Brief History of Ornamental Horticulture

 

Brief History of Ornamental Horticulture

 

 Ornamental Horticulture is the gift of Horticulture. Ornamental Horticulture is that artistic and spiritual branch of horticulture in which all types of decorative and ornamental plants are studied. In this, the scientific method of growing seasonal and perennial flowers in buildings, pots, baskets, rock gardens (Rockerics) and glass houses outside in the garden for decoration and beauty is studied. Ornamental horticulture is not only an art but is also an important branch from the business point of view. Flowering plants can be grown on a commercial level and sold to earn money. Apart from this, foreign currency can be earned by exporting flowers to foreign countries. Income can be increased by making volatile and aromatic oils, perfumes, rose water, gulkand etc. from flowers and selling them.

                                                                                                    Horticulture Gardening

 Ornamental gardening has had a very close relationship with human life since ancient times. There is no doubt that flowers have a special role in almost all the activities and rituals from birth to death. Our ancestors had a high aesthetic consciousness. They loved nature a lot, which is mentioned in our scriptures. The prominent ones among them are Shiva Purana, Atharva Veda, Valmiki Ramayana, Mahabharata, Geeta etc. In ancient times, flowers were called 'Sumanas' which was a symbol of their beauty. The example of the very ancient civilization of the Indus Valley reminds us of the ancient glory and knowledge of this country. Well-cultured wise people used to travel to different countries and abroad with the good messages of welfare and Indian culture. The origin and history of the modern developed garden art of countries like Japan, China, Indonesia, Malaya etc. is related to the garden art spread by Indian Buddhist monks.

 

Ornamental trees carved on the Buddhist monuments of Sanchi and Bharhut can still be seen today, among which  Ashoka tree, Bur flower tree, Sacred fig, Champak etc. are prominent.

 Great poet Kalidasa has given a very beautiful description of various subjects of garden in his Sanskrit drama "Abhijnana Shakuntalam", Malavikagnimitra and poem 'Meghadoot'. Decorated gardens were constructed by young women, they used to select various beauty centers, trees, creepers and take care of them themselves. Often, charming animals and birds were also reared in these gardens. Beautiful flowers and fruit plants were also grown in rows on both sides of the path of beauty gardens.

 In India, the Mughals, Central Asia and Iran's garden art was formulated. Mughal emperors built many gardens in Delhi, Kashmir, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, which are still unique and special examples of garden art. They generally built gardens near palaces, forts or within high walls. The basic project of Mughal gardens was like Persian gardens, but both Persian and Indian plants were included in the selection of plants. Mughal emperors built gardens in both plains and mountainous places. They selected mountainous places on the basis of their natural beauty and attraction. Almost all Mughal gardens are located at very beautiful places in which some natural water stream is also present, for example, you can go to the gardens of Bal Bagh (Beri Nag), Wahwah and Pinjore. Marcopolo has mentioned the beauty of Mughal gardens in a very beautiful manner.   

                                                                                                               Landscaping

 Many beautiful flowering, medicinal and shady trees have been worshipped in India since the Vedic period. Many trees have been considered symbols of gods and goddesses, which are as follows-

 Burflower for Shri Krishna, Butea Superba  for Shiva and Buddha, Ashok tree for Sita and Kamadeva, Bauhinia variegata tree for Lakshmi, Holy basil  and Blue Lotus for Vishnu, Hibiscus for Durga, Golden Shower tree for auspicious benefits, Sacred fig for Saturn, Banyan tree for Brahma, Margosa tree for Sheetala, Moonflower for Shankar, etc.

 After the Mughal rulers in India, the British rulers made many efforts to increase the popularity of garden art. They started planting velvety grass (lawn) and growing ornamental flowering plants in long strips, whose unique appearance played an important role in creating a charming atmosphere. Before the British rulers, some flower garden lovers used to grow marigold, sunflower, jasmine etc. in their gardens. But the British started growing many seasonal flower plants like phlox, vermina, poppy, andrrhinum etc. Awareness about these new flowering plants increased among Indians.

