ATGLife Mates: Featuring Sahara Rasheed

How did you start gardening?

I started with just one small pot on my balcony during a phase when I was looking for a little peace in my everyday life. One plant slowly became many, and over time my tiny balcony transformed into my own little jungle. Gardening became more than a hobby, it became my therapy and my happy place.

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

Lotus will always be my first love. I also love growing water lilies, hibiscus, brahmakamalam, dragon fruit, and seasonal flowering plants. At the moment, vinca is my absolute favourite,it’s incredibly rewarding with its constant blooms and beautiful colours. Every plant has its own personality, and I genuinely enjoy caring for each one.

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

Not every plant has thrived in my space. Since I garden on an east-facing balcony, some full-sun plants like jasmine, ixora, bougainvillea etc. have struggled due to limited sunlight. But every failed plant has taught me something new, and I see those experiences as part of the journey.

Are there any new plants on your wishlist?

Absolutely! My wishlist never ends. I’d love to grow more rare lotus varieties, unique water lilies, and a few exotic flowering plants/bulbs that can adapt well to balcony gardening.

What would you like to say to our new gardeners?

Don’t wait for the perfect space or perfect knowledge. Start with one plant, observe it, learn from it, and enjoy the process. Plants don’t expect perfection, they just need consistency, patience, and a little love.

Any gardening hack you want to share?

My biggest hack is simple: observe your plants every day. Just a few minutes of checking the leaves, soil, and overall growth helps you spot problems early. Most plant issues are much easier to fix when caught in time.

Any particular Instagram account you follow for inspiration?

I love following gardeners who share honest experiences rather than just perfect results. I enjoy creators who educate, experiment, and inspire people to grow plants in small spaces because gardening should feel accessible to everyone.

Some pages I follow are:

• Jishnu Uthaman
• Rinki Hazra Das
• Bahzad