<p>Belagavi: What started as a childhood passion for greenery has grown, literally, into a lush miniature forest on a terrace in Shahapur. Dr Mukund Khatavkar, 55, has transformed a 100-square-foot section of his rooftop at Jed Galli into a vibrant bonsai garden, housing over 300 plants and trees, including exotic varieties from around the world.</p><p>From indigenous trees like Banyan, Peepal, and Golden Shower to flowering plants such as roses and adeniums, and fruit-bearing bonsais like pomegranate and berries, Dr Khatavkar’s collection is a green marvel in the heart of the City. Some of the plants even trace their origins to distant countries such as Taiwan, the Bahamas, South Africa, South America, Tanzania, Thailand, and Hungary.</p><p>A practicing doctor by profession and a passionate gardener by heart, Dr Khatavkar has spent over four decades nurturing his love for plants. “I’ve been growing and collecting rare plants since my childhood. My goal was to bring the world’s biodiversity to my terrace,” he said.</p><p>Many of the saplings were acquired through online seed purchases, international exchanges, or sourced from local nurseries and gardening groups on social media platforms like Facebook. Some of the rare bonsai specimens on his terrace are valued between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh each.</p><p><strong>Maintenance</strong></p><p>Maintaining this botanical collection is no easy feat. Dr Khatavkar dedicates about 30 minutes each day to watering and spends half of every Sunday tending to the plants. He incurs an annual expense of approximately Rs 50,000 on maintenance, which includes fertilisation and treatments against fungal infections.</p><p>“Plants from regions with less rainfall are harder to maintain here due to the heavy monsoons. I had to research extensively online to understand the specific care required for these exotic species,” he explained.</p><p>Despite his remarkable efforts, Dr Khatavkar humbly insists that he doesn’t consider it a major contribution to environmental conservation. “I’ve only done what I could within my means. I also try to educate friends and acquaintances on how to grow bonsai trees,” he added.</p><p><strong>Exhibitions</strong></p><p>Some of his bonsai specimens have even been displayed at exhibitions organised by the Horticulture Department. “Growing trees in bonsai form can take a year or two, but I’ve been nurturing some for 30 to 35 years. It requires a lot of patience, but the joy it brings is unmatched,” he said.</p><p>Dr Mukund Khatavkar’s green oasis stands as an inspiring example of how passion, dedication, and patience can bring nature into even the most compact urban spaces.</p>
<p>Belagavi: What started as a childhood passion for greenery has grown, literally, into a lush miniature forest on a terrace in Shahapur. Dr Mukund Khatavkar, 55, has transformed a 100-square-foot section of his rooftop at Jed Galli into a vibrant bonsai garden, housing over 300 plants and trees, including exotic varieties from around the world.</p><p>From indigenous trees like Banyan, Peepal, and Golden Shower to flowering plants such as roses and adeniums, and fruit-bearing bonsais like pomegranate and berries, Dr Khatavkar’s collection is a green marvel in the heart of the City. Some of the plants even trace their origins to distant countries such as Taiwan, the Bahamas, South Africa, South America, Tanzania, Thailand, and Hungary.</p><p>A practicing doctor by profession and a passionate gardener by heart, Dr Khatavkar has spent over four decades nurturing his love for plants. “I’ve been growing and collecting rare plants since my childhood. My goal was to bring the world’s biodiversity to my terrace,” he said.</p><p>Many of the saplings were acquired through online seed purchases, international exchanges, or sourced from local nurseries and gardening groups on social media platforms like Facebook. Some of the rare bonsai specimens on his terrace are valued between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh each.</p><p><strong>Maintenance</strong></p><p>Maintaining this botanical collection is no easy feat. Dr Khatavkar dedicates about 30 minutes each day to watering and spends half of every Sunday tending to the plants. He incurs an annual expense of approximately Rs 50,000 on maintenance, which includes fertilisation and treatments against fungal infections.</p><p>“Plants from regions with less rainfall are harder to maintain here due to the heavy monsoons. I had to research extensively online to understand the specific care required for these exotic species,” he explained.</p><p>Despite his remarkable efforts, Dr Khatavkar humbly insists that he doesn’t consider it a major contribution to environmental conservation. “I’ve only done what I could within my means. I also try to educate friends and acquaintances on how to grow bonsai trees,” he added.</p><p><strong>Exhibitions</strong></p><p>Some of his bonsai specimens have even been displayed at exhibitions organised by the Horticulture Department. “Growing trees in bonsai form can take a year or two, but I’ve been nurturing some for 30 to 35 years. It requires a lot of patience, but the joy it brings is unmatched,” he said.</p><p>Dr Mukund Khatavkar’s green oasis stands as an inspiring example of how passion, dedication, and patience can bring nature into even the most compact urban spaces.</p>