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The Peepal Baba Method: Nature-First Restoration

byGive Me Trees TrustProjects across India; Base center at Mayur Vihar, New DelhiStarts from₹500 per saplingView full gallery

People often ask why we do things differently. The answer is simple: nature has its own intelligence, and our job is to trust it, not control it.

I planted this Peepal tree 9 years ago next to the Ghazipur landfill, one of Delhi's most polluted areas. While other species died, the Peepal survived. This is why I advocate for planting hardy native species like Peepal in our cities; they are nature's best pollution fighters.

Leaf compost is the best in the world, and it's so easy to make. In this video, I explain my simple method for turning dry leaves, which are often thrown away, into black gold for your plants. This is a key part of our zero-waste philosophy.

Why do we use bamboo for fencing instead of iron? Because iron gets hot and heats the land. Bamboo is a natural, sustainable material that keeps the ground cool. It's these small, thoughtful choices that make our plantation sites truly eco-friendly.

Whenever you walk in your garden, carry a pruner. I show you how to trim leaves to make compost from the dry parts and propagate new plants from the green parts. Nothing in nature should go to waste.

Explaining the basics of planting to a group of corporate volunteers. My role is to be a teacher, sharing the simple wisdom of nature so that every tree planted has the best chance of survival.

A teaching moment with the Amdocs team in the Aravallis. I'm explaining the importance of a specific native shrub to the local ecosystem. Education is a part of every drive we conduct.

Leading a nature walk with KPMG employees. Before we plant, we walk. It's important to understand the existing ecosystem and learn to identify the local flora and fauna.

Addressing the EXL team before a plantation drive. I share my passion and philosophy to inspire the volunteers and give them a deeper understanding of the day's purpose.

A discussion with volunteers on site. I encourage questions and dialogue, as it helps everyone connect more deeply with the work we are doing together.

Preparing the soil is the first and most crucial step. Here, a team member rakes the soil, awakening it and getting it ready to nurture new life. A strong foundation is everything.

About The Peepal Baba Method: Our Philosophy in Action

Ever wonder why you see bamboo fencing at our sites instead of iron? It is not just about cost. Iron traps heat and warms the ground, which can stress young saplings. Bamboo is a natural, sustainable choice that keeps the soil cool and mimics the environment the trees are meant to grow in. Every choice we make, from the species we pick to the way we prep the soil, is designed to help nature do its own work.

24 million native trees planted across India. — Approved by the tribe
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Give Me Trees Trust

Projects across India; Base center at Mayur Vihar, New DelhiStarts from ₹500 per sapling

I believe nature is its own boss. My work isn't about controlling the land but letting it heal through native species and patience. Let’s talk about building a living, breathing green legacy.

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A sign of a healthy ecosystem. A paper wasp builds its nest on the leaf of a native plant in the Badshahpur Forest Corridor, a narrow stretch of wilderness teeming with life.
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IamgurgaonDrives across Gurugram & workshops at Samadhaan Hub
A key principle of our work is designing around existing nature. At Gulmohar Farmhouse, a mature palm tree grows directly through a cutout in the security guard's cabin roof, a clear example of how we adapt our architecture to the site.5
A view from below shows how the roof of the guard cabin at Gulmohar Farmhouse was carefully constructed around the trunk of a tall palm tree. This detail demonstrates our commitment to preserving the natural character of a site.
At the entrance of Gulmohar Farmhouse, another existing palm tree stands in a planter bed integrated into the paved driveway. Instead of removing it, we made it a central feature of the arrival experience.
The driveway at Gulmohar Farmhouse was designed to accommodate several mature palm trees. By paving around them, we preserved the site's established greenery and created a grand, tree-lined entrance.

Designing Around Nature: Architecture That Preserves Trees

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SSDATakes projects across NCR; Visit studio in Ghitorni, New Delhi
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Our Gardening Process and Team Philosophy

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PeepalTakes projects across Mumbai, Karjat & Dehradun; Consultations at Kemps Corner office
This is the ultimate expression of my design philosophy. By building around this magnificent tree, the home gains a unique, living centerpiece. This is the kind of harmonious integration I strive for in my sustainable landscaping projects.7
Here is a simple yet powerful example of designing with nature. Instead of removing the tree, the wall was built to accommodate it, preserving the tree's life and creating a unique and interesting feature.
This modern home was designed to fully embrace the tree growing through its center. The large glass windows and open courtyard design make the tree a focal point from both inside and out, showcasing a perfect blend of nature and architecture.
A beautiful, gnarled tree provides natural shade and character for this wooden deck. My approach involves seeing existing trees not as obstacles, but as valuable assets that can define and enhance an outdoor living space.

Designing with Nature: Sustainable Landscaping & Tree Preservation

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ManBhawanTakes projects across Delhi NCR; Visit nursery in Greater Noida
This image explains our commitment to Biophilic Design, an approach that integrates natural elements and patterns into the built environment. We design spaces like this forest pathway to improve well-being by fostering a deep, innate connection to nature.4
We believe that healthy soil is the starting point for any successful landscape. We focus on building fertile, well-structured soil that supports a diverse ecosystem of organisms, ensuring robust plant growth, water retention, and overall resilience.
We champion the use of native plants in our gardens. Choosing species that are naturally adapted to the local climate not only ensures a low-maintenance and sustainable landscape but also provides a vital habitat for local pollinators, birds, and insects.

Our Landscape Design Philosophy and Process

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A throwback to 2016 at our very first farm. This is where it all began, with a small group of us getting our hands in the soil and sowing the seeds for what Edible Routes would become.8
A key part of my sustainable landscape design is water conservation. Here, we are creating swales and ponds on a site near Jaipur to catch monsoon water and recharge the groundwater.

Our Sustainable Permaculture & Farming Philosophy

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