Anish Nellickal®️

Personal Details

Bio

About Anish Nellickal – Environmental Educator | Garden Doctor | Horticulture & Restoration Expert

Anish Nellickal, widely known as the Garden Doctor, is a passionate environmentalist, horticulture consultant, and green entrepreneur from Kerala, India. With over a decade of hands-on experience in plant conservation, ecological landscaping, and sustainable gardening, he is a sought-after speaker and trainer across schools, conferences, NGOs, and community-based organizations.

As the founder of Nellickal Nursery, Anish leads a visionary initiative that combines native plant preservation, biodiversity education, and innovative gardening techniques. He has conducted hundreds of training sessions and workshops promoting butterfly gardening, medicinal and sensory gardens, Miyawaki forest creation, and tree rejuvenation and transplantation. His work uniquely blends scientific expertise with community involvement, making him a leading advocate for nature-based solutions in Kerala and beyond.

Key Areas of Expertise

Butterfly Garden Creation – Designing pollinator-friendly gardens that promote biodiversity

Miyawaki Forest Development – Urban afforestation using dense native plant clusters

Tree Rejuvenation and Transplantation – Expert in saving, shifting, and reviving mature trees

Sensory and Aromatic Gardens – Creating healing landscapes for therapeutic and educational use

Horticulture Therapy – Using plants as a medium for emotional and mental well-being

Plant Propagation & Nursery Techniques – Hands-on training on grafting, layering, and seedling care

Zodiac & Nakshatra Plant Gardens – Integrating traditional beliefs with botanical knowledge

Ecological Restoration Projects – Restoring degraded land using native flora

Vertical & Kokedama Gardening – Innovative and space-saving greening techniques

Training & Public Awareness Campaigns – Conducting sessions across all 14 districts of Kerala

Anish is a certified practitioner with multiple short-term training credentials from Kerala Agricultural University and affiliated institutions. He also serves as the General Secretary of Plant Village Charitable Society and Plant Aqua and Fish Conservation of India, two active nature clubs focusing on environmental awareness and conservation.

Public Engagement & Recognition

Thousands of plant and wildlife photos contributed to Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist

Recognized speaker for environmental education and sustainable living

Active YouTube presence with engaging educational content on native plants and gardening techniques

Trusted consultant for ecological projects across Kerala's schools, NGOs, and local governments

Anish Nellickal is available for keynote speeches, hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and community outreach on topics related to horticulture, biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental education.

Current position (1)

Nurseryman

Nellickal Nursery

Degrees (1)

Gardening

SSLC

1990 to 1991

Presentations

Presentations (10)

Butterfly Gardening for Biodiversity Conservation

This session introduces the basics of butterfly gardening, including host and nectar plants, seasonal planning, and the ecological significance of butterflies. Tailored for school students, garden enthusiasts, and eco-club members.

Miyawaki Forest Creation: Urban Green Revolution

This talk explains the principles of the Miyawaki forest technique, step-by-step implementation, plant selection, and its environmental impact. Ideal for municipalities, schools, and eco-groups.

Fruit Garden: Sustainable Cultivation for Home and Community

This session focuses on how to design, implement, and maintain a productive fruit garden in limited spaces—from backyards to rooftops. Participants will learn about climate-appropriate fruit varieties, organic methods, grafting techniques, seasonal care, and water management. Ideal for schools, self-help groups, homeowners, and organic farming enthusiasts who wish to grow fruits sustainably and enhance food security.

Tree Transplantation: Saving Giants, One Root at a Time

This talk covers the scientific and practical aspects of tree transplantation—a method to relocate mature trees without harming them. It includes techniques like root ball preparation, timing, equipment use, aftercare, and real-life case studies from urban and rural projects. The session is designed for environmentalists, municipal staff, NGOs, and students interested in conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

Tree Rejuvenation: Restoring Life to Aging and Neglected Trees

This session explores the methods and importance of rejuvenating old or damaged trees through scientific pruning, soil enrichment, pest management, and proper care techniques. Participants will learn how to extend the life of trees, improve their health and canopy, and restore their ecological value. This talk is ideal for urban planners, gardeners, environmental groups, and individuals passionate about saving trees in their community.

Aromatic Gardening: Healing Spaces with Fragrance and Function

This session introduces the art and science of aromatic gardening, featuring plants with natural fragrances such as tulsi, lemongrass, jasmine, rosemary, and more. Participants will learn how to plan and design gardens that stimulate the senses, promote relaxation, and offer therapeutic benefits. The talk is perfect for schools, hospitals, wellness centres, and home gardeners interested in combining beauty with healing.

Sensory Gardening – A Garden Full of Experiences

Sensory gardening is designed to engage all five senses through the beauty and healing power of nature. This gardening method focuses on creating an environment that stimulates sight, smell, touch, sound, and taste. It incorporates vibrant colors, soothing fragrances, textured plants, and sounds of nature to provide a fully immersive experience. Ideal for children, elderly individuals, and those seeking peace of mind, sensory gardens offer therapeutic benefits for both the body and the soul. This approach is widely used in healthcare and wellness spaces for relaxation and stress relief, making it a perfect way to enhance well-being.

Pruning – An Art of Enhancing the Vitality of Plants

Pruning is a vital gardening practice that helps maintain the health of plants and promotes their growth. It involves the careful removal of dead, damaged, or unnecessary branches and stems to improve the overall shape and structure of trees and shrubs. Through pruning, plants are encouraged to produce new growth and rejuvenate old branches. Additionally, pruning enhances the beauty and aesthetics of plants, improves airflow, and increases the yield of fruits and flowers. It is an essential technique for promoting healthier, more productive plants.

Plant Propagation – The Art of Creating New Plants

Plant propagation is a process that allows us to create new plants from existing ones. It involves techniques to produce genetically identical offspring, ensuring the continued growth and expansion of desirable plant varieties. There are several methods of plant propagation, such as cutting, grafting, layering, and seed planting. By using these techniques, we can easily produce high-quality plants with desirable traits, ensuring a sustainable supply of specific species for gardening, landscaping, and agriculture.

Medicinal Gardening – Cultivating Nature’s Healing Power

Medicinal gardening focuses on growing plants that have therapeutic properties for health and wellness. This practice involves cultivating a variety of herbs, shrubs, and flowers known for their medicinal benefits, such as promoting healing, alleviating pain, and boosting immunity. Plants like aloe vera, turmeric, lavender, and mint can be used for natural remedies, offering alternative solutions to common ailments. Medicinal gardens not only provide a sustainable source of natural medicine but also contribute to a holistic approach to health by connecting us to nature’s healing resources.

Past talks (1)

Event: Kerala Horticulture Expo 2024

Butterfly Gardens for Urban Homes

Kerala

April 9, 2024