Ms. Veena Nanda, a landscape professional who has been designing and creating gardens for close to three decades. She believes in transforming client dreams into reality. Her expertise lies in designing landscapes of all kinds such as for
villas, penthouses, farmhouses, terrace gardens, and large ground spaces for commercial projects, institutions, and homes and all types of lawns — Bermuda, Mexican and artificial turf. She brings character unto garden spaces by using elements like sculptures in stone and metal, water features of all sizes and types, artefacts of different textures, pathways, pergolas, gazebos, unique lighting options, and interesting furniture.
Veena Nanda
Her 30-year experience in the Japanese art of Bonsai has gained her several gardening awards including the Best Bonsai and Best
Landscapist award at multiple horticulture shows. Veena was in conversation with us and gave a few insights on Bonsai in India. Below are the excerpts:
BV: What inspired you to be a Bonsai Artist?
Veena: I have been very creative in my garden from childhood. Bonsai is something that always intrigued me. I got highly inspired when I first visited my Bonsai trainer, Jyothi Parekh's workshop in Mumbai in 1984! There was no looking back ever since!
BV: What kind of trees can be bonsai? Which plants/trees do you prefer while landscaping/ green scaping?
Veena: Ficus, Schefflera, Banyan, Lime, Mango, Orange, Star fruit and many other fruiting plants are suitable for Bonsai.
BV: For a few years now, we are hearing that Bonsai has increasingly become a pastime for the elderly. Do you think even the younger generation can involve in Bonsai? How can we create interest among the younger generation?
Veena: Bonsai is popular amongst the younger generation as well now. People are very aware of this art and with space constraints in homes, bonsai is becoming more popular. It could be introduced in the high school level as an art form for kids to learn and develop as a hobby!!
BV: What, in your opinion, is the current state/level of Bonsai in India?
Veena: There is a huge segment of people who are collectors of Bonsai today. This art has really grown in the past decade in our country. Both men and women choose to learn this art form and cultivate the same as their passion and hobby.
BV: Have you faced any challenges being a bonsai artist? If yes, how you have overcome them?
Veena: The only challenge is, there are many out there who love the art form but are superstitious and think it brings bad luck to a home or that it's cruel to the plant. I hear them out patiently and then clear all their doubts and myths about this art.
BV: How have you been promoting Bonsai Art?
Veena: I conduct bonsai workshops and full courses as well. I also sell Bonsai plants.
BV: What are your future plans with being a Bonsai Artist?
Veena: I wish to share my knowledge of Bonsai making with as many people as I can. I have also started introducing bonsais in my landscape designs.
