A worker works in a flower garden in Beijing's Fengtai District in this photo published on Tuesday, April 15, 2008. [Photo:cnr.cn]

Florists in Beijing's Fengtai District expect business to peak in late April, when their products be used to decorate the main streets and Olympic venues of the capital.

Rare varietals such as petunias, pansies and camomile have already sold like mad, China National Radio's Web site cnr.cn reported.

Liu Dejun, the manager of a flower plantation, said he has expanded his base to nearby Hebei Province to meet the increasing demand from the Beijing market.

"I have been busy signing contracts with buyers demanding plants this coming July and August," he said.

The Olympic Games has greatly driven up the flower business, Liu added.

Growing flowers has become a family business for many of the villagers, Yin Yuhong, the manager from another flower garden in the district, said.

Fengtai District has been dubbed the "flower dock" of northern China for its large flower exports.

(CRI April 16, 2008)