 Importance- Plants are such silent servants of human society that they do not want anything from us in return of their service. Plants play such an important role in human life that we cannot even imagine our life without them. Every need of life is fulfilled by plants.

 It is well known that in today's busy and frustrated life, ornamental gardens have a special and important place. That is why it is said that flowers are an integral part of our normal life. Flowers have evolved along with our culture. These ornamental gardens play an important role in creating a clean environment, that is why plans are being made and implemented to set up ornamental gardens in towns, cities and rural areas. Flowers have an important contribution in monetary inflation, because foreign currency is also earned from the export of flowers.

 It is said that "Indian citizens are born among flowers and die with flowers." Mohammed Saheb has said that "If we have a roti, we should sell half of it and buy flowers, because just as roti is essential for the growth of the body, in the same way flowers are essential for mental peace, fatigue and to remove worries."

 Ornamental trees, shrubs, creepers etc. are grown to fulfill various purposes, which are mentioned below-

 (1) For Beautification - It is a bitter truth that in the modern era, due to various reasons, the natural balance of towns, cities and villages is getting disturbed, due to which the pollution of water, air etc. is taking a terrible form. Due to industrialization of cities and increase in the number of vehicles there, the problem of air pollution is increasing, which is directly affecting the people there. If the general public is provided with an atmosphere of pure air, then not only will their health remain good, but their efficiency will also increase. Decorated gardens play an important role in increasing the beauty of the environment.

 Although special emphasis is being laid on the establishment of gardens in India, but their number is still much less than the requirement. Here, Lal Bagh (Bangalore), Mughal Garden (New Delhi), Vrindavan Garden (Mysore), National Botanical Garden (Lucknow), National Park (Ooty), Zakir Rose Garden (Chandigarh) etc. are prominent, which are playing an important role in making the environment beautiful.

                                                                                           Landscaping And Gardening

 Flowering and other ornamental plants can be grown in individual bungalows, buildings, houses, offices as well as community centres, panchayat houses, post-telegraph offices, schools, colleges, universities, railway stations, picnic spots etc. to beautify them. Apart from this, seasonal flowering plants are also grown in pots. Some people can also grow ornamental domestic plants, prominent among them are money plant, croton, philodendron, ficus elastica, monstera deliciosa, fern etc. The beauty of the place can be enhanced by growing these plants in the verandah or houses. Other flowering plants can also be grown in front of, behind and around the bungalow, prominent among which are rose, jasmine, kelp, chrysanthemum, marigold, phlox etc. which play an important role in providing beauty to the environment of the bungalow.

 Ornamental gardening has taken a new form in the premises of schools, colleges, universities and hospitals. In the educational institutions where the branch of horticulture is studied, it is also essential that various types of ornamental trees, shrubs, creepers etc. are grown there, so that the students can study the various purposes of growing them. Hundreds of patients come to hospitals for treatment, there it becomes necessary to increase the beauty of the environment by growing ornamental trees, shrubs, creepers and seasonal flowers there, so that the patients can experience mental peace and happiness. Gardens are made in large areas in towns and cities, which are generally called 'parks'. Children, youth and the elderly all benefit from the beauty of these parks. Children also get the opportunity to study various types of ornamental trees, shrubs, creepers and seasonal flowering plants, and they also experience natural beauty, which is a form of training. In these parks, apart from flowering plants, priority is also given to greenery (lawns), fountains, sitting areas, lamps etc. which also enhance the beauty of the park so that visitors can get happiness and peace.

 The beauty of small and big ponds near villages can be enhanced by growing begonia, hibiscus, gulmohar, kachnar, bougainvillea etc. around them. This is the reason that in some states, such schemes have been made to enhance the beauty of villages, in which priority is being given to growing ornamental plants there.

 The trend of growing ornamental plants to beautify the environment of railway stations, bus stands etc. is gradually increasing. In big cities, even 'bonsai plants' have started being grown.

