Tulips in full bloom at Mughal Gardens

Around 10,000 varieties of tulips in six different colours, along with 120 varieties of roses, are in full bloom at the Rashtrapati Bhavan's famed Mughal Gardens that are set to open their gates to the visitors from Saturday.

Last year, the inclement winter weather had affected the quality of flowers, especially tulips that are brought from Kashmir and The Netherlands. However, the horticulture department this year took special care of this flower whose life cycle is mere 15 days.

"Tulips have extremely short life. They only last for 15 days and one has to take a great care in planting them. When we import the seeds from The Netherlands, they are stored in five degree temperature and are planted only in first week of December," U. D. Kukreti, OSD (Horticulture), told IANS.

Spread across 15 acres, Mughal Gardens are a paradise for nature lovers with around 350 varieties of flowers which are planted in different sections like the circular garden, spiritual garden, herbal garden and 'nakshatra' (constellations) garden.

And to look after then is a team of over 60 gardeners who work from 7 a.m to 8 p.m.

"We took a great care in our plants and protect them from birds and animals. We also maintain heritage varieties of plants, so there are flowers that you see here but won't find in the market," said Kukreti.

President Pranab Mukherjee loves flowers but mainly tulip and roses, press secretary Venu Rajamony told IANS.

Also in full bloom are marigolds and dahlias.

The gardens will remain open to public from Feb 14 to March 15 while disabled and blind people can visit till March 16.