I had a passion for gardening from childhood as my parents were fond of plants and keeping well maintained lawns and balconies.

My trouble started once I shifted to our farm and realised I knew nothing and it became a big challenge. We shifted in April 2012 and for a year I kept struggling with Mali Bhaiyas who themselves knew less but tried to teach me more.

Challenge was of 2.5 acres where crops were to be sown in both seasons , flowers to be planned , lawns to be mowed and endless watering .

A stage came when I was left with one Mali and no knowledge. Grass grew to almost a foot, threat of Peacock who would eat away all planted on ground , squirrels would not leave any fruit on trees or plants . God alone knows what a struggle it was for me.

Then came a worst situation where in the month of January 2013 we were to have a big party as it was our son’s first anniversary. No flowers or

nothing to show off on the farm and about 200 guests were invited . One particular portion around the fountain was to be highlighted, I went to a nearby nursery to pickup pots but knew it will look very obvious and due to approaching Republic day potted flowers were triple the price plus mostly sold out as government had booked in advance for various functions at different venues. Then my sharp eyes saw a big bed of Marigold plants . I bargained to Rs. 10 a plant and paid advance for about 60 plants and said will pick up two days prior to the party , came back relieved as in 600 rupees my bed would be ready n natural. Prepared the bed and planted the flowering Merigold plants and on party day I was thrilled as it costed me just Rs 600 to give the lawn natural beauty while children spent more than Rs 10,000 for cut flower decoration.

I knew I had to learn by hook or crook and now atleast my dependence on Malis alone was not acceptable to me. To my luck I met Dr.Seema Sud Didi at a lunch who was coming direct from AIKGA Gurgoan Unit 39 , Basic

gardening course class where she is a senior Convenor. She came as a God sent angel and encouraged me to join the class as would generously have day one notes provided to me and day 2 onwards I could start the course . This was June-July 2013 and from that day my journey of gardening climbed a different ladder & kept on adding to my knowledge on a trial and error method but atleast I had a base and seniors to answer to my challenges .

In 2016 I gave my farm for judging but was very critically analysed for keeping it poorly. This put me in total depression but my husband and the other seniors and members of AIKGA counselled me and visited the farm and gave guidance which I keenly followed and next year gave the farm for judging and not only got First price in Farm Category but got first and second price for flower pots of Statice and one Cactus. There after I kept increasing my collection by swapping, buying online from all over India .

Next year again I got first prize for Hada Farm and also vegetable basket of 12 Veggies along with various prizes for vegetables in individual category like Romanesco Broccoli, Ginger, Grapefruit , Lemon , Red Cabbage , Raddish two types , Haldi and sweet patato also Sem , in total 12 prizes .

Now I am learning to combat the challenges of Peacocks, squirrels and pests , by using organic pesticides made myself, Jeev amrit , decomposer,using home waste for Compost in pits , leaf mould etc .

I feel less stressed and glad that I have made a whole lot of friends with similar passion for plants and organic gardening, sharing and caring.

Would love to Thank Rama Didi, Shailja mam, Sandeepji and how can I not acknowledge Shashi Kamra who insisted on my joining the H&F Society Whatsapp group.

Hope to continue to improve on a daily basis as each day is a new learning be it walks of life or ways of gardening……