From the Editor’s Desk

Hello friends…..

So, we have welcomed the Year 2021 in our own various ways across the world.  And celebrated the fact that we are over with a year that would be remembered in the history of mankind.

And now we hope like hell that everything goes smoothly. Whereas hope we must do, but that alone may not just suffice to meet our goals. Goals, which we set from time to again, to achieve.

Well. My grandfather used to give me an example.  He said that your goals, your destiny are just like a Bank locker.  To open a locker, you require two keys; one that is held by you and another with the Bank manager.  To open the locker, both the keys must be put in together.  Similarly, to open your locker of luck, you have to keep trying the keys that are held with you; your acts, your ‘karmas’.  Because you never know when the almighty plans to put the other key of the locker.

So, my friends.  We must ensure that we put our sincere efforts in doing our acts, our ‘karmas’, and not leave everything to almighty.  And over here, we together, have wowed to make our planet clean and green.

And our heart and soul must go to achieve this.

So, here we are with another edition of our magazine. 

In India, the spring is just around the corner.  The gardens are full of blooms; Dahlias, Petunias, Marigolds, and the like.  In many cases, the plants must be preparing to wake up from their slumber. It is time to slowly start feeding them, so that they wake up full of vitality.

Well.  Spring is also the time when the beautiful water Lilies can be planted and potted.  To help you with this, our team has compiled articles.  I am sure you would be able to start off with water lilies this summer.

And at last, but not the least, I would be failing in my duty if I fail to bring out that one of our members, Mr Manish Kumar has been actively involved with the Govt and various authorities in converting dump yards into Wetlands in NOIDA region. The gist of his activities has been brought out in the article “Importance of Wetlands”, authored by himself.

And let me mention it here. Our earth needs more such Manish Kumars.

Mr Manish, Kudos to your efforts.

So, go ahead and enjoy the blooms, and see your lilies smiling at you.

As always, we remain committed to our mission of making this planet clean and green, in our own small ways.

Jai Hind!

A GARDENER’S NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

We like to take a new year resolution every year, and these range from ones like losing weight, eating healthy diet, to exercise regularly etc. This year I have decided to develop a small garden in my balcony. I adorably call it MY HEAVEN as when I am here, I forget all the worries and feel at the top of the world. Hope you all also feel like this.

These resolutions may help you also to nurture your dear plant.

I will not water my plants on impulse. I will check the soil to water as most of the causalities in garden are due to over watering. It will save the water also.

I will not always try to tidy my heaven. Some weeds are there which protect the plants from the insects as these attract the insects and our Dear Plants get saved due to weed’s sacrifices. Also, these are required for egg laying of the pollinators like butterflies.

I am already using kitchen water left after washing vegetables or pulses or after boiling of vegetables to water the plants. I hope you are also in this practice; even you can use water used for boiling the eggs. I will be totally dedicated to this and motivate family members also.

I will try to identify the good and bad insects for the plants. For this I have already installed yellow and blue sticky traps. Now challenge is to identify. It will help to take measures when the population of insects is less in garden area

There are many ways to accept challenges in new year.I have taken which I think are easier for me to keep. We should not keep very high standard of the resolutions.It will be pleasure if you will send your feedback or some other easy to keep resolutions you might have taken up.

Vandna Bhatnagar

vandnabhatnagarvandna@gmail.com   

GARDEN PREPARATION FOR FEBRUARY

February is called Falgun or the month of Basant in the Hindu calendar. Falgun approaches by  dethroning the winter’s shroud of fog.

Falgun, the first month of spring is also considered to be the king of seasons. It brings along cheers in the atmosphere & multifarious gifts for us. It’s also considered to be the most romantic month when nature wakes up in the form of new leaves on the trees and flowers blossom to feast our eyes.

The red & yellow colors give us the message of rebirth of freshness and vigorous youthfulness.

A wide variety of beautiful flowers like Bakul (mimusops elengi), palash (Butea monosperma), Gandha (sandalwood), krishna chura (delonix regia -gulmohar) spread the flame of spring’s color. The sweet sound of cuckoo and fluttering of butterflies spellbound us.

Spring or Falgun stirs our mind and body with a rejuvenated spirit. Spring is celebrated all over the world in many ways.

“O Wind. If winters come, can spring be behind.”

P B Shelly again writes in yet another poem:

“And the spring arose on the garden fair like the spirit of love felt everywhere. And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast Rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.”

February is the month to enjoy the blooms and the winter garden with flowering annuals and shrubs. All annuals should be in full bloom by the end of this month.

Planting of new trees including fruit trees, shrubs, and climbers can be done now. Cuttings of hibiscus, ficus, duranta, clerodendron, etc. can be planted too. It is the best time for softwood cuttings to be raised as new plants.

Flowering Annuals in pots can be given liquid manure and regular caring will improve the quality of the flowers and plants. Don’t forget to remove dead flowers from plants. Plants which are root bound and require re-potting can be done now.

Adeniums & cactus can be re-potted now.(Details in the previous issues ).

What to plant now?

It’s time for planting your spring and summer bulbs too.

Amaryllis:  Take out your stored bulbs from the garage /store/basement now. Clean your pots properly and solarise them. Make potting mix for the bulbs and solarise it too so that weeds, bacteria, fungus & pests are killed and potting mix is sterilized.

The preferred soil mix for amaryllis is high in organic matter such as two parts of loam soil to one part of Perlite to one part of well rotted manure. If manure is not available, another source of organic matter, such as peat, leaf mold, composted bark or wood or compost, may be used.

Five to six-inch pots are suitable, but the best size depends on the size of the bulbs which vary considerably. A space of approximately 2 inches between the bulb and the edge of the pot is desirable. In potting, place the bulb so that only about half of it is below the soil, with the upper part (pointed end) left exposed. Press the soil firmly around the bulb and water thoroughly. Do not water again until the roots are well developed as overwatering can lead to bulb rots. Only when the roots have become well established will the plants need more frequent watering.

After the flower bulb has emerged, an application of a balanced fertilizer at intervals of 10 days is helpful. A liquid or dry fertilizer can be applied and either inorganic or organic types are satisfactory for this plant

Tuberoses:

Soil Media: Normal garden soil, sand, vermi compost/rotten cow dung manure in 40:30:30 ratio.

