From the Editor’s Desk

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTING FOOD RESOURCES NEED TIMELY ADAPTATIONS

Around the globe, scientists, researchers, leaders alike are a worried lot, as we too must be. Climate change, rising temperatures have been affecting the food production, apart from bringing increased number of cases of draught, floods etc. This has specially affected the production of staples like rice and wheat.

Consider the entire plain from Punjab to Bengal, the main rice belt, with areas where you also find rural poverty.  And these are the people, including small and marginal farmers who are greatly affected.

Even from the nutrition point of view, climate change has a huge adverse effect. It affects the overall diversity of the food system, making it much narrower.

In view of the above, we need to think of and implement adaptations.

1. Crops like millet can adjust to harsher climates.
2. We must adjust our crop system. We must grow crops and vegetables which adopt to higher temperatures.
3. Switch to smarter farming, which needs much less water and reduced chemicals.
4. Other mitigating factors include residue incorporation in farming, placing straw back into soil, agroforestry etc.
5. CONSUMERS can play a vital role in this. They must look for local produces, and must ask for resilient foods, which emit minimum of methane.
6. Grow more in your backside and terrace.
7. Also, it must be made mandatory for all food suppliers to release the information of how much GH gases, methane gases have been produced in servicing the customer, so customer can take informed decisions.

And we are committed to make our planet greener.

Jai Hind !

GARDENING IN AUGUST

August is a very busy month. Monsoon is at peak, humidity is high and is ideal time for propagation of various plants.

• If you didn’t treat your lawn you can still do it. Fertilise it. If application of lime is required, give it.
• Cutting of various plants like money plants Acalypha , hibiscus, passion flower, gardenia, bougainvillea, plumbago almost every cutting can be rooted in sand /perlite /vermiculite /coco peat.
• Overgrown hedges, creepers and trees can be trimmed /pruned to allow weaker varieties to develop.
• Climbers and creepers should be overhauled and thinned out unwanted growth and tie the remainder in position.
• Add manure and keep on breaking up the surface throughout the year.
• While the monsoon lasts, irrigation of lawn, shrubs, roses, pot plants etc. should be restricted to a minimum.
• Rose plants can be transplanted.
• Cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, celery can be sowed for early crops, also spinach, brinjals, tomatoes can be sown too.
• Sowing of hardy annuals can be done too.
• Gladiolus corms can be planted too.
• Pots and beds can be made ready for winter annuals.
• Chrysanthemums may be transferred to their final pots towards the end of the month.

CHECK FOR WATER STAGNATION IN POTS

Without we knowing, at times, overwatering, specially in monsoons, can kill our potted plants. Do the following regularly:

• Check the holes of the pots regularly, Pierce the holes in the bottom to check if clogged.
• Place pots on two bricks, with gap in them, so water can drain out easily.
• Treat plants by adding fungicide to protect against rotting.
• If root bound, you will have to repot it. (put a knife through the soil to check root bounding).

Happy Gardening

D. K. Sharma

sharmadk.703@gmail.com

How and Why to Fertilize Your Plants

Most garden soils don’t have enough of the right nutrients for plants to reach their full potential.

Adding good compost and other organic matter is important for improving the long-term health and fertility of your soil, but fertilizers can also play an important role in providing the readily available nutrients that keep plants growing strong.

Major and Minor Plant Nutrients

Most garden fertilizers contain the three primary plant nutrients:

• Nitrogen (N),
• Phosphorus (P)
• Potassium (K)

plus small amounts of the minor nutrients: magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron and boron. The N-P-K ratio on the package tells you the percentage by weight of each major nutrient.

Nitrogen is essential for plants new growth. Most soils are low in nitrogen because it’s a water-soluble nutrient that gets washed away by rain and is rapidly consumed by plants and soil microbes.

Phosphorus stimulates root growth and helps plants transfer energy between roots, leaves and flowers. Though many soils contain an adequate amount of phosphorus, it can be unavailable to plants due to soil temperature, microbial activity or the pH of the soil. Applying an all purpose liquid fertilizer early in the season is a good way to guard against a phosphorus deficiency.

Potassium helps plants move water, nutrients and carbohydrates from one area to another. It is also responsible for stimulating early growth, improving hardiness and increasing resistance to insect pests and diseases.

In addition to these primary nutrients, plants also require small amounts of other nutrients including magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron and boron. Each has an important role in maintaining plant health and productivity.

How to Read a Fertilizer Label

For example, a bag of NPK (10 -pounds weight) of 10-5-5 fertilizer contains 10% (5-pounds) of nitrogen, 5% (2.5-pounds) of phosphorus and 5% (2.5-pounds) of potassium, with the rest being filler to help disperse the nutrients.

Note: If you purchase an organic fertilizer, you may notice that the N-P-K rating is relatively low compared with most synthetic fertilizers. This is because by law, the label can only reflect immediately available nutrients. Most organic fertilizers also contain slow-release nutrients and trace elements that will become available to your plants over time.

What is Soil pH and why does it matter to the plants?

Plants can absorb nutrients through their roots or through their leaves. Either way, the nutrients need to be in a liquid form in order to be absorbed. In very acidic (pH 4-5) or very alkaline (pH 8-9) soil, plant nutrients may be present but unavailable because they will not dissolve.

Most soil nutrients dissolve relatively easily at pH levels between 6 and 7.5, which is why most plants prefer this “neutral” range.

