Page 67 - BSAM 2015 Q1

da Vinci, but these natural paintings done by magicians here change every day to a beautiful new,’ ‘Awesome Col- lection on display,’ ‘Amazing - A World Class Exhibition,’ ‘Tiny plants Big Impact, Keep up the good work ABA!’
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Dinesh Sharma, Mayor, along with the Guest of Honour, Mr. O.P. Srivastava, Dy. Managing Worker, Sahara India Pari- var, with ribbon-cutting, seeking the Lord Ganesha’s Blessings, Gayatri recitation by members and lighting of the lamp.
The Mayor and all visiting guests appreciated the efforts of the group President, Mrs. Santosh Arora in spreading and sowing the seeds of this living green art form of Bonsai in Lucknow. This year’s exhibition was held in a much larger area of the hotel, showcas- ing a red brick heritage look, similar to our Nawabi/ Lucknawi architecture, covering some 8000 sq feet. The entrance of the venue was well-highlighted with a display of seven Large Bonsai posted as grand wel- coming and ushering sentinels.
Once inside, the total display was further divided into six sections with a central rectangular bamboo- marble chip island, showcasing select bonsai plants, belonging to members. The island was designed and created by senior member Anita Narian. Needless to say, it became the centre of attraction and a favorite spot for a memorable photo-shoot for our honorary chief guest, media persons and the visitors alike.
There were some 350 plants on display including shohin and mame bonsai, with more than 100 variet- ies in different styles. Besides common variety of Ficus like benjimina, religiosa, and benghalensis, there were colorful Bougainvilleas, a few of which were in bloom and common Fruiting plants like Orange, Pome- granate, Cherry and Chikoo, there were a few exotic plants on view like Bucida spinosa, Maba buxifolia, Pyracantha sp., Vitex sp., Premna sp., Celtis sp., Braya sp., Murraya paniculata, mini varieties of Hawthorn and Malpighia, Pithecellobium dulce, fruiting Eugenia uniflora and Barbados cherry (Malpighia emarginata) which became the centre of attraction for visitors.
The layout of individual plants was well interspersed with beautiful display of miniature Landscapes and Forest arrangements, alluring Land and Water Pen- jing, Wall Mural and mounted Mame stands show- casing the smallest of mame bonsai. Breathtaking Casuarinas in different shapes and styles too were well appreciated by visiting connoisseurs.
The decade old club left no stone unturned to make the event a roaring success with the support and well wishes of Sahara India Parivar, venue host, Hotel Clarks Avadh, the relentless hard work and dedica- tion of its founder members and last but not the least
Top left; Ficus – Umbrella Style Top centre; Ficus – Root Over Rock Style
Middle center and right;
School Children enjoying the Exhibition and the youngest visitor sharing her views.
Bottom; The event saw all members come together
in full attendance, bonding, enjoying and basking amidst the beautiful spread of greens.
April/May/June 2015 | BCI | 65