“This is the first time we are organising a flower show of international standards in Mumbai and we have invited participation from foreign countries. The show will bring together nearly 5,000 flower farmers and horticulturists, experts, scientists and international traders,” said Avinash Kubal of the Maharashtra Nature Park, Mahim. Kubal is also an honorary joint secretary of the Mumbai Rose Society (MRS), a 40-year-old society promoting ‘rose culture’ in the city. The flower show is a joint effort of MRS and Indo Israeli Agro Industries Chambers.

Kubal said the show is part of the society’s golden jubilee fete. “We are going international to commemorate our 50th flower show. We are bringing together flowers and flowering plants from not just India but parts of the world.”

Besides 300-350 varieties of roses, the prime attraction of the show would be an orchid section, showcasing several varieties of the hardy flower from south-east Asia.

Arshad Bhiwandiwala, honorary secretary of the MNS, said: “We had invited 64 countries to participate in the show, of which many like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Israel and Kenya have agreed to come. Western nations like the US, France, Germany and UK couldn’t participate owing to inclement weather.”

Indian cities like Bhopal, Bangalore, Ootty, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Vadodara, Pune, Talegaon, Amravati and Hyderabad have also agreed to participate.

Bhiwandiwala said orchids will mostly be flown in from south-east Asia while Kenya and Israel would bring in more varieties of roses. From Kolkata, the show will get a large collection of Dahlia. Besides, 25-60 types of carnations, an array of chrysanthemums and about 20-30 ‘annuals’ will be displayed.