Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 17 2010:
In the State where peace has remained elusive and the mind of the people perturbed on account of the deteriorating law and order situation, the LG Rose Garden in Yurembam of Imphal West district has transformed itself into an idyllic place where the people can find succour even if for a while.
On entering the garden, one would feel being transported into a different world of flowers and fragrances.
There are over 350 different varieties and colours of roses growing in the garden.
Addition to the attraction of the garden are the nicely maintained water fountain, beautifully mowed lawn, park, aviary, Hawa Mahal and nursery of flowers and other decorative plants.
Spreading over a distance of around 1 hectare, the garden, which also goes by the name of Laishram Gouramani Rose Garden has been nurtured and groomed to its present state by Laishram Diwakar of Sagolband Khamnam Leirak, who has done MBA from Manipur Institute of Management Studies, Manipur University in 2001 .
Interacting with The Sangai Express, Diwakar recalled that when he started planting flowers in his garden instead of vegetables, people used to laugh at him.
However, Diwakar was undeterred and with the increase in the popularity of his garden, Diwakar is today a happy young man.
Diwakar informed that one of his main objectives in life has been to own a garden where he can not only plant flowers of his choice but also provide a place where people can come to take rest and in the process to create employment opportunities for the people of the surrounding area.
To enhance the beauty and attraction of his garden, Diwakar is at present concentrating on developing the saplings of around 1050 roses.
After the roses, Diwakar said that he would be turning his attention to development of China Rose and Champaka (Leihao) saplings for marketing as well as for use in his own garden.
From his rose nursery, Diwakar has been selling rose saplings charging anywhere between Rs 30 to 150 per sapling.
On February 14, Valentine's Day, this year, Diwakar earned upto Rs 10,000 from selling roses at the rate of Rs 20 per rose.
In all nine staff are being engaged to look after the garden.
In order to expand his garden, Diwakar is currently trying to develop a water body over an area of one Sangam of land next to his garden where the visitors can have boating experience.
Diwakar is also nurturing the aspiration for developing and attaching an art gallery and a bonsai gallery within the complex of his garden.