Flower Styling

Flower Styling

Flower Styling

Who does not love flowers? From those smiling in the gardens to digital bouquets on social media, everyone’s heart beams with one glimpse of a flower.

As they say, “The earth laughs in its flowers”. Though every growth is special to a gardener’s heart, but nothing beats the joy unfurling blooms. Whether it’s an old splashy bougainvillea blooming in your backyard, a tiny seasonal pansy showing up its lion face or the roadside grandeur of the golden shower, the joy of flowering is always special.

Though flowers are the most beautiful of nature’s creation and look attractive wherever and however they grow, here are a few planting styles that will enhance the beauty of your garden.

Go Bold in a Pot

Space is a constraint with most of us living in urban areas. Nevertheless don’t forget that a single bold and big flower arrangement can be a perfect eye stopper in any space. A single bowl of tulips can make a statement in any living room or a big pot of Chrysanthemums can magically elevate an old rustic window. So never feel limited to grow your favourite varieties of flowers even in the most limited spaces. And guess what? Don’t be disheartened if you can’t even accommodate that one extra pot. Just go ahead and spruce up an any existing perennial pot with a complimenting flower bed at the base. Trailing nasturtium or asylum under any potted plant can be look as stunning as ground covers under a huge tree.

Go Grand with Repetition

Consistency or repetition always makes us comfortable. Be it in beds or planters many of the same variety certainly looks more appealing. So if you have the liberty of space, always plant your seasonals in numbers. Plant a full bed of Daisies or a row of Marigold pots to create some magic in spring.

Flower Shapes

Shapes and forms are an integral part of all design forms.  Create a swirl, an arch or any interesting shape with flowers and they will undoubtedly stand out in your garden. And if you don’t believe me, do witness the spectacular show of floral art at Miracle Garden, Dubai, a world famous spot for flower lovers. The three dimensional flower formations will simply blow your mind.

Play with Colour

Planting similar hues and colours creates harmony while complimentary colours create excitement. Complimenting red and white anthuriums in a bowl can brighten up your coffee table conversations while a continuous row of several hues of pink tulips are infinitely serene.

And surprisingly mix of random colours may sound unusual but that’s what I call, nature’s beauty in its chaos. Plan a mixed riot of dahlias in organised beds or find inspiration in wild flowers adorning natural landscapes in the wild.

Step Setups

Step formation is one of the most spontaneous styles that play on natural height of the plants. From hollyhocks to ice flower, plant seasonals according to plant height in order to create a well organised look and visibility to all. And that’s surely one trick you can never go wrong with.

Line your Pathways

Plantation alongside pathways is very common in garden setups and adding florals can take it to the next level. From hydrangea or ixora bushes to phlox or poppies along a passage sound very inviting and lead your way along a path.

Flowers on your Entryway

Some of us who do not have the luxury of a having a garden space can still manage some floral stimulation on their entryway. A single climber falling above your main door not only creates a welcoming impression but also adds a special feature to your building elevation. Be it the exotic wisteria or the common madhumalti, the trailing floral can surely be styled like a masterpiece. Alternately, a set of classy flower pots at the entry can also be so inviting

Hang a Flower Garden

Scarcity of floor space makes us look up to the ceilings, walls or grills. So go ahead hang up your flower dreams. Look for a boring wall, hook some baskets from your pergola or hang a few planters on the side grills to enjoy the flowers of the season.

Where there is a will there is a way and those who love flowers, ‘no’ is a word they never say. And whatever way you plan your garden, flowers are surely a messenger of joy, positivity and beauty of life.

Caulishowers in my Garden

Caulishowers in my Garden

Caulishowers in my Garden

Yeah! I jump with joy like a little child, every time I see the tiny cauliflower curd peeping out of its giant leaf stalks even after a decade of home growing experience. Being in north India where winter garden bliss begins in September and goes on till March, we are blessed to easily grow the brassicaa family and cauliflower is the most favourite of all.

