Raj Bhavan Garden

The garden is covered with green lawns. There are many flower beds in the middle and side of the lawn. A variety of flowers are planted in the garden, both in beds and pots. Annuals like Calendula, Antirrhinum, Alyssum, Pansy, Stock, Petunia, Ornamental cabbage, Dimorphotheca, Dianthus, Zinnia, Verbena, Sweet William, Chinese Umbrella, Schizanthus, Phlox etc.... are grown in beds. Other flowers that are grown include Dahlia, Chrysanthemum, Marigold, Geranium, Ranunculus, Cineraria, Salvia, Poppy, Lily, .etc. They are planted in pots as well as in beds. Some flowers like Orchids, Gerbcra, Anthurium, Tulips, etc. which require special care (especially during winter) are planted inside the poly house. Apart from flowers, some foliage plants arc planted which purifies the air and increases the oxygen content of the air- in the vicinity of Raj Bhavan. Coleus, Jade plant, Money plant, Aglaonema, Spider plant, some ferns etc. are some foliage plants that are grown in pots as well as on ground.

Evergreen trees like Silver Oak, Himalayan Cypress, Blue Pine, Jacaranda, Khasi Pine, Mediterranean Cypress, Deodar, and many other trees enhances the overall look of the garden by breaking the monotony of height of the green lawns. Some Rhododendron trees are also in and around the lawn. All these trees give the Raj Bhavan premises a majestic look. Apart from these trees, there are also some fruit trees like Guava, Pear, Plum, Peach, Orange (Khasi Mandarin) etc. in the garden. Among all the trees, Maiden hair tree (Ginkgo biloha Linn.) gets a special mention because of its beautiful leaves which turns golden yellow in autumn and then falls rapidly. It is one of the world's oldest living tree species.
Some vegetables like Cabbage, Broccoli, Beet, Radish, Potato, Pumpkin, Bitter Gourd, Spinach, Knol khol, Brinjal etc are grown in the vegetable garden to meet the kitchen requirements. During off season some vegetables are planted in polyhouse so that there is supply of vegetables even during off season.
There are four fountains at different areas, which adds to the beauty of the garden, especially when it lies up at night. There is a small park for children with some amusement facilities near the Governor's Secretariat. In one corner of the garden, there are some Monoliths or Mawbynna as it is called in local Khasi language. These Mawbynna adds a traditional touch to one area of the garden because of its traditional and cultural value to the indigenous local people.

 

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