Venkaiah Naidu to inaugurate Delhi's second rose garden on June 15

Welcome the second 'rose garden' of the Capital! The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has developed a space exclusively for the fragrant flowers on Satya Marg, Chanakyapuri. Built on sprawling 3 acres, it stands across the existing 'India-Africa Friendship Rose Garden' on Shantipath. It is likely to be inaugurated on June 15 by Urban Development minister M Venkaiah Naidu.

VARIETIES AND TYPES OF ROSES

NDMC officials said the garden will delight residents, tourists and officials of embassies in the area alike. Large lily and lotus ponds are being created at the new rose garden. Besides, ornamental fountains are also being installed. A horticulture official said, "Nearly 70 varieties of roses have been planted here, akin to the ones with which 'India-Africa Friendship Rose Garden' has been adorned. This includes natives, hybrids and miniatures."

Colourful Rosa Louis Odier, Rosa Double Delight, Voor Elisa, Blush Rambler, Clementine and Rosa Cricket are some.

INDIA-AFRICA FRIENDSHIP ROSE GARDEN

Last year, the Urban Development Ministry handed over the erstwhile 'National Rose Garden' to NDMC. Previously being maintained by the Rose Society of India, it had fallen into disuse. The municipal body revived the garden by planting close to 6,000 indigenous and exotic roses. Pathways, trellises for rose creepers, and even a high tea lounge was set up.

It was inaugurated on the occasion of the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit on October 26, 2015, by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in the presence of foreign minister of Republic of Madagascar, Beatrice Jeanine Atallah; ambassador of Ethiopia, Gennet Zewide and representatives from 54 countries. Hence, it was named the 'India-Africa Friendship Rose Garden'. NDMC had been wanting to develop the equal-size land, across Shantipath, into another rose garden since then.