The country's first International Horticulture Expo will transform Chiang Mai - the Rose of the North - into a garden of plenty for three months, beginning in November next year. And you don't have to be a gardener or a botanist to enjoy the vibrant flora.

Taking place in Chiang Mai's agriculture research centre in the hills, the International Horticulture Expo, also known as Royal Ratchaphruek 2006, will celebrate His Majesty the King's Diamond Jubilee in 2006 and his 80th birthday in 2007.

"The expo takes place from one year to another because we want to honour His Majesty the King on two special occasions," says Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Sudarat Keyuraphan.

His Majesty, who has contributed wholeheartedly to the betterment of Thai agriculture, will have been on the throne for 60 years in 2006 and celebrates his 80th birthday the following year.

"To express love for humanity" is the theme of the International Horticulture Expo in Chiang Mai. Reflecting the country's enduring relationship with nature and its riches, the theme is meant to remind people of the many ways in which mankind is nurtured by Mother Nature, in the same unselfish manner in which the King cares for his people.

"More than 2.5 million plants of 25,000 species are set for display," says Chakan Saengruksawong of the Department of Agriculture. "This expo will be the world's largest collection of tropical plants, including very rare species."

Eighty hectares of mountainous valley will be the site for seven main exhibitions, including the Garden of the King, World of Tropical Plants and Flowers, International Gardens and the Royal Plaza.

The Garden of the King, for example, will an outdoor exhibition featuring 30 international gardens and 80 domestic gardens spread over 500 square metres. All will be designed and decorated to display and reflect His Majesty the King's wisdom.

A highlight of the show will be the International Gardens marked out for blossoms, blooms and horticulture, as well as the arts and architecture of 30 countries.

A competition in rare plants, glasshouses, desert gardens, kitchen and herb gardens will also take place on the side.

"One of the best shows will be the Night Garden with fireflies," says Preecha SananWattananont, an expo manager.

"Imagine strolling in the dark through a fragrant garden illuminated only by fireflies."

Endorsed by the International Association of Horticulture Producers and fully supported by the Thai government, the horticulture show is expected to capture international interest and attention.

"The expo will add zing to the tourism industry in Chiang Mai and the northern provinces," says Sudarat.

"We expect two million visitors to Chiang Mai during the three months of this horticulture expo."

After January 2007, the government plans to convert the 80 hectares of exhibition area into a public park.

Phoowadon Duangmee

The Nation