Five lakh plants to be raised in Sims Park

NILGIRIS: Ahead of the tourism season, officials have started plantation works at Sims Park, owned by the Horticulture Department in Coonoor, on Monday.

In April and May, tourists from across the state are expected to visit Coonoor and Ooty. Hence, the horticultural department is planning to plant around five lakh flowering plants as well as raise seedlings before February 20.

A senior official from the horticulture department told TNIE, “We have started planting 35 types of Salvia, Dalia, Penstemon, two types of marigold (inco and French), begonia, Antirrhinum, delphinium, Pansy, phlox, and Petunia in 130 varieties (mixed, double, and single colours) across the Sims Park, which is spread over 30 acres. Out of 30 acres, we have used almost 23 acres for planting. In this regard, we have engaged 75 workers.”