 (2) For Recreation - In the modern age, man is engaged in various activities throughout the day to fulfill his basic needs. When he returns home after finishing his work, he is surrounded by fatigue and other mental troubles. In such a strange situation, he definitely wants some means of entertainment. In India, means of entertainment are becoming very expensive. Your home flower garden can be a means of entertainment at home. This is a cheap and good solution. Wherever land is available in front of or behind the house, ornamental plants should be grown there. If land is not available, then in that case flowering plants can be grown in pots. Apart from this, plants can also be grown on the roof of the house. Taking care of those plants will definitely give happiness and peace. If this is not possible, then one should go to the nearby garden or public park. Mental happiness can be obtained by looking at the charming beauty of colorful flowers there.

 It is necessary for housewives and students to either grow ornamental plants themselves or go for a walk in the nearby gardens or parks to get relief from their fatigue and troubles.

 (3) Spiritual and religious importance - Most of the flowering plants grown in India have spiritual and religious importance too, which can be confirmed by the following examples:

 Ornamental plants also have spiritual and religious importance, for example, Kadamba and Peepal trees release more oxygen. Fresh, beautiful and fragrant flowers are used in worship etc. Many churches, temples, gurudwaras, holy places, shrines, crematoriums can be beautified by planting trees, grass, flowering trees, shrubs and seasonal flowers. By going there, a person gets peace, good omen and comfort. The mind becomes happy by seeing the surrounding environment pure, clean and clear.

 In the Gita, the Kadamba tree is related to 'Shri Krishna'. The Ashoka tree is related to 'Kamadeva'. The red flowers of Palash are related to 'Lord Buddha'. The white flowers of Kachnar are related to 'Lakshmi Ji', the goddess of wealth and good fortune. Blue lotus is related to 'Lord Vishnu'. The golden flowers of Amaltas are said to be a symbol of prosperity in business, this is the reason why it is the favorite tree of businessmen.

 Fresh flowers are used in temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras and home worship etc. Offering flowers to the gods and goddesses in temples by Hindus is a very ancient tradition, which is still going on till date. Most of the flower cultivation in cities is used for worship only. Most of the flowers grown in South India are used for worship only. In Kolkata, about 30 percent of the flowers are used for worship. Rose, Chandni, Chrysanthemum, Ixora, Gardenia, Hibiscus, Oleander, Tuberose and seasonal flowers are usually used for worship.

 (4) Economic Importance - In the modern era, flowers are also a source of income. In cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore, more than 50 percent of the flowers are used for making gajra, braids and garlands etc.

 (i) Garlands- Garlands are generally used on various religious occasions, receptions, worship, birthdays, weddings, etc. Especially, moonflower, rose, chrysanthemum, dahlia, aster, cosmos, plumeria, marigold etc. are used for making garlands.

 (ii) Bouquet- Mainly 'bouquet' is used to welcome guests on the auspicious occasion of marriage and in other social customs. Rose, chrysanthemum (small flower), dahlia, aster, amaryllis, phlox, salvia etc. flowers are specially used for bouquet making.

 (iii) Gajra and flower decorations- In India, fresh flowers are used mainly to decorate the bride and groom on the occasion of marriage, to decorate the braids of women, to make gajra and lace. Especially flowers like rose, jasmine, ixora, murayya etc. are used for this purpose.

 (iv) Decorating the wedding mandap - On the auspicious occasion of marriage, people of all religions use fresh flowers to decorate the wedding mandap. Especially flowers like rose, jasmine, jasmine, plumeria, chrysanthemum, marigold etc. are used for this purpose.

 (v) Button hole - Generally button hole is used on occasions like welcoming guests, birthday, wedding etc. Chrysanthemum, French Marie Gold, Rose, Helicorice etc. are specially used for this.

 (vi) Cut flowers - Cut flowers are used for decorating bouquets in reception rooms and dining rooms. Roses, night jasmine, zinnia, salvia, dahlia, cosmos, chrysanthemum, begonia, aster, amaryllis, candytuft, carnation, gladiolus etc. are specially used for this purpose.

