Ned's Garden: A Green Patch in the Desert

May 22, 2011
 
Hard work, dedication and perseverance – end result, an amazing masterpiece of a blooming garden in the desert, which has to be seen to be believed. That is Ned D’Cunha from Abu Dhabi for you.

Ned D'Cunha hails from Bejai, Mangalore. He is basically a BSc in biology from St Aloysius College, Mangalore. That is where his love for nature was fuelled.

He later pursued commerce and is a certified Chartered Accountant. Ned affirms that nothing is impossible in life if you have a will and passion.

He currently works as finance manager at Pepsi, Abu Dhabi. Ned is married to Inez and has three children, Deann, Mike and Gina.

Gardening has always been a passion with Ned. He says that nature has great solace to offer. Nothing could deter him from converting a small patch of the desert into a bountiful green garden, not even the rising mercury of the region.

There is something thrilling about being able to grow one's own herbs and vegetables for cooking. Gardening is an incredibly relaxing hobby and a good stress buster. Ned D’Cunha has been maintaining a Mangalorean-like, modest patch for the past 20 years in Abu Dhabi and quite enjoys the challenge of keeping the garden going in spite of the harsh summers and sandy soil conditions, some of it even year round. The patch is a barely 10 feet by 35 feet.

It's all grown with organic manure from kitchen waste converted into rich organic compost and dry farm manure trucked down from a far off farm in Al Ain. A wide range of vegetables, fruits and herbs have successfully grown on this patch over the years and Ned has often had enough to give away.

Vegetable yield so far includes ash gourds, yellow and white pumpkins, ladies fingers, yellow marrow, snake gourds, radish, groundnuts, cabbage, cooking bananas, chilies, gherkins, a variety of tomatoes and brinjals, not sparing the Udupi gulla too, a variety of beans, from flat beans to strings beans, greens like colocasia leaves, spinach and lettuce.

A special mention needs to be made of the gherkin creeper which is about 10 years old. Every summer it dries up so dreadfully and is taken for dead but it faithfully springs up again in winter bearing a few kilos of gherkins.
Fruits that have grown over the years are lemons, sugarcane, papayas, pineapple and watermelon. Currently apple saplings have sprouted from seeds from apples bought at the supermarket and also a variety of orange saplings including Egyptian Kumkat.

Herbs grown are coriander, mint, brahmi, basil, curry leaves, mustard, lemon grass and aloe. The much talked about Insulin plant is growing lush and seems to be enjoying the weather right now. In all, there are 43 varieties of plants (Fruits, Vegetables and herbs) currently growing on this patch.

Planting and sowing is done end October, early November. Most of the less hardy varieties invariably perish during the summer months. The winter months from November to March are promising and this is the time the plants are at their best.

This patch has been home to local birds and bees as well and this adds on to the pleasures of gardening.

The sounds of nature in the garden can create subtle moods. The graceful leaves of ornamental plants rustling in the breeze, bees buzzing, and the sound of bird activities provide a sense of serenity and excitement, that's the atmosphere Ned enjoys.

Though Ned is holding a responsible position with a hectic schedule, he finds time to pursue his passion. With great  love for nature, whatever the man with green fingers attempts to grow in his garden turns out to be  simply incredible.

 

Ned' family too lends a helping hand towards his astounding hobby. He says nothing is impossible on this earth if one has the willingness and determination to pursue ones interest, though Abu Dhabi is his second home.

Visitors to his breathtaking garden are stunned to see the feat he has created in the limited space around his home, that too in the desert environment.

By Oswald M D'Souza
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Comment on this article

  • Mrs. Dsouza, Udupi

    Tue, Aug 13 2013

    I am currenty in Abu Dhabi and would like to know where is this wonderful garden. If anyone could please find out Mr. Ned Dcunha's garden address..kindly share it with me..I would be overwhelmed to personally visit this place

  • richard carlo, chickmanglore

    Wed, Jan 30 2013

    it was a wonderful desert garden.

  • richard carlo, chickmanglore

    Wed, Jan 30 2013

    it's really nice to see your desert garden

  • Ms Winnie Mendonca, Mumbai/Hirebile

    Mon, Jan 09 2012

    Dear Ned

    I remember our childhood days in Hirebile - my Dad had similar interest. Great - keep it up. We will visit your place.

