Chandra Shekhar Sharma, a now-retired banker, grew a bael tree in his courtyard forty years ago. An admirer of trees, plants, and the natural world, he continued this practice year after year, bringing new life into his home.
He now has over 1,000 plants of nearly 400 different varieties and proudly refers to his home as a "greenhouse." He was an Agra resident who lived in a particularly congested area, and his home was his haven.
"I planted trees and put pots against all of my house's walls," he told a news agency. He has planted pomegranate, lemon, and orange trees, as well as jasmines, roses, bougainvilleas, and tulips, among other fruits and vegetables. It attracts birds such as sparrows and hummingbirds, as well as various insects and monkeys.
"I love my plants and trees," Sharma says, describing them as "family." The majority of his home is filled with plants and water lilies that grow in the surrounding bodies of water. The majority of his home's exterior walls are covered in a vertical garden, a popular trend these days. "The concept is gaining traction all over the world," he adds.
Factors to Consider Before Planting a Seed
When he plants a new seed, he considers factors such as where the sun's rays will fall and which areas will be shaded. He is concerned about Agra's climate, soil, water levels, and quality. Rather than growing plants that only bloom in the winter, he looks for plants that will bloom for eight or nine months of the year.
Grows Various Exotic Plants
While he has Japanese bonsai and other exotic plants, Sharma's main focus is on plants that thrive in Agra's hot climate. "You know how people say, 'We have a garden in our house?' I wanted to try something new. "I have a house in my garden," he says.
Apart from a plentiful supply of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, Sharma and his family have reaped numerous benefits living in this house. There's plenty of oxygen in the air, and the overall air quality has improved. The walls have remained cool, and the dampness has been reduced. In the scorching heat of Agra, the temperature inside his house is always 4 to 5 degrees cooler.
Sharma began to share his knowledge with others as well. He has visited approximately 50 homes, providing advice, teaching people about gardens, and assisting them in the installation of their own. "I want Agra to be lovely," he says. "Agra's temperature will continue to rise until we plant trees," he adds.