 (vii) Aromatic oil - There are about 1100 such plants in India from which oil is extracted which is used in perfumery and medicines. Oil is extracted from rose, sandalwood, eucalyptus, lemongrass, jasmine, tuberose, rosemary, Kanak Champa etc. Rose oil is sold at the rate of Rs 1 lakh per kg. Aromatic oil worth about Rs 2-3 crore is sent to foreign countries, which earns foreign currency. There are large factories for making oil from rose in Kannauj, Jaunpur, Aligarh, Jaipur.

 (viii) Perfume - Apart from aromatic oils, perfumes of rose, champa and keora are also made in large quantities and their sale fetches a good income.

 Apart from oil and perfume, rose water, kewda water and rose gulkhand are also made on a large scale. 50,000 gallons of rose water is prepared in India. Which is exported to foreign countries. The above things generate an income of about Rs 20 crore per year and provide employment to about 2 lakh people.

 ( 5 ) Medicinal Importance - About 200 plants of medicinal importance are found in India. Seeing the importance of medicinal plants, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research started the All India Improvement Project on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in 1972. Under this scheme, the Council is conducting research on 8 main medicinal crops in different parts of the country, opium, isabgol, sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina), senna, pyrethrum, mulethi, fox globe and evergreen.

 In 1981, a conference of Indian scientists was held in Kolkata, in which it was proved that medicines called Binblastine and Bincristine can be obtained from the evergreen (Perivincil) plant for the treatment of cancer.

 Although plants like opium, isabgol, senna, cinchona, ipecac and evergreen were also brought to India and grown there and now they have settled here. Mulhathi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is spreading rapidly especially in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Flowers hardly come in it when grown from seeds. Therefore, cuttings are being provided for it.

 (6) For Controlling Soil Erosion- Soil erosion can also be prevented by planting Har Singar (Nyctanthus arbotrites) in the devoid of vegetation in the desert areas of  Rajasthan.                                 

                                                                                                Horticulture-Landscaping

Its roots go deep and bind the soil particles well, due to which soil erosion is prevented. Har Singar plant is also suitable for planting in personal and public places. Apart from preventing soil erosion, garlands are made from its fragrant flowers and aromatic oil is also extracted from the flowers, which can increase income. By adding it to cooked rice, the rice becomes fragrant. Khas is also used to prevent soil erosion, from which aromatic oil is also extracted.

 (7) For Flower Exhibition - Organizing flower exhibitions in cities and towns has become a fashion. Sometimes there is a rose exhibition, sometimes of chrysanthemums. Apart from this, flower exhibitions of dahlia, jasmine, cactus, bonsai etc. are organized by the government, Horticultural Society, Rose Society of India, in which good entries are given cash and certificates as prizes. Flower exhibitions are organized in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Poona, Lucknow etc. The main objective of these exhibitions is to awaken the spirit of growing ornamental plants in the general public and they can produce beautiful flowers of high quality by taking proper care of their flowering plants. The trend of growing flowers for exhibitions is gradually increasing.

 (8) For the purity of the environment -

 Due to the increasing population, villages, towns and cities are taking the shape of metropolises. In such a situation, the problem of air pollution is becoming severe due to industrialization and increasing vehicles, which is having an adverse effect on human life. The environment can be made pollution-free and peaceful through ornamental trees and plants, which will also make human life simple and peaceful. The use of ornamental plants is also gradually increasing to beautify the environment of railway stations and bus stands etc.

 Present Position of Ornamental Horticulture

 Compared to developed countries, the current situation of ornamental gardening in India is very pathetic, the main reason for which is that the Indian farmer has not yet understood that the flower business can also become the main source of his livelihood, i.e. it can become a means of his livelihood, although ornamental gardening is now being appreciated by horticulturists, which is a very important thing. The main reason for the development of flower cultivation is considered to be lack of money and this is true to a large extent. The financial condition of most farmers is not good, due to which they cannot produce flowers.