  • Sally Solomon , Mangalore

    Thu, Jun 23 2011

    Wonderful indeed! I love gardening. I wish I take few tips from you Ned. This was sent to me from Reggie & Vani Enthat. Congratulations and may your garden grow!

  • sasidharan, north beypore

    Tue, Jun 14 2011

    Sir,
    seen ur wonderful garden. congrats for making such a great garden.
    kindly explain how u did it.

    wish u good luck

  • staney pinto, Andheri,Mumbai

    Sun, Jun 05 2011

    Truly great,hope u can help many people to grow their own gardens. I have kept some seeds for u when you r in bombay next time I will pass them to you

  • Richard Mendonca, Abu Dhabi

    Tue, May 31 2011

    Congratulations Ned & Inez. First time I am seeing so many varieties of vegetable & fruits grown in a private house in the Gulf.What a fantastic job which includes determination and hard work.I think I must plan to visit you often during the year Oct.to March, so I can get fresh Organic vegetable. All the best.

  • shrikala,

    Sun, May 29 2011

    see this.. nice

  • Charles Pinto, Thane/ Abu Dhabi

    Sun, May 29 2011

    Dear Ned, I do not want to tell more. I had the privilage to have some Yam leaves given to us by Inez and you, so we cooked nice Pothrade. You really have developed a wonderful garden. Seeing is believing.Congrats.

  • Delia, Abu Dhabi

    Sat, May 28 2011

    Dear Ned,
    Wonderful Garden with Organic Vegetables. Lot of effort to maintain in this weather. Keep up the good work. All the best.

  • Dolfy Dsouza, Mangalore/Abu Dhabi

    Fri, May 27 2011

    Congrats Ned and Inez!! It's the fruit of all your hard work and dedication, Keep it up!! Gives us a feeling that we are back home in Mangalore. All the best..
    Dolphy, Marina and Dan

  • Alice D'souza, M'lore/UK

    Fri, May 27 2011

    Dear Ned,
    Amazing to see your lovely garden with full of organic vegetables. keep up your good work. love from Eric, Elton,Elroy and Alice..

  • Nisha, Bangalore

    Fri, May 27 2011

    Woww!!

  • Prathibha, Mangalore

    Thu, May 26 2011

    Dear Inez
    Compliments to Ned and you too......... It is now proved that a desert too can be turned green with interest, hard work and dedication.Have to make a trip to Abudabi...Lovely garden

  • Carol, Karkala/USA

    Thu, May 26 2011

    What a beautiful vegetable garden you have, praiseworthy! Hearty congratulations

  • Ned D'Cunha, Abu Dhabi

    Thu, May 26 2011

    Many thanks to all for your wishes and words of encouragement. Special thanks to Mr. Walter Nandalike and Mr. Oswald D’souza of Daijiworld for the coverage. For those of you with queries you may please contact me at ned@pepsiadrc.ae

  • Roshan Gaga, Palli/Dubai

    Thu, May 26 2011

    I can say in one sentence itself "nothing is imppossible, i m possible" but full effort is required than only task will achiive,

  • k Mubarak Abdulla, Kundapur/Qatar

    Thu, May 26 2011

    Thanks to Daijiword for this artical, Mr. Ned is inspiration to all of us(whoever staying in Villa). Good work

  • Laureen Macarenhas, Mangalore/Abu Dhabi

    Thu, May 26 2011

    Congratulations Ned and Inez, you too "Behind every man's success, there is a woman". This is an inspiration to us all to go Organic..

  • Rupert, Janet, Janice&Royston, Mangalore /Dubai

    Wed, May 25 2011

    We just can't believe that in this desert place, vegetables like this can be grown indeed incredible. Where there is a will there is a way. Amazing. Your determination and your family support is wonderful.

  • ashenoy, mangloor

    Wed, May 25 2011

    This is a good for passing time and refreshing after office work. Lovely vegies indeed and lots of commendations. What bothers me is, many manglaoreans abandon their agri-lands or keep it barren here in mangalore without growing anything. Here we are, appreciating this effort but neglecting our own backyards without growing these lovely vegetables.. What a pity.

  • ABDUL GANI, Mangalore

    Wed, May 25 2011

    Its really fantasic & lovely.I am also very fond of gardening & reside i uae. can u pls advice were we can get sapling or seeds to start here, i have a small place in my villa, lt us try our luck.

  • Benny C A, Dubai

    Wed, May 25 2011

    Dear Ned,
    Marvelous! no words to explain your hard work, dedication and care. Keep up the good work. Congratulations!

