Balda Garden, an ancient botanical gem in Dhaka’s Wari area, was established by Narendra Narayan Chowdhury, the Zamindar of Bhawal, in 1909. This garden, a sanctuary for rare plants from around the world, even caught the attention of Rabindranath Tagore during his visit to Dhaka, who praised Chowdhury’s dedication to cultivating beauty through plants.
During a recent visit to Balda Garden, I encountered the “Dakure” shrub, a lesser-known plant with stunning star-shaped pink flowers. Although Bangladesh’s climate is ideal for cultivating this plant, it is rarely found in local gardens. However, it can be admired at Balda Garden, the National Botanical Garden in Mirpur, and a few other select locations in Dhaka.
Balda Garden continues to be a treasure trove of rare flora, offering a serene escape into nature’s beauty within the bustling city.