When Veena Rathi looks at her lush home garden in Southwest Delhi, she sees more than just plants. She sees memories, resilience, and a journey that spans decades and cities. What started with a single cycas palm in 1980 has now bloomed into a thriving green paradise, a testament to her unwavering love for nature.
Veena has moved homes more than 12 times, a life shaped by her father’s and later her husband’s army postings. But through every move, one thing remained constant—her plants. “Every time we packed our belongings, I made sure my plants came along too,” she recalls with a chuckle. “Once, I even joked that I needed a separate truck just for them!”
Not all plants survived the long journeys, especially when moving from humid Bengal to the scorching heat of Rajasthan. Yet, her cycas palm thrived, adapting to every new climate, just like Veena herself. “It taught me resilience,” she says. “No matter where life takes you, you can bloom if you adapt.”
Creating a Forest in the Heart of a City
Today, Veena’s garden is a riot of colors—vibrant dahlias, delicate hydrangeas, bold bougainvillea, and fragrant roses. Birds, butterflies, and bees visit often, drawn to the harmony of nature she has created. “I know each plant by name,” she says proudly. “They are my family.”
But maintaining such a garden in an urban apartment isn’t easy. Veena has mastered the art of space management—her veranda is filled with potted greens, while a narrow lane beside her house is transformed into a walking path lined with plants.
Her secret? Understanding plants like old friends. “Most plants don’t die because of neglect; they die from too much care—overwatering is the biggest mistake,” she explains. Over the years, she has learned when to water, when to trim, and when to simply let them be.
Nature’s Own Air Purifier
Living in Delhi, where air pollution levels are often dangerously high, Veena has found a way to breathe easy—by surrounding herself with natural air purifiers. Her home is filled with snake plants, areca palms, spider plants, and money plants, all known to combat indoor pollution. “While the city battles toxic air, my home is a fresh, green oasis,” she says.
But beyond aesthetics and clean air, Veena’s garden has given her something more profound—life lessons. “Plants teach patience, resilience, and faith. They endure storms, harsh summers, and freezing winters, yet they bloom again. They’ve taught me that no matter what happens, brighter days will always come.”
And just like her plants, Veena continues to grow, bloom, and inspire—a living testament to the power of nature and the human spirit.