Some plants actually prefer growing in soils with a high or a low pH hydrangea and rhododendrons, for example, grow best in acidic soil with a pH of between 4 and 5. Sweet peas, lavender, clematis and buddleia prefer a slightly alkaline soil.

Soil is largely composed of weathered rock fragments and these rocks fragments determine the soil’s natural pH level.

Soil pH is also affected by rainfall, temperature and vegetation.

Some parts of the country have characteristically high or low pH levels.

The only way to know for sure is to test the pH of the soil. Though home test kits are available, you can get more accurate results by taking the soil sample to a lab .

Based on the test results, the lab will make recommendations for adjusting the pH (if needed) and balancing the major and minor nutrients. Changing the pH level may involve adding lime (to raise the pH) or elemental sulfur (to lower the pH). Always take a conservative approach to adjusting pH levels. Changes can and should happen slowly as it’s easy to go too far in the opposite direction.

Yearly applications of organic matter (such as compost, shredded leaves or leaf mold) have a “buffering” effect on soil pH and can help keep levels relatively consistent.

Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilizers

Organic and synthetic fertilizers provide nutrients in different ways.

Organic fertilizers are made from naturally occurring mineral deposits and organic components such as bone meal or composted manure. Most of these substances are not water-soluble, so their nutrients become available to plants gradually, over a period of months or years. Over time, they can increase the soil’s baseline fertility. Organic fertilizers also stimulate beneficial soil microorganisms, help improve the texture and structure of the soil and add important secondary nutrients and trace elements that may be lacking. For a quicker infusion of nutrients, you can add liquid fish, seaweed emulsion or compost tea. They are immediately available to plants and can be applied as either a soil drench or as foliar sprays.

Some of organic fertilizer are Vermicompost , Mustard cake, Neem cake, Cotton seed cake, Peanut cakes, Seaweed, Green manure, Soyabean, Algae, Ash, Peat etc.

Minerals: Green sand (marine deposits), Limestone (fossil shell deposits), Rock phosphate, Rockdust, Potassium sulphate etc.

Animal sources: Chicken manure, Egg shells, Bone meal, Blood meal, Fish meal, Fish emulsion, Horse manure, Goat manure, Sheep manure, Bat guano, Urine from humans as well as animals

Synthetic fertilizers often begin as an organic compound, but are chemically treated to make them water soluble and more immediately available to plants.

This can be valuable when plants are growing rapidly and have an immediate need for nutrients.

 Used exclusively, synthetic fertilizers do little to support soil life and long term fertility. Synthetic fertilizers are available in several forms: granular (in bags), time release (such as Osmocote) and water soluble (like Miracle-Gro).

With all fertilizers, it’s important not to exceed the recommended application rate. This is especially true with synthetic fertilizers, as too much fertilizer can “burn” foliage, over-stimulate growth and pollute waterways with nutrient runoff.

When and How to Fertilize

Not all plants need the same amount of nutrients or need them at the same time during the season. Always follow package directions, because application rates vary depending on the nutrient content, whether it’s a synthetic or organic fertilizer, and whether it is granular, timed-release or water-soluble.

Trees and Shrubs: When planting new trees and shrubs, incorporate fertilizer into the root zone to ensure the plants have access to a slow and steady supply of nutrients. Established trees and shrubs may be fertilized once a year, in early spring. If the soil is fertile and the plantings are healthy and well established, there may be no need for fertilizer.

Perennials: When planting new perennials, mix an organic, all-purpose fertilizer into the planting hole to make sure the plants have access to the phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients they will need. Established perennial gardens may be fertilized once a year in early spring.

Flower Bulbs: Spring-blooming bulbs that are treated as annuals, such as tulips and hyacinths, do not need to be fertilized.

Bulbs grown as perennials, such as daffodils and alliums, may be fertilized before or after flowering.

Other blooming bulbs such as dahlias, gladiolus and lilies can be fertilized at planting time. Dahlias, which are particularly heavy feeders, benefit from monthly applications of a water-soluble fertilizer.

Annuals: These high energy plants are grown from seed to bloom to seed in a single growing season and most of them benefit from being fertilized. Use a granular all purpose fertilizer at planting time and then apply a low nitrogen liquid fertilizer once or twice a month right through March. If you garden where summers are extremely hot, you should back off on the fertilizer during the heat and then resume in early fall.

Container Plants: Most container-grown plants require more fertilizer than the plants in your garden. There are two reasons for this. Growing mixes contain few nutrients and even if you fortify them with compost, daily watering washes most nutrients out of the soil before they can be absorbed by plants. To sustain continuous flowering, most annuals require a steady, readily available supply of nutrients. For best results, fertilize your container plants with a water-soluble fertilizer at half strength, once a week throughout the growing season. Alternatively, apply a timed release fertilizer and refresh it every 6 to 8 weeks.

More Isn’t Necessarily Better

Though you don’t want to let your plants go hungry, too much fertilizer can cause problems. Plants that get an excessive amount of nitrogen will produce lots of foliage but few flowers and fruit. Too much phosphorus in the soil makes it difficult for plants to absorb iron and zinc; too much potassium prevents them from absorbing calcium. Excess fertilizer can also wind up in groundwater and waterways, damaging ecosystems and polluting drinking water.

Always follow package instructions for application rates and timing. If in doubt, be conservative. And don’t forget that it’s important to feed the soil as well as your plants.

