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More than 1,600 pots of lotus of some 100 cultivars, and over 200 pots of common aquatic plants of some 30 cultivars are now on display at the Conservatory and the Artificial Lake of Hong Kong Park. Admission is free.
Jointly organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Institute of Horticulture (Hong Kong), the nine-day Lotus Show starts today (June 24) and will run until July 2.
The show offers a chance for public to appreciate the beauty of various species of lotus, and introduces to them the knowledge of growing lotus. It also help promote horticulture and green consciousness.
Blossoms in summer, lotus is a graceful and elegant aquatic plant. The lotus flowers are fragrant with single, semi-double or double petals. They come in range of colours such as red, pink and white.
The lotuses on display include special species of Chinese lotus and their hybrids with fabulous colours.
With great ornamental merits, lotus also has significant economic value. Every part of the lotus, both fresh and dried, earns popularity with gardening enthusiasts in horticulture and floral art.
To enhance people's knowledge on lotus, display panels and leaflets are available at the Conservatory to introduce the habits and characteristics, form and classification, cultivation and propagation of lotus.
There are talks and demonstrations on floral arrangement, ceramic art and Chinese painting on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, adding fun to the show.
Apart from lotuses, over 200 pots of common aquatic plants of some 30 cultivars are also displayed at the Artificial Lake.
During the show period, the department's parks with water features, like Lai Chi Kok Park, Tsing Yi Park and Yuen Long Park, will also plant lotuses and lilies for public viewing.
Officiating at today's opening ceremony were the department's Assistant Director (Leisure Services), Mr Eddy Yau; the Honorary President of the Institute of Horticulture (Hong Kong), Mr Albert Lam; the Chairman of the Yuen Yuen Institute, Mr Tong Wai-ki; Miss Hong Kong 2005 Tracy Ip, and the Chairman of Green Fun, Miss Maria Tam.
Opening hours of the Lotus Show 2006:
1. The Conservatory of Hong Kong Park
June 24: 11am to 6pm
June 25 - July 2: 9am to 6pm
2. The Artificial Lake of Hong Kong Park
June 24 ¡ª July 2: 6am to 11pm
Parks planted with lotuses:
Central & Western District: Hong Kong Park;
Eastern District: Chai Wan Park;
Yau Tsim Mong District: Kowloon Park, Lok Kwan Street Park, Public Square Street Rest Garden;
Kowloon City District: Kowloon Walled City Park, Hutchison Park;
Sham Shui Po District: Lai Chi Kok Park;
Kwun Tong District: Hong Ning Road Park;
Tuen Mun District: Tuen Mun Park, Yeung Siu Hang Garden;
Yuen Long District: Yuen Long Park, Tin Shui Wai Park;
Kwai Tsing District: Tsing Yi Park;
Tsuen Wan District: Jockey Club Tak Wah Park;
Tai Po District: Tai Po Waterfront Park;
Sha Tin District: Sha Tin Park, Yuen Chau Kok Park.
For enquiries, please call 2521 5068 or visit the department's website www.lcsd.gov.hk
Ends/Saturday, June 24, 2006
Issued at HKT 12:17
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