| John Rose, Kuzhippallam Botanical Gardens, Nellimood, Thiruvananthapuram |
“Although my late father had once scolded me during childhood for growing wild plants in front of the house, after his death, I felt a prompting from High Heavens to decorate his 1-cent resting place with plants. That act soon won me praise of many. In continuation of that, 34 years ago, I started a nursery in the 15-cent family plot. And that has now grown into the 15-acre Kuzhippallam Botanical Gardens today,” summarises John Rose of Nellimood, Thiruvananthapuram about nursery that is his passion and livelihood.
The first phase of his quest was in gathering as many items of plants and techniques as possible. As the demand for saplings increased, a 3-acre coconut farm in the neighbourhood was converted into nursery. The growth of saplings contributed to the rejuvenation of coconuts that were till then in a stunted phase of growth.
Collection of roses, herbal plants, 1000-odd bonsais, ornamental plants, lawns etc are prepared here avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides. John and his two brothers, George Kutty and Joshy, together with 80 workers manage the nursery that has won many awards in the flower shows held in and around Thiruvananthapuram.
Perhaps, considering the number of visitors to the nursery, KSRTC runs a minibus 4 times a day to it.
Courtesy:
M.P.Ayyappa Das (text), Karshakan, December 2006
Contributed by: Administrator
