The tale of saving tigers from a weed.

Would you believe that threat to a tiger habitat could come from a small flower of a weed called Lantana Camara?

Yes. It is happening.

This weed was brought by Britishers sometime in 1800s as an ornamental plant. Yet, it has taken over about 40% of India’s tiger habitat by 40 %, affecting Shivalik hills, Central India and Southern Western Ghats, being worst affected.

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) in Nilgiris, home to about 100 tigers has been taken over by Lantana, affecting its core and buffer zone. Then the question was asked: “is it the end of MTR?”.

But then, in the last year, the story has started to turn around, with the new shoots of local vegetation springing up. It has been possible due to concentrated efforts of the forest department.

The MTR comprises of 32100 hectares of core zones across six ranges and 36700 hectares of the buffer zones across four ranges. The core zone was almost completely taken over the invasive varieties like Lantana camara, Senna spectabilis, Prosopis juliflora, etc.

The process of removing these varieties started in year 2022. Continuous removal of Lantana has provided space for local grass to come up, But the process of removal needs to be carried out for next five years to clear the areas of invasions. However, their seeds etc can remain dormant for decades and can sprout even after 50 years.

Lantana is an invasive shrub that can grow upto 5 m and form a thick shrub suppressing the natural habitat.

MTR is home to about 25 species of grass and legumes. The local varieties are spread through the forest by the wild animals. It must be noted that a healthy grass and legume land helps to contain the wild animals within the boundaries of the reserves and help avoid the conflicts.

As brought out, once the area has been cleared of invasives, the removal activity of the residues need to be continued in subsequent years also.

However, the benefits of lantana bush cannot be overlooked, as it gives cover to carnivores and feed the birds and monkeys. And hence becomes a part of the eco-system too.

However, the birds and monkeys are the main carrier of the bush, as the seeds pass through their digestive systems and become more potent.

Uprooting the invasive species also help in correcting soil features, such as texture, moisture, etc.

However, as with any other department of Govt, Forest Department also faces the financial crunch which hampers the regenerative activities in the forest.

GARDENING IN OCTOBER

October is again a very busy month for gardeners.

• Let’s first start with lawns. Apply ammonia sulphate or nitrate of soda by broadcasting in the evening. After an interval of fortnight It’s time for a second dressing of lime.
• Established Rose plants should be pruned and given a top dressing of manure or bone meal . The Planting of new rose plants should be done towards the end of the month.
• Succession sowing at an interval of 10 days or a fortnight should be done of all winter vegetables.
• Those who want their winter annuals for exhibit purposes should pot early this month so that plants get enough time for development.
• The planting of annual flower beds and borders must also be completed this month so that the seedlings may be well established before winter sets in.
• Earlier bloomers: Select annuals when fall sown, will emerge as soon as mother nature cooperates, allowing the plants to germinate and bloom earlier than spring-sown annuals. Sowing of seeds of Larkspur, Linaria, may be made in situ in beds and borders .
• Robust Plants: Direct sowing results in most robust plants. When seeds are grown indoors they are bit lanky or spoiled even in moderate temperature and perfect growing medium. Transplanting does result in some plant shock while new root growth navigates
• Native soil and plants get used to temperature swings outside in their new place.
• Ease : Direct sowing is easy and carefree and also gets more time for plants to get established and get more blooming time.

Tips for success

• Mixing a little sand with seeds helps space seeds more evenly. This is more applicable to fine seeds like petunia, pansy.
• Don’t forget to mark what and where you sowed with stakes .
• If you are a balcony or terrace gardener do remember to harden the seedlings. Do not pot them immediately. Preferably buy in trays. Avoid loose seedlings.

Balcony gardeners should try to grow plants vertically.

Annuals you can successfully sow in October:

• Acroclinum, African Daisy
• Calendula, Candytuft, Carnation, Dimorphotheca.
• Eschscholzia (Californian poppy, Godetia, Hollyhock Lupin, Marigold, Nasturtiums.
• Pansy, Petunia, Phlox, , Sweet pea, Sweet William, Verbena, Viola.

These are all common varieties. One must try a few new varieties every year. I would also suggest throwing a few seeds at random to give a thrill of a wild garden. Though you grow annuals in beds or borders.

Essentials for cultivation.

Provide an open sunny position. Good drainage. Feed soil with organic manure. Stake plants which require staking specially which grow tall.

Stopping annuals: Stopping of young plants is required when you want to display blooms at a particular time or occasion. It also gives a more compact plant which gives blooms for a longer duration. Stopping can be adopted for almost all annuals. For example antirrhinum, clarkia, phlox, candy tuft, salvia, marigold, etc.

Suitable plants for edgings: Ageratum, Alyssum, Myosotis, linaria, Marigold, mesembry, anthemum, mimulus, nasturtium, stock.

Sweet peas :It is a vine which grows up to 8ft.The sweet peas need a very well dug soil up to 2ft. It should be richly manured with plenty of leaf Mould and cow dung manure. It prefers sunny position and good drainage. Plant the seeds in moist soil. Sow the seeds 4in apart in two rows forming a triangular pattern. Cover the seeds with straw or fine mesh to protect seeds from birds and squirrels. Keep the soil moisten.

