Deep within DESS Academic City’s landscaped gardens will lie a tale of resilience and perseverance that is steeped in generations of green-fingered tradition.
When he joined DESS College in 2016 to create vibrant gardens in which students could roam and unwind, Muhammad Bachal (centre in our pic of the family) brought with him inherited skills that had been honed over centuries of farming in his native province of Sindh in Pakistan.
In 2018, Muhammad’s son, Ali (left), joined him, bringing with him a passion for the outdoors nurtured on the family's ancestral farms. With a Bachelor of National Science in Freshwater Biology and Fisheries from the University of Sindh, Ali infused his gardening with a deep ecological understanding. Now, Muhammad's youngest son, Shehzad, has followed suit, starting his own gardening career alongside brother.
Beyond the blooms and bushes, the Bachal duo cultivated a culture of colour and tranquillity that permeates the College’s outdoor spaces. With Muhammad heading back to Pakistan shortly to care for other members of his family, his legacy is poised to blossom again as we look forward to the start of work on DESS Academic City’s magnificent gardens.
Through his studies and specialism, Ali brings a unique perspective to the art of gardening, infusing his work in Academic City with a deep understanding of ecosystems and sustainability. Together with Shehzad, they embrace the challenge of carrying forward their father's vision while preparing to add their own distinct touches as we hatch landscape and garden plans for our new school.
Ali said:
"For Shehzad and me, it’s not just about maintaining gardens; it's about fostering the sense of tranquillity and beauty that Dad instilled in every corner of the school grounds.
"We're determined to honour his legacy by infusing gardens with our own skills and specialties. While maintaining the beauty and tranquillity he established, we also aim to introduce innovative techniques and sustainable practices to ensure the new school’s gardens remain vibrant and thriving for generations to come. School gardens play a vital role in education, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities and fostering a connection to nature that extends beyond the classroom."
So, as we watch the DESS Academic City gardens take shape during the coming year, let’s take a moment to consider the Bachal family's journey - a testament to legacy and stewardship. Their story, as we anticipate them moving on to weave their magic at the new school as it evolves, serves as a reminder to nurture growth and transformation in our own lives and burgeoning communities.