Dr T Gohulabalan and his wife Padmini 
Chennai

Giving gardening a stylish new spin

Cardiologist Dr T Gohulabalan, who also specialises in miniature gardens and offers imaginative gardening solutions for porches, balconies and patios, through his own farm, Sorrel Gardens, with his wife Padmini, speaks about his passion for gardening.

migrator

Chennai

How did Sorrel Gardens happen? 

While I was learning about the human body on one side, on the other I was also collecting cacti and studying caryophyllales (the scientific name for flowering carnivorous plants). Later, I realised that life had become so busy and finding time for a garden became a luxury. So, I wanted to refashion gardening techniques, by giving people solutions to have a splash of green that doesn’t take much time or space – through miniature gardens. That’s how Sorrel Gardens happened. We have around 20-25 different varieties of cacti among other succulents. We include small knick- knacks like added colours, some glued on accessories, small stones, that can give gardens that extra spunk. 

What is the best thing about miniature gardens? 

These plants are beautiful and nearly indestructible. They’re absolutely fuss free and don’t require much care. Watering them once in two weeks or a few drops every three to four days is sufficient. Also, you don’t have to place them under direct sunlight.

How do you manage to strike a balance between the operation theatre and your garden? 

I largely deal with emergencies and I’m posted in the ICU, which can get a little stressful sometimes. But I manage to spend about eight hours every day with my plants. They create so much positive energy and looking at them grow is very satisfying. Therefore, engaging in gardening is a real stress buster.

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