Who says New Town is a concrete jungle? Thanks to enthusiasts like Kali Prasad Saha, the township enjoys a fair share of greenery on balconies and terraces. Saha, an eye surgeon, has planted exotic fruits, rare flowers, herbs and spices that are rather difficult to grow in our conditions. His home seems like an oasis of colour and a source of fresh air.

It all started when, living in Malda, we appointed a new art tutor for our daughter. The teacher was also a horticulturalist and invited us to a flower show. Once there, I was enthralled and before I knew it, there were 300 potted plants on our terrace. Gardening became such a passion that I would hijack the teacher for tips whenever he came to teach art. My daughter would get livid!

We moved to New Town in 2018 and am thoroughly enjoying gardening here. My driveway has Palms and Crotons, Salvias and Cosmos, while the backyard has Amra, Gandharaj Hibiscus and a Rose garden.

I could never image Cherries and Litchis growing in pots but they are thriving on our terrace. There are also Strawberries, Blackberries, Kul, Mausumbi, Oranges and several kinds of Mangoes. The potted Grape plant bore lots of fruits last year but Cyclone Amphan ravaged it. I’m trying to grow potted Jackfruit now.

I’m always on the lookout for rare plants and have an interesting collection of these. You’ve heard of Kaalo Jaam but for a taste of Shaada Jaam you’ll have to visit my house. Same with Sweet Tamarinds, Blue Mangoes, Red Guavas and Red Batabi Lebus. Most of these fruits taste like their regular counterparts but their unusual colours add an exotic appeal.

I’m rather fond of cooking and so a kitchen garden is a must for me. Besides vegetables like Tomatoes, Capsicums and Palong Shak, we have a Tej Pata tree, whose leaves we dry and use in cooking. Whenever I cook Cauliflower, I toss a few Gandharaj leaves in the bowl before pouring in the dish. It adds a lovely aroma that enhances the eating experience.

After my daughter got married, I realised we had some leftover turmeric from her Gaaye Holud ceremony. Happily, I planted them and now we have a Turmeric plant in the terrace.

My other hobby is playing badminton but it’s gardening that takes up most of my time. I’m with my plants from 6 to 8am, 11 to 11.30am and again from 4 to 6pm. I couldn’t be happier.

•If you have a garden you tend to yourself, send your contact number to The Telegraph Salt Lake, 6, Prafulla Sarkar Street, Calcutta 700001 or call 22600115 after 4pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays or email to saltlake@abpmail.com