By Ritah Mukasa
Miriam Namutebi is a lawyer working a busy job that involves a lot of reading. On many days, she gets overwhelmed but her passion for gardening has kept her going.
Namutebi is a member of the Uganda Tropical Plants Association (UTPA) which brings together urban gardeners involved in horticulture, floral arrangements and designs, landscaping and container gardening.
The association has existed for 16 years and it advocates for a green environment according to Prossy Sekagya its chairperson.
Namutebi’s love for plants started years ago when she began collecting flowers in her home. Along the way, she realized flowers helped her to clear her mind and unwind as well.
“I am a plant lover. I love flowers and I will never have enough reason to keep collecting,” she says.
“Whenever I get home and see them in bloom, I feel so happy. In fact, all the stress disappears,” she adds.
Namutebi grows different kinds of plants including those that thrive in full sun like succulents and the shade loving species. She also has unique ones she cherishes such as the orchids.
“I love my orchids dearly. I call them; Togikwatako meaning; don’t touch. Anyone can admire them but they are not allowed to touch,” she says.
Meanwhile, last month, Namutebi decided to turn her passion into a business. She took part in UTPA’s flower exhibition at Lugogo UMA showgrounds and made good money.
“It was my first time to exhibit and I was thrilled to discover that my plants can give me good money,” she says.
Namutebi plans to expand her business and implores corporates, more so those in demanding jobs to embrace Mother Nature because it has ornamental, financial and therapeutic benefits.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Gardening helps lawyer Miriam Namutebi to declutter her mind.
