By Robert R. Requintina
Binibining Pilipinas Globe Michelle Gumabao and Bb Pilipinas Supranational Jehza Huelar took time out from their busy schedules to partner with mom and experts during a miniature landscaping contest held at the Farmer’s Garden in Cubao, Quezon City recently.
This was a new experience for the queens who have been busy since their coronation touring media organizations and lending their voices to various advocacy groups.
“I really love plants. May small plants ako sa loob ng house,” said Gumabao.
Huelar said that she plants succulents at home. “I’m still learning how to grow succulents. There were hits and misses but I still love it!”
At the same event, bonsai enthusiast Dennis Baswell had a Landscaping 101 talk, while kids from communities around Araneta Center paraded in their floral headdresses.
Through events like this, Farmers Garden and Araneta Center aim to show that amid progress, people can still smell the flowers, appreciate nature and, most importantly, take care of the environment.
Located just across Farmers Market on Gen. McArthur Ave, Farmers Garden houses 46 plant stalls and 25 flower shops.
The plant stalls offer various products – from succulents that sell for as low as R15 to the ultra-rare agave cactus which are worth P5,000, and super kabuto cactus that sell for as high as P10,000; to different herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil and peppermint; and ornamental plants like orchids, hydrangeas, African violets, hibiscus, and the beautiful waling-waling. Gardening needs such as pots and pebbles are also on hand in these shops.
Bouquets of flowers retail for as cheap as R350 to as much as much as P3,000 depending on the kinds of flowers and the additional treats that come with them. Popular types of flowers are roses, Malaysian mums, peonies, carnations and stargazers.
Farmers Garden comes in full bloom particularly in the May, and conveniently so. May is known as the Month of Flowers with the traditional Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo happening this time of the year.
