Kottiyam (Kollam): This year’s ‘Udyanashreshta’ award of the state government was bagged by Umayanalloor Perayam native Sheeja. The award is given for the best floriculturist. Sheeja has been nurturing over 10,000 plants that belong to 150 different varieties including microgreens to large ferns.
Sheeja’s garden is a paradise of various native and foreign flowering plants. She collects plants from abroad and also learns the breeding techniques. Majority of the plants are brought from Thailand. Plants from other states also are aplenty here.
Various types of orchid, cactus, anthurium, money plant, succulents, zamia, hanging plants, over 140 varieties of begonia, 25 types of aglaonema and many others plants find place in Sheeja’s garden. Her garden is located in her house compound itself.
Sheeja said that her income also improved after the indoor plants became a hit recently. Her husband Shimlaj, a businessman, and sons Shiyas, Shahid and Shabeer also support her in the venture.
