APD’s Horticulture Department organises multiple edits of Bloom and Plant Carnival

The Bloom and Plant Carnival curated by the Association Of People with Disabilities (APD) was recently held at the NS Hema Horticulture Training Centre, Kyalsanahalli campus, in Bengaluru.  

The goal of this event was to promote sustainability, water conservation and environmental health through horticulture. A variety of ornamental and exotic plants such as orchids, anthuriums and peace lilies as well as saplings of herbal and medicinal plants like chives, basil, lemongrass and tulsi, were on display.

APD was started by NS Hema, founder of the horticulture training centre, to rehabilitate people with disabilities. Inflicted with polio herself, Hema’s determination to create a space for this community, lead to the establishment of this institute in 1959.

At APD, people with disabilities are trained over a period of three months with free accommodation and an on-site caretaker, after which they are gainfully employed, not only at the horticulture centre, but also in corporate spaces that include retail outlets, BPOs, and other platforms.

Lakshman Reddy, a trainer with APD for the last 19 years, used to work as an electrician in Kolar, until he lost the use of his legs following an accident at work. “I arrived in Bengaluru with the help of social services in 2006. Hema not only provided me with the necessary training, but also ensured I appeared for and passed my SSLC exams.”

At APD’s Bloom and Plant Carnival 
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

According to Lakshman, in the initial years, the training centre operated from the garage of Hema’s home in Malleshwaram and had only two students. Today, over 60 beneficiaries are undergoing training at APD.

Sandeep P, horticulture manager at the Kyalsanahalli campus, says the site was used as a garbage dump until APD purchased it. The institution also offers rehabilitation therapy, integrating individuals into society through employment opportunities and by providing a healing space working amidst nature. 

APD’s Bloom and Plant Festival will resume from December 12-20 at their Jeevan Bhima Nagar campus, and will be followed by a Christmas-themed festival from December 23-28 at their Lingarajapuram campus. 

Exhibits and events starting from February 2026 have already been chalked out and details are available on their social media.