When Kala Shah first set eyes on her newly purchased home 28 years ago, she pictured a garden in full bloom.
A lifelong plant lover, she believed that everyone would want to be surrounded by greenery. But she was wrong.
Instead of a lush paradise, she found a backyard that had been abandoned for years and used as a storage site. The area was barren, lifeless and filled with piles of waste.
"The place was a desperate mess," she recalls. "It wasn't just a dump; it had been neglected for so long that it felt like no one had ever realised its potential."
But in the midst of the ruin, Kala saw something that others did not, and she was determined to transform her property, which at the time was valued at around Sh8 million, into more than just a new look.
"What really inspired the purchase was the open nature of the space and the huge garden area, which was full of potential for future projects. It offered an airiness and freedom I had always dreamed of," she says.
Kala Shah at her home garden in Thika as pictured on February 4, 2025.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
The first step was the hardest: clearing the yard. It took 17 lorry loads to remove the years of accumulated waste. "The ground had to be leveled before I could even start planting," she explains.
Now her backyard is a testament to resilience. About 13 years ago, she brought home a single stem of Bermuda grass from a friend's house. It has flourished ever since. Interestingly, this grass doesn't need much water; it stays healthy even in dry areas.
The whole process cost her Sh2,000, a considerable sum at the time, but she saw it as an investment in something greater. Today, laying a lawn can cost up to Sh100,000, depending on the size of the area and the type of grass used.
Slowly, the transformation began to take shape. The barren land gave way to fresh soil and Kala carefully introduced plants, including some she had brought from her previous home.
One of her oldest plants, a 32-year-old orchid, still thrives today, a living testament to her commitment.
The Alocasia, another cherished plant, has been with her for 35 years, dating back to the early days of her marriage.
"I water the plants every morning at 5am," says Kala. "Even if it's raining, I put on my raincoat and go outside to tend to them. I talk to the flowers and water them every day."
Her garden is not just about beauty; it has a deep personal meaning. Instead of buying plants, she exchanges cuttings with other plant lovers, allowing her collection to grow naturally.
Her anthuriums, in shades of white, pink and red, have multiplied over time, thriving in the soil she so carefully tends.
Her favourite plant, the bougainvillaea, never fails to lift her spirits. "It makes me happy every time I see it," she adds.
The plant's vibrant colours, abundant blooms and resilience reflect her own journey in transforming this once-forgotten land.
As well as flowers, Kala also grows medicinal plants. She has grown the insulin plant, known for its benefits in treating diabetes, and the Nigella sativa plant, which helped cure her husband's kidney stones.
Her quarter of an acre of land is also home to roses, heliconia and birds of paradise. Marigolds bloom in red and yellow, and the hydrangea adorns the entrance with its purple flowers.
Variety of plants at Kala Shah home garden in Thika as pictured on February 4, 2025.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
Despite its origins as a neglected space, Kala's garden is now rich in nutrients. She has never used fertiliser, pesticides or chemicals, relying solely on nature to sustain her plants.
"I don't use any sprays and I don't have any pests or diseases," she says proudly. "The soil has everything the plants need."
Her passion extends beyond her own needs; she often shares her knowledge and plants with others, ensuring that the legacy of her garden extends far beyond her home.
Today, Kala's garden is a place of peace and beauty, a sanctuary where she finds solace from her busy life.
Even as she runs her small business, Mithi Delight, making chocolates and jewellery with her mother, she never neglects her plants.
"My garden has slowly grown and I enjoy it immensely. It's my hobby. I like to spend my mornings and evenings here, especially when I entertain outside. I often cut flowers from my garden to arrange, and I've never bought flowers - I always use what I grow," she explains. Kala's love of gardening goes back many decades. As a teenager, she knew the value of being surrounded by beauty.
"I've always loved plants - trees and grass - since I was young. I remember being about 13 years old and dreaming of having a nice house with a beautiful garden. My uncle had a big garden and I used to go and admire it. When I got married in 1991, I started with potted plants in my townhouse. Eventually, when we moved here, I brought some of those plants and started my garden," says the 56-year-old.
Hydrangea at Kala Shah home garden in Thika as pictured on February 4, 2025.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
As a member of the Kenya Horticultural Society (KHS), Kala says she has learned a lot and received helpful tips.
"If I have any problems with my garden, I can always ask for advice."
When it comes to defining the perfect garden, she says: "I prefer a slightly rough look - organised but not too neat. I love the natural charm of a garden as long as it's clean and well maintained".
Her love of gardening shows no signs of slowing down. She has already started planting in her new home.
"I've planted some cuttings," she says. "I'm concentrating on finishing the house before I turn my full attention to the garden."
