Step into ‘Phoolon ka Sheher’—the City of Flowers. That’s what the neighbors lovingly call Poonam Arora’s home, and the moment you step through the gate, the reason is clear. Vibrant succulents peek out from handcrafted pots, while cascading vines drape over trellises. The air carries the faint, sweet fragrance of blooming jasmines, mingling with the earthy scent of freshly watered soil.
Poonam, a self-taught gardening enthusiast, walks through her lush sanctuary, her hands instinctively brushing against petals as she speaks. “I’ve always loved flowers. And today, my home is covered in them!” she exclaims, her eyes alight with passion.
But this floral paradise wasn’t built overnight. Her journey began in childhood, inspired by a house she passed every day on her way to school. The woman who lived there had transformed her home into a breathtaking garden, overflowing with flowers in every hue. Young Poonam would pause, captivated by the sight. “I dreamt of creating one too,” she recalls.
Years later, when she finally had a home of her own, she set out to turn that childhood dream into reality—one seed, one planter, one bloom at a time.
A Labor of Love
Every morning, as the city stirs awake, Poonam is already at work in her garden. She sows seeds, prunes leaves, and handcrafts intricate cement planters. Nothing goes to waste—discarded bowls become flower beds, bamboo sticks transform into trellises, and even old clothes find new life as textured pots. Her hands, often smeared with mud and cement, are a testament to her dedication.
But the journey hasn’t been without challenges. “Relatives would mock me, saying I was wasting my time. Some still whisper,” she shares, a knowing smile on her lips. But through it all, her husband and son stood by her, cheering her on as she brought her vision to life.
A Garden That Speaks
Today, her home is more than just a garden—it’s an artistic expression, a haven of creativity and love. Miniature garden pieces, handcrafted figurines, and intricate decorative pots dot the space, each telling a story. The garden has become a source of inspiration for many, proving that passion, not formal training, is the key to creating something beautiful.
Through social media, Poonam shares her journey with the world. Her page, Poonam’s Crafteria and Yard, has become a treasure trove of gardening tips, DIY décor ideas, and glimpses of her ever-growing floral wonderland.
A Lesson in Patience and Passion
What makes her story even more remarkable is the fact that she creates everything herself—using simple, everyday materials like cement putti, plaster of Paris, stones, bamboo sticks, and even scraps most people would throw away.
“To anyone who thinks gardening needs training—I started with nothing but passion,” she says. “Gardening teaches you about patience, resilience, and love. Every flower that blooms is a reward, a reminder that the effort is always worth it.”
And as you take one last look at Phoolon ka Sheher, where every corner bursts with life and color, you realize—this isn’t just a garden. It’s a dream, carefully nurtured, blooming for the world to see.