Sowing method: Place the bulb under soil, just leave the top nodes over soil. Don’t cover the nodes with soil, otherwise it will take a long time to sprout.

Pour little water to just moist soil and keep in shade. Bulbs will sprout in 4-7 days. Keep the pot in the sun. Don’t over water. Try to keep soil just moist, not soggy. Water logging may rot bulbs. Plants need maximum sunlight to give flowers.

Fertilizer: After 1 month, feed plants with any balanced liquid fertilizer like NPK 19:19:19 or 20:20:20 twice a month.

If you wish to go organic only, then provide 4-5 days of rotten mustard oil cake mix with water (dilute with 5 times water) twice a month. For better results, give foliar spray with Epsom salt ( 1/2 tsp in 1 litre water) twice a month.

Follow the process to get flowering in 55-60 days.

Please note that plants need maximum sunlight.

 Scadoxus multiflorus/Haemanthus (football lily): It is also known with many other names like blood lily, blood flower, etc. It grows very well in Indian climate. Its blooms are big with red/pink spikes and yellow specks at the ends and lasts for about a week. The leaves are smooth and dark green in color,the plant grows to a height of 12 -18 inches.

Plant the bulbs in spring with equal parts of loam or sandy soil and manure. Keep spacing of up to 10 inches.

Curcuma: Curcuma longa or turmeric is native to India. It bears beautiful flowers at the end of summer. It can be grown very well in balconies as it just requires 1 to 2 hrs of sunlight.

Ginger can also be planted now.

Crinum lilies, Gloriosa Lily ,Caladiums ,Day lilies ,pineapple lilies, Hosta lilies, costus etc.

Bulbs can be planted under the trees also and in clusters .They can be planted in beds and borders also.

How to plant?

Good potting mix containing compost + leaf mould +fungicide bone meal is sufficient.

Portulacas and purslane cuttings can be raised by the end of this month. Coleus too  can be multiplied now.

Summer Flowers like Zinnia, cosmos, sunflowers, gomphrena, Vinca etc can be sowed indoors in trays or cups.

Vegetables like Cucumber, melon, bitter gourd, lady finger, lauki can be sowed too.

Time to plant water lilies is now. If you want to start a water garden, do it now. Buy bulbs or tubers of lotus and water lilies. Lots of suppliers sell online if you are unable to get them locally.

Winter vegetables must have been harvested or producing well. Regular spray of clean water will be beneficial.

Watch for pests like Aphids, slugs, beetles etc as pests become too active in spring. Identify and treat accordingly.

Put pheromones traps in your garden.

Chrysanthemums can be divided and potted in 3-inch pots for next winter. Pots can be kept in sunny positions. Empty pots or beds can be made ready for summer vegetables.

If soil was infected or had any deficiency, take action now and treat accordingly.

Soil can be disinfected by solarizing or treating with Trichoderma. You can spray formaldehyde on soil too. Rest it for 2 weeks, then do the plantations in the soil.

Always remember 3 pointsL:

1. Buy good seeds from reputable sources.
2. Treat the seeds before sowing with fungicide for 10 minutes.
3. Crop rotation means do not plant the same thing at the same place.

   Happy Gardening!!

 Rama Tyagi

tyagirama1@gmail.com

IMPORTANCE OF WETLANDS

Wetlands are a critical part of our natural environment. They rejuvenate our water table, reduce the impact of floods, absorb pollutants and improve water quality. They provide habitat for animals and plants and many contain a wide diversity of life, supporting plants and animals that are found nowhere else.

Wetlands have been called the ‘kidneys of the landscape’ because of their ability to store, assimilate and transform water contaminants. Like a giant kidney, wetlands help to dilute and filter material that could otherwise harm our water bodies, ponds, lakes, rivers and other waterways. They consist of a shallow depression in the ground with a level bottom.

Wetlands provide an important range of environmental, social and economic services. Many wetlands are areas of great natural beauty and many are important spots for birdwatchers and environmental studies. Wetlands are the vital link between land and water.

Wetlands also go by many other names, such as swamps, marshes, bogs, potholes, and mires. Most scientists consider swamps, marshes, and bogs to be the three major kinds of wetlands. A swamp is a wetland permanently saturated with water and dominated by trees.

Over the past few decades, it has been estimated that India has lost 50% of its wetlands. The wetlands along the floodplain of river Yamuna are no exception. Deforestation, land conversion and developmental activities along the river have resulted in reduced flow, habitat loss and loss of biodiversity. 

The geographic size of Delhi has almost doubled in the recent decades and similar urban growth has been experienced by the neighboring cities like Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida, and Gurgaon. Once housing thousands of wetlands, Delhi/NCR has witnessed a steep decline in both quantity and quality of wetlands in recent years especially in the neighboring cities like Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida, and Gurgaon. A recent study revealed that out of 629 wetlands mapped in NCR-Delhi region, nearly 232 (37%) wetlands cannot be revived on account of large-scale encroachment.

With increasing water stress in cities all across India, wetland restoration is one of the keys to this growing problem. Ecological restoration of wetlands not only involves widening the channels for enhancing water storage capacity but also involves bringing back the native flora of the region especially grasses and aquatic vegetation which play a major role in filtering various water pollutants.

Constructed Wetlands

A constructed wetland is an artificial wetland to treat municipal or industrial wastewater, greywater or storm water runoff. Constructed wetlands are designed and built similar to natural wetlands to treat wastewater. The water flow is controlled in constructed wetlands so the water is spread evenly among the wetland plants. Constructed wetlands are engineered systems that use natural plant vegetation, soil, and organisms to treat wastewater.

Constructed Wetland in Sector 91, Noida

This wetland approximately 12 to 15 acres in size has been made in the doab region of Yamuna and Hindon river. This was earlier part of the floodplain but over the period it became dumping yard of all type of constructed materials from nearby residential projects.

This spot was identified by Manish Kumar who has been working to develop and beautify water bodies in the Delhi NCR Region. With the help of Noida Authority under General Manager Shri Rajiv Tyagi a campaign was launched to clear the land of encroachment and develop this wetland.

