In the heart of Nairobi’s Kitisuru, tucked behind a modest gate, lies a garden that whispers stories of time.
To the untrained eye it may look like any other lush garden, but to Numi Shah, it is a tapestry of history, growth, and healing - a place alive with memory.
“We bought this house in 1993 and moved in in 2001. Since then I have just been developing and maintaining it. My policy is not to spend too much, just to maintain what’s there,” says Numi.
The sprawling five-and-a-half acre property, which now costs between Sh50 million and Sh60 million an acre - the price for more than five acres three decades ago - is full of secrets that took root long before her arrival. The trees, some towering like sentinels, have stood guard through eras of change.
Numi’s horse also embodied the spirit of freedom. She moved with an effortless grace, blending seamlessly with the rugged beauty of the terrain.
“The garden was wild and untamed, almost feral. Even my horse once grazed on the overgrown land and weeds had taken over much of the space,” she recalls. But she didn’t see disorder, she saw potential. Armed with a small shovel, a watering can, and boundless determination, she began to uncover its soul.
When Numi moved into her 80-year-old home, she didn’t rush to transform the land with fresh flowers. Instead, she carefully uprooted the treasures of her old home - mature plants she had lovingly tended for years - and gave them a new home.
Numi Shah pictured at her home garden in Kitisuru Nairobi on November 28, 2024.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
Every anthurium, heliconia, agapanthus, orchid, and petunia has a story to tell, transplanted with care and flourishing under her steady hand.
Her paspalum grass, over three decades old, now carpets the lawn, creating a tranquil expanse.
Gracefully lining the driveway, the agapanthus create a stunning visual path. Their long, slender leaves and clusters of bright purple flowers add a touch of elegance as they sway gently in the breeze.
Their textured symmetry and seasonal blooms offer a warm and stylish welcome to all who approach the home. They may be new additions, but they stand proudly alongside the old favourites, proving that old and new can coexist in harmony.
Ancient guardian trees
The rock garden in the front yard, with its variety of plants, has a different charm. Here the plants mingle with ancient guardian trees planted long before Numi moved in.
These towering giants, some over 80 years old, have witnessed decades of change and silently hold the stories of the land. They provide a majestic backdrop to the vibrant blooms, grounding the garden in history.
Her favourite plant is the staghorn fern, simply for its beauty. The about 80-year-old bombax tree stands just beside the house, adorned with three varieties of ivy. This is the highlight of the garden. Its gnarled trunk and crimson flowers are a testament to its resilience. “It is so therapeutic. It must be at least 78 years old,” says Numi, stroking its bark like an old friend.
“This is where we sit in the evening to eat with my family. The view of the bombax tree makes it so fulfilling,” she says.
At the entrance, her orchid garden radiates grace, its blooms a delicate reminder of continuity and commitment. Each blossom is a reminder of her care for the treasures of her past, offering a graceful welcome that blends elegance with her passion for preservation. Numi’s herb garden is a vibrant and aromatic retreat, full of life and history.
Nestled in a sunny corner of her property, this six-year-old sanctuary is a testament to her green thumb and dedication to nurturing what she loves.
Each herb tells its own story - robust basil leaves spread their spicy-sweet aroma, thyme carpets the ground with its delicate sprigs, and fragrant mint sprouts like tiny bursts of refreshment.
Big leaf Hydrangea plant at Numi Shah’s home garden in Kitisuru Nairobi on November 28, 2024.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
Mature rosemary bushes, transplanted from their former home, stand like sturdy sentinels, their needle-like leaves perfuming the air with a woody scent.
At the heart of Numi’s garden is another testament to time and care: a thriving anthurium garden, lovingly transferred from her previous home. These mature plants, now flourishing in about 10 pots, reflect her preference for preserving what she has nurtured over the years rather than seeking new additions. Their glossy foliage and vibrant flowers create a tropical haven rooted in history.
What makes it special
“The maturity of this garden is what makes it special,” she says. “It’s not about perfection, it’s about preserving what’s already here.”
She has planted sparingly, adding only what felt in harmony with the character of the land. Ficus trees from her old home found a permanent place in the soil.
Traveller’s palms and cycads brought from Mombasa added a touch of her history to the garden’s narrative. But the real stars remain the old plants: the jacarandas that blanket the ground with purple petals, and the orchids that bloom in quiet corners.
Each part of the garden has its unique beauty. The staghorn ferns cling to the trees like ornaments, while the herb garden, with its lemongrass, mint, and rosemary, helps her cook delicious meals and learn the art of healing with plants. Even the patches of wild grass, stubborn and untamed, speak of the garden’s refusal to conform to modernity.
Not just a garden
Numi’s days revolve around this living, breathing sanctuary. “It’s not just a garden; it’s my meditation, my retreat, and my muse,” she says. She often wanders its paths barefoot, her fingers brushing the leaves and flowers. The soft rustle of the wind through the trees is like the voice of the garden, whispering secrets only she can hear.
Over the years, the garden has become a refuge for her growing family. Her grandchildren play under the bombax tree, their laughter mingling with the chirping of the birds.
“We often have small parties here. Family gatherings in the shade of the jacaranda, where tables laden with food become a celebration of life and nature,” says the 62 years-old.
“The garden needs constant attention. The grass grows too fast, the walls need new vines, and pests occasionally attack my beloved plants,” she notes. But kerosene works best for the caterpillars.
Numi welcomes the challenges. “It’s a labour of love,” she says with a smile. “Gardens are like people. They need attention, patience, and understanding.”
When Numi is not in her garden, you will find her in Karura forest meditating with her friends.