Happy Gardening

Rama Tyagi

tyagirama1@gmail.com

HOW TO MAKE MAME BONSAI

Are you interested in making a mame bonsai, but never knew how to go about it?

Here is a ready help for you.

(Mr Jai Praksh is an ardent gardener, with noted contributions from his side. He has been a member of HFSOG and has been participating in Annual Flower Show regularly.)

SEASONAL FLOWERS IN AUGUST

The rainy season flowers can be seen in gardens, ponds or adorning a vase in the month of August. Read on to know about a range of August flowers that colorfully rich and diversified terrain of India hosts, bringing delight and visual pleasure to our senses.

Hibiscus

You can see hibiscus flowers blooming throughout the year; however, it is the month of August that works favorably for their growth.

Lotus flower

One of the most exotic July-August flowers, lotus has been the symbol of spiritual enlightenment. Available in pink, red, yellow and white colour, the flowers have a subtle fragrance that calms you down. It represents prosperity, holistic well-being and spiritual evolution, which has transcended all barriers.

Water Lilies flower

Water lilies are often confused with lotus. They also happen to be aquatic perennials that can fill your garden and living space with a sweet aroma.

Lagerstroemia

This tropical flowering tree is one of the most outstanding summer bloomers. Lagerstroemia speciosa is a larger form of the more commonly grown L. indica (Crape myrtle.) It is called Queen Crape Myrtle because it’s the Queen of the Crape Myrtles, dominating with grand size and larger, crinkled flowers. The name Crape myrtle is given to these tree/shrubs because of the flowers which look as if made from delicate crape paper. Lagerstroemia speciosa is a large tree growing up to 50′ but it can be kept smaller by trimming. It stands on an attractive, spotted bark that often peels. This bark is commercially used and is a valuable timber. The large leaves are also appealing as they turn red right before they drop in the winter. A postal stamp was issued by the Indian Postal Department to commemorate this flower.

Jacaranda

Jacaranda has very attractive and long lasting violet colour flowers. It is also called as Nupur, fern tree or blue jacaranda. This tree is native to south central South America. It is cultivated for its large compound leaves. Its unusual shaped seedpods are often collected for decoration and dried flower arrangements.

Champak Tree (Magnolia champaca)

Champak is a full size evergreen tree that can grow as tall as 55 meters. However, it has other varieties also that are shorter in length and reach around 10 meter in height. This tree is native to southeast Asia.

It produces yellow / Orange flowers that are fragrant too. The flowers bloom in summer and remain until early autumn.

Jasmine flowers

Like marigold, jasmine is a flower that Indian landscape needs no introduction to! Used in venis, gajras and to make garlands for Gods, jasmine is a rainy season flower that is also called ‘gandhraja’ because of its sweet yet strong scent. These white colour flowers are small and tiny yet can withstand the hot and humid weather quite miraculously.  This small flower has therapeutic benefits as well. Jasmine tea can help in insomnia and anxiety-related disorders. Jasmine oil is also known as the well-known secret behind the long and thick braids of women in South India.

Tuberose

Tuberose bulbs which were planted in February and March start flowering.

Plumeria

Plumeria are in full glory .Protect them from water logging and keep on enjoying their blooms along with fragrance.

Keep on checking your other plants like Cactus, Adeniums for root rot or pests too.

Happy Gardening!!

Rama Tyagi

tyagirama1@gmail.com

Ideas that you can use

Seed Germination for Beginners

A seed is a tiny package of potential. Unwrap it with these seed germination tips.

Seeds are easy yet complicated to germinate. In general, seeds need oxygen and moisture to sprout, followed by light and the right soil and temperature to grow.

Each type of seed has its own set of rules for germination. If you know something about the type of plant you’re growing, you may be able to guess at its germination needs. For example, if the plants have origins in tropical climates, their seeds need warm temperatures and moisture to germinate. But if they’re plants native to mountains, their seeds may need cold or freezing temperatures.

Breaking Dormancy

Moisture alone is often enough to break a seed’s dormancy. Have you ever grown sprouts for salads or cooking? You’ve germinated seeds, using water and light. However, some types of seeds are tough customers and need special treatment to germinate.

A chilling period with moisture is needed for some seeds, such as milkweeds (Asclepias spp.). This process is called stratification.

(Side note: Vernalization is the term for a chilling period needed to promote blooms for some plants but doesn’t involve seeds.) Other plants that need stratification for their seeds to germinate include columbines, daylilies, monkshood, primroses, and roses.

Other seeds, such as moonflowers (Ipomoea alba) need scarification. This scary term is a benign process that simply means using a knife or sandpaper to break open the tough outer seed coating. Other plants that need scarification include camellia, holly, tree peonies, and wisteria.

Every seed has its own optimal temperature for germination. Many need warm temperatures and most need water to germinate.

Many experts suggest soaking perennial plant seeds overnight before planting. Avoid soaking the seeds longer than 24 hours; seeds left too long in water start to rot.

Easy-to-Germinate Seeds

Vegetables: Beans, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Collards, Eggplant, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Onion, Pepper, Tomato etc.

​​Herbs: Basil, Chamomile, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Fennel, Oregano, Sage, Sorrel etc.

Annual Flowers: Calendulas, Celosias, Dianthus, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Pansy, Petunias, Salvias, Snapdragon,Sunflowers, Sweet peas, Vinca, Zinnias etc.

