Pune: As cities expand vertically, many urban dwellers seek solace in nature. With limited space, people turn to their balconies and terraces to create personal green spaces. In Pune, a data scientist has successfully converted her compact balcony into a lush oasis with an impressive 500 plants.
Manasi Dunakhe, an IT professional with 15 years of experience, had always envisioned having her own garden. When she moved into her new home in 2018, she finally embarked on her gardening journey. However, the process was far from smooth.
“The plants I initially brought home from the nursery looked beautiful but failed to survive. It was frustrating. I realized I had to learn proper plant care from scratch,” she shared.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, gardening became more than just a hobby—it became a coping mechanism. “Amid the stress and uncertainty, tending to plants brought me peace. I focused on understanding soil composition, drainage, light requirements, and plant care techniques. Gradually, I saw progress,” she explained.
What started as a small passion soon evolved into a dedicated commitment. “Gardening keeps me grounded. It teaches patience, helps me slow down, and gives me a comforting retreat when life gets overwhelming,” she added.
Today, Manasi nurtures 500 plants, including philodendrons, monstera, thunbergia, tillandsia, dieffenbachia, fiddle leaf fig, radermachera, pothos, calathea, ferns, lilies, mogra, bougainvillea, and ranjani.
Maintaining such a green haven in an apartment comes with its challenges, especially mosquito control. “I use neem oil sprays containing Azadirachtin. They effectively manage pests and mosquitoes without relying on harmful chemicals,” she explained.
She encourages others to try gardening, no matter how small the effort. “Even a few pots on a windowsill can bring immense joy, tranquility, and a sense of connection to nature,” she said.
