Vegetable Show, has announced the upcoming competition for the year 2024. A press conference was held yesterday to unveil the details of the event, which is scheduled to take place from February 14 to 16.

Bahrain Garden Club chairperson Eng. Zahra Abdulmalik expressed gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for his unwavering support and to Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa for her immense contribution.

The support from these distinguished figures has encouraged club members to actively participate in the show voluntarily. “We will be celebrating our diamond jubilee in 2025, and as an affiliated club to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the United Kingdom, there are numerous opportunities for collaboration,” said Eng. Zahra.

“Over the past 15 years, our show has made our lives easier. However, next year’s event poses a unique challenge as it will be a solo show.” The theme for the 2024 competition is “Bahrain Heritage,” reflecting the rich cultural legacy of the country.

This theme has been incorporated into various aspects of the competitions. She further noted that for children aged three to six years, an activity has been introduced where they are required to plant date palm seeds in Bahraini clay pots.

This activity aims to familiarize the children with local resources and promote sustainable gardening practices by encouraging the use of locally sourced materials.

Close connection

“Additionally, students between the ages of thirteen and eighteen will participate in a floral arrangement competition. We have informed the teachers that January and February are the months when the main date palm trees release pollen, allowing the students to collect and arrange them.

Our goal is to foster a close connection between the students and nature,” she noted. Children aged eight to 12 will be challenged to design rock gardens. Given Bahrain’s desert climate, the focus has shifted to cacti as desert plants for this age group.

The competition not only involves designing the garden but also introduces the concept of artistic eggshell recycling. Videos and workshops have been provided to assist the participants in their creative endeavours.

“Our emphasis this year is on teaching recycling practices and connecting with the local environment, all of which are encompassed in our competition,” said Eng. Zahra. “We have compiled a show booklet containing all the competition details, criteria, and rules for entry. Additionally, booklets for home garden and school garden competitions are available on our website.”