Lavender Love in Provence

by Twisha Mohin | May 31, 2024 | Summer Issue, Travel

Lavender Love in Provence

When the intoxicating fragrance of Lavender is in the air, you are surely in the Provence region of South of France. Lavender fields here are probably the most spectacular natural hues of purple, violet and blue landscapes. The seamless breathtaking rows of Lavender blooms seem to run till infinity. Though lavender is grown in many other parts of Europe specially Portugal, Spain and UK but without a doubt, this region offers the most magnificent views in the world to soak the fresh and floral fragrance of Lavender.

Lavender is an evergreen plant of the mint family, native to the Mediterranean region. With over 45 recognized varieties today it is grown throughout the temperate region. It’s name comes from the Latin word lavare that means ‘to wash’ as the Romans used its fragrant oil in their baths. This miracle flower has been grown and used for more than 25,000 years for its healing and culinary usage but today it has also become extremely popular for its colours and fragrance. And that makes it among the top in the list of flowers that attract nature lovers from all over the world, Provence being the most popular destination.

So next time you are planning a trip to France, let this heavenly excursion to Provence, surely be a part of your trip. And for green hearts this soul satisfying experience in the French countryside will be remembered for a lifetime.

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What is the Best Time to Visit?

Lavender begins to bloom mid-June and lasts until end of August but to catch them in their prime, when fields are in full bloom and in best of their colours is mid – July. The lavender blooming is dependent on weather conditions, elevation and the variety grown. Higher you go the later it blooms.

Where to Find the Best Views

Almost anywhere in Provence during summer you shall be welcomed by these never ending stretches of blue but some special areas give you the most mesmerising views. Most of the great views of lavender fields are in the picturesque villages around Valensole Plateau, Luberon Valley, Sault and Verdon Plateaus, each with own charm.

What is More to Experience?

Provence is also known for its cuisine that infuses lavender into its oil honey, desserts and sorbets. You will find many restaurant serving lavender delicacies and stores in places like Avignon selling dry flowers, oil, soaps, pillows, flower sachets, cosmetics and other souvenirs to take back home to celebrate this unique journey. The flower and vegetable markets in Provence are perfect places to pick fresh local produce along with fresh lavender blooms.

Remember this nature’s extravagant experience does not come without some basic tips to follow. For the love of environment we should keep in mind that these sprawling landscapes are a result of a lot of hard work of farmers for whom this is a source of livelihood. Walk on designated paths, avoid plucking the flowers, respect life forms like bees and others on your way.

Aqua Therapy for your Garden

by Ritu Mathur | May 31, 2024 | Gardening, Lifestyle, Summer Issue

Aqua Therapy for your Garden

Summer is the season for abundant growth in the garden and most plants burst with energy right from spring itself. Most of us tend to harness maximum gardening advantage out of this season though peak of the season can get a little challenging in dry regions. As passionate gardeners, let’s balance out the heat and explore some water features in our gardens in order to make our green experience more joyful..

It is some music to the ears, a treat to the eyes, cool in its feel and smells of freshness. That is to say, “garden is not what it looks like but how it feels like.” As encouraged in many cultures and different garden philosophies, mere sight of water and listening to the gentle trickling sound of water brings tranquillity and has a calming and restful effect on our minds. You can experience a moment of trans, seeing the reflection of the sky in water. A feeling of one universe.

Create a Perfect Ecosystem

Water features in the garden are not just about aesthetics or therapy, it’s about harmony. Remember water is one of the five elements of nature. A water feature creates an ecosystem that will attract more life forms. Birds, butterflies, dragonflies, bees, and ladybugs will be in more regular in your garden. Some may visit to take a dip or sip and some may make it their home. This life around will help to pollinate your garden and even control pest populations. Your garden space will always be more lively and full of action. With squirrels, blabbers and butterflies dancing around water, comes experiential joy of a thriving garden.