Perennial Flowers: Columbines, Coreopsis, Purple coneflowers (Echinacea spp.), Shasta daisies, Violas etc.

Seed Starting

For many plants, you can start seeds indoors and transplant the seedlings into garden soil or containers outdoors or sow seeds directly into garden soil or containers when the soil temperatures are warm enough. In both cases, you should read the seed packet to determine germination needs of the plants you’re growing.

Sowing Indoors

• 8 weeks before last frost: Cabbage, broccoli, eggplant, lettuce, peppers
• 6 weeks before last frost: Perennial flowers, tomatoes, watermelon
• 3-4 weeks before last frost: Cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, muskmelon

Sowing Outdoors

• 2-3 weeks before last frost: Lettuce, sweet peas, radishes, carrots, beets, potatoes, peas, onions
• 2-3 weeks after last frost: Basil, cutting flowers, corn, cucumbers, pumpkins, squash
• 3-4 weeks after last frost: All varieties of beans

If Your Region Is Frost Free

Sow lettuce, broccoli, and carrot seeds outdoors in early fall for winter harvest, and tomato, pepper and cucumber seeds in midwinter for spring harvest.

Happy Gardening

Rama Tyagi

tyagirama1@gmail.com

Looking Around

LUNGS OF DELHI

THE YAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK

(contents courtesy Internet, DDA web site etc.)

Till about two decades back, the area that we are talking about, was highly alkaline, with extremely saline underground water (electrical conductivity 1500-5000 mS cm-1). The region could grow only a few species of halophytes (salt loving bushes) and common weeds.

With an objective to establish historically representative natural ecosystems within a defined space to achieve ecological integrity, and to repair habitats that have been damaged by human activities, the restoration work in Phase I of Yamuna Biodiversity Park was started in
2002.

The YBD park was developed in two phases in two areas, on the inactive floodplains in Phase 1, covering about 157 Acres, and in active floodplains in the second phase.

Around a 100 species of grass were planted as an early measure to ameliorate the quality of the soil. Initially, the area was highly alkaline with a pH of 9.8. Indigophera tinctoria, Indigophera linifolia, Sesbania sesban species were utilized not just to increase the nutrient levels but also to initiate microbial activities in the soil. Afterwards, plantation of seedlings of different forest species representing upper, middle and lower canopies was done each year during the monsoons in 30-35 biotic communities.  In addition, landscaping was also done in a few areas by creating mounds of different shapes, heights and sizes.

The park is divided into two zones— the ‘visitor zone’ and the ‘nature reserve zone.’ The major components of the visitor zone are the ‘conservatory of medicinal plants’, ‘butterfly garden’, ‘rangelands’, ‘sacred grove’, ‘acacia woodland’, ‘migratory ducks’ wetland’, ‘resident ducks’ wetland’ and ‘conservatory of fruit-yielding species.’

The conservatory of medicinal plants consists of over 300 plant species known to have therapeutic values. Some of the most important herbs planted here are ashwangandha (Withania somnifera), artimisia, sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentine), nirgundi (Vitex negundo) and isabgol (Plantago major).  A climber grove was also created here for climbers of medicinal importance such as dama bel (Tylophora indica), gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre), antmool (Celastrus paniculata). A small lily pond in the medicinal garden houses aquatic plants such as brahmi (Bacopa monerii) and bach (Acorus calamus).

Mr CR Babu, who was the Pro VC of Delhi University was given charge to head the project.

The areas now hosts about 1000 species of plants, about 22 varieties of mammals, butterflies, about 202 varieties of avifona, as of now.

Species like Hog deer, leopard etc have made it their homes.

No doubt that these kinds of parks not only help fight the climate change, but also against air/water pollution, population pressure, habitat loss, land degradation etc.

sushil bhatia

sush16534@gmail.com

DIY CREATIVE CORNER

Hello Dear Readers!!

We all are struggling with scorching heat and so are our plants. Kids too are not able to enjoy their summer vacations. Let’s make our summers less boring and more creative. So here are some simple yet elegant DO IT YOURSELF ideas which even kids can do and enjoy. These DIY are the best way to re-use and recycle your leftover containers, bottles etc. So let’s channelize our inner creativity and enjoy.

 DIY 1: MATKI MAKEOVER

Requirements:

• Terracotta Matki (You can recycle dahi matki, biryani matki etc.)
• Jute strips
• Acrylic paints or spray paints( if using uncolored jute strips)
• Fevicol for sticking
• Laces, mirrors, artificial flowers etc. for decoration
• Varnish

Procedure:

Cut strips of jute say about 2’’ broad or depending upon the design you wish to create. Stick on the matki. Make sure to make a drain hole at the bottom so that the excess water drains out. Use spray paints or acrylic paints to add colour to the makeover. Use laces, mirrors etc. for decoration. To seal everything, apply a thin layer of Varnish. Let it dry completely before you use them.

DIY 2: SOFTDRINKS/ BEER CAN MAKEOVER

Requirements:

• Cans
• Acrylic paints or spray paints
• Glitter
• Wire
• Strings (macramé, jute etc.)
• Varnish

Procedure:

Cut the top of the can carefully with the help of a tin cutter. Make holes on top to make it hang-able. Make drainage holes at the bottom as well. Paint the can with spray paints or acrylic colors. Use glitter to give glittering effect. Use wire of desirable size to make the handle. Put string around the wire to give it better effect and stability. Channelize your inner creativity and decorate the can with things like mirrors, artificial stick-on flowers etc. apply a thin layer of varnish to seal give it a finishing look. Let it dry out completely before using it.

