New Town’s second annual flower exhibition took place over the weekend at the clock tower. Held as part of New Town Carnival, the exhibition showcased the best of blooms grown by residents and nurseries of the neighbourhood.

There were Dahlias, Chrysanthemums, Petunias and visitors admired them and clicked them aplenty.

“I love gardening and visit the flower show at Alipore every winter but had never thought of joining a competition,” said Mita Bhadra. Her friends insisted she join this time and she submitted a pot of Anthuriums and one each of single and bi-coloured Petunias. The Greenwood Sonata resident ended up bagging third place.

The second place went to K.P. Saha, a retired eye surgeon. “I have been a member of the horticulture association in Malda and have forwarded my suggestions to the organisers here. For instance, next time they could include fruit and vegetable sections to show visitors that it’s possible to grow them in pots,” said the CE Block resident. His trio of Marigolds, Dahlias and Chrysanthemums won the prize.

The first prize was handed over to Mitali Puitandi by Debashis Sen, chairman of New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA), that organised the show.

“I feel terrible when I see trees being felled to bring up buildings. While I know development is important we can all compensate by growing plants on our terrace — even four or five are a good start,” said Puitandi, a resident of New Town’s CD Block. “Such shows arouse interest in gardening among people.”

“Ours wasn’t strictly a flower show as that has several requirements,” said an organiser. “This was an exhibition to offer visitors a soothing sight.”