Green lung you can shop at

Au00a012,000 sq ft wide nursery lies along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Stop by at Tukai Exotics' The Enchanted Gardens tou00a0buy rare Orchids that dot the floors of Thailand's forests and a mishmash plant that combines the herbal properties of Tulsi and Ajwain

At the end of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, nurtured by the waters of the Pawna River, is The Enchanted Gardens. This is no average nursery you'd step in to, to buy a couple of saplings and pots.
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It's more like a sacred space dedicated to the practice of horticulture and greenery, where one can spend hours around an unbelievable variety of plants and gardening delights.

Spread over 12,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor space are plants of the most amazing kinds, nurtured and showcased by the Jagtap family, founders of Tukai Exotics, a reputed nursery in these parts.
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Interestingly, Tukai is a dedication to the name of the reigning deity of the Jagtap family's ancestral village, near Pune.

Not just another nursery
That I was heading towards a green tinged spiritual experience became apparent along the drive. I spotted au00a0 pipal tree growing out of nowhere, just above the entrance of a tunnel on the Highway and a while later, a humongous Ganesha idol.u00a0 As we approached the entrance of The Enchanted Gardens, a rotund laughing Buddha greeted us.

Here, a shock of brilliant sunflowers instilled a Wordsworth-like pleasure, felt eons ago at the sight of daffodils. The day being cloudy, the flowers faced confusedly IN different directions.

Sangram Jagtap, caretaker of this family venture took us around for a guided tour, which became an endless session of gasps, thrills and awe at the sight of unique plants. The first subject of wonder was the bright-variegated pink pineapple plant, with a fruit borne amidst a spectacular hearth of leaves. It was still not fully-developed and would blossom in another three-six months.



The miniature pineapple, unbelievable unless seen physically, is another star attraction at these gardens. Next, was the collection of impressive-looking orchids. Apart from the popular purple and white variety, there were rare kinds like Phalaenopsis that grow on the forest floors of Thailand and Myanmar.
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The Tiger Bromeliad sat regally in a flat container on the ground, occupying a pride of place. All the while, Jagtap doled out information on their maintenance, which interestingly, is easy and hassle-free. The orchids are priced between Rs 200 and Rs 700.

Flower power rules
Once customers select their plants, Jagtap readily provides complete and simple maintenance tips. A trained horticulturist, his endeavour is to make people more aware of the rich variety of flora, keep them involved and interested in growing plants to make for more green environs at home, at the work place and gradually, everywhere.
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"I encourage children to take up gardening; so far I've invited a lot of schools to my nursery where I take kids around and try to plant seeds of interest in their minds," he adds. Jagtap also intends to begin gardening classes for individuals and housing societies. His clientele includes professional as well as first-time gardeners, major corporate houses, landscape designers and interior decorators. Corporate houses and interior decorators plumb for the variety of aquatic as well as flowering plants.

For those keen on making greener homes, the collection of indoor plants is formidable. From the Bottlebrush Bromeliads to the tiny polka-dotted plants and ferns, it's a tough call to plumb for your favourite take away. "Most don't require intensive care; daily watering and slight sunlight is enough, " says Jagtap.

Shop with a difference
Visiting The Enchanted Gardens is also a good shopping experience, as it's very affordable. Smaller potted plants make for great gifts. For those who've fancied the idea of a kitchen garden, the herbs and spices section is a must-stop. You can choose from exotic and regular herbs including oregano, chamomile, thyme, parsley, varieties of basil, rosemary, lemongrass, pepper and ajwain.
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"These herbs are sold at very expensive rates, in small bunches at supermarkets. It's sensible to buy them from here for Rs 60 and enjoy them for longer" says Jagtap. The ajwain-tulsi plant is a unique mix of both tastes, on sampling a freshly plucked leaf. Not only are these a handy buy but they can also adorn your kitchen window, what with a pepper climber entwined around the periphery.

Outside, are myriad bamboo as well as vines and creepers like the fragrant madhumalti. We undertook another survey, of the huge repertoire of garden accessories from indigenous and imported pots to decorative holders, metal stands, plant holders, terracotta pots, pebble stones, sprayers, carved stones and interesting knick-knacks. Clearly, this isn't a space you visit to just buy plants. Bring a book, your i-Pod, your concerns and sit here as long as you please; it's ideal to take back plenty of green memories, Jagtap believes.

AT: The Enchanted Gardens, Gate 48/2, next to Pawna River Bridge, Dehu Road, Katraj Bypass, NH4, Village Punawale, Pune
CALL: 09881713954 / 9881713957
LOG ON TO: www.indiaplants.com
EMAIL: tukai.exotics@gmail.com

How To Reach
The Enchanted Gardens is situated at the end of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, as the road naturally turns right. Drive along for about 2 km, crossing the bridge across the Pawna River. The nursery is located on the left; look out for a huge hoarding with Tukai Exotics ufffd The Enchanted Gardens.

The Trip Liked
Pomegranate Bonsai Rs 90 to Rs 350
Miniature Pineapple Rs 90
Jerusalem Cherry Bonsai Rs 25
Cranium Lilies Rs 150
Stars of the Amazon (Amazonian bromeliads) Rs 450 to Rs 750