1.  How did you start gardening?

I am a plant enthusiast who began nurturing my green thumb back in 2019, before the pandemic took hold. Excited to cultivate flowers from seeds, I impulsively purchased a variety of flower seeds online, planted them in red soil using pots, and eagerly anticipated their growth. Spoiler alert: Unfortunately, it didn't turn out as planned. However, this experience served as a valuable lesson, highlighting the critical importance of selecting the correct seeds and the potting mix, ensuring the right temperature, moisture levels, and sunlight, and adhering to proper watering techniques.

2. What are some of your favourite plants to grow in the garden?

I'm hopelessly passionate about pollinator-friendly flowering plants, with Hibiscus being my absolute favorite. In fact, I'm a dedicated Hibiscus hybridizer and have successfully cultivated 59 seedlings by carefully cross-pollinating the flowers! Recently, I've also ventured into hybridizing and growing Rain Lilies. Apart from these, I adore cultivating Cannas, Japanese Morning Glories, Ecklonis, Jasmine, Gladiolus, and a variety of other blooms.

3. What are some of the plants that you’ve not had as much success with?

Caring for calatheas and ferns has proven to be quite a challenge for me, particularly during the arid summer months.  Unfortunately, I've been unable to keep them alive and have ultimately given up on caring for them.

4. Are there any new plants on your Wishlist?

I've a wishlist of around 100 tropical hibiscus cultivars, with the White Hot cultivar sitting at the very top! Besides hibiscus, I'm eager to expand my collection to include a variety of perennials like Cannas, Plumerias, Day Lilies, and Jasmine.

5. What would you like to say to our new gardeners?

For new gardeners, I recommend approaching gardening with a curiosity to understand its underlying science rather than simply relying on tips and tricks.
Begin your composting journey right away. You don't require any fancy composting equipment. Even with a simple old paint bucket or a 7-10" pot, you can start your journey. Join gardening forums, attend local gardening events, or connect with fellow enthusiasts on social media to share tips, experiences, and inspiration.

6.  Any gardening hack you wanna share with us?

Repurposing old helmets as pots is a creative and sustainable gardening hack! By drilling holes for drainage, you can easily transform them into functional containers for your plants. Plus, their unique shape and design can add an interesting touch to your garden décor. It's a fun way to upcycle unused items while giving your plants a new home.

7. Any particular Instagram accounts you follow for inspiration?

If there's one plant account every gardener should follow, it's @that_one_plant_guy. He expertly breaks down and provides science-based, detailed plant care tips. His account is a treasure trove of invaluable information.

8. Do you have any suggestions to share with other gardening enthusiasts?

Start small, choose plants that resonate with you, and gradually expand your garden as you gain confidence and experience. Don't be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes. Gardening is a continuous learning process, and each success and setback provides valuable insights. Stay patient and enjoy the journey as your garden grows and evolves over time. Happy gardening!