A worker tends flowers being cultivated in a greenhouse. [Photo/Baotou news network]

Flowers are an indispensable part of urban greening and beautification each year from May until the end of October, large numbers of them are planted on both sides of the roads and in park squares in Baotou city – located in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region – to enhance its appearance.

In order to do a great job in flower cultivation, the landscaping development center of the Hondlon district bureau of housing and urban-rural development in Baotou purchased various high-quality flower seeds in advance. Its staff members then began cultivation of the seedlings in December last year.

The center has introduced and cultivated more than 30 kinds of herbal flowers, perennial flowers and ornamental grasses – all of which will be used for the greening of the urban landscape and the placement of flower borders and flower beds this year.

Every year, the center cultivates three batches of flowers, starting in December of the previous year and going through to March and May of the current year. Its staff members adjust the flower varieties according to the needs of urban development – with 400,000 potted flowers decorated for the urban streetscape of the district.

At present, the workers are preparing the first batch and the second batch of flower seedlings. The first batch of more than 100,000 plants will be planted in early May.