When life gave Gyan Shetty lemons, he planted the seeds—literally. The 28-year-old engineer from Mangaluru chose leaves over laptops, trading corporate cubicles for chlorophyll. What began as a quiet hobby with his mother on their home terrace eventually flourished into Namma Garden, an online nursery nurturing over 3,000 plants.
From a childhood fascination with watching his mother water plants to building a sustainable green business, Gyan’s journey is deeply rooted in love for nature, resilience, and bold decision-making. During the pandemic, like many others, he was stuck indoors—but instead of binge-watching web series, he was busy growing mangoes and mulberries. Today, his garden isn't just green—it’s glowing with purpose.
How Gyan Shetty Built a Green Business from Scratch
Gyan’s early interactions with nature were more playful than purposeful, but the spark ignited when he watched a simple plumeria stem from his grandmother’s garden grow into a full-sized tree near his home. That one plant sowed the idea that nature, when cared for, always gives back.
Fast forward to the COVID-19 lockdown, when working from home offered him the time to reconnect with gardening. While his mother, Shobha Shetty, stepped back, Gyan took over the garden entirely. He began documenting his progress on Instagram, and surprisingly, his green haven began gaining fans online.
Motivated by the appreciation, Gyan decided to take the plunge. In January 2022, he officially launched Namma Garden on a modest seven-cent plot near his home in Bikarnakatte. His offerings expanded rapidly—fruit saplings like mango, jackfruit, chikoo, and rambutan, alongside flowering, water, ornamental, and indoor plants. But this wasn’t just about selling plants. Each one was grown organically using compost from kitchen waste. From Rs. 30 to Rs. 8,000, the pricing remains budget-friendly, making gardening more accessible for all.
Unlike commercial nurseries that often use chemical fertilisers, Gyan’s approach is all-natural. Neem oil is used for pest control, and composted kitchen scraps serve as the only fertiliser. He even creates leaf compost from fallen leaves, which works wonders for foliage plants due to its high carbon content. For sun-loving plants, daily watering is a must, but air plants?
They’re less fussy. It’s all about balance—knowing what the plant needs and providing it with care. Another unique feature of Namma Garden is its landscaping service. Gyan extends his expertise to homes, offices, and cafés, transforming spaces into urban jungles. He also conducts interactive gardening events to educate people on plant care, making green living a community affair.
This wasn’t a straight path, though. Gyan initially studied information science engineering but dropped out due to personal reasons. He later pursued a career in civil engineering design and worked in Bengaluru. Health issues disrupted his career, but recovery brought clarity—and a deeper bond with nature. With unwavering support from his parents—his mother as his gardening partner and his father, Balakrishna Shetty, helping with transport—Gyan turned a passion project into a livelihood.
Today, orders for Namma Garden come in from all over India, including Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. His nursery in Mangaluru even attracts walk-in customers daily. Despite the rising popularity, Gyan insists on keeping prices fair, unlike some nurseries that, in his words, “fleece customers.” For him, gardening is about connection, not commerce.
What’s most inspiring is Gyan’s holistic vision. He sees plants not just as décor but as living beings. He insists that anyone buying a plant must understand its needs—light, water, and space. Overwatering, he points out, is the silent killer of many houseplants. His goal is for every plant sold to thrive in its new home. But Gyan doesn’t shy away from raising awareness, either. He expresses concern over the rapid urban development in Mangaluru, which is leading to the loss of century-old trees, especially in areas such as Valencia and Mangaladevi. For him, true development includes preserving the natural heritage we already have.
When Passion Meets Purpose, Nature Wins
Gyan Shetty’s journey from engineering student to full-time gardener is a blooming example of how following your passion can lead to a purpose-driven career. His green thumb not only brings joy to countless plant lovers but also contributes to a more sustainable, eco-conscious world. In an era where concrete often replaces canopies, Namma Garden reminds us that every sapling matters, every seed has potential, and every home can be a haven of green. Let this story be your sign to bring a plant home— and grow green, grow happy.
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