In Kayamkulam, Kerala, Anju Karthika’s rooftop isn’t just a garden—it’s a story of hope, hustle, and heart.
Every morning, long before the world fully wakes up, the soft rustle of leaves and the gentle colours of 600 blooming flowers greet Anju Karthika. Her terrace, nestled in the small town of Kayamkulam, isn’t just a place where plants grow—it’s where dreams took root and blossomed.
Anju was never the kind to chase big-city ambitions. Her world, even as a child, was quieter. While other kids played outside, she would collect rose cuttings from neighbours’ gardens, tucking them carefully into small pots. She didn’t know it then, but she was sowing the first seeds of something much bigger.
Years went by, and life kept her busy. But in 2013, a small decision changed everything. She came across vibrant new varieties of table roses from Brazil and Thailand. Curious and excited, she bought a few and started planting them on her terrace. What followed was nothing short of magic. The roses flourished—and so did her spirit.
Not stopping there, she started growing adeniums, known as desert roses. With their sculptural shapes and exotic colours, they soon took over her terrace too. From 15 plants, her collection grew to hundreds. She learned how to hand-pollinate, graft, and even create her own hybrids—each bloom a work of art in maroon, orange, violet, and multicolour swirls.
People began to take notice. Friends wanted cuttings. Strangers reached out through Facebook gardening groups. That’s when Green Flora was born—Anju’s humble, homegrown plant business.
She didn’t have a store, a website, or any formal training. But she had something far greater: a love for plants and a desire to share that joy with others. Orders started coming in from across the country. Carefully packed plants were shipped with handwritten notes and care tips. Anju also sent video guides, answering queries and offering support—even to first-time plant parents.
On average, she now earns ₹20,000 a month. During peak seasons, the income doubles—not just for her, but also for the fellow gardeners she collaborates with. All of this, from her terrace, with nothing but recycled containers, cow dung compost, and a whole lot of patience.
“I never imagined this would be my life,” she smiles. “But I always believed one plant can change everything.”
And it has.
Today, Anju is not just a gardener. She’s a changemaker, reminding urban dwellers and women across India that you don’t need acres of land to grow something meaningful—just a few feet of space and the will to nurture.
“Even if you don’t have land,” she says, looking at her blooms, “you always have the sky.”
At The Earthview, we believe stories like Anju’s remind us that sustainable living begins at home—and that every woman has the power to grow her own path.