Types of Water Features

An elaborate waterfall, water ponds, container water gardens, water screens, pot fountains or birdbaths, there are so many ways one can add a water element in the garden according to one’s space and budget.

Even in the confines of a small balcony or terrace, a water feature can be accommodated in design. From a modest fibre container to an elaborate stone structure, the key lies in your creativity. For those of us who are blessed with luxury of space a natural waterfall or pond can be incorporated in landscaping to blend it with surrounding greens.

Add Water Plants

Though all kinds of water elements we explored are great but its always a good idea to add some style of water gardens in your space thereby making it more lively. And this means adding plants to your water feature. And in that case it should preferably get some morning sun, more importantly for the aquatic floral varieties. Like all other flowering plants good sun is a must to enjoy joyous blooms from Waterlilies, Lotus or even the wild Water Hyacinth.

Trying some submerged varieties like Callitriche, Ceratophyllum, Elodea, and Vallisneria is a great idea as they behave like oxygenators. And the floating varieties like Pistia or water cabbage and water moss help in outgrowing the algae while all duckweed and some edible watercress will make it more complete.

Also adding a few bog plants on the edges in shallow waters can be both aesthetical and functional. Add a few Ferns, Calla lilies, Papyrus, Cyperus, Cattail and may be some Sphangum moss along with Water bamboo to enhance your water body.

So, as summer unfurls its canvas of growth and beauty, let’s embrace the allure of water features, transforming our gardens into havens of serenity and enchantment.

Monsoon Magic

by Sangita Wahi | May 29, 2024 | Gardening, Summer Issue

Monsoon Magic

While we all brave the rising mercury and reach the peak of scorching heat, the heart silently hopes for the monsoon to splash in. And nothing is more soothing than the earthy aroma that exhilarates when the first rain drops kiss the parched soils. Hmm! Woh geeli mitti ki saundhi saundhi khushboo! With that comes a spell of celebration in every heart enjoying chai pakoda and malpua evenings with favourite saawan ke geet aur baarish ki ghazals. The joy and cheer of the first shower of monsoon is indeed a little extra special. It’s so obvious how poets and writers of every era have romanticized this beautiful season. The mesmerizing monsoon makes every heart sing and dance to the tune of the season.

Monsoon as they say is the season of rejuvenation for all of us, for our gardens as well as for mother earth. Ayurveda marks this as period of healing and rejuvenation of the body. In the gardens it’s brings new hope and encouragement after a stressful summer. It’s time for new planting, new growth and new freshness. The earth is recharged with new waters, lush green energy and dances to nurture new life.

Monsoon Magic in the Garden

There is something special about the monsoon that makes it the favourite season for gardeners even when its too much to do. It is the magic it creates.

The Gardens will embrace a fresh green look overnight.
New seeds sown are eager to burst open and sprout instantly so sow your summer seeds if you still have not.
Most plants will be seen in auto propagation mode and it’s time to multiply and get richer.
Forgotten bulbs or seeds buried in soil magically sprout on their own and that feels like a green lottery.
Moss and mushrooms spring out of nowhere so collect some for your miniature gardening.

What Makes Rain Water Magical?

The heavenly waters from the sky are a natural feature of the earth’s water cycle. This water is relatively pure and soft and is supposed to be free from any impurities. Being chemically the same H20, rain water works like magic on plants. Wondering why? Here is the answer to the mystery we all want to know.

Nitrates, naturally present in the rainwater, are a great source of Nitrogen for plants and we all know that’s the most essential nutrient for the lush green growth.

Rainwater contains more oxygen than tap water and oxygenated water helps roots to uptake more water and micronutrients resulting in healthier growth of the plants.

Rainwater has a balanced amount of carbon that helps to unlock the micro-nutrients like zinc, manganese, copper and magnesium present in the soil.

Rainwater prevents the potential toxicity of chlorine and fluoride which is common in tap water.

It’s always a good idea to store some rain water in containers or tank though rain water harvesting would be the perfect idea to collect and reuse this bliss from the skies. Its also a good idea to feed your indoor plants with this water for their good growth. Your garden plants, indoor or outdoor will surely thank you for this.

