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How many people ?love? toiling even after reaching a point where it becomes unnecessary? Surely, not many. But an IAS officer, urban development secretary R.K. Srivastava, is a little different. He loves work and especially loves to work in his garden. Originally from Chapra in Bihar, Srivastava is a self-confessed green enthusiast. After leaving his ancestral acres behind, he and his wife Jugnu, managed to create a splendid garden at their Morabadi Grounds home that serves both as a spiritual and emotional refuge for the entire family.
In fact, the garden is the house?s nerve centre. Every morning the family comes together to worship the tulsi plant in it. That is followed by garden duties, a bath and then, each to their work.
What was an acre of barren land surrounding the house has transformed into an ode to nature that houses 15 varieties of cacti, palm trees dotting the entire expanse, bougainvillaea covering the boundary walls, pretty potted plants bordering the area and a riot of pink, red, yellow and black roses.
There are also a number of fruit-bearing plants such as strawberry, pineapple, mango, lichi, blueberry, guava, banana and pomegranate.
And remaining faithful to India ? the official has a peepal and banyan tree ? adding that Indian magic.
My Garden: When we left Bihar and came here, this piece was a waste. It was our love and hard labour that transformed it to what it is today. Quite frankly, my wife is more devoted towards this garden and I am unable to devote my full time to it due to work constraints.
But my mornings are spent here. When I return from work, the plants, in their full bloom, are an inspiration. Our lawn is made up of best quality China grass that feels especially soft. Keeping all this together is not possible for us alone. So, we do have a gardener, who helps us with the nitty-gritty and hard labour. But the family is also passionately involved.
And, I resort to various books on gardening to help me learn more about the basics when I feel the need for it. My wife also spends her leisure hours here. Basically, one could say this is like a family hobby.
The best part of this garden is that it surrounds the house from all sides and offers a magnificent view from all angles. But we as a family spend most of our time at the back, which we believe offers the best view.
My greatest joy is when I see my children working along with me and helping me out.
Gardening, I believe, also helps inculcate a healthy respect for hard work.
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