The Association of People with Disabilities (APD) inaugurated its annual 10-day Garden Fair and Orchid Mela in Bengaluru, offering plant lovers an impressive variety of ornamental plants, orchids, indoor greenery, cacti, fruit plants, and medicinal herbs. Running until December 22, the event highlights inclusivity, showcasing gardens maintained by individuals with disabilities trained by APD.
Visitors can explore eco-friendly gardening products, tools, seeds, and saplings, alongside workshops on terrace gardening, kitchen gardening, and herbal planting. “Our Horticulture Training Programme empowers individuals with physical and mental disabilities, promoting physical and mental health recovery,” said Ganesh Hegde, APD’s Director of Environment and Horticulture.
The three-month training spans landscaping, floriculture, tissue culture, and garden management, boasting an 80% placement rate. Over 4,500 rural and urban youth have been trained, many now working as garden specialists and supervisors.
Regular visitors like Ilse N Shenoy, 81, admire the dedication of those nurturing the gardens. “The quality and variety here amaze me every year,” she shared. Jecintha, a gardening enthusiast, praised the event for its rich selection of plants, adding, “It’s the highlight of my gardening year.”
The fair not only encourages sustainable gardening but also celebrates the resilience and achievements of individuals overcoming disabilities through skillful horticulture.
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