Excess STP waste water which was regularly being discharged by the nearby residential sectors was diverted to rejuvenate the wetland via storm water drains.

Plantation of natural local wetland vegetation was done with the help of local community. This whole project was done with the involvement of local community through ‘Shramdaan’.

Efforts are in progress to reintroduce the whole wetland community of various plant species. This will be instrumental in bringing the animal species found in this area. Already, 25 species of wetland birds are observed visiting this area which will eventually increase once this area is converted into fully functional wetland ecosystem.

Area before restoration:

Debris and waste lying at site

Restoration in progress

Restored Wetland with wild wetland birds

Author has been associated with beautification and development of water bodies in the Delhi NCR region by encouraging growth of water plants – Lotus, Water lilies and other aquatic plants. He is a Consultant with NDMC and Noida Authority on beautifying urban water bodies, and has been associated with waterbodies of Lodhi Garden and Nehru Park and revival of Sector 91 Wetland in Noida.

Manish Kumar

india.m@live.com

INTRODUCTION TO COLOURFUL WORLD OF WATER PLANTS

There are many types and varieties of water plants available for your pond: Bog, Marginal, Submerged, and Floating.

Aquatic plants, also termed as hydrophytes or aquatic macrophytes, live within watery environments. In the ecosystem, aquatic plants serve as food and habitat for animals living in the sea and prevent shorelines, ponds and lakes from eroding by providing soil stability.

Characteristics common to aquatic plants

Adaptation of aquatic plants is evident by their structure: deeply dissected and waxy leaves, specialized pollination mechanism and variation in growth pattern.

Following are the types of plants based on adaptation:

1. Totally submerged plants: Are considered true water plants or hydrophytes. Example: Water starwort submerged in a marsh pond.

2. Floating plants: Are rooted in floating water (example: water lily) or not rooted in the sediment, just on the surface (example: duckweed).

3. Swamp plants: Are emergent plants with their lower part submerged. (Example: reed mace).

Within each category, there are “Hardy” and “Tropical” varieties. Hardy are perennial, and Tropical are considered as annuals.

Lotus, Hardy and Tropical Water Lilies

We have now many hybrid varieties of lotus and waterlilies in many colors like red purple pink and yellow with different shades. Many Indian breeders are creating new varieties. There is nothing quite like the beauty and elegance that Lotus brings to your pond. Lotus blooms can be as large as dinner plates! The leaves can be even larger!

Hardy Water Lilies are perennial. Tropical Water Lilies are annual. It’s best for colour and texture to have a mixture of both in the pond.

Hardy Water Lily blooms float on the surface of the water while Tropical Water Lily blooms rise above the water. Both Hardy and Tropical Water Lilies provide shade for your fish – and shades algae from the sunlight it needs. They are easy to grow, and provide dramatic beauty to your pond.

 Lotus is sacred and the National flower of India. It comes in many colors like red ,white pink & yellow.

No pond is complete without a beautiful mix of water lilies. They can be single or multi petal. All lilies and lotus can be grown from seeds but they take time to bloom whereas when grown from tubers flowers in 2 to 3 months. Lotus can be grown in cups called dwarf & hybrid lotus. They bloom within a month.

Victoria is a genus of water-lilies, in the plant family Nymphaeaceae, with very large green leaves that lie flat on the water’s surface.

Victoria Amazonica has a leaf that is up to 3 metres (9.8 ft) in diameter, on a stalk up to 8 metres (26 ft) in length. The genus name was given in honour of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

Victoria Cruziana (Santa Cruz water lily, water platter, yrupe, synonym Victoria argentinaBurmeist) is a tropical species of flowering plant, of the Nymphaeaceae family of water lilies native to South America, primarily Bolívia, Argentina and Paraguay. The plant is a popular water garden plant in botanical gardens where it’s very large leaves can reach their fullest, up to 2 m wide with a thick rim, and  up to 20 cm high. It can be grown in cooler waters than its sister within the genus, the more familiar giant waterlily, Victoria Amazonica.  A 25-cm diameter flower blooms for two days, arising from the underwater bud, as a white flower that turns to a deep pink on the second and final day of its bloom. V. Cruziana is a thermogenetic or heat-producing plant. The plant prefers to live in colder non-moving water and requires warm temperatures in order for the flower to blossom, hence the plant must distribute a lot of energy to keep itself warmer than its natural environment (above 90 degrees Fahrenheit).

Euryale ferox (common names prickly waterlily, fox nut, foxnut, gorgon nut or makhana) is the only extant species in the genus Euryale. It is a flowering plant classified in the water lily family, Nymphaeaceae, although it is occasionally regarded as a distinct family, Euryalaceae. Unlike other water lilies, the pollen grains of Euryale have three nuclei.

The plant produces starchy white seeds that are edible. The plant is cultivated for its seeds in lowland ponds in India, China, and Japan. The Chinese have cultivated the plant for centuries. More than 96,000 hectares of Bihar, India, were set aside for cultivation of Euryale in 1990-1991. The plant grows best in locations with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Seeds are collected in the late summer and early autumn, and may be eaten raw or cooked.

In India, in the northern (Punjab) and western parts of the country, Euryale ferox seeds are often roasted or fried, which causes them to pop like popcorn. These are then eaten, often with a sprinkling of oil and spices. It is used in cooking, especially to make a porridge or pudding called kheer.

Evidence from archaeobotanical indicates that Euryale ferox was a frequently collected wild food source during the Neolithic period in the Yangtze region, with large numbers of finds coming from the sites of Kuahuqiao, Hemudu, and Tianluoshan.The earliest recorded use of E. ferox was found in GesherBenotYa’aqov, Israel, among artifacts of the Acheulean culture 790-750,000 years ago.

D.K Sharma

sharmadk.703@gmail.com

DIVISION AND REPOTTING OF HARDY WATER LILIES

Like all potted plants, water lilies also need repotting. Spring is the ideal time to divide and repot water lilies to help them grow and bloom better, otherwise they become crowded and due to saturated soil nutrients, they might not pamper you with their divine blooms. Ideal time to start repotting water lilies is when you see signs of regrowth after winter.

(I start mine in the last week of February, and finish by mid-march.)

