By Pravin K Sabnis
Born on 10 March 1972 in Goa, his affair with plants began at age 4. His experiments included germinating a new seed & pulling it out at regular intervals to check the length of the root!
After schooling in Don Bosco HS Panaji, he went on to do an M.Sc in Science (Botany horticulture & landscaping) from Mumbai University. Here he uncommonly chose to carry out research work on the genus Anthurium
His dad introduced him to the art of Bonsai when he was 13. It took such a strong hold on him that in Mumbai, he bunked college on Saturdays to attend Bonsai classes conducted by Jyoti & Nikunj Parekh
Bonsai was usually pursued by the elite & he was determined to make it accessible to all. On returning to Goa in 1997, he held his first Bonsai exhibition in 2000. He won a rolling trophy from the Botanical Society of Goa for many years
His passion for plants led to landscaping, specializing in lush tropical gardens by coordinating plant material & art of drawing attention to focal points in the garden. He pays a lot of attention to his avian friends by growing fruiting trees, plants & flowers that attract a lot of butterflies year-round & activate fragrance
He landscaped Mother Theresa’s home in Panjim & Anjuna Police Station. To be involved in shaping Goa’s green spaces, he worked as a consultant with Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP). He gave it up when bureaucratic vagaries of contract renewals led to the decline of his plants
His Plant World is synonymous with landscaping. He does exclusive flower arrangements for 5 Star Resorts & holds classes to train people in Bonsai. Inculcating a love for nature in children, he conducts talks & demonstrations at schools & colleges. His vision is to set up a dedicated space for a Zen bonsai garden in Goa.