 In Indian agricultural universities, agricultural graduates are now being taught floriculture. Apart from this, postgraduates are also being taught this subject. Now special emphasis is being given on the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants and now universities are also providing education on this subject from undergraduate/postgraduate level.

 In the modern era, priority is being given to planting avenues along the roads in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, Agra, Bangalore, Chennai etc., which gives the impression that people's awareness towards ornamental trees is increasing. On the other hand, trees also play an important role in preventing pollution.

 Many gardens have been established in the country, among which Vrindavan Garden (Mysore), Lal Bagh (Bangalore), Taj Garden (Agra), Mughal Garden (Delhi), Shahjahan Garden (Agra), Ramniwas Park (Jaipur), National Botanical Garden (Lucknow), Paliwal Park (Agra), Roshan Ara Garden (Delhi), Buddha Jayanti Park (Delhi) etc. are prominent.

 Institutions are playing an important role in the development of gardens in India, among which the names of Indian Garden Committee, South India Garden Association, Rajasthan Garden Committee, The Indian Rose Federation, The Rose Society of India etc. are especially noteworthy, whose main objective is to attract the attention of mankind towards ornamental gardens and to increase flower production. Recently, the National Garden Board has been established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. Its headquarters is in Gurgaon (Haryana). This board is implementing various projects for the development of gardens. Apart from this, the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India has established the National Horticulture Mission, which is providing technical and financial assistance for many schemes to promote horticulture.

 

Future of Ornamental Gardening:-

 The future of ornamental gardening in the world is very bright. The climate in the world is favorable for flower cultivation throughout the year. There are different types of land and climate available in the world in which all types of beautiful plants and flowers can be grown. In America, Camellia, Oak-leaf hydrangea, Paogo, Apple blossom, Poppy, in Japan, Wisteria, Azalea, Cherry blossom, in Canada, La Bella Fleur, Hydrangea, Tulip, Lily, Orchids, in Russia, Common Yarrow, Ground elder, Common dandelion, Common tansy, in China, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Gladiolus, Calla, in Australia, Golden wattle, Red Rose, Anemone, Dahlia, in India, Pansy, Lotus, Rose, Hibiscus, Bougainvillea, Plumeria, Oleander, Lntana etc. are flowers being cultivated on a large scale. The government is also providing facilities for the proper marketing of flowers.

 On the basis of the increasing economic level and purchasing power of man, it can be said that the future of ornamental gardening in the world is very bright, which is mentioned as follows: -

 (1) Increase in demand for live plants, cut flowers:-

 Nowadays as the standard of living of people is rising, the demand for flower garlands, bouquets, cut flowers etc. is also increasing which is also increasing the artistic knowledge of man. Nowadays, the trend of expressing happiness, sharing grief and presenting various products made of flowers in ceremonies is increasing. Flowers are produced in some area or the other throughout the year, so they are easily available.

 (2) Seed production: -

 There is a lot of demand for good quality flower seeds because more yield can be obtained from hybrid seeds. Hybrid seeds of marigold, petunia, pansy, carnation, antirrhinum are popular which are available at a higher price. Apart from this, knots, tubers, corms are also being produced. These can be sold in Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany and Arab countries and foreign currency can be earned.

 (3) Fragrance and perfume: -

 By growing fragrant flowers like rose, jasmine, jasmine, tuberose and extracting their sap easily, the demand of cosmetics and soap industry can be fulfilled.

 (4) Development of Bonsai: -

Bonsai which are small or dwarf plants, their importance has increased in homes, hotels and restaurants. They are rarely available in the market and if available, they are very expensive. Hence, their future is very good. The plants from which Bonsai can be prepared are - Bougainvillea, rubber tree, pomegranate, banyan, peepal, orange etc. Apart from this, there is a lot of demand for dried flowers which are being used in artworks, in pendants and in flower vases.

 Attention is being paid to the development of ornamental gardening in villages too. The Horticulture Department and the Forest Department are planting ornamental plants around wasteland, pastures and ponds so that along with purifying the environment, income can be earned from the production of flowers.

