Details of the Main Garden in Rashtrapati Bhavan
Main Garden
This garden is divided into two channels, one running North to South, and another running East to West. Six lotus-shaped fountains are located at the crossroads of these channels. The energetic fountains, which rise to a height of 12 ft, create a soothing murmur that delights visitors. They seem to be frozen in their movements. Reflections of the impressive building and proud flowers can be seen in the channels at the right times of the day. The channels have wooden trays that hold grain for birds.
Two large lawns are present. The central lawn is rectangular with 45 m sides. The East lawn, adjacent to the building is oval in shape and approximately three quarters the size of the Central lawn. The lawns are mowed with ‘Doob” grass, originally imported from Calcutta’s Belvedere Estate. Once a year, the entire lawn is removed and new top soil is applied. It takes about three weeks for the grass growth to recover. Peacock and their companions can be seen moving about in the evenings. Sometimes, a lapwing is seen sitting quietly contemplating the beauty of the surroundings. Spotbiils, Resident ducks from Delhi Region, have made their home in the gardens and channels. Many times they are seen at a family picnic with the gardeneres, who provide bread rmbs as well as delicious greens. There are also parrots, mynahs and dovesmpiegons that bathe and bask with an elegance that inspires admiration and envy in all who see them. Rarely are you able to spot birds such as cormorant, jay, or transiting stork.
The garden’s evergreen texture is derived from Moulsri and Putranjiva Roxburgi as well as Thuja Orientalis, Cypress, Thuja Orientalis, Cypress, Cypress, Thuja Orientalis, China Orange and Cypress trees. It also includes rose shrubs and a variety climbers.
Moulsri, or Bakul, is an Indian tree. They are planted in square areas of lawn along the channels and at the edges of the main lawns. They add depth and character to the garden. Their mild, sweet scent infuses the surrounding areas and they bloom between May and June. This tree was mentioned in the Sangam’ literature, the plays by Kalidasa the great poet and Abul Fazl in Ain-in-Akbari. In Kalidasa’s play, there are interesting details about this tree. Kalidasa compares the tree that is about to bear flowers to a pregnant woman who has a desire for unusual things. The tree was believed to desire to have mouthfuls of liquor from a virtuous maiden during its budding period. This was a privilege reserved for queens and princesses, and celebrated in a royal celebration.
The pavement is lined with cypresses, which add a touch formality due to their full, unchanging shape. They provide depth and perspective by being planted axially. China Oranges are a nice break from monotony and can be planted alternately with Cypresses. While Cypress is associated with death and the afterlife, China Oranges are a symbol of renewal and celebration of life.
The two gazebos at the western end of the terrace gardens are home to Putranjiva Roxburgi. These gazebos, which are a skeletal structure made of stone beams, are unique and create a peaceful oasis of repose when combined with the shade of Putrnajiva Roxburgi.
Thuja Orientalis is a coniferous tree that has been beautifully trimmed in squares made of Golden Duranta hedges. It makes for a stunning sight. This combination is placed around the perimeter of the main garden, marking the intersections and ends in the pattern.
These creepers and evergreen, fragrant shrubs are planted along terrace walls.
- Raat ki Rani
- Mogra
- Motiya
- Juhi
- Bignenia Vanista (Golden Showers)
- Gardenia
- Rhyncospermum
- Petrea
- Harshringar
- Bougainvillea
- Adenocalymma, or Garlic Creeper
- Hedera Helix
- Climbing Roses
- Tecoma Grandiflora
- The Rangoon Creeper
Roses bloom all year. Roses are at their best when they are cut back in October each year. Roses, along with the evergreens, help to maintain a consistent texture throughout the year.
It boasts more than 250 rose varieties, making it one of the most famous Rose Gardens in the World. Bonne Nuit, Oklahoma roses are close to becoming black. It has blues like Paradise and Blue Moon as well as Lady X. The rare green rose is also available. Roses have some interesting names. Mother Teresa, Jawahar and Dr.B.P.Pal are just a few of the Indians who have made their home here. John F.Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth are among the international stars. Other notable mentions include Christian Diar and Happiness, Century Two. First Prize, Jantar Mandatar, Peter Frankenfeld. American Heritage. Iceberg, Granada. World Rose. Command Performance. Imperator. There are many other attractions that can be enjoyed, and they are all worth mentioning.
Details of the Main Garden in Rashtrapati Bhavan
Many herbaceous annuals, biennuals and perennials can be grown in beds or informal borders. The beds are placed along the sidewalks and at the edges of the lawns. The floweres are arranged in a way that is not consistent with their height. They are also grouped together in pleasing colour combinations to create a harmonious, natural effect.
In preparation for the “At Homes” hosted each year by the President on the occasion of the Republic Day (26th January) or the Independence Day (15TH August), the planting of seasonals takes place twice a year. These events are held in the Central lawn.
Winters are tough in the garden because there are so many annuals competing for space. Calendulas, Antirrhinums, Dimorphotheca and Eschscholzia (Californian Poppy), Larkspurs, Gaznias, Gerberas, Godetias, Linarias, Mesembryanthemums, Portulacas, Brachycomes, Metucharias, Verbenas, Violas, Pansy, Stock are all dwarf annuals that thrive in flower beds. Dahlias, Aster and Chrysamthemum are also grown. They can be used as pure beds or in combination of different heights to create a pyramid of colour.
Details of the Main Garden in Rashtrapati Bhavan
Alyssum and Phlox are responsible for edging and bordering flower beds. Daisies are grown under the standard roses, as well as Pansies and Viola, Mesembryanthemums, Pansies and Viola.
Bulbous flowering plants such as Narcissus, Freesia and Zephyranthrus have a naturalizing effect.