Anu Duggal’s well-kept multilevel gardens make me label her home as a ‘little paradise’ in the hustle and bustle of GK 2. She exudes a lot of peace and has a very calm-ing presence… we attribute this to her extreme passion for gardening and her love for bonsais and tray gardens, in which she is an expert.
Over a cup of chai and snacks, she fondly remembers, how her father-in-law, who was an expert at growing roses, inspired her to try her hand at gardening, and the Kitchen Garden Association, helped her hone her skills further. Healthy indoor plants all around are a sure proof of how she treasures nature all around her.
As we tread out to explore her lawn, a patch of 49 year old grass instantly greets and soothes us. This extends into a row of huge peace lilies on one side and very bright and bushy cochias on the other. A row of blooming gerberas, with cute lanterns add to the fun element. Jades, Ficus, and Euphorbias are planted for mass effect. The different varieties of Syngonium are a visual treat indeed! A little stand with colourful kettles, beautifully adorned with money plants does stand out!
We are truly mesmerized by her collection of cacti and succulents and her unique tray gardens, some almost 10 years old! These truly are her trophies for her hard work and patience. She has grown cacti in wooden logs and pineapple heads in water! No, it doesn’t end here! We are led to the terrace that has baingans galore in four big grow bags. Fat, old adeniums speak volumes of Anu’s passion and dedication. An old used trunk has been cleverly converted into a herb garden!
She is lovingly nurturing the garden whose foundation was laid by her father in law as a loving tribute to his memory.
An hour gone… ‘into her garden we went, to lose our minds and find our souls’! We leave awestruck by her creativity and immense talent.
