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Growing plants and clients successfully
Mr. Ramarao Jagtap set up the nursery 30 years ago.
As you enter the one-acre plot, you watch young,
not-so-young, and elderly  women
in checked green aprons and caps cheerfully going
about their jobs. Crouched on their knees, they
tend to the assortment of luscious plants, shrubs,
cacti, orchids, bonsai and a host of other rare
and interesting varieties of plants that the nursery
has on offer. Divided into neat sections, each variety
is numbered and labeled, with a brief description
of the plant, its uses, and its botanical name.
The sales personnel provide any further help and
information; most of them have a degree in Botany.
"We are thorough professionals and our approach
has always been very scientific. We are constantly
experimenting with new varieties, importing a variety
of seeds and customizing plants to suit Indian conditions,"
says Mr. Devendra Jagtap, who is currently in charge
of the place. Little wonder, then, that the nursery
has customers from not just the city but also from
Mumbai, Bangalore and even Delhi. The widest range
of ornamental plants in the country can be found
here.
 The
nursery also happens to be one of the few producers
of 'identified' rose plants. "There are more
than 300 varieties of rose plants. You ask us for
a specific variety and you will get exactly that,"
says Mr. Devendra Jagtap. An awesome range of flowering
pot plants can be found here, but then, as Devendra
puts it, "Nobody grows them as well as we do".
Poinsettia, currently the most popular pot plant,
is also available.
The nursery periodically holds exhibitions and
workshops on  gardening.
Jagtap's nursery is truly a garden centre. Every
single item that one needs to get a garden going
can be got here - plastic planters, ceramic containers,
fertilizers, moss stick, and the complete range
of garden tools and equipment, lawn mower included.
A novice can feel absolutely free to ask the most
basic questions with regard to plants and gardening.
All questions are answered, doubts cleared and
even instruction sheets provided in the case of
plants that need special care.
The Jagtaps seem to be experts at taking care.
Of plants and clients.
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