As the hustle and bustle of the city fades into the tranquil countryside of Thika, a hidden paradise lies just 41 kilometres away.
A 40-minute drive from Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) leads to the world of Raksha Kukadia - a beautiful haven carved into the rocky terrain.
Behind its modern brown and black gate, a vibrant landscape unfolds, blending the rawness of nature with an unmistakable human touch.
"Welcome to my refuge," Raksha says, her voice steady with pride as her eyes sweep over the blossoming garden.
Her one and a half acres land tells a story not only of plants, but of determination, love and the magic of working in harmony with the land.
Raksha's love of gardening began humbly 20 years ago in a small space where she grew her first plants.
A scarlet starflower in Raksha Kukadia’s home garden in Thika.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
"I started gardening in 2005 when I moved to a house with an outdoor space. That's when I started collecting plants and designing small gardens," she recalls with a fond smile.
She experimented a lot back then.
In 2014 she bought the rocky plot. Three years later she built her house and began her most ambitious gardening journey.
Rough start
"When we moved here in 2017, the land was rocky and I had to bring in a lot of soil to make it suitable for planting. Despite my best efforts, the rain washed the soil away, so I decided to focus on succulents. They help prevent soil erosion, are hardy and low maintenance," says Raksha.
The journey to create this serene space was not easy.
"When we moved in, the land was unforgiving - full of rocks and bushes. Attempts to set up a vegetable garden failed, but rather than give up, I adapted," she says. It was then that Raksha discovered succulents, those hardy plants that thrive in the heat and rocky soil.
Now she sits in her pavilion admiring the work of her hands.
"My garden is mostly rocks and succulents, which I love because it suits the climate. It gets quite hot here, so I prefer low-maintenance plants, and succulents thrive all year round. They thrive in both rain and heat, with a few varieties for shade," she explains, her eyes sweeping over the carefully arranged plants.
The centrepiece of the garden is Raksha's beloved rockery, a testament to her creativity and resourcefulness. Neatly arranged succulents - fishbone cacti, jade plants, aloe vera and echeverias - are framed by decorative pebbles, creating a striking visual against the rocky backdrop.
Anthurium plant in Raksha Kukadia’s home garden in Thika.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
"This is my favourite spot," she says, gesturing to the tranquil oasis. "Succulents are not only beautiful, they're perfect for this environment. They need little care, but give so much in return."
Transforming the rocky terrain into a lush compound wasn't easy. "The lawn alone took eight lorry loads of soil to establish. Eventually, I replaced sections with Zimbabwean grass - it is hardy, low maintenance and stays green longer," explains Raksha.
She has learnt to work with the challenges of the land rather than against them. "Rain would wash away the soil, so I concentrate on planting hardy varieties like succulents and palms that prevent erosion. Over time, I have seen how nature can adapt, just as people do," she says.
Outside her house, Raksha's love of potted plants is evident. Anthuriums in four varieties add a splash of bright red, while her favourite peace lilies exude elegance. She pauses at a cluster of anthuriums. "If I were a flower, I'd be an anthurium - they're beautiful and hardy, just like my garden."
"These lilies struggled when I first brought them here, but they've adapted beautifully. They remind me that plants, like people, just need time and care to flourish," she observes with a smile.
Her garden is a mix of old and new. Her oldest plant, a 20-year-old holy basil, is a link to her past, planted by her father-in-law and lovingly tended ever since. "It's been with me through thick and thin," she says, gently touching its leaves.
A jelly bean plant in Raksha Kukadia’s home garden in Thika.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
Every corner of the garden holds memories. Many plants are gifts from friends, like the peace lilies from Janmita Patel, chairperson of the Kenya Horticultural Society-Thika branch, and the heliconias from her friend Tinu Bid. "These plants connect me to the people I love," she says.
Even her younger plants have stories of perseverance, like the variegated basil she bought just two months ago, which struggled at first but has since flourished.
"My fishbone cacti bloom beautifully in October with a lovely fragrance that makes Diwali even more special," she says.
Raksha's approach to gardening is as thoughtful as the space itself. "I use organic methods like compost from kitchen waste and water sprays instead of chemicals. It's my way of giving back to the environment," she explains.
Like many garden lovers, Raksha's real headache is maintaining the garden. "It takes constant effort - pruning, cleaning and watering are constant tasks. Watering in particular can be tricky, especially with my lawn. Rainwater always revives it better than anything else," she says.
Favourite retreat
The garden is Raksha's retreat.
"When I'm here, I feel at peace. Gardening calms my restless nature and keeps me focused," she says.
Every inch of her garden reflects care, effort and a deep connection with nature. "It's not just a garden, it's a part of me," says Raksha.
When she is not tending to her garden, the mother of two can be found in her kitchen, cooking or baking.
Looking out over her thriving sanctuary, Raksha shares her dreams. "I'm happy with my current garden, but I'd like to plant a mucuna tree to create a natural roof for my outdoor space. Gardening is a journey and there's always something new to learn," says the 52-year-old, with a twinkle in her eye.
