Egypt's most prolific horticulturists are presenting their goods at the 88th annual Spring Flower Fair, currently under way at Giza's famed Orman Botanical Garden. The fair, which runs until Tuesday, April 13, is one of Cairo’s most anticipated annual events, and brings together a plethora of trees, flowers, exotic plants and agricultural goods. This year, 223 exhibitors are participating in the event. The majority are selling flora that are native to Egypt, including roses and bougainvillea, both of which feature heavily this year. "I am most proud of my Baladi roses; we have them in red, pink, and white," Ibrahim Mohamed, an exhibitor of local flora, tells <em>The National</em>. Other vendors specialise in more exotic plants, which are more expensive because many are imported. “I deal mostly in Japanese bonsai trees. Some of them are nurtured for over 50 years before they are sold,” reveals Mahmoud Said, another exhibitor. While most of the products on display are intended for decorative purposes, edible products are also being highlighted this year. Several vendors are selling dates and olives from the Siwa oasis, while others are showcasing raw honey made at Egyptian apiaries. There are also cosmetic items on sale this year, with some vendors selling essential and carrier oils that visitors can use for skin or hair care. Tickets to the event are sold for 5 Egyptian pounds ($0.32), which makes the fair an attractive outing for Egyptians from all strata of society. “I come every year; the tickets are really cheap and the garden is really beautiful. Even if you’re not buying anything you can still have a great time,” says Azza Yehia, a mother-of-three. This year’s turnout is lower than previous years, something that some of the vendors have noticed. “We were worried about participating this year, especially with news going around of a third wave of corona,” says Mohamed. “There are definitely fewer people this year, especially because of social distancing rules, but the turnout is still good.” A section of the fair is dedicated to herbs and spices, and it is among one of the most visited this year, as well as the most aromatic. Spice vendors have laid out several bags containing everything from cumin to Ethiopian spice mixes. Another section features exhibits by some of Cairo’s foremost landscaping companies, with trees, bushes and flowers trimmed in unusual shapes, including sphinxes and elephants. The landscaping exhibits also host sellers of garden accoutrements, lawn furniture and light fixtures. The fair has made the 28-acre Orman Botanical Garden its home since it was launched. The garden is one of the oldest in the Mena region, having opened in 1875 under the reign of Khedive Ismail Pasha, who established it as part of his palace. The garden is now one of Giza’s most well-known landmarks.
