*******************************************************
More than 350,000 flowers will transform Victoria Park into a colourful wonderland at the Hong Kong Flower Show 2006 (HKFS).
The event has attracted more than 180 organisations from Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas, showcasing exotic flowers, landscape and floral art displays.
The annual Hong Kong Flower Show, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), will be held from March 3 to 12 from 9am to 9pm, with the theme of "Enchanting Beauty".
The show's theme flower is the Dianthus. The Dianthus is cherished by flower lovers for its brilliant colours, charming forms and long flowering period. It has been extensively cultivated throughout the world, mainly in the Netherlands, Italy, Israel, the United States and Poland. There are more than 30,000 varieties.
Dianthus is a group of flowering plants belonging to the genus Dianthus of the family Caryophyllaceae. They are annuals, biennials or perennials with some 300 species worldwide originating from Europe and Asia, particularly the Mediterranean region and the mountains of Southern Europe. There are also a few species from Africa. Species native to China include D. chinensis and D. superbus, while those commonly found in Hong Kong are D. caryophyllus, D. barbatus, D. plumarius and D. deltoids.
A series of fringe activities complement the 10-day show for the enjoyment of visitors. They include music and dance performances, floral art demonstrations and fun games.
Admission tickets to the Hong Kong Flower Show 2006 are available now until March 12 at the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD)'s District Leisure Services Offices, and venues with Leisure Link services.
Tickets will also be sold at the entrance to the showground at Victoria Park throughout the show period.
Admission for adults is $14. Children aged four to 14, students, senior citizens aged 60 or over and people with a disability pay half price. Senior citizens and people with a disability have free admission on weekdays and adults in a group of 30 or more admitted at the same time will pay half price on weekdays.
For enquiries, please call 2697 8030, fax 2691 7264 or visit the LCSD website at www.lcsd.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, February 17, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:11
NNNN