“The gardner tills and ploughs,” constant nurturing and caring is what got Dr Arunanshu Behra the prize in small garden category for the tenth time. It’s not an easy feat - as he and his wife Surya Rajput, take turns at gardening, Dr Behra tells us how every evening is spent among the blooms. “We have got flood lights installed so that we can enjoy the garden any time of the day,” says Dr Behra for whom this is a ‘part-time job’. The little landscape is complete with pansies, orchids and cactus. “All these years, I have waited for someone else to win and break the monotony. But then, it needs constant devotion, a trait that seems to be missing,” Dr Behra points out.

Though the ownership has changed hands, but the garden at the residence of principal of DAV College, Sector 10, still stands pretty. “It has won for seventh time,” says a proud Dr B C Josan, as his wife Rani shows us around the garden that won in the medium category. An umbrella standing tall, a swing to relax on and a landscape in the corner, “we relax here,” the lady is quick to add that the gardener adds the extra touch.

Move on, and Harmohan Dhawan’s garden with pipe music, gazebo, water fall and fountains stands apart. “My wife Satinder and I are both MSc Hons in Botany and have always been fond of nature,” says Dhawan, who starts his day in the lush green lawns. “I instruct the gardeners and make a schedule for the month,” Dhawan even chooses the plants himself.

Strawberry Fields Kindergarten in Sector 24 too has completed a decade of winning, first and second spot. “The sheer beauty of blossoms bring a smile and motivate us to work more,” says Atul Khanna, as he walks through the campus that’s got the best maintained private school garden award. The rich green carpet soothes the eyes. Here, there’s a mix of carefully planned blossoms, creepers, seasonal and ever-green plantations. “The entrance gate is framed with a vivid orange Bignonia Venesta, the porch is resplendent with Erica palms and the serenity of pathways is dotted with larkspurs, stalks, dahlias, salvias and anteherinums,” Atul describes the place that is nurtured with only on thing — love. To divine beauty!

Amongst others who have won the first prize are:

* Haryana CM Residence and Accountant General (A&E) for large garden

* Commanding Officer Air Force Station for office

* Gp Captain SC Chafekar for residence

* CITCO, Sector-17 (16,17,22,23) for best roundabouts

* Regional Institute of Cooperative Management for best college campus

* Ansal Properties & Infrastructure for best open space

(In the Markets)