SIRAO GARDEN

In Cebu, Philippines, a so-called “Mini Amsterdam” is attracting tourists from all over the country and even foreigners. It is the famous “Sirao Flower Farm” located in a mountain barangay just few minutes from JY, Lahug, Cebu City. It all started when a couple planted flowering plants to be harvested and sold on All Soul’s Day. They then noticed that their garden is attracting visitors so they decided not to cut them at all. The incursion of tourists encouraged them to plant more. The more plants and flowers in the garden meant more visitors too. Since tulips and hyacinths are hard to grow in a hot climate, celosia flowers are grown in Sirao Flower Farm instead. These flowers are as colorful and attractive as the tulips. Celosia is the main flower grown in Sirao Flower Farm. This flower is considered to be a genus of edible and ornamental plants of the Amaranth family, Amaranthaceae. Its name was derived from the Ancient Greek word “kḗleos” which means “burning” and it refers to its flame-like flower heads. Aside from Celosias, other variety of flowers are grown in the farm. Flowers like sunflower, chrysanthemum, daisy and aster are among the flowers that are planted there. These flowers provide a perfect edge for picture taking.