*Kashmir’s autumn tourism gets new attraction with Chrysanthemum Garden: Dir Masoom*

Srinagar, Oct 22 Kashmir’s autumn tourism is set to receive a major boost with the opening of the Chrysanthemum Garden, where around 3.5 lakh flowering plants have been planted, with the bloom expected to continue until early December, Director Floriculture, Gardens and Parks, Kashmir, Mathoora Masoom, said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in Srinagar, Masoom said the garden had been developed with expanded flower beds, vibrant floral displays, water features, pergolas, selfie points and improved facilities for visitors.

“This is our dream project, and we want the importance and popularity of our Chrysanthemum Garden to be exactly the same as our Tulip Garden. We do not want any season of Kashmir to be dull. Spring will be associated with tulips and autumn with chrysanthemums,” she said, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

She said the garden had been designed around chrysanthemums, with trees including chinar, maple and ginkgo adding to the colourful autumn landscape.

Acknowledging the weather-related challenges faced during preparations, Masoom said officers and gardeners of the department worked collectively to complete the project.

She said the flowers could remain in bloom for around one-and-a-half months and may continue until December 5 or 6, depending on weather conditions.

Masoom expressed hope that the garden would attract a large number of visitors during the autumn season and further strengthen Kashmir’s tourism appeal beyond the traditional tulip season.—(KNO)