By Abdullahi Lukman
For 15 years, Mallam Bashir has been a beacon of expertise in the world of gardening and landscaping, transforming spaces with his passion for plants.
What sets him apart is not only his extensive experience but his remarkable journey—one that began in the small town of Bebeji, Kano, and has grown into a highly respected role in managing some of the most prestigious gardens in the region.
Born and raised in Bebeji, Mallam Bashir’s love for gardening began not from his immediate surroundings, but from a fascination sparked by a Nollywood movie.
“I remember seeing a beautiful garden in a Nollywood movie, and I fell in love with the idea of working with plants and creating something beautiful,” he recalls.
“It was from that moment I knew I wanted to learn about gardening.”
Despite lacking formal education in horticulture or landscaping, Mallam Bashir was determined to build a career in the field.
His education came not from classrooms, but from the soil itself. He started by working as a gardener in various homes across Kano, observing others, asking questions, and learning through trial and error.
“I didn’t have the chance to go to school for gardening or landscaping, but I learned through hands-on experience,” he explains.
“I watched others, read whenever I could, and learned by making mistakes—sometimes a plant would die, and I’d figure out what went wrong.
Over time, I started to understand the needs of different plants and how to make gardens flourish.”
Kano’s harsh climate presents unique challenges for any gardener.
With its scorching heat and unpredictable rainfall, growing healthy plants requires careful planning and constant attention.
But for Mallam Bashir, this was just another aspect of gardening that he learned to navigate.
He quickly discovered that choosing the right plants for the local environment and using irrigation systems to manage water were essential steps in ensuring the success of a garden.
“One of the biggest challenges is dealing with extreme weather conditions,” he says.
“In Kano, the heat can be unbearable, but with the right care, you can still grow beautiful plants.
“I’ve learned how to choose plants that thrive in the local climate and work with irrigation systems to ensure they get enough water even when the rains don’t come regularly.”
Now, Mallam Bashir holds a key role in managing the flower garden at the Muhammad Babangida Estate, Kubwa, Abuja, one of the most prominent estates in the FO1.
His responsibilities are wide-ranging—landscaping, planting, weeding, and soil management—but he takes great pride in his work, ensuring that the garden remains lush and aesthetically pleasing.
“I ensure that the flowers are properly maintained, the soil is rich, and the plants receive the proper care.
“I also manage the removal of weeds and ensure the aesthetic quality of the garden remains high,” he says.
“I take pride in maintaining this estate because it’s important to have beautiful, well-kept green spaces in such prominent areas.”
Mallam Bashir’s approach to landscaping focuses on balance understanding the needs of each plant, the environment, and the people who will enjoy the space.
He relies on sustainable practices like organic fertilizers, proper irrigation techniques, and regular pruning to maintain the garden’s health.
What truly sets Mallam Bashir apart in the competitive world of landscaping is his ability to connect with clients and create gardens that resonate with those who experience them.
He believes that gardening is not just about planting flowers—it’s about cultivating spaces where people can feel at peace.
“Gardening is not just about planting flowers; it’s about creating spaces that people enjoy and feel connected to,” he explains.
“I’ve learned that understanding the people you work with and their vision is just as important as understanding the plants themselves.”
Looking forward, he hopes to continue growing in his field by promoting the importance of green spaces and sustainability.
He has plans to start his own gardening consultancy, where he can share his knowledge and help others create beautiful, sustainable gardens.
“My role has evolved from being a simple gardener to managing large estates, ” he says.
“In the future, I’d like to expand my work by helping more people understand the importance of green spaces and sustainability.
I also hope to start my own small gardening consultancy to share my knowledge and help others create beautiful gardens.”
