Urbanization and the increasing shift from bungalows to flats have led to the loss of traditional gardens. Terrace gardens, while a creative alternative, often wither away due to neglect and lack of proper maintenance. Recognizing this need, Biophilia, a garden center on Karve Road, Pune, has introduced an innovative ‘Plant Truck’ service designed to cater to the needs of home and terrace garden enthusiasts. This pioneering concept was unveiled by Anuradha Barpande, Co-founder of Biophilia, during a recent press conference, attended by distinguished individuals including Durga Dharmadhikari and Ajay Bokil.
Bringing Greenery to Your Doorstep
Anuradha Barpande explained that while services like Plant Trucks are well-established in the United States, they have yet to gain momentum in India. Biophilia’s endeavor to provide home and terrace garden services through a mobile Plant Truck is a groundbreaking initiative in the country.
The concept of the Plant Truck was inspired by the lush greenery inside the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, which has garnered attention worldwide. Notably, acclaimed actor and newly appointed director of FTII – Pune, R. Madhavan, recently praised the airport’s greenery through an Instagram post. Anuradha Barpande and her husband, Pradeep Barpande, played a pivotal role in creating the sprawling vertical garden covering over 55,000 square feet within the airport premises.
“Our Plant Truck offers a wide range of plants, beautifully crafted pots, indoor greenery accessories, organic fertilizers, essential gardening tools, innovative vertical garden solutions, and skilled professionals to ensure your home or terrace garden thrives and stays lush,” Anuradha Barpande added.
Fostering a Green Relationship
The Plant Truck aims to establish a symbiotic relationship between citizens and sustainable greenery at home. Its mission is to encourage people to embrace nature, maintain a pleasant living environment, and reap the benefits of a connection with the natural world.
Providing further insight into the initiative, Durga Dharmadhikari emphasized that all the plants available on the Plant Truck are nurtured in Biophilia’s nursery, situated at Varve or near Khed Shivapur. The founders’ extensive 33 years of experience in gardening have enabled the creation of a unique ‘Potting Mix,’ enhancing the quality of plants and simplifying maintenance processes. The blend of various components with naturally occurring biomass ‘Peat Moss’ helps control pH levels, retain moisture, repel insects, and streamline plant upkeep.
“We aim to raise awareness about home gardening through this Plant Truck, and we plan to conduct workshops in prominent housing societies,” Durga Dharmadhikari shared.
Biophilia operates under the parent company, Ecogreen Landscape Technologies, established by Anuradha and Pradeep Barpande. The organization, active since 1987, specializes in innovative greenery solutions, including Green Walls, Green Roofs, and Urban Farming, tailored to clients’ requirements. Anuradha Barpande, a microbiology expert, and Pradeep Barpande, with a passion for gardening and nurseries, have played a crucial role in the development of the ELT India Green Wall systems.