Hope you all will enjoy making them. Do share your final outcomes with us on our official email id: hfsogofficial@gmail.com

HAPPY GARDENING!!

Rama Tyagi

tyagirama1@gmail.com

RAIN LILIES

Zephyranthes, commonly known as Rain Lily is a genus of temperate and tropical plant in the family Amaryllis, sub family Amaryllidaceae, native of western Hemisphere and widely cultivated. as ornamentals.

Rain Lily is a cheerful summer blooming perennial plant. The name Rain Lily is derived from their tendency to burst into blooms just following rain shower. Zephyranthes is the only plant that can differentiate between real rain shower and the fake one.

The elegant and easy to grow Rain Lilies liven up your garden with splash of their colorful funnel shaped flowers ranging from white, yellow, pink, dark pink apricot, orange, and red.

Different flowers have different blooming span and thus their blooms can be enjoyed through out much of the growing season, if several varieties are planted together. The bulbs also produce slender green leaves which stay even after the short-lived flowers wither.

Rain Lilies usually prefer full sun but can also grow in light shade specially in hot climate. They are naturally adaptable to wet and dry period and can also perform well in evenly moist and well-drained soil.

The flowers are usually six petalled and crocus shaped. Some species have sweet pleasant fragrance. Flowers range in size from 1-3 inches. Growing Rain Lilies is not difficult, when the right conditions are available to the plant. Rain Lily produces adorable blossoms in abundance once they are settled in their favorable considerations.

Success Snapshots

• Planting Depth. :. 1-2 “
• Sunlight Quality. :. Full to partial Sun
• Water Quality. : Moderate
• Planting Proximity :. 6 ” apart
• Soil Quality. : Well drained , moisture retaining & slightly acidic
• Bloom Season. : Summer to fall
• Zone. : 8 – 10

These small tiny ,splendid flowers are the best choice for Landscaping in;

• Containers. Naturalized Area
• House plants. Walkways
• Meadow. Woodland
• In Landscape themes;
• Butterfly Garden
• Pollinator Garden
• Rain Garden
• Rock Garden

Preferred Designs

• Border
• Mass planting
• Small Groups

The plants and flowers are poisonous for human consumption.

So, what are you waiting for.

Happy gardening!

Shailja Mishra

Mishra.shailja6325@gmail.com

*संवरती हरियाली हमारे आसपास*

जो समझ रहे हैं वे प्रकृति के लिए, पर्यावरण के लिए बेहतर करें। जिससे वर्तमान में सुधार संभव होकर भविष्य को जीने के लिए खूबसूरत थाती मिले।

हमसभी जान और समझ रहे हैं कि यह वक्त हमारी विशेष जागरूकता का है। पर्यावरणीय तत्वों को बचाना और सहेजना हमारी ज़िम्मेदारी भी है और वक्त की ज़रूरत भी। यह ज़िम्मेदारी और भी आवश्यक हो जाती है जब हम सबसे प्रदूषित इलाके में रह रहे हों। इसमें कतई अतिशयोक्ति नहीं कि हम वाकई इस धरती पर बेहद प्रदूषित जगह पर ही रह रहे हैं, इलाका है दिल्ली एन सी आर।पर इसके साथ ही एक सकारात्मक चुनौती भी प्रकृति हमें देती है कि अब और नहीं।

पौधों से लगाव प्यार तो एक अंदर की बात है।इसी ख्याल के साथ सिर्फ हमें ही नहीं बहुतों को ये विचार झकझोरता होगा कि हवा, पानी,भोजन इतना कुछ हमें देती ये प्रकृति ,पर्यावरण के प्रति हमारी क्या प्रतिबद्धता होनी चाहिए? इतनी जीवनदायिनी सांसें लेने वाले हम ,क्या कुछ बेहतर सांसें अपने आसपास के वातावरण को दे पा रहे हैं? बस यही दैवीय विचार ,शक्ति बना और एक सहज बीड़ा हमने भी उठा लिया कि बस अब दिशा मिल गई है।

इस तरह महानगरीय जटिलताओं में रास्ते बनने लगे और हमने अपने एपार्टमेंट की छत पर बगिया बनानी शुरू कर दी। कुछ फूल के कुछ सब्जियों के कुछ स्वास्थ्यवर्धक और कुछ सजावटी पौधे लगाकर प्रसन्न और संतुष्ट होने लगे।पर मानसिक प्रसन्नता यहां रुकने वाली कहां थी उसे तो हर समय कुछ और करने की धुन जो लग गई थी।इसी क्रम में अपने उत्साह को आसपास बांटना शुरू कर दिया। पौधे बंटने लगे खासकर तुलसी,मरुआ और गिलोय के और छतें और बालकनियां सजने संवरने लगीं।कुछ हम प्रेरित होने लगे और कुछ हम प्रेरित करने लगे। और इस तरह संवरने लगी हरियाली हमारे आसपास। हम हैं अर्चना प्रमोद और हमारा निवास है रामप्रस्थ ग्रींस गाजियाबाद में। हमारी झलक आप दूरदर्शन के इस कार्यक्रम में पा सकते हैं..

