For Surbhi Yadav of Meerut, a room full of her late mother-in-law’s belongings was not a collection of items to be discarded, but a library of precious memories. After losing her mother-in-law to the second wave of COVID-19, Surbhi was plunged into a deep depression. The bond they had formed in just two short years was profound, and the grief was overwhelming.
Instead of clearing out the room as many suggested, Surbhi found a unique way to channel her sorrow and honor the woman she so dearly loved. She saw potential where others saw waste. Ancestral bottles, old clay matkas, forgotten lanterns, and even a discarded fan became her canvas. With a creative spirit awakened by grief, she began to transform these keepsakes into beautiful, one-of-a-kind planters.
This act of transformation was the first step on a new journey. In April 2023, with her handcrafted planters ready, Surbhi began to explore the world of gardening. Her initial motivation was deeply symbolic. "A lack of oxygen was a major factor in her death," Surbhi explains. "I was determined to fill our home with life and fresh air."
Starting sustainably on a budget, she propagated her first plants from cuttings—a simple money plant, followed by syngoniums. As her confidence grew, so did her garden. Today, her terrace is a vibrant sanctuary, home to over 300 plants. Lush bougainvillea and hibiscus add splashes of color, various palms lend a tropical feel, and a patch of vegetables, including tomatoes, spinach, and chillies, provides a fresh harvest.
What makes this garden truly special is its foundation in sustainability and memory. Surbhi proudly shares that 99 percent of her plants thrive in DIY planters made from upcycled materials. Old cooking pots and even decorative plates have been repurposed, each holding a story. The soil is nourished with homemade compost and bioenzymes created from kitchen waste, ensuring the entire ecosystem is organic and self-sufficient.
Perhaps the most poignant creation in this green haven is a magnificent hanging planter for a turtle vine, ingeniously crafted from 15 plastic bottles and the grill of the very fan that once belonged to her mother-in-law.
For Surbhi, this garden has been a lifeline. Her days now have a gentle rhythm, spending mornings and evenings tending to her plants. The process of nurturing new life has, in turn, nurtured her own spirit. "Gardening got me out of a dark place," she shares. "I would spend hours overthinking. My plants pulled me out of it and have made me a happier person."
Surbhi’s terrace is more than just a garden; it is a living tribute, a testament to the idea that from the deepest sorrow, the most beautiful life can grow.
