Basavanagudi Lady Has Mini-Lalbagh At Home

Basavanagudi Lady Has Mini-Lalbagh At Home
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: Everyone loves a green patch, however difficult it is to find one in the fast-transforming garden city. But with innovative ways and a little effort, a small piece of land can be transformed to please the senses.
At least, that’s what Vasumathi Raghunath has proved. Entering her home garden at Basavanagudi is like taking a much-needed break from the chaos. There’s greenery to be found wherever your eyes take you. Take a walk on the Mexican grass in her garden: you are surrounded by flowering plants, a fascinating water cascade, rock garden and hanging creepers. Vasumathi gives her garden the complete personal attention it needs.
The 30 ft X 40 ft garden includes around 400 ornamental plants, 60 cacti, 75 varieties of roses, herbs, fruit plants and more than 30 flowering plants. Some rare species have been imported from the US and other countries.
“Plants have to be looked after like children. They are more sensitive than humans, especially the young ones. Trees are more like grown-ups and can look after themselves. They like their own space,” she says.
Vasumathi has collected the plants over 30 years. “I get flowers throughout the year from my garden. The coloured and fragrant flowers like carolina jasmine, honey suckle, allspice plant, hibiscus, roses, bougainvillea, plumeria, red champak, parijaata, etc, beautify this place,” says the proud owner.
Every evening, the 100-year-old house attains a surreal look when it’s lit up with solar lamps. Clay pots, decoration horses and bamboo baskets add to the garden’s appeal.
By profession, Vasumathi is a carnatic vocalist. She performs and conducts classes. “Both music and nature are divine and close to God. All one needs is dedication. I spend time in the garden and get a different experience being amidst plants. All I want is to nurture them till I’m alive,” she adds.
TRULY PROFESSIONAL
The horticulture department has awarded Vasumathi the ‘best collection of plants in a small area’ award for the past six years. Last year, she received a rolling trophy. This year, she will participate in the home garden competition at the upcoming Lalbagh Republic Day Flower Show
OUTSTANDING PRIVATE GARDEN
Another regular winner of the private garden competition is Priya Mascarenhas, a resident of Richards Town. She has more than 2,000 pots in her half-acre tropical ornamental garden. “I relax and meditate in my garden and it acts as a stress-buster.” She has won the ‘outstanding private garden’ prize for the past 36 years


FLOWER SHOW
The horticulture department will organize the Lalbagh Republic Day Flower Show from January 17-26. Many competitions are held as part of the show to encourage the public to nurture plants and appreciate nature