200 Years History

You will be surprised to know that popular vegetable is not a native to India. It was introduced just 200 years ago, in 1822 by Dr Jemson, then in charge of Company Bagh, Saharanpur who experimented with English varieties. Today Cauliflower is grown both in hills and plains, mainly in the northern part of the country and some parts of south.

Grow them Easy

The ideal time to sow saplings or seeds is August-September bringing harvest around November. Home growers may easily grow these in pots, crates or raised beds in a nutrient rich moist soil. The curds appear in almost 45 days and those should be protected from harsh sun to delay the buds to open. The easiest way to do this is by tying centre leaves together.

Monthly manuring, deep watering and sufficient 4-6 hours of sun is all that you need to grow your favourite cauliflowers. Remember they are actually a stalked inflorescence (bunch of flowers) that are best harvested before blooming.

Floral Tasty Treats

All of us who have got the hang of growing in home gardens or farms experience an abundance of harvest and have several ways to relish these in a variety of dishes. Paranthas, Pakodas, Tandoori Gobhi, Gobhi Dum, Achaari Gobhi, Gobhi Tahiri, Gobhi Adrakki are some desi regulars we all relish in Indian homes.

But I am always excited to try something unique and special across cuisines with home grown cauli babies every season. Creamy Cauliflower Soup, Cauliflower Steak and Gobhi Musallam, were some new ones on the platter.

The roasted Creamy-Cauli-Soup was the highlight of this season which we enjoyed frequently for winter suppers and I’m happy to share the recipe here. You may like to do things your way but do compliment it with a big slice of ginger and a few garlic pods to ease digestion and balance its gastric property.

A Little More of Abundance

Though the curd or the centre head is the most prized and loved part, the entire plant including the stalk and leaves are edible. For example the Masaledar Dhanthal is a common traditional delicacy enjoyed with daal and roti in punjabi homes. The centre stalk can also be made into salads, slaw, soups and even chips.

Not to forget that any discarded part still can also go into your winter vegetable broth.

Florets for Keeps

And who wants this home grown abundance to sieze after the season. If we want to enjoy pure organic from the garden we must preserve some for the summer months. This takes me back to my childhood days when I used to see my granny sitting on the terrace, stringing the cauliflower garlands to be hung for days in the winter sun or lined up mason jars full of our typical Punjabi Gobhi Gajar Pickle.

Today in global times when we are coming closer to cuisines of the world, a simple Escabeche, that is spicy pickled florets in vinegar salt and sugar is also an easy idea for keeps. In whatever way you may like to enjoy these flower buds, cauliflowers will remain one of the most exciting ones to grow and enjoy. So keep growing what you eat and eating what you grow.

Creamy Cauli Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

  • ½ kg Cauliflower
  • 75 gm Onion (chopped)
  • 4 Garlic Cloves
  • 50 ml Cream
  • ½ tbsp Olive Oil
  • 150 ml Vegetable Broth/Water
  • 10 gm Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Lemon juice
  • Salt and White Pepper (to taste)
  • Garlic Chives (optional)

Method:

  1. Cut the cauliflower florets and set aside.
  2. Heat a non stick pan and add olive oil.
  3. Once heated, add the chopped onion and sauté till translucent.
  4. Then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  5. Now add cauliflower florets, sauté till light brown in colour.
  6. Season with salt, black pepper, sugar and stir well.
  7. Alternately you can coat the florets with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast for 15-20 minutes at 200°C.
  8. Add vegetable broth or water, simmer for 5 minutes or until the cauliflower gets soft.
  9. Turn off the heat and let the cauliflower mixture cool down.
  10. Once cooled, transfer to a blender and blend till smooth.
  11. Bring back to heat for another 2 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  12. Finish with cream, garlic chives or the toppings of your choice. You can use roasted florets, dill, parsley or thyme
  13. You can also add some croutons on top if you’d like.
  14. Add a dash of fresh lemon juice for a citrus pop

Voila! Your cauliflower soup is ready to be served!