Hardy water lilies produce long fleshy roots called rhizomes.  These need to be cut and divided when repotting. Uproot your hardy waterlily and wash all soil off the roots. The part of the root where the leaves emerge is called the crown or the growing tip.  Use hard rhizomes only; discard any soft and mushy portions.

Cut the rhizome so that each piece is approx. 3 inches long & has a growing tip and thin white feeding roots to stimulate new growth.  If the sprout is healthy, even an inch piece has the potential to grow and bloom.

Cut back the thick, long white anchor roots from the rhizome, trim away any damaged or dead leaves, leave the young or unfurled leaves close to the rhizome.

Hardy water lilies’ rhizomes spread horizontally hence they require wider containers to spread and grow well. Sprinkle a tsp of NPK at the bottom of the container. (Roots will reach down, feed upon the nutrients and boost the plant health.)

Method of potting

• Fill about two-thirds clay garden soil. Tap the soil to release air pockets. Place the cut edge of the tuber against the side wall of the container. Tilt the tuber at a 45-degree angle so that the growing tip is above the anticipated level and near the center of the pot.

• Add soil to cover the roots and around the rhizome. Do not bury the rhizome. The point of the crown (the growing tip) should have no soil on it or it will face difficulty in sprouting new leaves and might even die due to suffocation.
• You may temporarily add a few stones to avoid dislocation of newly planted rhizomes until the roots anchor themselves in soil.

• Keep the new water lily plants at the bottom of the pond with 2-to-3-inch water above. Increase water level gradually with the growth of new leaves.

Manuring

Water lilies are heavy feeders. Fertilizemonthly with Aquatic Tab tablets or water soluble NPK folded in paper chits during the active months. Stop adding fertilizer after September as the plant starts preparing for dormancy, allow it to go into its resting mode.

Happy growing!

NilimaMarwah

Neelu1jan @gmail.com

SWAPPING OF SEEDS

When we are in gardening for few years, we have more than our requirements; the seeds, plants or cuttings. So it gives satisfaction and pleasure to share the plants and seeds with our gardening friends who may be in our city or far away. In return, we may also get few things which may not be with us.

 Our topic of discussion is Swapping of seeds.

Swapping also requires some planning and precautions otherwise what you are sharing will go waste. You can swap with your neighbors or through different groups on Face book or other digital media.  Following need to be kept in mind while swapping:

• Select the healthy seeds which are fully dried. Please keep in mind Seeds have a shelf life period after which they are not well suited or their germination rate goes down.

• Harvesting and cleaning seeds takes a little patience and time. Depending upon the types of seeds, whether they are dry or wet, you need to follow procedures.

• Carrots, onions, beans or herbs like basil have dry seeds. They can be spread on newspaper. You can separate seeds from chaff by dropping the crumbled pods onto a slanted piece of cardboard or wood and let the seeds roll down away from the pods. Let the seeds dry for a day or two to remove any excess moisture, and then store them in air tight containers. Putting in a little silica gel or one of those moisture absorbing packets from vitamin containers or water bottles will help to draw out any extra moisture.

• Wet seeds are surrounded by pulp, like tomato, squash or pumpkins. The best way to clean these seeds is in a colander with running water and working the seeds until there isn’t any pulp left attached. Dry the seeds on a ceramic plate or glass plate, not on the paper as the seeds will stick to paper.

• Tomato or melon seeds have a gelatinous covering and it is removed through fermentation process. To ferment the seeds, place them in a bowl with pulp and add water. Let it ferment for few days. A light coloured mould will start to form on the surface, and when this coat gets really thick or bubbles start to rise, add water to double the mixture and stop the process. Stir the mixture and let settle, and then pour off the water. The viable seeds will settle to the bottom. Repeat the process to get the best seeds. Decant the water and shake the colander to remove moisture as much as possible. Spread the seeds on a plate and shake them once a day to get even drying. Don’t dry them in an oven or put them on a sunny shelf as embryo may die. Once dry, store the seeds in a container. But even if you don’t harvest and dry your own seeds, the swaps are a great way to meet other gardeners; learn or share things about gardens, and become aware of issues surrounding the production and harvesting of seeds.

• Make little envelopes using old newspaper by creating a top fold. These envelops will keep the sunlight out and provide a dry storage for seeds. Pack the seeds carefully in these envelops. Use forceps to pick up add a pinch of fungicide and close the envelop. Label the envelop with the name of the seed and date of packing.

       You are ready to post or swap your seeds.

Vandna Bhatnagar

vandnabhatnagarvandnagmail.com

CACTI NEED INTERVENTION NOW!!

“Each cactus plant is capable of teaching us a lesson or two viz. ‘surviving with the minimum yet having a lot to offer”. 

Sandeep Rohilla 

Now we are entering into February and every cactopile eagerly waits for this time. This is the month when your cactus plant starts waking up after a long sleep, as we had already stopped watering/feeding of our cactus plant at the starting of November month. Now the time has arrived to start giving them feed and start watering slowly-slowly.

Late winter or early spring is the best time to repot your cactus plant to perform well in summer.

Things to remember while repotting

1. Use 15-20% bigger pot as previously if your plant takes well-grown in previous pot.

1. After uprooting your plant, air dry it at least for 24 hrs in shade.
2. Detach pups if you want to propagate the plant.
3. Use proper well-drained media. I would prefer cinder base potting mix (85% cinder + 10% compost + 5% neem cake and bone meal.

1. Re-plant your cactus into the new pot and new media.
2. Don’t do deep watering, just sprinkle some water.
3. Keep it in shade for at least 7-15 days.
4. After 15 days, slowly move them in sunlight. First start with Morning sunlight, then slowly slowly to full sunlight. (Depends upon the plant).
5. Give first deep watering with fungicidal water.
6. Next water when you feel your media got dried fully.

By the time you complete the 10th step, Spring and the Growing season will be knocking on your door. Enjoy the beauty of cactus. In fact, some cacti will start blooming by now.

In February end you can start growing your cactus seed too.

What next???? What are you waiting for?Start repotting

Sandeep Rohilla

sandyrohilla.gzb@gmail.com

COMMON GARDENING MISTAKES

TIME TO TAKE ACTION

Many gardeners create a landscape which requires high maintenance, leading to endless chores for them. You can avoid future garden mishaps and problems by careful planning.

