Bound by blooms
Bahrain Garden Club is set to premiere at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025, which will be staged in London next month, marking its 60th anniversary, with a floral installation nodding to the kingdom's rich heritage.
This is also the first time a society affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has been invited to the international event, which was first held in 1913.
The Bahrain Garden Club (BCG) team comprising seven of the board members will attend the event, speaking to visitors about the kingdom's horticulture projects, in addition to exhibiting at the show and educating enthusiasts on the topic through flyers and brochures.
'As a professional in the field of horticulture, l can say that gardening nourishes the soul and is a way to preserve the planet,' BCG president Zahra Malik, who has committed her time and efforts towards BCG for the last 40 years and been the chairperson for the last 16 years, told GulfWeekly.
'In 2019, when the board members had an audience with His Majesty King Hamad, who is the club's patron, I mentioned to His Majesty that we wish for the club to participate in Chelsea as an exhibitor.
'Two years ago, four board members attended the Chelsea Flower Show, thanks to the financial support of His Majesty's court. I started working towards the possibility of BGC taking part in 2025 on the occasion of the club's Diamond Jubilee. We're the first affiliated club in the history of RHS to be part of the 112-years old show,' she added.
Founded more than 200 years ago, RHS is the UK's gardening charity comprising a diverse community of gardeners, supporters, volunteers, visitors, students and scientists passionate about spreading the joy of gardening.
The Chelsea Flower Show, running from May 19 to 24, will feature garden designs and floral displays, and provide visitors and enthusiasts exclusive shopping avenues.
'The board decided that the club would exhibit a floral installation, which will feature elements from Bahrain's heritage,' BCG executive board member and gardening enthusiast Irina Averinos noted.
'We will use seasonal flowers and sea- and desert-inspired designs,' the Russian expatriate and reputed artist, who has volunteered at BCG for over a decade, added.
'Bahrain is known as the island of a million palm trees, which is such an iconic symbol of the culture here, and will feature in our exhibit. Traditional handicrafts like basket weaving will also be included.'
Established in 1965, BGC works to raise awareness and interest in gardening. It also aims to improve existing gardening methods, and provide a platform for exchanging information and experiences, through educational programmes and workshops for all ages, including the popular annual Bahrain International Garden Show staged in February.
Zahra Malik: Chairperson and horticultural consultant from Kuwait
Tahera Jaberi: Vice chairperson and nurse from Bahrain
Amal Al Zayani: Programme co-ordinator and interior designer from Bahrain
Kareema Khoury: Treasurer and biologist from Bahrain
Thuraya Al Mansoori: Executive secretary and engineer from Bahrain
Irina Averinos: BCG English media coordinator, newsletter - Dalyah - editor and engineer from Jordan-Russia
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