5 Reasons Why Gardening is Good for Kids

5 Reasons Why Gardening is Good for Kids

Gardening makes children fall in love with nature.
Getting them out in the garden, when they are young will make a connect with the environment. They will learn to appreciate and care for their surroundings.

Best place for Sciences
Being outdoors, they are exposed to lifeforms like plants, insects, worms and also how natural phenomenons affect life forms. They’ll learn fall lesssons of science from their surroundings. From species and features of birds to season to spot fungi to how earthworms enrich the soil..they see it all.

Lots of Action
Gardening isn’t always a walk in the park. There’s lots of action. Walking around, bending, digging and all sorts of other movements involved. It’s also a chance to learn about teamwork, a good way to realise how many hands can make work light

Healthy Kids
Gardening is good for their health and well-being, with the added benefit of CBD anxiety relief. Connecting with nature is good for kids’ mental health. In fact, research has shown positive impacts on development and emotional well-being. And while it’s important to be sun smart, soaking up some sun is a good way to stock up on Vitamin D, which is crucial for healthy bones.

Unlocks Creativity
Picking veggies may sparks ideas about what to cook for dinner or using an egg carton into seedling tray. Being in the garden gives your children an opportunity to think out-of-the-box. It’s a feast for the senses too. Close to plants, children observe interesting colours, shapes, textures, tastes and smells.

Article first published at https://www.facebook.com/groups/783142148424544/permalink/2063380357067377/

Give Me a Breath of Fresh Air!

Give Me a Breath of Fresh Air!

“Rohan! Stop watching this crap on T.V. It’s time to go for some playground markings for primary schools outside.” How many of us can dare to make such a statement today? Playing in fresh air was probably the best thing that could happen to kids, some time ago. And today’s announcement directs schools to withdraw all outdoor activities for children as the National Capital Region woke up to a thick haze blanket of hazardous air. Isn’t it sad? 

Human activity and existence has brought us to such a miserable condition. I was pain stricken to see little children and adults walk down the streets wearing air masks, last evening. The scene threw me almost 25 years back, to a project I did as a student of advertising to show off my farsighted creative instincts. Something that was creative imagination then is dark reality of today.

So where do we go from here? Either we run away to remote natural surroundings and live in the woods or own it and do our best to rejuvenate the air around and make it breathable again.

What’s the issue with our ‘Air’?

Human body can live without food for three weeks and live without water for three days but not even three minutes without air. The air that is so basic for our survival is polluted in more than one ways and call for attention.

  • The rising level of toxic gases and chemicals
  • Reduced Level of Oxygen
  • High Carbon and dust particles
  • Rising size of Particulate Matter or PM

>All the issues have taken alarming stands and need corrective actions. Further stagnant indoor environments allow pollutants to build up and stick around in greater amounts than we humans should breathe. Lack of ventilation in air conditioned indoors further reduces the level of oxygen.

Green Rescue:

Believe it or not, plants can contribute a great deal to reduce our carbon foot print, increase oxygen level in air, minimize toxic gases and chemicals as well as trap particulate matter. All plants naturally release Oxygen and absorb Carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and in that capacity they are our natural support system to provide us balanced fresh air. Also there are some intelligent choices which go an extra mile to handle the current levels of pollution in the air. So next time you go plant shopping to the nearby nursery, remember to pick up some of them that appeal you with their looks, suit your space, light conditions and ease of maintenance.

Trees Top the List

 

Due to their size and height, canopy, high emission of moisture and maximum surface area as trunk, leaves or stems, trees top the list in purifying the environment. A research team from Delhi University has zeroed down five trees that are most effective to fight pollution-Peepal, Saptaparni, Jamun, Devdar and Plumeria.

  • A single mature tree can absorb carbon dioxide at a rate of 48 lbs. per year
  • On average, one tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen each year, sufficient for two persons.
  • Remove gaseous pollutants by absorbing them through the pores in the leaf surface. Particulates are trapped and filtered by leaves, stems and twigs, and washed to the ground by rainfall.
  • Some trees like Neem and Peepal release oxygen even at night and become real oxygen boosters

So let’s try and accommodate at least two trees in your homes and you shall enough oxygen for a family of four. A generous green cover around city roads and highways can balance the huge amounts of pollutants generated by urban living.

