Mundakkayam: An avocado seed inspired a wellness coach, Sumesh, to create a garden at a public space, a project he hopes will transform it into a floral haven.

“The idea began with a tree. But now I dream of a garden,” says K T Sumesh of Varikkani Kizhakkanmuriyil, as he plants his fifteenth sapling in front of the public gym along Bypass Road. 

The spark came from an avocado seed from leftover fruit he bought for his home. Sumesh initially wanted the tree to provide fruit for gym-goers to enjoy as part of a healthy lifestyle. But soon, the vision expanded to developing a whole garden. For the past 15 days, he has planted a sapling each day.                 

Sumesh envisions a beautiful garden in front of the gym, protected by a yellow-painted fence and hopes more people will join in his mission. His wife, Saranya, children Ananya and Arjun, also stand firmly by his side.

He recalls how a bamboo sapling he planted near the small bridge along the Bypass with no great expectations has since grown into a shady refuge for travellers. Encouraged by it, more residents are now stepping forward to support Sumesh. The public gym was established under the initiative of district panchayat member P R Anupama.