When it comes to plants, sometimes we do careless on impulse shopping, without keeping few things in mind. Let’s discuss to save time, money and space.

• When purchasing we should visualize the space where we want to keep them and also their size as and when plant will mature.
• Compactly kept plants, encourage the development of many fungal diseases as fungus requires high humidity in poor air circulation.
• Before you ever set foot in the nursery, prepare your soil well and test it thoroughly as per the requirement of the plants you are going to purchase like type of soil, water requirement, sunlight and fertilizer requirements.
• It is better to choose plants that are suited to your growing conditions.
• Weeding and watering are great problems for every gardener, but using weed cloth and mulch together can help spread these chores out a little further. Weed cloth or mulch on a properly prepared garden will cut down on the weed seeds germination within your beds, and help the soil retain its moisture.
• Avoid the use of sprinklers or other overhead watering devices since fungus and bacteria may grow due to moisture. If you want to use then make sure that plants get dried up before sun goes down.
• Lastly whenever you are admiring and talking to your plants , keep a scissor in your hand and inspect the plant for diseases or insect attack and remove immediately.
• Excess use of fertilizers may change pH of the soil and growth of the plant will be retarded. So, do not feed on impulse.

Hope you will have more time to enjoy and admire your plants than working in your garden space.

Vandna Bhatnagar

 Vandnabhatnagarvandnagmail.com

STEVIA REBAUDIANA

I am fascinated by this plant and want to grow in my balcony. I am getting ready by collecting information about Stevia.

 It is a flowering plant in the aster family (Asteraceae). Its leaves have sweet-taste. The plant is native to Paraguay.

 The leaves can be used fresh or dried. Its leaves contain a number of sweet-tasting chemicals as steviol glycosides.  It is non caloric sweetener. It can be more than 300 times sweeter than table sugar and do not affect blood glucose levels. Now a days it is believed to be healthier alternative to sugar. Stevia sweeteners are gaining in popularity worldwide.

Stevia is a tender perennial herb that reaches 30.5–80 cm (1–2.5 feet) in height. The oblong aromatic leaves are 2.5 cm (1 inch) long with a prominent midrib and are arranged oppositely along the stems. The small tubular flowers have five white petals and are borne in terminal clusters; the flowers are usually removed to improve the flavour of the leaves. Germination from seed is difficult, and most plants are grown from cuttings. The plant requires rich well-drained soil and thrives in warm humid climate

Vandna Bhatnagar

vandnabhatnagarvandna@gmail.com

(Reference From Britannica)

PLUMERIA

Plumeria are one of the  most exotic plants grown all over the world in places where there are warm temperatures, though many have started growing in Canada, Germany and UK too. They are loved due to their fragrance and varied colours.

They were first found growing in the southern forest region of Mexico in the mid -19th century. The first plant was brought over to the Hawaiian Islands in  1860  by Wilhelm Hill brand, a German physician and botanist. Indian plumeria are known as temple trees or Buddha’s trees. Buddhists said they resemble immortality because one can snap a branch off and grow it as cutting producing beautiful flowers from the severed branch.

It is also called Frangipani and Champa in Hindi.  Plumeria is a genus of flowering plant in the dogbane family Apocynaceae. Although it is native to countries such as Mexico Central America Columbia Guyana Venezuela Brazil,

In India, it has been growing since ages as per our scriptures.

 They are relatively small plant trees growing about 5 to 6 metres in height but their width can be as high, as they have a well behaved root system which makes them ideal for home gardens and growing in pots. There are more than 500 varieties ranging from pinks to violets, crimson to red and yellow to white, each species of plumeria bearing different types and shapes of leaves. Their form and growth habits are distinct.

Plumeria obtusa: Is mainly evergreen tree except for few months with spreading branches and rounded dome.

Plumeria rubra: Is a deciduous tree with sparse branches. It produces fragrant flowers with 5 spreading petals ranging from yellow to pink depending upon form or cultivars .It blooms from summer to autumn.

Plumeria Alba: It is sometimes called the West Indian Jasmine tree. It grows as a well shaped tree and can become quite large, sometimes reaching a  height of 40 feet, with its leaves up to 12 inches long, having white with yellow centre flowers. Their fragrance is sweet and strong.

Plumeria stenopetala : It usually grows with a single trunk and develops an overall shape similar to a candelabrum with many branches that spread out to form a wide canopy of about 25 feet tall at maturity and is usually deciduous.

Plumeria pudica: It is one of the ever blooming types with non deciduous evergreen leaves. Leaves of plumeria pudica have an elongated shape and glossy dark green colour, also called spoon leaf.

Growing Plumeria

Spring or February-March  is the best time to take cuttings from plumeria. Plumeria propagation may be done by taking cuttings, callusing them over a week ten days time by letting them rest at a shady well ventilated spot and then potting in sand or soil as preferred. For the delicate difficult varieties, the easiest way out is to graft over a hardy rootstock. Always defoliate the cutting completely to avoid its dehydration.

You can also do bag rooting.

Take cocopeat which is washed 2 to 3 times add perlite. Insert the cutting in it .Tie the mouth of the plastic bag and keep in a dark ,ventilated but dry place. When roots fill the bag you can cut open the bag and transfer into pot or ground . I always prefer to root my cuttings in sand.

Begin slight watering of cuttings when leaves are fully developed. Once the leaf head is fully developed you can water normally.

Plumeria may be fertilized round the year in their growing phase (excluding winters) which may be in the form of organic compost, foliar spray of npk solution poured to their potting mix periodically for a stable performance. However, plumeria planted in the ground perform tremendously well regardless of any fertilization schedule. If your plumeria are growing fine but not flowering too much, possibly it isn’t a variety that flowers too much. The best you can do is to show it maximum sun and fertilize  with NPK 00:52:34 one tsp in a liter of water as foliar spray every two weeks. Compost in potting mix with bone meal and neem cake never fails to bring out the best of the results here.

Magnesium Sulphate /Epsom salt can also be added in the fertilizing schedule. I also like to spray them with magic grow once in a fortnight.

