At 64, Padam Singh, a retired additional income tax commissioner, has turned every available corner of his Delhi home into a flourishing garden. Over 13 years, he has nurtured more than 1,000 trees and plants, including mangoes, guavas, pineapples, and many other fruits growing in pots on his terrace and verandahs.
- Grows 400+ fruit plants in pots across 40 varieties
- Garden thrives despite Delhi's extreme weather and water shortages
- Shares harvest with neighbors, promoting greener urban living
What happened
Padam Singh rekindled his childhood love for gardening after retiring and has spent the last 13 years transforming his Delhi home into a sprawling garden. Starting from a single pot, he gradually added hundreds more, cultivating over 1,000 plants including a remarkable collection of fruit varieties such as mangoes, guavas, berries, starfruit, custard apples, and pineapples. His dedication to single-handedly developing the garden involved carrying soil and pots to his terrace and learning to care for each plant despite urban challenges.
Living in Delhi, known for its scorching summers, water shortages, and heavy pollution, Padam faced significant hurdles in maintaining his garden. Yet through innovation and persistence—such as using green nets for weather protection and drip irrigation to conserve water—he has successfully nurtured his plants, creating a green refuge that contrasts with the surrounding concrete cityscape.
Why it feels good
Padam’s garden is more than just a personal passion project; it represents resilience and hope in an urban environment where green spaces can be scarce. His initiative turns a typical city home into a lush hutong of fresh fruits and greenery, improving air quality and offering a glimpse of nature amid the city's hustle. The garden also reconnects Padam with cherished memories from his childhood, reflecting a deep personal fulfillment.
Furthermore, by sharing his abundant fruit harvest with neighbors, Padam fosters a sense of community and generosity. This exchange not only reduces reliance on store-bought produce but also creates bonds among residents, showing how urban gardening can enhance both environmental and social well-being.
What to enjoy or watch next
For those inspired by Padam Singh’s success, exploring urban gardening in small spaces can be a rewarding next step. Starting with manageable pots and choosing plant varieties suited to your environment can open the door to growing your own fruits and greenery—even in busy city locales. Learning about water-saving techniques and protective measures can help maintain healthy plants through tough weather conditions.
Padam remains open to sharing his expertise and experiences with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Interested individuals can follow him on Instagram @padamsingh_irs to see his ongoing gardening journey and gain tips for creating their own thriving gardens. His story encourages everyone to explore how small patches of green can transform city living and promote sustainability.