Monsoon, the Perfect Time

The hot and humid conditions are ideal environment for new propagation and new growth in gardens. So put your aprons on and let’s get into action.

Perfect time for plant shopping.
Excellent for plant gifting and sharing.
Ideal season to plan and start a new garden.
Right time to repot and manure your old plants.
Season for pruning and shaping your perennials
Perfect time for air layering your fruit trees.
Perfect time to divide and multiply your pots.
Ideal season to make cuttings and multiply.
Best time of the year to plant new trees.

So with monsoon magic just round the corner, let’s make the most of it and not only do up our personal gardens but multiply the green cover in our respective cities. Let the colour of the season spreads its grandeur all around us.

How to Grow Colocasia?

by Sangita Wahi | May 10, 2024 | Food, Gardening, Summer Issue

How to Grow Colocasia?

Colocasia or Taro, called Arbi (Arvi or kochhu) in India is a common and popular food crop in most parts of the country. Nicknamed Elephant Ears for their ear shape voluminous leaves, they are perfect ornamentals like their close cousins Alocasia and Caladiums. Native to India and Asia, it grows almost like a perennial in warmer regions but foliage will die back to the ground in freezing cold.

Home growing colocasia tubers brings a variety of dishes and delicacies from the kitchen though you may just grow them for sprucing up a corner of your front garden in beds or even planter.

They are a perfect fit in the category of edimentle (edible beauties) as almost the entire plant from leaves to roots is edible. The starchy sweet root is cooked as Arbi curry, cutlets, Arbi fry, or even kofta. It is popular during navratras and is even added to kuttu atta to make pooris and paranthas. The giant herb should also be a part of your home garden for its health benefits. Its helpful in curing asthma, arthritis, diarrhoea, skin and neurological disorders.

Step by Step Instructions

Sowing time: Spring Summer / Autumn
Season: Summer Crop
Soil: Sandy Loam or Alluvial with pH 5.5-6.5
Water: Deep Watering
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Time period: 150 days

1. Pick up Colocasia tubers from local vegetable market or garden store in late spring or summer if your region experiences proper winter or else you may sow in autumn.
2. Prepare a well drained and porous soil for the roots to penetrate and spread. (Soil mix: Dry leaves : Compost – 2: 2: 1)
3. Deep water and leave.
4. Place the tubers in water overnight to hydrate well
5. Take a 2’ broad tub to accommodate 4-5 tubers with min 10” depth
6. Sow the tubers 2-3” deep at a distance of 8-10”

7. Colocasia needs heavy and regular watering. Planting it near a water body or pond can be an added advantage
8. Tubers will sprout within 10-12 days and soon your elephant ear leaves will sprawl your space.
9. You can dig anytime after 120 days to harvest your tubers even without uprooting the
whole plant.
10. If you love cooking the leaves, monsoon is a great time to enjoy leaf harvest.
11. For regions that experience extreme winter months, foliage will slowly die back and you can scoop
your harvest.
12. Any left out in the soil will mostly spring up again in spring.

Terrace of Trees

by Sangita Wahi | May 4, 2024 | Gardening, Lifestyle, Summer Issue

Terrace of Trees

With urban challenges most of us find luxury of space mostly on a terrace or balcony. With that comes the inbuilt limitation a pot garden as soft garden may ask for a complicated waterproofing set up with low success rate. So how do most of us plan our terraces? We are mostly fascinated with ornamentals, flowering shrubs, seasonal flowers or some may even go for a kitchen garden. Most of us never think beyond. We never believe our terrace can be a converted into an urban forest with dense trees all around. Most trees are hardy, maintenance free and easily bear tough conditions without asking for regular upkeep. One or two feeds in a year, a prune at the beginning of their growth season, shift to one size bigger pot every year and regular deep watering is all they ask for to thrive in pots.