https://youtu.be/LwuTvmlwbAo 

यूं तो पौधों को संभालने का शौक लोगों में हमेशा से ही रहा है पर, अब शहरी माहौल में लोग, और मशक्कत और लगन से इसे अपनी जिम्मेदारी और खुशी का साधन समझ रहे हैं।

हरियाली हमारे आसपास की इस पहली कड़ी में आज हम आपका परिचय रामप्रस्थ ग्रींस, गाजियाबाद में रहने वाले दो खास शख्सों से करवा रहे हैं जिन्होंने बड़ी मेहनत, मशक्कत से अपने एपार्टमेंट की छत पर पर,फूल और सब्जियों से बगिया सजाई है।

 कैलाश जोशी जी                                      

कई वर्षों से छत पर बेहतरीन फूल और सब्जियां उगा रहे हैं। जानते हैं आप ही के शब्दों में. अनेक वर्षों से छत पर बागवानी करते हुए जो संतोष और आनंद की अनुभूति हुई है, उसे सीमित शब्दों में बयां कर पाना तो संभव नहीं, परंतु फिर भी यदि इस माध्यम से किसी एक व्यक्ति को भी प्रेरित कर पाऊं तो यह सार्थक हो जाएगा। व्यस्त आधुनिक जीवन शैली के बावजूद प्रकृति के साथ अमर प्रेम और अटूट बंधन का सुखद एहसास बागवानी की इस विधा से प्राप्त किया जा सकता है। सीमित स्थान के बावजूद अनेकों प्रयोग और अनंत कल्पनाओं को साकार स्वरूप देने की एक अनुपम प्रयोगशाला आपकी प्रतिभा का उत्तम उदाहरण बन सकती है। आइए, अपनाइए, पाइए, फैलाइए। अपनी छत को प्रकृति से सजाइए।

कैलाश जी अपनी सोसायटी की आर डब्ल्यू ए में एक जिम्मेदार पद पर हैं। आप अपनी छत के साथ – साथ अपने आसपास के इलाके की हरियाली बढ़ाने में भी प्रयासरत हैं।आपको हाल ही में हुए फ्लावर शो चटखारे में छत पर बागवानी के लिए हॉर्टिकल्चर फ्लोरीकल्चर सोसायटी गाजियाबाद ने सम्मानित भी किया था।

कैलाश जी बताते हैं कि लगभग २० वर्ष पहले जब वे घर बदलने जा रहे थे तो ऐसी स्थिति उत्पन्न हुई कि उन्हें लगा कि परिस्थितिवश कुछ गमले छोड़ने पड़ेंगे तभी उन्हें लगा जैसे वो पाले पोसे पौधे उदास हो गए हैं। बस फिर तो जैसे तैसे उन्हें वे अपने साथ ले ही आए और छत पर सहेज लिया।और इस तरह उनका छत पर बगिया का शौक धीरे धीरे परवान चढ़ता गया।

पौधों की नियमित संभाल में लगभग रोज़ एक घंटे का समय देने वाले कैलाश जी बताते हैं कि वे बिना किसी बाहरी सहायता यानी माली के अपनी बगिया की देखरेख करते हैं। हां,कभी – कभी उनकी मां और बिटिया पौधों को सींचने में उनकी सहायता ज़रूर करती हैं।और इस तरह फली-फूली बगिया का आनंद लेती हैं। अपनी बिटिया और बगिया पर बात करते हुए उनका मानना है कि यूं तो गुगलीय पीढ़ी की प्रकृति में अधिक रुचि नहीं है,परंतु इस विधा के माध्यम से मैं अपनी पुत्री और उनकी मित्रों को अक्सर पौधों और प्रकृति के समीप ले जाने का प्रयास करता हूं। कौतुहलवश ही सही उनकी जिज्ञासा भी बनी रहती है, और अब वो नए फूल और सब्जियों को देखकर प्रसन्न और उत्साहित भी होती हैं।

पेशे से शिक्षक कैलाश जी अपने अपार्टमेंट की छत पर बड़े सुव्यवस्थित ढंग से फल, फूल और सब्जियां उगा रहे हैं। उनकी बगिया में महकते गुलाब ,गेंदा , चमेली और सूरजमुखी जैसे फूल हैं तो फलों में बेहतरीन अमरूद,सहजन और नींबू के पेड़ जोकि उन्होंने बड़े गमलों में उगाए हैं। आपने अंगूर की बेल भी तरतीब से संभाली हुई है। सर्दी के मौसम में बहुत तरह के फूलों और सब्ज़ियों से हर तरफ रंगीनी होती है तो आप भी टमाटर, धनिया, पुदीना, मिर्च, प्याज़ से अपनी छत की बगिया सजा लेते हैं। ग्रीष्म ऋतु में लौकी,तरोई, भिंडी, खीरा, करेला, सीताफल और शिमला मिर्च आपकी बगिया की शान और रसोई की जरूरत बनती हैं। कैलाश जी साझा करते हैं कि कुछ वर्ष पहले ही उन्होंने छत के एक कोने में हर्बल गार्डन की शुरुवात की है। इसमें नित्य प्रयोग में आने वाले चिकित्सीय उपयोग के पौधे उगाए हैं जैसे, हल्दी, एलोवेरा, आजवाइन, पथरचटा, लौंग, इलायची, लेमन ग्रास, कपूर, तेजपत्ता, इंसुलिन और पान ।

