Yelahanka Garden

Project size: 800 sqft

Yelahanka, North Bangalore, Karnataka, India

April - June 2025

Key features: Regenerative design, garden beds, pond, aquatic species, native species, home kitchen garden

Project team: Debasish Satapathy (Project lead); Sanjana Radhakrishnan, Kiri Meili

Elevation: 900 metres above sea level

Annual rainfall: 956mm / 37.6 inches

Climate: Tropical Savana

Bioregion: South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forest

Soil type: Sandy loam

Project overview

The project began with the intention of transforming a residential front and backyard into a space for daily engagement with the land. The brief called for a garden that could harbour biodiversity, support edible cultivation, and offer spaces for retreat.

Based on a detailed sunpath analysis, Ananas developed a conceptual design supported by a detailed planting plan, structuring the site into interconnected zones. The implementation phase focused on executing the design and planting interventions to bring the vision to life.

Design and implementation

The garden was organized into three functional zones to focus on productivity, ecology, and experience. The design was marked and implemented on site over three days, including bed building, pond installation, planting, some mosaic work and mulching.

Zone 1: Side garden

The side garden supports daily ritual use through a Vitex hedge and a mix of perennial and seasonal flowering plants. Flowering vines add vertical interest and seasonal variation.

Zone 2: Front garden biodiversity patch

The front garden was reshaped to strengthen ecological function. Excavated construction material was consolidated into a corner and seeded with native grasses. The remaining area was planted with pollinator species.

A Parijata guild, rock bed, bird bath, and pathways were integrated to attract avifauna and create a layered transition from street to home.

Zone 3: Backyard garden

The backyard integrates movement, cultivation, and habitat creation. Interventions included brick-edged vegetable beds, native species beds, trellises, a seating area, and a small concrete pond with companion planting.

A circular planting bed around the existing mango tree defines both a productive edge and a pathway. Tubers such as sweet potato, turmeric, and taro were introduced. All beds were mulched to support soil health and moisture retention.