Plant enthusiasts in Ludhiana are set for a major upgrade in their shopping experience at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). The university's department of floriculture and landscaping is constructing a state-of-the-art net house that promises to revolutionise how visitors browse and purchase ornamental plants.
A Protected Haven for Delicate Plants
The core of this new initiative is a 1,000-square-metre net house being established near Gate No. 2 of the campus. This facility is specifically designed to tackle a persistent problem: protecting delicate decorative plants from Punjab's extreme weather. During winter, dense fog and cold waves often damage shade-loving and tender varieties. Similarly, the intense summer heat stresses plant foliage and drastically reduces their shelf life. The enclosed net house will provide a controlled environment, safeguarding plant health and significantly extending their display life for customers.
From Counter Service to Immersive Shopping
The new structure marks a complete shift from the traditional sales model. Previously, buyers had to approach a counter to request specific plants. The upgraded facility will allow visitors to walk through neatly arranged displays, much like a garden gallery. Each plant will have clear labels and price tags, making the entire process transparent and user-friendly.
Dr. Parminder Singh, head of the department of floriculture and landscaping, explained the transformation. "Visitors will now be able to see all sale plants directly inside the net house. Shade-loving and ornamental plants will be placed together in a planned layout. It is a 1,000-square-metre facility where everything will be visible right in front, unlike earlier when plants were kept in different locations," he said. This consolidation is expected to make the nursery more attractive for hobbyists, students, and casual walk-in customers.
Enhancing Visitor Experience and Education
The focus is not just on sales but also on education and aesthetics. Farm manager Hardeep Singh emphasised that the new system with nameplates and price tags will greatly benefit customers who want to know about plant varieties before making a purchase. "It will become a beautiful and well-organised pot-plant section, enhancing both visitor experience and the aesthetics of the nursery," he stated. To assist visitors, staff will be available on-site to provide guidance, help with selection, and offer crucial care information for the plants.
The nursery boasts a diverse and year-round collection, including:
- Approximately 25 types of shrubs
- Around 30 varieties of flowering plants
- Eight different climbers
- Between 10 to 15 indoor pot plants and trees
- Various seasonal varieties
Officials are confident that the new net house will make this extensive collection more accessible, visually appealing, and easier to shop from, setting a new standard for plant nurseries in the region.
