While Cubbon Park is rich in its plants wealth, efforts are constantly on to preserve and extend the indigenous and exotic botanical species. The latest in a series of efforts by the Department of Horticulture is to give a makeover to the rose garden located near the Central Library. Currently, the rose garden has only 8-10 varieties, but in next 15 days, if all goes as planned by the Department of Horticulture, this garden will have about 350-375 variety of roses.
Speaking to City Express, Dr M Jagadish, Joint Director, Department of Horticulture, said, "We will be creating a 10 feet by 10 feet stone bed and it will be a cluster of colours."
This initiative is one among a series that the department plans month on month.
Thanks to its efforts, the park boasts of many indigenous species such as Artocarpus, Cassia fistula, Ficus, and Polyalthias. Exotic species such as Araucaria, Bamboo, Castanospermum australe, Grevillea robusta (silver oak), Milletia, Peltophorum Schinus molle, Swietenina mahagoni, Tabebuia sp and the likes, can be found in the park.
In addition, many ornamental and flowering trees, both exotic and indigenous, bloom in the park.
In a span of two years, many new additions has also been made.
Dr Jagadish said, "At present we have 150 species. And we have made 110 new additions in last two years. The new additions include 160 Pleumeria, Mesuvaserra, 60 Foxpail, Adinsonia Digitata and the Rudraksha tree"
Apart from the plantations, the department has plans to create wet lands inside the garden.
Noted environmentalist Yellapa Reddy said, "We will be converting the low lying areas into wet lands that will attract many birds as well."
As far as birds are concerned, the Oriental White eye, Shikra and Eurasion Golden Oriole are some of the birds found in the park. This makes it a perfect place for nature lovers and photographers.
The department is also putting efforts to create an eco-friendly joggers park for the Bangaloreans.
Dr.Jagadish said, "The joggers park that starts from Siddalingiah Circle (opposite Coffee Day Square) Junction within the park and connects to Hudson Circle Junction before ending at the Century Club Junction has been completed and is a stretch of 2.5 km. Another stretch where work is going is from Bal Bhavan to Press Club and High Court."