Timeless appeal of flowers

From L-R: Water lilies, roses and orchids

Kuhu, designer and artist: My favourite is the shapla (water lily) because it blends so beautifully with the ponds. There is something uplifting about seeing shapla flowers floating on water with a gentle breeze in the background. The flowers infuse a sense of calmness in the viewer.

I like flowers in general and not just at Eid time. I often use flowers to enhance the aesthetic appeal of my home.

The giving and taking of flowers is a relatively new phenomenon in Bangladesh. For me flowers are highly appreciated any time of the year and can be called timeless. I just can't imagine a world without flowers.

Moreover, when one gives flowers as gifts, what counts is not the cost, size; what matters is that it conveys a positive message to the receiver.

Sara Zaker, advertising professional, theatre actor-director and TV producer: I love all the Bangladeshi flowers, particularly those of the monsoon season. I would say my favourites are beli, rajanigandha and jui. For decoration, I prefer orchids in a vase. In fact I like orchids more than roses because rose petals dry up easily and fall off.

I like to place a bouquet of flowers on my dining table, not all over the house. Moreover, I have flowers largely on special occasions. Needless to say, I love to get and present flowers.

Iffat Ara Dewan, Tagore singer and artist: I like the beli flower, which is visible from April to

August. I also go for the gondhoraj. Another favourite is the agnishikha with its beautiful colours. In my view, flowers should not be confined to special occasions. Rather they are special all year round because they lift one's spirit, lighten up a room and have a very regal presence. With flowers, a home doesn't need any other embellishments and they have an enduring appeal.

I don't miss flowers in my home because I have flowers on my verandah such as aparajita and madhobi Lata (a creeper plant).

Lubna Marium, dancer and writer: My tastes in flowers run to jasmine, gardenia, tube roses and dolon Champa. And it's not just about their beauty; they are symbols of well-being, happiness and caring. As I see it, giving flowers to someone represents a sign of caring.

The giving and taking of flowers on special occasions is a western concept. In my mind flowers are reserved for those one cares about deeply.