  • A.S.Mathew, U.S.A.

    Tue, May 24 2011

    This is an amazing event. Producing all sorts of vegetables in U.A.E. and the yield is highly praiseworthy. Hope and pray that other people will try to imitate this noble adventure of Mr. Ned.

    Hearty congratulations. Sir, you have done the job V E R Y well.

  • Lance & Hazel D' Costa, Mangalore/Abu Dhabi

    Tue, May 24 2011

    Wow Ned & Inez! Such a beautiful Mangalorean oasis in midst of UAE desert. Wish you all the best...keep it up!!

  • Vidya Alvares, Bejai, Canada

    Tue, May 24 2011

    Dear Ned,

    In order to live off a garden, you practically have to live in it & you have proved just that.

    WELL DONE

  • Shammy Fernandes, Mangalore, Dubai

    Tue, May 24 2011

    Hi Ned great job, keep up the good work. Very proud of u ur family. Regards...Shammy & Maria

  • Marie D'Souza, Dubai-UAE

    Tue, May 24 2011

    great hobby and beautiful garden, wish i could visit and see in person the excellent job and hard work put in to excel.

  • Jerry Pinto, Bondel/Qatar

    Tue, May 24 2011

    Dear Ned,
    I am amazed with your gardening skills specially growing vegetables. Even mangoes grow very well in this weather. Certainly I visit you during my next trip to Abu Dhabi. Our best wishes to your family.

  • John Peter Fernandes, Moodubelle/ Nottingham

    Tue, May 24 2011

    Ned you are a Genius. I know he is very interested in growing vegetables. Last Visit I had a chance to look his Garden. Really Great!!!!!

  • JANE dsouza(Goveas), BEJAI/SOHAR-MUSCAT

    Tue, May 24 2011

    Hi Ned n Inez,it's a beautiful garden you have.its looks like you have a mini mangalore in your back yard.Congrats!keep up he hard work.

  • priya perumpilavil, Kerala/Dubai(Al Reyami Technologies)

    Tue, May 24 2011

    Dear Sir ,
    Well done and congratulations! The fruit of your labor is sweet, and I must say you deserve it.
    priya (Al Reyami Technologies)

  • Virginia & walter,

    Tue, May 24 2011

    Congratulations Ned Inez, Dean Mike & Zeena having seen your garden & the effect of your green fingers during our years in Abudhabi it is not surprising. Whatever experience you have gained in that small plot will stand u in good stead at Coffeecad dinnekere chickmagalur.We the Planters around Coffeecad are eager to have you in our midst & to be sharing from your gulf experience of growing fruits & vegetables in that hostile desert environment.All the best, Virginia Walter & Sonia Masthikan estate.

  • vincy and mabel, dubai

    Tue, May 24 2011

    Wow,It is incredible.It is feather in your cap,Ned.for setting up and maintaining such a beautiful Garden in this part of the World. The Ash Gourds, Gherkins,Zucchini,Pumpkins,Brinjals etc,are amazing. I did relish the Pumpkins from your Garden last year and look forward to receiving them this time also. All the Best. Great Job... Inez and kids also should get due credit for this.

  • John Pinto, Chickmagalur/Doha

    Tue, May 24 2011

    Congratulations Ned , It is really beautiful , you have made the desert land into a fertile land . Great Work. Nice pictures.

  • LORNA JACOB, BANGALORE

    Mon, May 23 2011

    Ned, indded a great achievement and that in a desert. You really have a " green thumb" and love for greens. Keeo it up Ned. We pray for you and your family. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

  • patrick dsouza, mangalore

    Mon, May 23 2011

    Wow what a beautiful garden in the desert

  • Winston D'souza, Mangalore. Visiting U.S.A.now

    Mon, May 23 2011

    Congrats Ned and Inez.It is great achievement to have so much vaiety in such a small piece of land. Its a great habby and recreation. All the best.
    Winston and Anita

  • Maria, New Zealand

    Mon, May 23 2011

    I really love his garden, its really therapeutic al experience doing a garden.

  • vidit, bangalore

    Mon, May 23 2011

    Do you use fertilizer there?

  • Valerian Fernandes, Abu Dhabi

    Mon, May 23 2011

    Indeed it’s a beautiful garden with fresh vegetables. We are lucky enough to see the beauty of the garden. Congratulations.