Though they are hardy plants but aphids do attack them. So do keep a watch on them by washing the plant regularly. Remove and bury the infected leaves.

Weekly applications of Insecticidal soap can control white flies.

Another is mosaic virus which doesn’t have any solution. You can watch your plants if they have red spots on leaves. You will have to discard the infected plant as the virus can spread to other plants easily.

Water your plants carefully as overwatering results in root rot. You can grow plumeria from seeds too but that takes too long to bloom. Also it doesn’t bloom true like a mother plant.

So happy growing and enjoy beauty with fragrance around you.

Rama Tyagi

tyagirama1@gmail.com

BRUGMANSIA

It is an unusual tropical plant with breathtakingly beautiful, unusual fragrant flowers. It has a large upside down hanging single, double or multiple layered in white, yellow, pink, or peach flowers. They have light citrus scents and are highly fragrant at night.  They can be grown in pots.

To make it bloom, it requires sunlight and warm temperatures and humidity.

Propagation

It can be grown easily from cuttings by rooting in water.

Add hydrogen peroxide to water and put cuttings in water. When you see nubbies (a small white protrusion on stem) you can either let it root in water or change to a rooting mix of cocopeat and perlite in small disposable glasses.When roots fill the glass, it can be transferred to a six inches pot.

Potting soil

A mix of soil +sand +perlite +magnesium sulfate+bonemeal+compost is best suited. Mix it nicely. Place your cutting carefully in the center of the pot. Keep it in the dark place for a few days to establish then place the plant in the sun.

Remember they are gross feeders. So fortnightly feeding is good. You can feed with foliar spray of npk, and magnesium sulphate alternatively.

Enjoy the blooms and fragrance.

Happy Gardening.

Rama Tyagi

tyagirama1@gmail.com

ADENIUM – THE DESERT ROSE

Adenium ‘the Desert Rose’ proves to the world that no adversity can be greater, than your will, to overcome it.

Adeniums are grown as house plants and are widely appreciated for their colourful flowers and their beautiful caudices. They can be easily grown in pots for many years and are favorite of Bonsai lovers.

Adeniums can be planted as landscapes, as annuals, in northern region, as perennials in frost free region and as excellent tropical plants for container garden and pots.

These can be seed-grown which are not genetically identical to mother plant. Hence the plant is preferably grown either through cutting or through grafting.

Adeniums are sun loving plants and are in active growth phase during summer and need direct Sunlight. The plant requires generous watering during summers but well drained soil. Soil should not be soggy. Infrequent but thorough watering is required during cooler weather and it doesn’t require watering during winters and goes in dormancy from November till about mid-February.

Arrival of Spring activates the plant and leaves start unfurling. This is the time to start watering your plant slowly, to start feeding and shift the plant slowly to sunlight. Never transfer the plant immediately to the scorching Sun as the plant is vulnerable to shock and may undergo stress.

Early spring is the best time to repot your plant and for propagation. Before repotting allow the plant dry air for a week and then repot it in rich soil media and the soil should be well drained. Propagation can be done through cuttings and through grafting.

Adeniums require minimal care, direct sunlight and controlled watering and it will surprise you with its exotic and ornamental blooms. So, get ready to enjoy the exotic blooms.

Adenium Photo Courtesy-K.N.Garg

Shailja Mishra

mishra.shailja6325@gmail.com

वसंत पंचमी

यूँ तो भारतीय तिथि के अनुसार माघ का पूरा मास ही उत्साह देने वाला होता है, पर  वसंत पंचमी (माघ शुक्ल ५) के पर्व का अपना अलग ही महत्व है ।  चिर काल से यह पर्व  ज्ञान और कला की देवी माँ सरस्वती के जन्म दिवस के रूप में मनाया जाता है।

(PICTURE COURTESY INTERNET)

भारत के अनेक त्यौहारों की भांति इस त्योहार के भी अलग अलग महत्त्व हैं।

यदि हम ऐतिहासिक महत्व की बात करें, तो ये पर्व हमें पृथ्वी राज चौहान की याद दिलाता है। उन्होंने विदेशी  हमलावर मोहम्मद गौरी को १६ बारी हराया और रिहा कर दिया, पर १७वीं बार हार गए और वह उन्हें अपने साथ अफगानिस्तान ले गया।  वहां, आज ही के दिन, उन्होंने शब्द-भेदी बाण चला कर   उसका वध किया  तथा स्वयं भी वीर गति को प्राप्त हुए।

प्राचीन भारत में पूरे वर्ष को छह मौसमों (वसंत, ग्रीष्म, वर्षा, शरद, शिशिर  व् हेमंत)में बांटा गया था , वसंत उनमें से प्रमुख और सबका चाहता पर्व है। यह ऐसा समय है जब हर बागीचा गुलों से गुलज़ार हो उठता है, खेतों में सोने के रंग की सरसों की फसल लहलहाने लगती है, जौ और गेहूं की बालियां पकने लगती हैं , आमों के  पेड़ पर बौर आ जाता है , और चहूँ ओर तितलियाँ मंडराने लगती हैं।

वसंत ऋतू, जो की भारत में प्राय फरवरी या मार्च में आती है, ऐसी रुत है जिसमें तापमान बहुत ही सुखमय हो जाता है।  मौसम सर्दी से निकल कर ग्रीष्म ऋतू की तरफ प्रवेश करता है, तथा हिमाच्छादित पर्वतों से बर्फ पिघलने पर खेत-खलिहान फसलों व् रंग बिरंगे फूलों से सराबोर हो जाते है।

(PICTURE COUTESY INTERNET)

वसंत ऋतू का महत्व इसलिए भी बढ़ जाता है क्योंकि इस ऋतू में हिन्दू का पावन पर्व होली भी मनाया जाता है, जो की प्राय इसके ४० दिन बाद आता है।हिन्दुओं का धार्मिक पर्व शिवरात्रि भी इसी समय में पड़ता है।

भारत के उत्तरीय राज्यों में इस दिन पतंग उत्सव का आयोजन होता है। इस आयोजन में छोटे बच्चे व् वृद्ध, सब एक समान, पीले वस्त्र  पहन कर, बढ़ चढ़ कर हिस्सा लेते है।