                                                                                                    Ornamental Gardening

 Scope of Ornamental Horticulture

 The future of flower production in India is very bright. Flower cultivation can be done throughout the year because our climate is suitable for flower production, secondly, different types of flowers can be easily grown in our land. While the land of western countries remains covered in a blanket of snow, it becomes impossible to grow flowers there, at that time different types of flowers can be easily grown here. Foreign currency can be earned by sending them abroad.

 In India, flower cultivation is being done on commercial level in many states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra etc. According to a general estimate, in 1992-93, the total area of ​​floriculture in the country was 50,000 hectares. Now flowers are being cultivated in 55,000 hectares of area in our country, only traditional flowers are grown on about 30,000 hectares of area, which include fragrant native rose, jasmine, champa, mogra, tuberose, small flower chrysanthemum, crossandra etc. Other current commercial flowers are cultivated on about 15,000 hectares of land, which mainly include rose, chrysanthemum, carnation, orchid, lily, gladiolus, gerbera. Flowers and seeds are exported from India every year, which was Rs 9661.0 lakh in 1998-99, it increased to Rs 13212.3 lakh in 2000-01. 'Flower markets' are worth seeing in some important cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai etc. 10,500 tons of cut flowers are sold in these big cities, which cost Rs 9.26 crore. On the basis of a survey conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in 1967, it has become quite clear that with the development of civilization, the demand for flowers is increasing day by day. In Uttar Pradesh, adequate attention is being paid to flower cultivation in districts like Aligarh, Kannauj, Jaunpur etc. Factories have been set up in these districts to extract aromatic oil.

 The future of flower cultivation is very bright in almost all the regions of India, which is mentioned below--

 There are different types of land and climate available in our country, in which almost all types of ornamental trees, shrubs, creepers and seasonal flowers can be grown very easily. Ornamental plants can be grown from dry places to water. They can be grown from plain areas to mountainous areas. Different types of colorful flowers can be grown.

 Generally, in western countries, there is a shortage of flowers in winters due to snow. If they grow flowers in heated glass houses, then their expenses are high. In India, more flowers can be easily grown at less cost at that time. According to a survey, the price of roses in Germany in autumn is Rs. 150 per hundred. According to an estimate, one rose plant can produce three exportable flowers per year. 1,66,666 plants can be planted per hectare at a distance of 30 cm x 20 cm. In this way, 4,99,998 exportable flowers are obtained per hectare every year. In this way, much more profit can be derived from roses as compared to other crops.

 Another advantage of India is that the same flower can be grown in different seasons, for example in Bangalore aster and carnation can be grown in early winter, while in the plains of northern India they can be grown in late winter (December to March). The matter is not limited to this, they can be grown in summer in the hilly areas. This makes it very clear that there are immense possibilities for the development of ornamental garden in India.

 The tubers of many flowers such as amaryllis, croton, canna, lily, tuberose, eucharis, gerbera etc. can be sent abroad at low cost through ships. Apart from Europe, these tubers can also be sent to America and Canada and a lot of foreign currency can be earned from them. Apart from seeds and tubers, there is a huge demand for flowering plants abroad; a lot of profit can be made by sending them too.

 Indoor plants like Philodendron, Sansiberia, Dracaena, Foicos, Maranta etc. are in great demand in Europe. Apart from these, seeds and plants of some plants which grow exclusively in India can be sent abroad; such as Orchid, Cassia, Begonia, Rhododendron, Kachnar, Croton, Jasmine etc.

 Perfume is extracted from flowers like rose, jasmine, tuberose etc. There are more possibilities of promoting their cultivation, so that their production increases and people's income increases.

 There is a lot of scope for the development of ornamental gardening in the villages of India. Nowadays, a lot of efforts are being made by the Forest Department or the Horticulture Department to plant trees. Ornamental trees are being planted around the ponds of the villages. The main purpose of doing this is to save the villages from the polluted environment and besides, to increase their income by producing flowers in the land. If ornamental trees are planted in the pastures, cattle-sheds, houses, temples, churches, Gurudwaras, schools etc. of the villages, then the environment there will definitely become beautiful. Trees like Kachnar, Mulberry, Gulmohar, Bakain etc. can be planted in the villages.

