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Colour, enthusiasm and excitement proved an irresistible mix for visitors to the three-day Bahrain International Garden Show fiesta, writes Anasuya Kesavan.
The event attracted 25,090 visitors to the exhibition centre and was used as a platform to launch the national training organisation Tamkeen's agricultural sector development programme.
The scheme developed along with Ebdaa Bank has allocated BD4 million to support 600 farmers over a two-year period to adopt modern techniques and methods.
Companies offering a variety of specialised services and products for making outdoor spaces more attractive exhibited alongside local landscapers and agricultural workers.
Twelve of the kingdom's farmers engaged in growing palm trees, flowers, vegetables, fruits, grass and fodder took advantage of the opportunity to display their products.
The area was beautifully decorated by the Om Al Kadar Wileef Company from Zallaq which created stalls, stools, tables, chairs and flower pots made entirely with the by-products of the palm tree called 'areesh'. Owner Mohammed Al Jaboori was present showing his wares to visitors with his father Rabiya Hussain Juma, 85, and son Umran, 12.
And, spring onions, coriander, tomatoes, parsley, cabbage, cauliflower, red carrots, tamarind and pumpkins were the attraction in Sayed Jawad Ebrahim Ali Abdulgani's stall that displayed vegetables grown at his farm in Budaiya.
Moussa Farahat, a partner in Lebanon Waterfalls, said: "We offer handmade waterfalls that are completely produced in Bahrain. We are also into designing landscapes and irrigation systems.
"I particularly came for the networking opportunities. It is a well-publicised show and attracts people from all over."
Jehad Al Sherawi, chief executive of the Al Muharraq Pickles Factory from Muharraq, had a range of Arabic and Indian pickles, natural vinegar and cheese in his cart and said: "I started my company 12 years ago with a capital of just BD20. Today, I have a capacity for making 5,000 bottles of pickles a month and my products are being retailed out of markets and supermarkets in Bahrain and Kuwait."
Among the many first time exhibitors were three sisters Nadia, Shakina and Shayma Shams who together run Nadia Sweet from their home in Riffa.
They exhibited their innovative cup cakes, chocolates, cookies, brownies and decorative cakes designed in many interesting ways including a bunch of flowers and popular Arabic cartoon characters.
One of the greenest sections of the show was an exhibit by Dr Ashraf M Omran with produce from his Budaiya-based Al Ghalia Farms.
He uses innovative hydrophonic technology that does not use any soil in plant cultivation. Roots of mint, parsley, lettuce leaves of all kinds and tomatoes are dipped in water or constantly watered through sprinklers.
A Moroccon stall was very attractive with beautiful doors, spices and was manned by staff in traditional costumes and Italian firm Terrae d'Italia showcased marble, mosaic, garden furniture, orange trees, pomegranate and Italian coffee and offered their expertise in outdoor decoration.
There was even a pet shop offering animal grooming services and accessories on display hoping to reach out to larger audiences in Bahrain through the popular show.
