Amidst the serene green landscapes of Kashmir, a landscape designer from Baramulla, Showkat Ahmad Lone, is garnering accolades for his exceptional work in crafting beautiful lawns, fountains, and parks that grace the region.
Hailing from the picturesque Kantgagh area of Baramulla, Showkat Ahmad Lone draws inspiration from his grandfather, a former gardening supervisor. He received his initial training under his grandfather’s tutelage, working alongside him during weekends and school vacations. Over time, his passion for landscaping grew, and he decided to pursue it as a profession.
After completing his graduation in economics, Showkat further honed his skills by earning a diploma in Floriculture and Landscape Designing from Sheri-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Kashmir. He also augmented his knowledge through online certification courses in modern landscape design from foreign universities.
Showkat’s journey took a significant step five years ago when he registered himself with the floriculture department in Baramulla as a grower and established his own flower nursery. As his business expanded, so did his team, which now comprises 35-40 dedicated individuals under his supervision. They are categorized into various roles, including skilled workers, soil preparation experts, laborers, gardeners, transporters, and more.
Six years ago, Showkat ventured into ornamental nursery work on his ancestral land, specializing in turf varieties like Australian Kentucky evergreen, selection grass, Korean grass, and Bermuda grass. He became an expert in turf and pest management and introduced the innovative sod culture technique to cultivate Australian Kentucky evergreen turf, known for its resilience in extreme cold conditions, even surviving temperatures as low as -18 degrees Celsius.
This innovation found favor among Kashmir’s residents, with growing demand leading to more orders than he could handle. Showkat is delighted to witness increasing awareness and appreciation for this technique among the local populace.
Showkat’s success story serves as an inspiration for the youth in the valley, with many expressing interest in pursuing a career in landscaping and horticulture.
Looking ahead, Showkat aspires to expand his commercial floriculture business, driven by the rising demand for flowers in the region over the past two decades. He envisions engaging more young people in this profession to create employment opportunities.
Expressing his commitment to nature and conservation, Showkat encourages people to connect with the environment and play a role in its preservation. His team offers year-round services, including table arrangements and design, ensuring that the beauty of Kashmir’s landscapes remains accessible to all.
As Showkat Ahmad Lone continues to leave an indelible mark on Kashmir’s landscape, his dedication to his craft and commitment to the environment serve as an inspiration to the region’s aspiring horticulturists and nature enthusiasts.