 Due to the establishment of new factories, new cities are being built. While preparing the project of new cities, planners and administrators should not forget the ornamental gardens. Flowering trees should be planted in a systematic manner on both sides of roads and highways, so that flowers bloom in every season and make the environment charming.

 In India, trees are either not planted along the railway tracks or if they are planted, they are not selected properly. Ornamental trees should be grown along the railway tracks which keep giving flowers in every season. Along with this, proper care of the plants is also necessary.

 According to environmentalists, the areas which need nature conservation can be divided into the following three categories-

 1. National parks and protected forest areas

 2. Geological monuments and other important areas

 3. Protected places of local importance.

 Under the first category, national parks are such vast areas developed in forest-dominated areas, where unique beauty is visible in the landscape. Under the second category, all those places, hills or mounds come, which are important from the geological point of view and whose conservation is essential. These should also be protected like ancient buildings, so that they remain safe and keep attracting visitors for a long time. The third category includes all those small places, where the main and special trees and plants of a particular place are found.

                                                                      Brief History of Ornamental Horticulture

  Flower production, which was once related to entertainment and luxury, is today having various possibilities of industrial development. The problem of air pollution is arising due to the rapid increase in the number of factories. It has now become absolutely clear that the polluted environment can be cleaned with vegetation. 'Environment Day' is celebrated every year on 5 June in India. To deal with the problems of pollution, the Government of India has established the Department of Environment on 1 November 1980, whose main objective is to prepare projects of environmental programs, promote them and establish coordination under the administrative structure of the government. The Botanical Survey of India and the Zoological Survey of India are the main agencies of this department to explore living natural resources. The National Museum of Natural History helps in public education and raising public awareness on environmental issues.

 

Suggestions

 The following suggestions can be given to promote ornamental gardening-

 1. To generate interest in ornamental gardening, it is necessary to form garden committees in villages, towns and cities. These committees should make proper arrangements to train their members in flower production. Apart from this, arrangements should also be made to provide seeds of seasonal flowers, plants of rose, chrysanthemum, carnation, gladiolus, keli, dahlia etc.

 2. Flower exhibitions should be organized at various levels. Winners should also be given certificates and prizes, so that the spirit of competition is awakened among the general public and their attention is also attracted towards flower production.

 3. To arouse interest in ornamental gardening among the general public, speeches of horticulturists should be organized at community centers, panchayat ghar, schools or other places, so that after listening to the speeches, they can grow flower plants in their fields, houses, flower beds, pots etc. 4. Information about new researches done in the field of ornamental gardening, newly developed varieties, agricultural activities etc. should be given through All India Radio, Doordarshan, satellite television, documentaries, newspapers, magazines etc., so that interested people can take advantage of them.

 5. Literature related to ornamental gardening should be distributed free of cost by agricultural universities in regional languages ​​besides Hindi.

 6. Electricity, water, fertilizer and loan facilities should be provided to promote flower cultivation.

 7. There should be concession in freight charges of flowers, seeds, tubers, plants, perfume, oil etc. that are exported.

 8. More research work should be done on ornamental trees, bushes, creepers that make the environment beautiful.

 9. The flower seeds that are exported to foreign countries should be tested by the Horticulture Department first, so that low quality seeds are not exported to foreign countries. 

10. The government should provide technical and financial support in the organization and development of the flower industry, so that the production of flowers can increase.

 11. Education related to flower gardening should be promoted further.

 

If the government and flower producers pay full attention to the above suggestions and try to cultivate flowers in a scientific way, then certainly the production of flowers in our country will increase, which will increase the income of flower producers. Along with this, foreign currency can also be earned by exporting flowers to foreign countries. Due to which the economic condition of the country will also improve.