His `blooming,` everlasting affair with flowers!

K M Shah, a resident of Amba Vatika off NIBM Road, has always nurtured a soft spot for flowers.
A dahlia collection, an explosion of bright genus flowers, is his prized possession, a testimony to the fact that gardening is more of a passion than a profession for him. Having won over 200 prizes for showcasing different varieties of Dahlia across various flower shows, this King of Dahlia proudly shares his journey from working with a seed company to becoming an entrepreneur, continuing to work for his passion.
Speaking about his passion, K M Shah says, "I have always liked flowers and plants and being close to nature. I began displaying dahlias at different shows and won several first prizes in many categories, like best flower, best bloom, best display, etc. There was a stage when I brought this flower in the city when no one knew about it."
Shah has won many laurels along the way. "I have been awarded certificates, awards, medals and trophies at the hands of many renowned personalities for showcasing the large variety of Dahlia. My journey began 25 years ago, when I left the seed factory and entered the gardening profession and decided to pursue my hobby. Ever since then, I have met many godfathers and they all have been lucky for me," he reveals.
He reveals a few trade secrets. "Having worked with several organizations, I feel that gardening has to be more of passion, only then can one work exceptionally well in this profession. I am so much in love with this flower that I have a variety of over 100 dahlias at my place and I proudly display them all. Having won so many prizes, I have named my daughter 'Dahlia' too," he says.
His passion, though, is not limited to the dahlia. "I have other plants and flowers at my place, like seasonal flowering plants like petunia, chrysanthemum, hibiscus, mogra, dozens of different roses, etc., in my garden," he adds. K M Shah owns a nursery on Salunke Vihar road and has announced a special discount on Christmas trees.
—RENUKA SURYAVANSHI