कुछ भी कहें, भारत पूरे विश्व में एक ऐसा देश है, जहां का कोई भी पर्व हो, वह पर्व एक पुष्प का काम करता है, भारत की संस्कृति रुपी माला को एक तार में पिरोने का।

अंत में, क्योंकि वसंत ऋतू  पर्व भारतीय संस्कृति के साथ साथ कला ओर संगीत से भी जुड़ा है, सुमित्रा नंदन पंत की ये पंक्तियाँ अनुपयुक्त नहीं होंगी।

धरा पे छाई है हरियाली
खिल गई हर इक डाली डाली
नव पल्लव नव कोपल फुटती
मानो कुदरत भी है हँस दी
छाई हरियाली उपवन मे
और छाई मस्ती भी पवन मे
उडते पक्षी नीलगगन मे
नई उमंग छाई हर मन मे
लाल गुलाबी पीले फूल
खिले शीतल नदिया के कूल
हँस दी है नन्ही सी कलियाँ
भर गई है बच्चो से गलियाँ
देखो नभ मे उडते पतंग
भरते नीलगगन मे रंग
देखो यह बसन्त मस्तानी
आ गई है ऋतुओ की रानी

जय भारत!

Sushil Bhatia

Sush16534@gmail.com

HOW TO PLANT WATER LILIES?

I am sure that you would like your garden to have some water plants.  And why not start with Water Lilies. But you must be in a confusion where to start?

Well. Here is the help.

Pic 1. When you get rhizomes or tubers of water lilies, wash them till the smell of smelly bacteria is washed off, gently rub off the soft brown portion (not mandatory) and toss them into a tub of water in shade. Ensure that tub doesn’t get heated up in the sun. Change the water every day. Do observe for new root & shoot growth.

Pic 2. After 10 days or so shoot will emerge something like this. This 10-day period is not sacrosanct. If the rhizome has been travelling a long distance it would have lost energy. It will continue its battle with bacteria and fungi so if it wins it will give out a shoot. This shoot will look towards sun for source of energy. The tiny leaf will convert, grow absorb-convert and grow bigger and charge up the whole plant and eventually send out the roots.

Pic 3. This pic shows some roots and leaves.

Pic 4. Take an 8-in pot without a hole or without hole preferably. Fill the ¾ of the pot with pure, well-rotted cow dung manure wrapped in net or cover the cow dung layer with net or sheets of newspapers. Fill the pot with clay soil (potters soil) or black pond soil; not the garden soil. Now place the tuber/rhizome at an angle of 45 degree in the center of the pot. Secure the tuber with more soil on the top.

Cover the soil with river sand and stones to secure the tuber to the pot(optional).Adding sand reduces the chances of algae growth. Top it with more water. You can put this pot in a bigger pot or pond. Make sure the leaves are not deep down underwater, if that is the case put an inverted pot underneath the lily pot so that sun rays are able to reach leaves.

Pic 5. Give a week or ten days for the plant to extend its leaves sideways.

Pic 6.Now you can remove the lower pot on which the lily pot rested and submerge your pot with lily. Wait for blooms.

Fertilisation

Fertilisation: You can add slow-release tabs every month. In absence of tablets, you can make your own small pouches of NPK and put in the pot in the soil away from roots.

You can add fish like mollies or small guppies to ward off the infestations of mosquitoes in the water. You can add a few drops of Neem oil also to the water.

Always top up water in the pot. Ensure water overflows to reduce algae formation. Keep on removing algae and keep adding compost. Remove dead or infected leaves.

Lilies bloom till October; after that plants will go into dormancy.

Happy Growing & enjoy.

The pics are from left to right for reference.

Rama Tyagi

(with inputs from Maneet Singh Dawra & NilimaMarwah)

tyagirama1@gmail.com

REPOTTING OF ADENIUM

Adenium, also known as desert rose, requires very limited water for survival. It sustains very well at high temperatures  and flowers profusely. Adenium is also considered auspicious from ‘Vaastu’ point of view due to its thick caudex. It naturally looks like a beautiful bonsai. These qualities make this plant a perfect choice as a house plant.

Repotting of Adenium plants should be done once in 2 years. It helps in faster growth of the plant specially its caudex.

Friends, the time for repotting of adeniums is in the offing. Generally it is done when the minimum temperature is around 15 degree C.  I understand, all the gardeners have kept their adeniums under the shade away from cold and winter rains to let them enjoy their hibernation period. During hibernation, plants do not grow and shed almost all the leaves and sustain on the energy stored in their caudex.

For repotting, take out the plant from the existing pot and remove the soil gently so as not to break any root. Wash with water, clean the root system and remove all the soil. Inspect the root system for any rot. If noticed, remove them completely till fresh white surface is visible using sharp knife / scissors. Ensure disinfect the tools to be used for cutting using disinfectant or spirit or only heating the blade on flame.  Treat the cut, if any, with a good antifungal powder and let it dry for 4-5 days.

 Next, we should examine the foliage system and cut the long branches leaving 3-4 inches of stem using disinfected knife / scissors. This will allow development of new 4-5 branches from each branch and will make the plant foliage dense and full of flowers. More the branches more the flowers.  The cut surface should be treated with antifungal powder/ paste and allowed to dry for 4-5 days. Before repotting, dip the root system in an aqueous solution of antifungal (one tsp in 2 lit. of water) for 10-15 mins. , dry it for 30 mins. and repot. While repotting, lift the plant so that only about 2-3 inches of root system is under the media. This way the roots further grow and caudex gets thicker. Water the plant after two days.

Potting media

Potting media should be porous enough to allow water drain out from the pot in 10-15 seconds. Various alternatives of media and general watering pattern (showering is preferred) for each are as below:

1. Crushed and washed Cinder (khangar) only – it is porous and lot of oxygen is available to the roots. Plant is to be watered thrice a week.
2. Mix of coco peat , bone meal and neem khali – for a 10 inch pot, mix 1 handful each of bone meal  and neem khali in the  coco peat. Watering twice a week.
3. Mix of garden soil (20%), coarse river sand (70 %) and vermi compost (3%). Add one handful each of bone meal and neem khali in a 10 inch pot. Watering when the top soil is dry.

