(Hong Kong – 17 March 2012) Ocean Park is proud to again celebrate the coming of spring at the annual Hong Kong Flower Show, which kicked off yesterday at Victoria Park, with a vibrant exhibit that features iconic natural topiary animals including the giant panda, red panda and sea lions in celebration of the park’s 35th Anniversary. This year, the Park was awarded “Award for Outstanding Exhibit (Landscape Display) - Gold Award” at the show.
To echo the symbolic meaning of hyacinths, the theme of the show this year, blessing and wishes, the iconic animals featured in the Park’s exhibit come together not only to make a birthday wish to Ocean Park, but also join hands to pledge for a healthier planet.
The entrance of the exhibit was designed to be a giant gift box. When visitors step inside, they are greeted by a living floral birthday cake at the centre of the party. To the left is a lush sea of flowers of dianthus, sunflowers, nemesia and violets, where marine animals cavort in the form of festive topiaries, including precious fish species like the hammerhead shark and manta ray. On the other side, the giant panda has gathered with the red panda and other land creatures in greeting visitors. Do not miss the chance to take a picture with the lively sea lion as well!
The Park’s landscaping team has adopted a variety of plants such as the aster, azalea, geranium, and petunia, as well as ferns like Alsophila spinulosa, Cyathea latebrosa and Lycopodium nummularifolium and carnivorous plants to showcase the vibrant biodiversity in nature.
‘We are very proud to have received the award this year and I would like to dedicate this prize to our Landscaping team who have transformed traditional beautiful plants into incredible animal images. I hope the floral display will inspire the public to protect our land and ocean, which are home to all of our plants and animals,’ said Todd Hougland, Ocean Park’s Executive Director for Operations and Entertainment.
