Gardening for a better environment

(Text and photos by BECKY BUENAVENTURA)

The recent on-slaught of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng caused devastation of properties, the environment, and even death for some of our kababayans. We can only surmised that these may just be the initial ill-effects of climate change due to man’s lack of concern or maybe education on environmental protection. 

Hence, to create awareness of environmental care through gardening and in celebration of the 31st anniversary of the Cactus and Succulent Society of the Philippines (CSSP), we will be holding a garden show with the theme “Gardening for a Better Environment” from Nov. 20 to 30 at the Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Rd., Quezon City.

The show will be held in cooperation and through the kind support of the Quezon Memorial Circle Administration under the leadership of engineer Zaldy dela Rosa. On top of this event and in full support of our endeavor is our chairman and over-all chairperson Kevin G. Belmonte, co-chaired by our indefatigable president Dorie S. Bernabe.

The various heads of the standing committees are Boyet Ganigan and Rap Eugenio, landscape and physical arrangement; Tess Baldonado and Sally Obien, commercial lease; Kevin Belmonte, judging; Mely Sibayan, finance, awards and invitations, Nanding Aurigue and Peter Bangayan, plant registration and awards; Serapion Metilla, education and publicity; Becky Buenaventura, opening ceremony, programs and secretariat; Elisa Montecastro, souvenir programs; Norma Villanueva, secretariat, raffle and marketing; Botchie Canicula, invitations; Jeff Patiag and Nolie Perez, security; Aireen Bernal and Lita Meneses, cleanliness; Lettie Ligon and Linda Khitri, ways and means; and Mameng Florento, reception.

The exhibit will include the following activities: A xerophytic (cacti and succulents) landscape from five exhibitors, and 14 dish garden landscape exhibit, a showcase of 15 ornamental plants exhibit, a table exhibit of the rarest cacti and succulents, and a special booth for the collection of our avid succulent enthusiast, president Dorie Bernabe. Another feature for plant lovers is our commercial section for plants and other garden products together with a Christmas bazaar. Expect to see products from Ilocos Norte, Baguio and Rizal. There are still a few commercial spaces available for those who are interested.

On a daily basis, two lectures and demonstrations will be conducted at 2 p.m. The topics on cacti and succulents cover lectures on “Basic Care of Cacti and Succulents, Caudiciforms and Other Unusual Succulents,” “Growing Cacti and Succulents in the Tropics,” “Care and Propagation of Hoya, and Indoor Plantscaping.” Other topics include “Money Making Opportunities in Farming and Gardening,” “Causes and Effects of Climate Change,” “Zero Waste Management,” “Penging, the Art of Bonsai,” “Urban Agriculture,” etc. ( Please refer to the complete schedule below).

The opening day ceremony on Nov. 20, at 3:30 p.m. will be graced by Quezon City Mayor Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista and Joy Belmonte.

We invite you to come and visit our exhibit. Attend and participate in our daily lectures and demonstrations. Raffle prizes of plants and plant- related items await the lucky participant.

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For inquries, call Becky at 842-5035, SMS 0917-8154779, e-mail: beckybuenaventura@yahoo.com, or Mely at 929-1744, SMS 0917-5333809

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SCHEDULE OF LECTURES AND DEMONSTRATIONS