By Nandini Srinivasan

Love and companionship are apparent in nurturing relationships, be it with pets who reciprocate with wagging tails or plants, which silently fill the void when children leave home in pursuit of greener pastures.

Shamala Prasanna, a remarkable plant parent, has been reaping the fruits of this special connection with her lush garden in Lakshmipuram and has consistently won the Dasara Gardening Contest for 26 years, with just a brief hiatus due to the pandemic.

Each plant and tree in Shamala’s garden shares a unique bond with her. They are more than mere flora; they are her constant companions. Many have witnessed her life’s journey, growing alongside these plants since she came to Mysuru in 1990 after her marriage. They have multiplied and, in the process, nurtured a loving family.

Dasara, for Shamala, is a celebration of her bond with nature. It’s a time to blend her collection of dolls with her green companions to create thematic displays, making her garden come alive.

Shamala’s garden isn’t just a well-manicured space; it’s a testament to her creativity and passion. Her creativity extends beyond landscapes to singing for her plants. She believes that this musical connection contributes to their health. Late photojournalist T.S. Satyan visited her garden often to take time off, sitting near the waterfall, listening to the soothing sounds and reading a book, she recollects fondly.

One of the garden’s highlights is a magnificent 70-year-old Christmas tree, a cherished family heirloom. The garden also features a vast Staghorn fern, clinging to the large neem tree by the compound. Shamala, the President of the Srushti Bonsai Circle, is particularly proud of her extensive bonsai collection, boasting over 100 creations.

This year’s Dasara has brought five delightful additions to her garden. A Christmas corner kicks off the festive season, adorned with dolls and miniature scenes from the city of Peru. Another section showcases rural Dasara, while one creatively depicts the Dasara scene in Mysuru using dolls from Egypt and local terracotta figurines. The village and fishing scenes of the China Town are brought to life with small dolls, bridges and boats. A small butterfly park is created with colourful toy butterflies.

For those keen on starting their garden, Shamala advises starting small and gradually developing it. For those already nurturing a garden, she urges them to treat their plants like children: talk to them, sing to them and ensure they are well-fed. These ‘green’ kids will  never disappoint.

In Shamala’s garden, the plants may not speak but their vibrant presence is a testament to the silent bond between a dedicated plant parent and her cherished green companions.