Lebanon’s First Lady Nadia Chami Aoun inaugurated on Wednesday the 15th edition of the Garden Show & Spring Festival at Beirut Hippodrome under the theme, ‘Sounds in the garden’. Some 220 exhibitors showcased a large selection of plants, flowers, outdoor furniture and accessories and all kinds of gardening equipment. The 4-day event is expected to attract a crowd of 20,000 or more persons. According to Joumana Damous, managing director of Hospitality Services, the festival is important because it highlights green spaces and extends an opportunity for visitors to discover original ideas to enrich and decorate their balconies, terraces and gardens. Showgoers can also learn about many art installations and design displays, said Myriam Shouman, co-organizer of the event. To note, nearly 10% of the entrance fees proceeds will go to help charities chosen for this year, namely Les Restaurants du Coeur, Caritas, CCCL and Tamanna association. (An Nahar, Al Diyar, June 1, 2018)