We can use any of the above potting media but my choice is cinder.

Feeding:

Plants need nutrients and micro-nutrients for growth. In case of cinder / coco peat feed nutrients like bone meal, neem khali (organic pesticide), super phosphate, DAP, NPK (0:52:34) and potash. For ease we can make a dry mix containing bone meal (1 kg), neem khali (500 gms), super phosphate (250 gms), DAP (200 gms), NPK(100 gms) and potash (50 gms) and keep it in airtight container. Feed this mix to adeniums @ one spoon each 15 days by sprinkling on the cinder surface.  The feed will gradually dissolve in water and slowly release the nutrients to the plant. , never feed cow dung manure. This tend to block the drainage system. 

Incase of soil based media, mix a handful of good quality cow dung manure to the soil every 15 days.

 K N Garg

kngarg@gmail.com

THE FLOWER SHOW

FLORALIES 2021

Flower show and Chatkare food festival is being organized consistently on an yearly basis from 2014 onwards at Land Craft’s Golf Links.

Land Craft’s Golf Links has become a fountain head of luxurious living by virtue of not only its alluring location but also owing to the oxygen-rich green environment all around. The 8^thFlower Show and Chatkare Food Festival will be organized here on 5th, 6th and 7th March 2021.

During the Corona Kaal, the Horticulture and Floriculture Society, main fulcrum of the Flower Show,  has created so much of zeal and enthusiasm amongst the residents of HighRise Societies by organizing relentless Webinars on Balcony, Terrace and Vertical Gardening that the display of the 8th Flower Show is all set to be singled out easily. The display will include exotic plants, fresh flagrant flowers of umpteen varieties, sample fruits and farm vegetables. The flower show also comprises onsite and offsite competitions on lawns, landscaping and flower arrangements.

The much sought after food festival will include wide spectrum of cuisines for all age groups and gender.

Fun games, cultural programs, lucky draw, quiz competitions and surprise events will be given an extra dimension in Flower Show this time.

You are most respectfully invited to grace and bless the said event.It’s same as last year.

We shall also be having competitions in the following categories, along with flowering pots &arrangements.

• Cacti & Succulent display
• Bonsai along with companion pots
• Terrarium
• Dish gardens (landscape) /fairy gardens
• Vertical garden
• Vegetables cut and potted
• Hanging baskets
• Landscaping
• Oxygen parlor
• Immunity parlor

Regular features of rangoli and drawing competition will also be there.

Glimpses of Flower Show in 2020

AN ESCAPADE WITH VERMICOMPOSTING

“Earthworms are farmer’s friend”

 Truly said….I will like to add that  “Earthworms are Farmer’s as well as Gardener’s friend.”

Farmer grows food on large scale and gardener grows for his/her need. So we can say vermicomposting can also be done by the gardeners in their garden, balcony or terrace.

Vermicompost is the castings of earthworms which can be obtained by using earthworms on kitchen waste as well as green waste from the plants and trees. It takes around three months to harvest vermicompost which is rich in nutrients as well as with the micro-organisms necessary for healthy soil. It also increases aeration in soil thus improving its texture.

A worm bin requires very little attention. Worms are low-maintenance silent creatures whodon’t need to be fed every day and need to be cleaned only every three to six months.

Vermicomposting canbe a fascinating learning experience for kids that not only includes biology with one of their favourite creatures, but also environmental lessons.

Preparing vermicomposting is a boon for our planet, as it reduces the use of landfills.

 I have been composting since last few years with my Mummy and it is very satisfying experience. Now I have started vermicomposting in my balcony and feel relaxed when I pick up vermicompost in my hand with piles of earthworms. They just cuddle in my palms. In this article I am going to share my experience with you all.

Now let me tell you about my set up. I procured the following things:

• A plastic bin of around 2 feet length ,1 feet breadth and 1 feet deep costed Rs 200.
• A drill machine or soldering rod or anything to make holes in the bin.
• For bedding coir or cardboard or newspaper and cow dung or cocopeat.
• Two hands full of earthworms. I obtained from a vermicompost farm near my home. It costed me Rs 100 per kg for the size of my bin.

  After acquiring all the above said material, task was to drill holes; I used a drill machine to make holes at the bottom sides and even the lid of the bin as earthworms need airy space although they like dark area.    

 Choose a place for bin where it will not get direct sunlight but air circulation is proper.

I have divided bin in two parts -in one part only I prepared for the worms. The other side I would keep for using during harvesting vermicompost.

 After that, task was to create bedding for the earthworms. Always remember, worms are very sensitive to their surrounding temperature, light and humidity. So to get accustomed to new environment, we need to provide them the comfortable living conditions.

I lined the bottom with moist coir which I kept from the coconut or you can use moist card board or newspaper. Soak the cardboard in water and then squeeze out the water to have a paste like structure. Above this layer, I lined with fresh cow dung .You can use moist cow dung cake or cocopeat if fresh cow dung is not available.

It was now ready for the dwelling of earthworms and I introduced the earthworms and left for three days .Meanwhile the earthworms fed on the material available in the bedding as par their liking. Cover the bedding with moist rug.

I covered the bin with the lid. After three days, I introduced them to new food like banana peel, other vegetable peels avoiding onion and garlic peels.

Hope you will get benefitted with my experience .Next month I will share the problems I faced. You can email your queries.

Sugandh Bhatnagar

Sugandhbhatnagar1999@gmail.com

COMPETETION CORNER

WEBINARS

HANGING BASKET & RECYCLE GOODS

24 JAN 2021

Ms SEEMA GUPTA

THE TEAM BEHIND HFS TIMES

Mrs Rama Tyagi            Director Horticulture and Floriculture Society

Mr. Som Dutt Tygi          Advisor                          

Gp Capt Sushil Bhatia     Chief Editor

Ms. Vandana Bhatnagar    Editor and Content Provider

Ms. Shailja Mishra          Editor and Content Provider

Mr. Sandeep Rohilla      Executive & Marketing Editor

Ms. Sonia Agrawal          Creative Editor

Mr. Devraj Singh             Technical Head

Mr. Nishant Goel            Media Consultant