ATGLife Mates: Featuring Hemakshee Sahu

How did you start gardening?

My passion for plants is rooted in my childhood. Growing up in a farming family, I watched my mother—a true natural gardener—tend to our fields and home garden. Our yard was always filled with a beautiful variety of fruit trees, including mango, guava, tamarind, and blackberry, alongside a bounty of home-grown vegetables. She passed that love for cultivation on to me, and today, I’ve brought that heritage to my own terrace and balcony.

Our Journey: From Software Screens to Green Scenes

We are a software engineer couple who unexpectedly found our purpose in the quiet beauty of the life we were already living.

Before we were married, my husband’s deep connection to nature—rooted in his farming family background—was his private passion. He spent his time with fruit trees and soil, far away from the lens of a camera. After we married, I started capturing candid, small moments of his gardening simply for our own memories. On a whim, I decided to share them with the world.

To our surprise, that spark ignited a community. What started as casual clips of a hobby has blossomed into a thriving green space across our backyard, terrace, and balcony, where we now nurture over 300 plant varieties. We aren't just growing plants; we are embracing a slower, more sustainable lifestyle—and we’re honoured to help thousands of others do the same.

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

While we love every plant I own, we have a special soft spot for my Bougainvillea, Peace Lily, ZZ plant, and my ever-growing collection of succulents!

What are some of the plants that you have not had as much success with?

I find succulents, Peace Lilies, and Anthuriums really difficult to grow—I haven't had much success with them.

Are there any new plants on your wish list?

We have big dreams for my terrace! We are  currently working on cultivating five different bonsai trees and am planning to expand my collection with over 50 varieties of fruit plants. Our next big challenge? Mastering the art of growing different types of lotus.

What would you like to say to our new gardeners?

Don’t be discouraged by a few wilted leaves. Gardening is a lifelong learning process, and every plant is a teacher.

Any gardening hack you want to share?

Use rice water and cow dung compost! It has been a total game-changer for my plants' health and growth.

Any particular Instagram account you follow for inspiration?

We stay inspired by following various botanical accounts, which are great for discovering new aesthetic ideas and care tips.