इनमें से कुछ पौधों के लिए हमारे शहर का वातावरण अनुकूल नहीं है, इसलिए उनका विशेष ख्याल रखना होता है।

वे सामान्यतः समय समय पर समुचित मात्रा में खाद, कैल्शियम, पोटैशियम, फास्फोरस और ऑर्गेनिक कीटनाशकों के प्रयोग से अपने पौधों को स्वस्थ रखते हैं। इसके अतिरिक्त मृदा की गुणवत्ता, धूप और पानी का संतुलन भी उनकी नज़र में अतिआवश्यक है।

पर्यावरणीय जागरूक दृष्टिकोण अपनाते हुए वे सदैव प्रयासरत रहते हैं कि तमाम जैविक पदार्थ जो उनकी रसोई से निकलते हैं या बगिया से निकलने वाले सूखे पत्तों की खाद बना सकें।इस प्रक्रिया में वे सफल भी हो रहे हैं। बागवानी के महत्व को समझते हुए उत्साहित हो वे कहते हैं कि मैंने पाया है कि यह शौक अपार मानसिक सुख और शांति देता है। स्वयं उगाए हुए पौधे को फलते फूलते देखना संतुष्टि और सफलता का अलग ही आभास देता है।सलाह देते हुए वे कहते हैं कि नए–नए प्रयोग करते रहें। प्रकृति ने विविध प्रकार के फल,फूल और सब्जियां देकर हम मनुष्यों पर विशेष अनुकंपा की है। आनंद लेते हुए ज्ञान ,मेहनत और संरक्षण से पौधे उगाते रहें, सहेजते रहें।

इसी कड़ी में दूसरा नाम आता  स्वाति दत्ता जी का।

स्वाति जी शौकीन, मेहनतकश बागवान हैं जिन्होंने कोरोनाकाल से कुछ महीने पहले ही अपनी छत की बगिया को सजाना शुरू किया।इस तरह कम समय में ही आप छत पर फूल और सब्जियां उगाने में कामयाब हो गईं। जानते हैं स्वाति जी के शब्दों में.

आज के जमाने में बड़े शहरों में जहां हाई राइस बिल्डिंग्स बढ़ती जा रही हैं और पेड़ पौधे कम होते जा रहे हैं, टेरेस गार्डन एक तरीका है प्रकृति को बचाए रखने का। आज के समय में छत पर बागवानी सिर्फ शौक नहीं आवश्यकता है। जिससे सिर्फ ऑक्सीजन की कमी पूरी नहीं होती , दिमाग को भी सुकून मिलता है।

स्वाति जी भी फ्लावर शो चटखारे की सम्मानित प्रतिभागी रही हैं।आप नेचर ट्रेज़र( Nature Treasure)नाम से यू ट्यूब चैनल चलाती हैं।

छत पर बगिया यानी टैरेस गार्डनिंग तैयार करने का ख्याल स्वाति जी को अपनी सहेली की छत पर खिले रंगीन फूलों और सब्ज़ियों को देखकर आया। उनके पति पहले से ही अपने घर की बालकनी में गमले संभालते थे। सहेली की बगिया से उत्साहित होकर आपने भी छत पर पौधे लगाने शुरू कर दिए और इस तरह प्रकृति से जुड़ाव शुरू हो गया। बच्चों सहित पूरा परिवार बागवानी में एक दूसरे का हाथ बंटाता है। हालांकि रविवार को माली आकर पौधों की निराई गुड़ाई और छत की सफ़ाई करता है पर पौधों की खास देखरेख स्वाति जी और उनके पति ही करते हैं। दोनों मिलकर ही मिट्टी की संभाल और खाद-पानी से अपनी बगिया सहेजते हैं।

स्वाति जी बताती हैं कि सर्दी उनका पसंदीदा मौसम है क्योंकि उन दिनों वो तरह- तरह के फूल और सब्जियां अपनी छत पर जो उगाती हैं।उनकी बगिया सर्दी में पालक , मेथी , सरसों के साग, गोभी और टमाटर से फल फूल जाती है और हर तरफ रौनक पसर जाती है। उन दिनों पिटूनिया,वरबिना और गज़ेनिया जैसे फूलों की छटा देखते ही बनती है। गर्मी के मौसम में अक्सर हम करेला ,घीया(लौकी), तोरी(तरोई) और बैंगन लगाते हैं और भरपूर उपयोग में लाते हैं। यहां तक कि पिछली बार इतना बैंगन हुआ कि सब खा खाकर ऊब गए तो इस बार हमने लगाया ही नहीं।

पौधों की संभाल के बारे में जीवन का एक बड़ा सहज दर्शन साझा करते हुए कहती हैं पौधों को नुक्सान अधिक पानी देने से होता है ना कि कम पानी देने से। ये भी सलाह देती है अगर आप अपने लिए सब्जियां उगा ही रहे हैं तो सिर्फ और सिर्फ ऑर्गेनिक फर्टिलाइज़र्स ( प्राकृतिक खाद)का ही इस्तेमाल कीजिए। इनऑर्गेनिक फर्टिलाइज़र्स परिणाम तो अच्छा देते हैं पर हमारी सेहत के लिए अच्छे नहीं हैं।इसके लिए स्वातिजी रसोई से निकलने वाले हरे कचरे यानी फल सब्जी के छिलकों से खाद बनाती हैं और फिर उसका उपयोग अपने पौधों की सेहत संवारने के लिए करती हैं।

