The capital city of Pyongyang is presenting a striking green landscape.

In keeping with modern streets and monumental edifices being built across the city one after another, the afforestation sector is pushing ahead with a range of projects to create new green areas.

Afforestation and landscaping projects are at their heights in the new, modern residential quarters, majestically transforming the relevant areas.

Zelkova trees have been planted in a row along the roads in Hwasong Street, while the roadside green areas have been decorated with different species of flowering plants to create a conspicuous landscape. In particular, thousands of ornamental flowering plants have been planted inside the roundabouts, adding beauty to the street.

The afforestation workers plant roses in green areas and colourful species of trees such as red maples, golden-leaf pagoda trees and purple-leaf plum trees, ordinary species such as ginkgo, zelkova and apricot trees, as well as needle-leaf and broadleaf trees, in proper combination along Rimhung, Kwangbok, Yongung, Pipha and Rangnang streets.

They also plant aquatic plants of different shapes and colours such as cannas, marigold and salvia along the brook in the Jangsan-dong area and the banks of the Pothong River, which adds beauty to the surrounding landscape and contributes to improving water quality.

Meanwhile, projects for remodelling parks and pleasure grounds to meet the cultural demands of the people are going on a regular basis.

The April 15 Children’s Flower Garden has been spruced up with many trees and flowering plants such as zelkova and rose, so as to make it a study site for giving students an extensive knowledge of nature and plants.

Planned projects to renovate parks and recreation grounds, including Mangyongdae Flower Park, Pothong Riverside Park and Sinwon Park, are underway.

Flowerpot stands and flower beds with cockscomb, morning glory, cineraria, rose, chrysanthemum and pansy have been arranged by the main roads, thus bringing pleasure to the citizens.

Ornamental plants depicting bear, rabbit, horse, dolphin and other animals with juniper, box and thuja, and arranged in spiral, conical, square-shaped and other geometric patterns draw the attraction of the passers-by.

Flowering plants, flowering trees and ground-covering plants make residential areas and workplaces more attractive.

“The spectacular landscape is of great significance not only in enhancing the people’s cultural and emotional life but also in protecting the ecological environment of the capital city,” said Pak Chol Ryong, vice-director of the Afforestation Bureau of the Pyongyang Municipal People’s Committee.

Yang Ryon Hui