While the Covid-19 outbreak compelled most of us to isolate ourselves at home, it inspired a couple in Patna to take up gardening as a hobby to keep them occupied during these trying times. What began as a fun activity during the lockdown has now grown into a full-fledged nursery company.
Everything linked to gardening is easily available at their nursery, 'Anshuman Garden,' from affordable flowering plants to horticultural instructions over the phone.
The owners of this nursery, Revathi Raman Sinha and his wife Anshu Sinha, who live in Patna's Kankarbagh neighborhood, get at least 500 orders per day.
In an interview, Revathi said: "We decided to grow plants on our terrace while we were in the house during the Covid-induced lockdown. Anshu persuaded me to do it, and when I did it for the first time, I was immediately enamored with it."
Revathi went on to say that he began producing several sorts of ornamental and flowering plants after learning the subtleties of gardening on YouTube. Their 1,500-square-foot patio is currently home to over 200 plant types, including some that are evergreen, such as hibiscus. Vegetables of various kinds are also grown here.
The couple had produced so many plants in the previous year that they decided to open a nursery and sell saplings on the internet for a low price.
"Unlike other nurseries, we are not solely concerned with making a profit. They sell plants by shipping them in from other locations, whereas we produce the plants ourselves, which allows us to make a profit despite selling them at low costs."
When a sapling or other materials valued at Rs 600 are ordered from their nursery, the items are delivered to the customer's address.
Aside from that, the pair uses social media to share information about their garden with others.
WhatsApp and Facebook are two excellent platforms for spreading flower and plant information among buyers.
They also sell organic compost made from food scraps.
Anshu Sinha, a schoolteacher, explained: "Initially, I would have to ask my husband for help, but he is now more interested in plants than I am. We not only help customers in growing plants, but we also ask for feedback and look forward to learning about their experience purchasing from us."
The couple has sold plants to 100 people in less than a year. "Every day, we sell about 500 plants. Pots and compost are also available for purchase at our nursery. We also get orders from beyond the state" Revathi added.
The duo is now trying to expand their business to new heights. They are looking for a larger space to expand their nursery and sell more items.