  • Fr Denzil SJ, Mangalore

    Mon, May 23 2011

    CONGRATS Ned.

    Really fantastic achievement.

    all the best.
    fr denzil sj

  • Ronald Lobo, Urwa-M'lore / Dubai

    Mon, May 23 2011

    Dear Ned,Inez & all at home.
    I have no words to comment looking at this beauty,but would like to join hands personally at times. This article drags me automatically towards you after a long gap.As you believe in every thing is possible (even I do ) But I believe in better late than never too.May peep in some times,till then hats off for the lovely hobby.Wish I was in Abu Dhabi.
    Love you all.RON

  • Winnie Pinto, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Mon, May 23 2011

    Dear Ned,
    Wow, it's a beautiful garden patch that you have created in the desert land. The writer has rightly described you as 'the man with the Green fingers'. That's what you are and I am very proud of you. Keep up the good work.

  • WILSON, Udupi

    Mon, May 23 2011

    Greaaaat....

  • Daniel, Abu Dhabi

    Mon, May 23 2011

    Really amazing. Congrats for developing such a beautiful garden in this desert. Keep it up.

  • Reema Pinto, Sharjah

    Mon, May 23 2011

    Amazing garden Ned & Inez! The pictures are an absolute treat. Hope to visit you soon

  • conie saldanha(pinto), Bejai

    Mon, May 23 2011

    Dear Ned Inez and fly
    congrats Indeed its wonderful to see a vegetable garden like this.All the best for your great efforts
    conie bejai

  • Roshan Rebello, Mangalore / Hamilton

    Mon, May 23 2011

    Phenomenal garden uncle and aunty!!!

  • alok , malikatte/USA

    Mon, May 23 2011

    Dont just wish him and congratulate him. change the way you all live. start your own gardens and be examples to others.

  • Maisie Rodrigues, valencia/Mangalore

    Mon, May 23 2011

    Dear Ned,
    It is really nice to the fresh vegetables growing in your little garden. I appreciate the effort put in by you, inspite of your busy schedules. My green thumbs up to you !!
    Regards to Inez & kids.

    From- Claudy,Maisie,Melissa & Colin.

  • rajani,

    Mon, May 23 2011

    it is beautiful,u should try & put some beehives also in ur garden so that u will get honey.

  • Melville and Reena Pinto, Bejai, Abu Dhabi

    Mon, May 23 2011

    Wow Ned and Inez what a beautiful garden in the desert. Will visit you someday and also gather some of the luscious looking fruit and vegetable. Keep it up!

  • Domnic Savio Viegas, Goa/Bahrain

    Mon, May 23 2011

    WONDERFUL! JUST WONDERFUL TO READ AND SEE THE PICTURES. NED CAN YOU EXPORT SOME OF YOUR PRODUCE TO BAHRAIN?
    ALL THE BEST NED AND GOD BLESS.

  • Sheila, Mumbai/Dubai

    Sun, May 22 2011

    Dear Ned, congratulations on maintaining such a lovely green patch in this desert. I too love gardening and wud like to know how do u convert your kitchen waste into organic manure. Pls give us some gardening tips. God Bless

  • James Mendonca, Vamanjoor / Dubai

    Sun, May 22 2011

    Dear Ned,
    The garden looks beautiful in the pictures. I hope to visit you soon to see it in person and taste the vegetables cooked in your home. Well done.

  • Orville Rodrigues, Velsao, Goa / Dubai

    Sun, May 22 2011

    Thoroughly enjoyed reading the article. Just reading this article and viewing the vegetables in the pics. is so soothing to the eye. Congratulations Ned on a bountiful yield & Thanx to Daijiworld

  • VINOD, NETLA/ABUDHABI

    Sun, May 22 2011

    EREN DAIJI THUDU BARI KHUSHI AAND MATHALA ONGI ONGI K.G BODU SIR.

  • Anita Pinto, Damaskatte/Dubai

    Sun, May 22 2011

    Mr.Ned,

    Wow nice garden! Its amazing to see such a beautiful garden in UAE. Are visitors allowed to come to see your garden?
    Ozy, thank you for the lovely article with photos.Great work!

  • Dony D Silva, Kudupu, UAE

    Sun, May 22 2011

    Congratulations Ned! You are really a wonderful person! I never knew that you have made such a nice garden in this part of the world. Keep up the good work and may God bless you and your wife Inez, and your children as well.