Thankfully the incidental advantages they add to the garden are endless. Tall and dense trees have the highest leaf index that purifies your air creating your own oxygen bar. They create enough transpiration as well as shade that helps others in the garden to bear extreme dry weather in summers and winters. They also serve as excellent barriers of dry hot and cold winds, protecting other delicate plant babies in your garden.In addition they provide excellent habitat for birds, squirrels and other creatures, creating a perfect ecosystem of co-existence. Being perennial in nature, trees make your garden almost evergreen except for their seasonal fall. So here is a list of ten must have trees that will create your personal urban forest on the terrace.

Neem

Yes you heard it right. In contrast to general belief that Neem is a big tree and can only be grown in the ground, you will be surprised to know that it can easily be grown in pot. You may start from seeds, pick up from plantation drives or buy a sapling from any nursery. And you will not only be gifted with evergreen foliage and clean air but also use it for all the health benefits.

Kadi Patta

Affectionately called the ‘Meetha Neem’ in India, Kadi Patta is almost in every home garden. It grows into a short tree in a short span but with age easily grows up-to 10 ft. Good sun, regular
pruning and fertilization at the beginning of spring makes it grow bushier. With its use in culinary and health care, it’s a perfect choice to be one of your trees on the terrace.

Ficus Tree

The most common of small height figs are the benjimina and panda ficus. Both are ideal ornamentals in any terrace landscaping as they are favourites when it comes to orderly pruned shapes. Their small leaves make them ideal to make dense foliage for privacy screens and withstand wind pressure on the terrace.

Citrus Trees

Adding a few fruit trees in your garden is always a great idea to enjoy them fresh and home grown. All Citrus fruits, from mandarins, oranges to lime and lemons are small trees and can be easily grown in pots and normally go up to 6-8 feet. Being a small leaf family, trimmed at young age makes them branch out more to give them a bushy picture perfect look at flowering and fruiting time. So fill up your terrace or balcony with citrus aroma and flavours.

Peach Tree

Unlike the common perception, peaches are another fruit that can easily be grown in pots. It is a small tree variety that thrives in cooler places and foot hills as they need chilling period to break their dormancy to flower. So if your are in places that have a short winter spell in a year, you can enjoy the luxury of plucking your home grown peaches from your own balcony or terrace.

Frangipani

Now Plumeria or Frangipani is one of the most common flowering tree that has become an urban ornamental. Sweet homely aroma, colourful bunches of flowers in unlimited hues make them irresistible. It’s thick succulent branches, milky sap, broad and big leaves make them hardy and tolerant of heat. Trim them in early age to avoid lanky branches and see them grow to even 8-10 feet even in pots.

Pride of India

Truly to its name, Pride of India, indeed the most beautiful tree that grows easily in the country, flaunting its flowers of pink, mauve or white in pinnacles. Also called Lagerstroemia or Crepe Myrtle is commonly seen thriving in public parks and landscapes with minimum care making it explicit that they are a perfect choice even for late back gardeners.

Kachnaar

Perfect for tropical and sub tropical climate, Kachnaar is one of the most beautiful flowering tree that easily grows in India. Loved not only for its pretty flowers but also unique two lobed leaves, Kachnaar is a good choice among flowering trees in pots. Its white, pink or yellow flowers show up in late spring but the droopy foliage adorns your garden throughout the year.

Indian Coral Tree

Another easy and very fast growing tree that gives bright red claw shape flowers towards the
end of winters. Big and broad foliage can be trimmed regularly to give dense and controlled
growth or else its branches liberally in all directions. And the best part is that it adds bright red to your garden in otherwise gloomy winters.

This list is surely not extensive as there are many more varieties both edible and ornamental that you may choose to grow in a pots. You may easily grow Chikkoo, Pomegranate, Fig, Apricot, Papaya, Banana, Karonda, Hibiscus, Chandani and many more. The list is endless. Nowadays, a whole lot of dwarf varieties are also available in plant shops to accommodate in small terraces and balconies. Monsoons being the best time to plant trees is just round the corner, so go ahead and create a terrace of trees this monsoon.

