In 1995, a resident of Fairfax County, began growing roses as a hobby. For a decade, he dedicated himself to his favorite pastime, but eventually branched out to planting and nurturing fruit trees and vegetables, largely due to the repeated damage caused by deer to his rose bushes.

Today, he harvests an abundance of fruits and vegetables, which he generously shares with his family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Additionally, he is a beekeeper, who sells honey and donates the proceeds to the Children’s Heart Foundation. He also creates beeswax salves and ointments that aids in joint pain relief and improves skin conditions. The salves and ointments are for sharing with family and friends.

Meet Zubair Vaid, a full-time IT professional working in healthcare in Virginia, and the man behind these “hobbies” and charitable deeds. Vaid told South Asian Herald in an exclusive interview, “I have never sold any of my produce items. I give it away to neighbors, friends, and family members. Sometimes, I take the fruits to the mosque. Also, some friends pick fruits to share it with their different organizations. Even, our mailman stops by and pick his share of fruits.”

Vaid mentioned that while he was growing rose bushes, he also had three apricot trees that thrived. Due to his success with those fruit trees, he gained the confidence to grow more. Now, he grows four varieties of apricots, six varieties of red and golden plums in addition to persimmons, figs, jujubes, and more. When asked about if the fruit trees were also under the threat from deer, he explained that these trees only need protection for the initial 2-3 years, after which the deer cannot reach the branches. 

He makes sauces and jams from the fruits, which he happily shares with friends and family. Sometimes, he also makes barbeque sauce using his smoker.

In addition to his passion for growing fruits and vegetables, Vaid has been a beekeeper for seven years. Initially, he gave away honey for free to friends, but at the urging of his children he now sells it to support his charitable cause. Vaid donates all proceeds from honey sales to the Children’s Heart Foundation, contributing $5000 last year. He markets his honey through word of mouth, Facebook marketplace, and local online groups. 

“In the ointment, I include ingredients such as menthol and camphor which are considered to be effective for joint pains. In the cream, I use shea butter, coconut oil, jujube oil, and aloe vera oil that are good for skin conditions,” Vaid said when asked about his techniques and ingredients. “I also keep changing my recipes as I find new ingredients that are more promising for pain relief and moisturizing conditions.” 

During the spring season, he also makes smaller hives from his beehives that are called nucleus. Typically, beekeepers pay up to $250 to purchase a nucleus. Instead, he gives away nucleus for free, asking recipients to donate a comparable amount to their favorite charitable institutions.

Vaid also grows ginger, garlic, and even harvests coriander seeds from his cilantro plants. Additionally, he propagates a few Indian curry leaf and beetle leaf plants that are very aromatic. 

“Beetle [paan] leaves are favorite among my Bangladeshi friends” he pointed out while adding, “I tell my friends that a three-gallon pot plant in any nursery would cost about $35, so they can donate a comparable amount to any charity of their choice. I leave it to their judgement since I follow an honor system.” 

Vaid’s wife, Farida, who also supports him in his gardening activities, is a full-time project management professional at a consulting firm. 

Vaid was born in Karachi, Pakistan, after his parents moved from Gujarat, India, while his wife Farida hails from Hyderabad, India. With roots in both Indian and Pakistani cultures, Vaid expressed he takes pride in his diverse heritage. 

Vaid remains an active member of Fairfax Bee Keepers, Arlington Rose Foundation, and Potomac Rose Society. He used to showcase roses in various competitions and has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Rose in a Bowl, and Princess awards.