Latest news with #BahrainGardenClub
Gulf Weekly
01-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Weekly
Bound by blooms
melissa@ 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
Biz Bahrain
20-02-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Bahrain International Garden Show starts
Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and Chairperson of the Advisory Council of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), inaugurated the Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS) at the Exhibition World Bahrain. HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim valued His Majesty the King's patronage, which has contributed to the growth of the exhibition and boosted its status as a key platform for promoting sustainable agricultural development. Her Royal Highness highlighted Bahrain's commitment to food security, environmental sustainability, and the protection and development of the agricultural sector to maintain a balance between urban expansion and green spaces, which is essential for public health and well-being. HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim expressed pride in the wide participation from various entities, noting that the exhibition is one of the region's leading specialised agricultural events. Her Royal Highness added that BIGS plays a role in positioning Bahrain on the global agricultural exhibition map. Her Royal Highness commended the efforts of public and private institutions in showcasing the latest agricultural innovations and technologies, which contribute to long-term sustainability, the expansion of green spaces, and support for Bahraini farmers in adapting to industry advancements. HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim visited various pavilions and noted the significant progress in the exhibits and technologies on display. Her Royal Highness commended the advancements in sustainable agriculture in Bahrain and the region. HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim also expressed appreciation to participating and supporting entities for their role in the success of the event and in raising environmental and agricultural awareness. The exhibition featured the announcement of the Bahrain Garden Club competition winners. Bethan Robinson won His Majesty the King's Cup for Best Residential Garden. Dalal Sami Radhi received the late His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa's Cup in the flowers category, while Tahera Jabri won in the vegetables category. Ranjith C. P. received Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa's Cup in the professional photography category, and Fawaz Al Hamdan won in the amateur photography category. Student Al Jouri Rashid Jamal won in the student photography category. The Environment Friendly Garden Cup, awarded by His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, was shared by The Merchant House Hotel and the Fontana Infinity residential project. Nadia Al Zeera won Her Highness Shaikha Haya bint Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa's Cup for Rare and Exotic Plants, while Umm Kulthoom Intermediate Girls School won the Riffa Views Cup for Best School Garden Artwork. Her Royal Highness commended the Bahrain Garden Club's role in promoting agricultural development. She noted that the club's 60th anniversary reflects its long-standing contributions to agricultural awareness and sustainability in Bahrain. She highlighted the club's efforts over the decades in expanding green spaces and enhancing the quality of gardens in the Kingdom. She also praised its commitment to organising competitions and initiatives that encourage innovation in agriculture. At the conclusion of the event, writer Ibrahim Bashmi presented Her Royal Highness with a copy of his book on the cultural and historical significance of palm trees in Bahrain's heritage. Her Royal Highness praised the book's focus on the palm tree as a symbol of sustainability and an integral part of Bahrain's rich heritage. The Bahrain International Garden Show is an annual platform that brings together experts and specialists from the agricultural sector, along with public and private institutions. The event showcases the latest innovations and technologies in sustainable agriculture. It also promotes collaboration among industry stakeholders, facilitates knowledge exchange, and raises environmental awareness through interactive workshops and educational activities aligned with Bahrain's national sustainability efforts. BNA(R)
