Gateway to a world in full bloom

Dubai has become increasingly famous for its skyscrapers, shopping malls and traffic problems.

The Dubai Gardening Club has been running for more than 35 years and offers people of all cultures the chance to share their green-fingered passion with like-minded individuals.

Deena Motiwalla, a founder member of the club, has watched the group grow from a seed to a "beautiful family tree" over the years.

She said: "The club is a wonderful thing. We are an informal and friendly bunch of people who simply love to get our hands dirty and share the joy of gardening.

"I would describe the group as one big family who look out for each other and provide a network of friends."

In the early years, the club had a formal committee and chairperson, which met once a month to discuss club business.

A challenging role

In 1977 Deena, originally from Mumbai, India, was elected the club's first non-European chairperson.

She added: "The role was very challenging. To make the meetings interesting for the members and to keep everybody informed and inspired.

"But it was a challenge I accepted with open arms and enjoyed for almost eight years."

However, in April 2000, Motiwalla was asked to step down as chairperson by other committee members, who said the club needed "fresh blood and ideas".

Soon after, the club folded and members went their separate ways.

But Motiwalla was not willing to accept that this was the end and re-launched the gardening group in October 2000, but with one big difference no committee.

"The club was transformed. We lost the negative undertones of the club politics. And ever since we have got together and simply enjoyed the club for what it was always intended to be."

The Dubai Gardening Club meets every Monday at Motiwalla's house and currently has more than 30 members.

"We meet in October for the sowing season and then every 15 days to take the growth to the next progressive stage.

"But the best stage is the sharing. Most of the ladies have smaller gardens and do not need all the saplings.

"So we share them with each other and watch our friends' flowers and plants grow in our own gardens.

"We also arrange functions and trips for the group. At Christmas we visited the Royal Gardenscape in Al Barsha and everyone had a wonderful time."

Dubai is currently witnessing an unprecedented construction boom that has fuelled a secondary boom for landscaping and gardening.

Set within acres upon acres of neatly landscaped gardens, walkways, fountains and artificial lakes, many upcoming projects are redefining community living and setting new standards of grandeur.

Landscaping

The concept of landscaping has really caught on with the Dubai developers as well as the residents.

The bare, arid and sandy terrain is suddenly alive with lush lawns, blossoming flowerbeds, green golf courses, sparkling waterways and tranquil lakes.

Motiwalla said: "There is so much scope for gardeners in Dubai. The weather is the first obvious factor. But there are many different and very unusual plants which are readily available here.

"Plants are constantly arriving from Holland and the Far East. This selection of plants and flowers has introduced the potential for unique and impressive gardens."

In the cooler months, the group visits each of the other member's gardens.

"We have recently visited a garden which was just six months old and next month we will visit one which is more than 27 years old," she added.

"It is great to witness the diversity in a garden."

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