The Community Garden Challenge 2020 was a neighbourhood sensation, with over 160 green-thumbed residents from our villa communities in Arabian Ranches I, II, Reem and Emirates Living flooding us with picturesque entries. Our judges were left spellbound by the varieties of flowering shrubs and trees that families in the community had passionately cultivated – in numerous instances, even children had pulled on their gardening gloves and played an active role in tending to the gardens!

Dr Minal Patwardhane won the grand prize of AED 25,000 for her spellbinding garden. Featuring medicinal herbs, edible plants and flowers of all sizes and colours, Dr Minal’s herb, fruit and flower garden won points for being sustainable, creative, functional and for her personal commitment and involvement in creating her green space.

Fifteen titles and promising gardens were awarded prizes for their meticulous effort and passion.