he Green Club, Goa, has greatly benefitted from workshops conducted by Fr. Shivaji Henriques. Started in 2014 by Mrs.Suman Kuradewith 14 members, the club has now grown to 74 members. Its main objective is to encourage people to cultivate through the use of organic methods, their own home kitchen gardens while also addressing environmental concerns.
Since last September, Fr. Shivaji Henriques, sfx. has enormously contributed towards the learning process of the club members. He belongs to the Pilar Society, on a posting at Shanti Dham , at Carmona. His priestly ministry has been closely connected with a passion for gardening, assiduously shared far and wide. A commendable achievement has been the successful nurturing of flowering and ornamental plants as well as the cultivation of a variety of vegetables. Organically grown vegetables from Shanti Dham have been up for grabs every morning at the local market leaving behind many a disappointed late shopper.
A series of five workshops from September, 2017 till July 2018, on ‘Home Gardening of vegetables and flowers’ were conducted at Carmona amidst the scenic , tranquil ambience of Shanti Dham. Ably assisted by his team consisting of Dipak Tudu and Rajesh Singh and coordinated by Fatima Jacques, Fr Shivaji dealt with various themes under the titles : ‘Tips on Gardening procedures’ , ‘Cultivation of Veggies’, ‘ Practical knowledge on various topics ’, ‘Home Gardening of Vegetables and Flowers’ . A gamut of related topics were covered such as: preparation of soil, organic manures,pest control, ways to sow seeds, coconut cultivation and care. Demonstrations were given on layering techniques, grafting, making of bonsai, terrace/balcony vegetable gardening and much more. This Master Gardener left his audience eager to get back to their gardens to experiment or to simply make a start in a new and natural way of life.
Fr Shivaji is leaving Goa on his priestly mission elsewhere. In messages sent across to the Green club, the participants expressed their deep appreciation for his work. “The workshop was one of a kind, like no other”, “ Our appreciation goes beyond words”, “May the Lord shower his blessings on him, and help him carry on his hobby, that helps to enrich so many places and people ”, “ Only feelings of great appreciation,” “Absolutely enlightening workshop.Thanks to Fr.Shivaji…” expressed yet another.
We convey Fr Shivaji’s message to plant lovers: “My interaction with members and non-members of the Green Club Workshops, has been an enriching encounter. A word of advice to those interested in gardening is to never allow failure to dampen your spirit and zeal to learn from Mother Earth and from Plant Life.Gardening is a wonderful way to de-stress yourself from the cares and burdens that afflict all of us. A natural therapy and a rewarding hobby too.”
