IWSA opens Navi Mumbai learning garden with more than 450 plant species

More than 450 plant species now share space with butterfly habitats, sensory gardens and sacred groves at the Indian Women Scientists’ Association’s Learning Garden Living Museum in Navi Mumbai.

IWSA has opened the campus garden to citizens, students and educational institutions for organised visits by prior appointment. The site includes medicinal, edible, aromatic and ornamental plants, fruit trees and pollinator-friendly landscapes, while its operations incorporate solar power, rainwater harvesting, composting and efficient water management.

Dr Nootan Bhakal, IWSA president, said the garden was intended as a place where visitors could experience nature directly rather than only read about it. NatConnect Foundation is supporting outreach to schools, colleges, housing societies, resident associations, architects and developers.

IWSA has also published a reference book, *Creating Learning Gardens Living Museums: Biodiversity, Conservation Sustainability*, on the concept and methods behind such gardens. Groups seeking a visit can contact the IWSA office at 8657865475 between 3 pm and 5.30 pm, or email iwsahq@gmail.com.