  • Clara Lewis, Kemmannu/Dubai

    Sun, May 22 2011

    Wonderful article & photographs on Ned's Gaden By Oswald M D'Souza, Green Green eye catching greenary inspiration to many, it is an amazing masterpiece of a blooming garden in the desert.

  • subramanyam bhat, kasargod

    Sun, May 22 2011

    I always see this gentleman during his evening walk in ADIS ground....hats off to him & thx Daiji..

  • Nancy Moras, Bajpe, Muscat

    Sun, May 22 2011

    Hi Neddy

    Congratulations. Its really nice to see your garden pictures.

    Nancy Moras (Goveas), Muscat

  • Renny Lobo (Rodrigues), Gurpur Kaikamba/ Abu Dhabi

    Sun, May 22 2011

    Thank you Daijiworld for the article and the pictures of lovely vegetable garden.
    Dear Ned, myself being a great lover of nature I am so impressed with your gardening skills in this part of the world. Keep it up. Congrats to you and Inez.

  • Kenet Fernandes, Qatar

    Sun, May 22 2011

    Congratulation.. Ned D'Cunha for your hard work .You proved that nothing is impossible if you are willing to do hard work. You really converted a small patch of the (UAE) desert into a beautiful green garden. I am really happy to see the nice pictures.

  • Blaise & Ivan Dsouza - Doha Qatar, Bejai

    Sun, May 22 2011

    Incredible variety of Fresh Vegetables! Congratulation.. Ned & Inez. Nice to see you on Daiji. Last times Pothrade leaves and Gosali were so fresh and tasty …!!

  • anamika, Mangalore

    Sun, May 22 2011

    It's excellent and wonderful achievement. When people are busy with tuning remote control and browsing in the net, Mr. Ned, creatively utilized his free time for such wonderful hobby of gardening. Hats off to Mr. Ned and Thanks to Daijji..

  • GEORGE, ABU DHABI

    Sun, May 22 2011

    Congratulations Ned, you have certainly put in tremendous effort and have reaped a harvest that is so beautiful to see. When I meet you next time, I would like to get a few tips from you.

  • KGShenoy, Mangalore/Dubai

    Sun, May 22 2011

    Thanks to Daijiworld for the article.I truly do not find words to appreciate Ned & his wonderful creative hobby. I will find out his address and visit him in Abudhabi.I Love Gardening. But do not have the time because of long working hours and lack of opportunity.I wish him well.

  • Rohan D'souza, Bangalore

    Sun, May 22 2011

    Thanks daiji for posting this wonderful article! Keep up the gardening Ned.

  • noel, linet dale & dwayne, shj /bejai

    Sun, May 22 2011

    fresh veg market with more than 40 varities , great job bro. keep it up.

  • Leena - CUPCO, Kundapur / Sharjah

    Sun, May 22 2011

    Amazing hobby Mr.Ned. I heard of this from your colleagues and now I am happy to see the pictures.

  • noel, linet dale & dwayne, shj /bejai

    Sun, May 22 2011

    fresh veg market with more than 40 varities , great job bro. keep it up.

  • Archie Menezes , Milagres/Kuwait

    Sun, May 22 2011

    Dear Ned,
    Thanks to Daijiworld for this beautiful article. As we never had a chance to meet after our college days (that is almost 40 years)I would not have recognised you, if I had to meet you in UAE without somebody introducing us. Brought back memories of our Padua highschool days where we studied.
    All the best in your efforts to spread little greenary in the desert and to prove a point that nothing is impossible if you are dedicated and willing to do hard work.

  • Dave, Mangalore

    Sun, May 22 2011

    WOW is the only word I have for your achievement sir.
    I am thinking about applying for a gardeners job with U. (I'm joking my brother & cousins are working there from more than 30 to 40 years).

  • Preethi Baretto, M'lore / Doha

    Sun, May 22 2011

    Dear Ned,
    I must say you have put in your
    100 % Hard work, Dedication and Perseverance as, I see this wonderful garden in the Dry Desert..
    Your Efforts are Commendable.
    Good Luck Ned..

  • Jimmy Noronha, Bellore,Kulshekar,Lucknow

    Sun, May 22 2011

    This is really interesting and many will be inspired by the effort of the writer. Gardening, like the one here is perhaps should rank among the best hobbies and one can escape from the busy life and remain cool in a peaceful surrounding.


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