 

House Plants can make you Breathe Easy

For those of us who lives in small spaces or apartments and cannot accommodate trees, a NASA study suggests several common house plants that can neutralize common toxins as well act as our natural oxygen cylinders.  Luckily when I turn and look around the house, I find most of n plenty. Hmm! I take a deep breath! So let’s make some space for them as vertical arrangements, pots around the patios, balcony trails, hanging baskets or creepers up the boundary walls. They shall promise to make your living spaces come alive as well as give you a puff of fresh air.

 

Boston Ferns

Ferns are champions and remove more formaldehyde than any other plant and are highly efficient at removing other indoor air pollutants, such as benzene and xylene that can migrate indoors if you live in heavy traffic areas. They love shady verandas and like to be watered regularly. Thrive during wet months and need regular watering during dry summers.

 

Palms

Palm trees seem particularly good at removing indoor air pollutants, specifically formaldehyde, and they’re relatively easy to care for. Dwarf Date Palm, Bamboo Palm or Areca Palm all are superstars of filtering toxins. Dwarf Date Palm thrive in full sun so select a sunny spot in and give an arabian touch to your front yard. They filter good amounts of air as they can grow to be pretty big, as tall as four to 10 feet high, making them exciting indoor additions. Other palms generally love indirect light and give a dense foliage indoors as well as outdoors.

 

Chrysanthemum

Mums are a gardener’s favourite and the first among winter blooms. They have a perfect timing with Diwali when quality of air is expected to worsen. Chrysanthemums are perfect air-purifiers for removing ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene and bring a touch of colour to home gardens and balconies.

 

Peace lily

This is probably the easiest lily and plants are relatively small compared to many other plants on this list, but they still pack some major air-cleaning abilities with their flat and broad leaf surface. They remove toxins from the air and are proven to remove formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. They do their job as air purifiers even in a shady spot. You shall adore its flowers that stand like a hood of a snake and its solitary look radiates peace true to its name.

 

Sansevieria or Snake plant

Sansevieria or Snake Plant is also called ‘The Bedroom Plant’ as it produces oxygen even at night when most of the plants release Carbon dioxide and is this sense a great booster of Oxygen. It also removes benzene from the air. This easy growing is the best choice for non gardeners to balance their air at home. Grows well and performs photosynthesis both in bright and dim light and even if neglected. Six to eight waist high plants give sufficient Oxygen to one person. So it’s a good idea to plant this in the most unused side of your garden or patio so as to accommodate plenty of them. They are an excellent choice for non maintained roadsides or wastelands as they hardly ask for much care or water and ideal for bedrooms too to provide Oxygen at night too.

Aloe Vera

One plant, known for more than one reasons of health is a great oxygen bomb too as it releases oxygen during the night. It absorbs Carbon dioxide and Carbon monoxide. You can match one aloe plant doing the job of 9 air purifiers. Grows wild in all conditions and spreads quickly and needs very little water or nourishment. It’s another perfect preference for non gardeners who can hardly give time and care to house plants.

 

Tulsi or Holy Basil

The sacred Indian super herb, tulsi or the holy basil as it’s called in the west harmonizes the mind, body and soul. It has been legendary part of our lives for over 5000 years now and is virtually found in the center of every Indian courtyard or verandah. Apart from its miraculous medicinal powers, this holy plant is an excellent air purifier and releases a special kind of essential oil which frees the air from bacteria and substances that cause diseases.  It also releases ozone that produces three atoms of oxygen per molecule. In 2009, it was decided to plant a million Tulsi saplings near the Taj Mahal in an effort to protect it from this environmental pollution. Its property to release high amounts of oxygen can minimizes the adverse impact of industrial emissions. Further it has the capacity to absorb harmful gases like Sulphur dioxide.