Micro Bombs of Nutrition

by Rasham Ratna | May 3, 2024 | Food, Gardening, Health, Summer Issue

Micro Bombs of Nutrition

From Michelin star plating to a celebrity’s salad bowl, Microgreens have found their premium space in the latest super food trends. In fact no five star buffet set up today is complete without a beautiful microgreen display. They have become fashionable for their high nutrition value, intense flavours, tender texture, vibrant colours and freshness. A small portion of microgreens contains much higher levels of vitamins and nutrients as compared to their mature counterparts. Hence most of us who are health conscious are looking for reliable sources to include these in their every day plate. But what if I tell you that they are the easiest thing to grow at home especially in summers. And not only will the home grown be super fresh and healthy but also a pure delight on your kitchen window sill.

What are Microgreens?

Microgreens are like young seedlings of an edible plant that include the developed cotyledons including the first true leaves. They may shoot up from densely sown seeds of herbs, vegetables or leafy greens. Some of us confuse them with sprouts but these are actually a stage between sprouts and baby greens. Sown in shallow containers either in soil or any moist medium they are generally harvested within a week to fortnight depending on size and season of the seeds. That is to say that smaller seeds like fennel or mustard are much faster to grow than sunflower or cucumber and growth in summers is relatively faster than slow winters.

Spoilt for Choices

The tiny greens add a dash of exotic power of nutrition and style in countless ways. Go ahead and spruce up your salads, soups, stir-fries, vegetables juices, fruit smoothies or sandwiches. The versatile green confetti can be sprinkled as garnish, plated as a side in any meal bowl. And if you are an innovative cook you may, grind it into a pesto or add to your main dishes for that specific intense flavour. Almost all edible seeds can be easily grown as microgreens. From beans and lentils, herbs and spices to leafy vegetables you are spoilt with choices when it comes to variety of flavours as well as the flexibility of use.

Tomato salad with mix micro greens and camembert cheese. Top vi

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How to Grow Microgreens?

Growing microgreens can be overwhelming for new comers though once you get a few basics right, it can be really fun and easy. Surely the art needs constant care and regular monitoring but rest assured, the process is quite simple and the steps below are a perfect hand holding for you to get this right in first try.

Select and arrange variety of seeds you want to grow. Prefer saved seeds from the garden or from the kitchen. If buying online or store be sure you select specifically microgreen seeds and not the regular chemically quoted ones.

Closeup of sprouted arugula grow on wet linen mat.

Thick seeds like lentils and beans can be soaked overnight for faster sprouting.
Take a shallow container with 1-2” inches height. You may reuse disposable plastic boxes or trays, a shallow earthen pot or flat plastic pots available online.
Fill each with organic soil mix or moist coco peat or layers of moist muslin cloth or absorbent paper. You can also grow micro greens directly on coir mats.
Broadcast a thin layer of seeds chosen but closely.
Cover with a thin layer of soil or alternate medium on top of seeds and spray water.
Leave in a dark airy spot for 3-4 days or until the seeds sprouts.
Once sprouted uncover, spray water and shift it to a place with indirect sun like window sill.

Once it starts growing it will need spraying water 2-3 times a day to keep it moist. Alternately you can grow microgreens in sieve and place it on top of a bowl of water. This will reduce watering.
Within a fortnight the lush green canopy will be ready to harvest.
Use a sharp scissor to snip a little above the soil for a rich harvest to use. Better to give a good spray some minutes before harvest as they are quite delicate to wash under running water.
If growing in soil the left over can be composted within the soil and reused.

Once you start your journey on growing microgreens, they will be more than addictive and there is surely going to be no looking back. And when you fall short of gifting ideas you may easily make them as return favours for a party or gift them as ‘get well soon bouquets’. And remember this is one small step towards green living as this small tray of micro greens gives you more food in terms of nutrition using minimum resources in terms of space, water and soil.

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