On 27th November, we all members of 'Parle Gardners' Group' had the opportunity to discover a jewel in Vile Parle East.
Mrs Varsha Karambelkar kindly arranged for us to be guided by Dr Lattu the eminent horticullturist. He suggested we meet in 'Sathaye College Garden'. All these years I had associated Sathaye college with scholars, art and culture events and rumbunctious crowd of teenagers, so I kept wondering if the meeting was for a cup of tea and then we would proceed to some place like the University for the actual tour.
We assembled and were introduced to the Sprightly Dr Sharangdhar and I had tough time believing she is several years post- retirement seeing her energy and enthusiasm. After the expected canteen visit....the unexpected part happened right here---just behind the canteen began an amazing collection of botanical specimens. Mrs Renee Vyas, an ardent tree- lover and guiding light to many friends of trees accompanied us. The next 2 hours were spent in seeing a large variety of trees, bushes and herbs. Many of them, I saw for the first time. Time flew by....the collection is really quite incredible.
Any person wishing to know more about trees is welcome here. One has to just take permission (by quite simple process) in office and you are ready for your ramble. A field guide such as 'Trees of Bombay" by BNHS will be an excellent companion- as all may not be lucky like us to get guides like Lattu Sir and Sharangdhar Madam. Even after 3 hours, we had not completed seeing all specimens, which means another visit has to be planned.
A number of rare plants have been nurtured here. Many persons brought up in Konkan, can come and see the common trees of their childhood here- as nowadays trees and shrubs are being removed from native places.
Suppose anyone has a rare plant to donate, this collection will gladly accept and it will be nurtured like a cherished child. Now the institute is planning to have some specialised gardens like butterfly garden. I wish they have a garden with fruit trees as well- so that children can at least see where their favorite fruit comes from.
Parlekars have a jewel in their midst now. All must visit and enjoy its beauty.
Mrs Varsha Karambelkar kindly arranged for us to be guided by Dr Lattu the eminent horticullturist. He suggested we meet in 'Sathaye College Garden'. All these years I had associated Sathaye college with scholars, art and culture events and rumbunctious crowd of teenagers, so I kept wondering if the meeting was for a cup of tea and then we would proceed to some place like the University for the actual tour.
We assembled and were introduced to the Sprightly Dr Sharangdhar and I had tough time believing she is several years post- retirement seeing her energy and enthusiasm. After the expected canteen visit....the unexpected part happened right here---just behind the canteen began an amazing collection of botanical specimens. Mrs Renee Vyas, an ardent tree- lover and guiding light to many friends of trees accompanied us. The next 2 hours were spent in seeing a large variety of trees, bushes and herbs. Many of them, I saw for the first time. Time flew by....the collection is really quite incredible.
Any person wishing to know more about trees is welcome here. One has to just take permission (by quite simple process) in office and you are ready for your ramble. A field guide such as 'Trees of Bombay" by BNHS will be an excellent companion- as all may not be lucky like us to get guides like Lattu Sir and Sharangdhar Madam. Even after 3 hours, we had not completed seeing all specimens, which means another visit has to be planned.
A number of rare plants have been nurtured here. Many persons brought up in Konkan, can come and see the common trees of their childhood here- as nowadays trees and shrubs are being removed from native places.
Suppose anyone has a rare plant to donate, this collection will gladly accept and it will be nurtured like a cherished child. Now the institute is planning to have some specialised gardens like butterfly garden. I wish they have a garden with fruit trees as well- so that children can at least see where their favorite fruit comes from.
Parlekars have a jewel in their midst now. All must visit and enjoy its beauty.
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