ज़ोर देते हुए आप बताती हैं कि पर्यावरण के प्रति हमें सजग होना ही चाहिए और रिसाइक्लिंग को तवज्जो देनी चाहिए। चाहे वो फल सब्जी के छिलकों से खाद बनाने की बात हो या फिर प्लास्टिक की चीजों से खूबसूरत गमले बनाने की बात हो। बहुत सुंदर और कलात्मक गमले आपने बनाकर अपनी बगिया को और रंगीन किया हुआ है। कुल मिलाकर हमें पर्यावरण संरक्षण के तरीके अपनाने ही चाहिए।

वे बताती हैं कि हमारे यहां बहुत सारे हर्बल प्लांट्स( स्वास्थ्यवर्धक पौधे)हैं जैसे मोरिंगा (सहजन) ,अजवायन तुलसी ,मथुरा,गिलोय, एलोवेरा और सदाबहार।इनकी पत्तियों और सत्व को हम जरूरत के अनुसार उपयोग में ला सकते हैं।

लगभग एक से दो घंटा अपनी बगिया में लगाने वाली स्वाति जी ‌का कहना है कि पौधे भी बच्चों की तरह होते हैं जो अपने लिए आपसे समय निकलवा ही लेते हैं।चाहे वो पानी की जरूरत हो,खाद की हो , प्रूनिंग (छंटाई),या फिर निराई-गुड़ाई की। यानी कहा जाए तो धीरे -धीरे आप उनकी(पौधों की) भाषा और भाव समझने लगते हैं।

हर पौधे की जरूरत अपनी अलग तरह की होती है चाहे वो पानी हो ,खाद हो या फिर फ्रेम स्ट्रक्चर । पौधों का विशेष ख्याल रखते हुए वे अलग – अलग फ्रेम बनाकर उन्हें संभालती है जैसे घीया के लिए ऊंचा फ्रेम, करेले के लिए फैलता हुआ,टमाटर का अलग तो मॉर्निंग ग्लोरी (फूल)के लिए उसके हिसाब से।बागवानी को एक बेहतर पारिवारिक शौक यानी फैमिली हॉबी बताने वाली स्वाति जी कहती हैं कि हमारे पड़ोसियों का हमें बहुत सहयोग है। जबकि हम अपार्टमेंट की छत यानी साझे की छत पर बागवानी करते हैं,ये बहुत खास है।जब कभी पड़ोसियों के यहां मेहमान आते हैं तो उत्साह से वे उन्हें हमारा टैरेस गार्डन दिखाने लाते हैं और खुश होते हैं।

स्वाति बागवानी के प्रति अपनी प्रसन्नता बयान करते हुए कहती हैं कि गार्डेनिंग हर किसी को करनी चाहिए। ये एक बहुत प्यारा शौकहै।इससे पौधों के साथ एक अलग तरह का लगाव पैदा हो जाता है जो आपको मानसिक औरशारीरिक स्फूर्ति देताहै।प्रसन्नता और आतुरता से आप पौधों को पानी देने आते हैं उन से बातें करते हैं।इस तरह प्रकृति से आप जुड़ाव महसूस करते हैं।जब आप बच्चों के साथ बागवानी करते हैं तो एक विशेष जोड़ अपने संबंधों में पाते हैं।वो जीवन की हर चीज़ को बेहद करीब से देखते हुए समझते हैं।इस तरह गार्डेनिंग एक बहुत ही आवश्यक शौक है जिसे परिवार को मिलकर ही करना चाहिए, यही तो है बंधनों का मज़बूत जोड़ और बुनियाद , प्रकृति के साथ।

अर्चना प्रमोद

archanapramod.305@gmail.com

WEBINAR

CARE OF ADENIUMS DURING MONSOON

(By Sh Brijesh, 17 Jul 2022)

Highlights:

3. During monsoon, avoid re-potting or pruning your plant. But if for some reason it has to be done, then don’t keep them in rain.

4. Always place your plant on stand so that there is no issue of blocked drainage or water logging. Also, it keeps air flow good.

5. During the monsoon, spray fungicide and insecticide weekly. Spray systematic fungicide all over the plants but in case if you’ve cut the rotten root or prune the plant, then use contact fungicide. Fungicide can be mixed in rainwater and sprayed.

6. Don’t worry about the bloom as it’s common to have less bloom or incomplete blooms during this season because of insufficient sunlight.

7. Seedlings should not be kept in rain.

8. Initially for 1-2 yrs, feed seedlings with nitrogen (N) rich fertilizer for their vegetative growth. After that, one can give fertilizer rich in phosphorous (P) and potassium (K).

9. If you find that suddenly leaves have become yellow, then there could be two reasons: 

a) Root Rot: In this case one can observe the leaves, they will be drooping downwards.

b) Due to unfavorable environment condition like suddenly getting more sunlight etc.

10. Always keep the plant in full sunlight and if not possible, keep rotating it, at its place only.

11. Leaf mould is better than vermicompost.

12. Plants can be given stress to promote blooming.

13. When plant is in blooming stage one should avoid changing its location.

“THE HFS TIMES“

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Ms Shailja Mishra          Editor and Content Provider

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Ms Sonia Agrawal          Creative Editor

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