SRINAGAR: The Director of Floriculture in Jammu and Kashmir has expressed aspirations for the newly established Chrysanthemum Garden to achieve a level of popularity comparable to the renowned Tulip Garden.
Mathoora Masoom, Director Floriculture, Gardens and Parks, Kashmir, stated that the Chrysanthemum Garden, which has been planted with approximately 3.5 lakh flowering plants, is expected to remain in bloom until early December. This initiative is a strategic effort to enhance Kashmir’s tourism offerings during the autumn season, complementing the spring allure of the Tulip Garden.
Autumn Bloom in Kashmir
The Chrysanthemum Garden, situated in Srinagar, has been developed with expanded flower beds, vibrant floral displays, water features, pergolas, and dedicated selfie points, alongside improved visitor facilities. Masoom described it as a ‘dream project’ intended to ensure that no season in Kashmir remains dull, associating spring with tulips and autumn with chrysanthemums.
The garden’s design incorporates chrysanthemums as the primary focus, with trees such as Chinar, Maple, and Ginkgo enhancing the autumnal landscape. Despite facing weather-related challenges during the project’s preparation, the floriculture department’s officers and gardeners collectively worked to ensure its completion. The flowers are anticipated to remain in bloom for approximately one-and-a-half months, potentially extending until early December, contingent on weather conditions.
Expanding Tourism Potential
The development of the Chrysanthemum Garden is part of a broader effort by the Floriculture Department to extend the Valley’s tourist season beyond the traditional spring months. By introducing chrysanthemums, which bloom in autumn, the aim is to attract visitors during a period that has historically seen fewer attractions. This strategy seeks to replicate the success of the Tulip Garden, which has significantly boosted spring tourism.
The Chrysanthemum Garden is designed to offer tourists bright colours at the peak of autumn when flowering typically diminishes in Kashmir. Unlike tulips, the bloom of chrysanthemums is expected to last until the onset of harsh winter conditions. The flowers have the resilience to withstand temperature drops and even the season’s first snowfall.
The initiative also aims to provide a vibrant floral display for tourists and locals alike, creating an attractive spot for photography and leisure activities. The garden’s development reflects a commitment to diversifying Kashmir’s tourism appeal and providing unique seasonal experiences.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The success of the Tulip Garden, established in 2007, demonstrated the potential for theme gardens to drive tourism in the region. The Tulip Garden has drawn record numbers of visitors in recent years, highlighting the demand for such attractions. The Chrysanthemum Garden, as the second major theme park in Kashmir, is poised to build on this success, offering a distinct seasonal experience.
Efforts are underway to promote floriculture across Jammu and Kashmir, with the department organizing awareness programs and training sessions for farmers to encourage modern cultivation practices and increase income opportunities. These initiatives underscore the government’s focus on leveraging the region’s conducive climate and diverse flora for economic and socio-economic development.
The Chenab Times News Desk