Spider Plant

Spider Plant is one of the easily propagated plants and a very giving source of oxygen as it can perform photosynthesis in bright as well as dim light. It absorbs toxins like carbon mono oxide, gasoline, styrene and formaldehyde. So grow it in baskets beds or pots and place them in any kind of light conditions, they will simply multiply on their own and be at your service to clean up the toxins from the air.

 

 

 

Money Plant

This common indoor vine in anything from whisky bottles to ceramic containers occupies the kitchen windows or heads up on the fridge in many homes for its obvious belief in feng shui. The easy growing money plant is an absolute friendly soul that is happy even in just a water arrangement and grows all over if in a pot or basket. Cannot say if it will brings you greater wealth and prosperity but Money plant surely is a powerful air purifying plant that will clean the air in your house very effectively. It has a particular affinity for formaldehydes and other volatile organic compounds most commonly in the form of off-gassing from synthetic paint or carpets.

 

English Ivy

Is an easy growing perfect air-filtering plant for every home. English ivy has the incredible ability to remove a wide range of contaminants from the air. It is effective at removing xylene, formaldehyde, and benzene. Additionally, English ivy can remove airborne fecal matter and mold. While it can be grown as a great ground cover, looks awesome in baskets too. Moderate temperature and medium sunlight is great to grow Ivy.

 

There are many others in the list. Dracena, Anthuriums, Ficus, Rubber plant, and Golden Pothos also act as air purifiers in their own unique way. So before you run out to buy an electric air purifier, consider these houseplants for a natural fix and give your children a breath of fresh air.

The Citrus Bomb of Goodness

The Citrus Bomb of Goodness

As I drove into a weekend resort on the outskirts of Gurgaon, I was mesmerised by these tiny bright balls shinning on a hardy hedge that lined its drive away. This was almost two decades ago and that was when I ever saw a chinese orange or naarangi tree for the first time. The dazzling oranges against the deep green foliage were very welcoming and added vibrance to the entrance.

The picturesque view stayed with me for long, so much so that almost ten years later, when I started growing a little food garden, I planted these for their sheer beauty. They dont really ask for much care except for a dose of nutrition twice a year while keep flowering and fruiting throughout. Additionally, if you need some guidance on growing plants in your own greenhouse, this may help you with your garden.

Over the years, in my gardening journey, I saw most gardeners being clueless about using this ultra sour citrus fruit and hence just brush it off. All over the world sweet orange varieties are probably the most popular to be grown, though citrus and orange fruits were originally sour.

With two of these trees in my garden patch, harvest seemed to increase every year and I always ended up just making one or two batch of marmalade or at the most sweet and sour pickle.

Since it tasted almost as juicy and sour as their big brother, off and on, I plucked one or two and replace them for lemons in salads or soups. They virtually became handy for almost all dishes in the kitchen when ever lemons were not around.

So naturally came lemon cakes, lemon tarts or even lemon curd, all with these baby oranges rather than regular lemons.

With each passing year, abundance of this fruit made me explore a little more to look for innovative ways to consume its bounty. From sour and tangy orange sauce for stir fries and a variety of pickles, I found several ways to conserve them. Soon it was time go exotic with orange pulao or orange pilaf to enjoy this tiny citrus bomb.

And how could I forget the healthy teas and brews. One can simply squeeze some juice or merely brew dry peels to enjoy different flavours of orange tea

This is super digestive, an immunity booster and a spring of vitamin C. The strong flavours of orange tea releases saliva, stomach acids and hence aids in absorbtion of nutrients.

The citrus goodness does not end here. According to Ayurveda, narangi is known to be helpful in asthama, liver disorders and managing cholestrol. A quick ubtan or scrub and home made cream is great for a glowing skin. Used for over 3000 years in chinese medicine, its peels are effective in delaying skin ageing and hence popular in cosmetics. The orange zest or peels can also be dried for culinary experiments or even bottled as the best bio enzyme.

So today, as I sip my orange brew and fondly look at my ten year old, I’m in complete awe and gratitude. For it has given me so much, surely more than I ever expected from this under rated garden beauty.