Pinch of the top 1cm of the plant when it’s 10 -15cms or has three pairs of leaves. Train one stem and develop that to grow. Cut axil leaves and tendrils. Remove all flower stalks until plant is around 60cm. Feed liquid cow dung manure once a week after the plant is stablished. Keep on removing faded and dead flowers. Protect from green flies, birds, slugs and snails. Buds drop due to excess moisture in atmosphere and soil.
Dahlia: They can be propagated from seeds ,cuttings, or division of Tubers. They take 80-90 days to flower.
Soil and Manure. Dahlias love Sunshine but need protection from frost and cold winds. Soil should be well drained. Soil should have cow dung manure +bone meal +potash +leaf mould.

For decorative dahlias do stopping and disbudding when the plant attains 40cm height.
Begonias.: they are divided into three groups:

• Tuberous
• Rhizomatous
• Fibrous

The tuberous begonias like shady position. They can also be multiplied from cuttings also. Rhizomatous can also be propagated from leaf cuttings also.B.rex The fibrous roots can be propagated easily by root division. Ex.B. semper Florens.
Bulbs: The bulbs can be planted now. The depth of planting varies according to the types. The depth should not be more than twice the height of the bulb. If planted too deep, it may rot or may not flower.

Soil and cultivation:

A good soil mixture is

• Loam one part
• Leaf mould one part.
• Well rotted manure half part
• Bone Meal 4 tablespoons.

Lime and sand may be added if required. Lilies don’t like lime.
Bulbous plants like slightly acidic soil.

Over watering bulbs before buds causes rotting. Soil around the bulbs must be kept moist from planting till the end. Complete drying may prove disastrous. It is advisable to allow a bulb to form A well developed eye before planting. Cutting old and diseased foliage in the Autumn helps perennial plants jump right into new growth in the spring.
Most flowering plants and fruits should be pruned when they are dormant or off season ,this is late October. Delay in pruning may result in less flowers and fruits. Clean tools should be used for pruning.
Fertilise your plants after pruning.

Rama Tyagi

tyagirama1@gmail.com

Pest Solutions

Use these simple and easy techniques to keep your yard safe from bad bugs and pesticides.

• Dislodge aphids, mites and spittlebugs with a blast from the hose.
• Shake the base of a plant to remove adult Japanese beetles and drop them into a soapy jar of water.
• Destroy plants that have scale.
• Other than small-scale infestations, it’s usually easiest to just get rid of the plant.
• Encourage lady beetles to visit and eat aphids and spider mites.

• Remove larger pests like squash bugs and tomato hornworms from plants and dispose of them.
• Tomato hornworms grow to be sphinx moths so some gardeners chose to put up with the damage they cause.

Try your hand at FLOWER TOWERS

How restoring rivers’ natural curves can prevent flooding

For centuries meandering rivers have been straightened – but experts say restoring their natural bends and curves can prevent flooding and create healthy habitats for wildlife.

Swindale Beck, a stream in Cumbria, in the heart of the UK’s Lake District, meanders through fields, farmland and valleys. However, not long ago, the river took a far more linear course.

A healthy river should be sinuous, free flowing and replete with wildlife. However, in Britain, almost all rivers have been artificially straightened.

But removing a river’s natural meanders has, in fact, achieved the opposite effect. Instead, it’s disrupted the flow of rivers and degraded aquatic habitats, water quality and heightened flood risk.

Some rivers are being restored with natural flood management techniques (NFM), such as leaky woody dams, tree planting and beaver pens. One idea is to add wiggles back into rivers, streams and tributaries.

Two hundred years ago, Swindale Beck was straightened out to create more space for farmland. But since 2016, a project has been underway to undo this process and restore the river to its natural state. Led by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) the goal is to create more diverse habitats, structures and morphology.

The ideal river is “very dynamic, messy and chaotic”, says Glen Swainson, the RSPB’s Site Manager at Wild Haweswater. “You want riffles where the water flows over stones and gravels, making bars and islands,” he says. “When the river is more braided you have multiple channels across the floodplain that separate and rejoin each other.”

After studying the valley to locate the original path carved out by the river, the charity enlisted a team of diggers to reshape and create new channels. The project was in conjunction with the Environment Agency, Natural England and the water company landowner (United Utilities) and cost over £200,000 ($260,000) to re-wiggle the 1km (0.6-mile) stretch.

According to Tom Hayek, a natural flood management specialist at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), adding meanders into rivers has two draws – it alters both the speed and the volume of water. Firstly, it decreases what’s known as flow conveyance. “This is the amount of water that a river can move downstream,” says Hayek. “When the length of the river is increased, you spread water over a wider area. “This allows more water to sit up in the headwaters, which is where re-wiggling usually happens, rather than in a pinch in towns downstream.” 

The second impact is on speed. Put simply, the more structure you add to the morphology of a river, the slower the water will move down it. If it’s straight, water will “fly” through, says Hayek. “The speed and the volume that builds up as tributaries feed in means at some point in the river there’s no capacity to hold the water and flooding occurs,” he adds.  

While restoring rivers could help reduce the impact of smaller floods, experts say it wouldn’t be enough to prevent the kinds of extreme floods seen in Central Europe in the past few days, as the masses of water are too large to be absorbed. It is the climate change that is leading to increased rain fall.

When the flow of water is slowed, it creates deeper pools for fish to congregate and rest. Areas of the river where finer gravel has accumulated are a perfect spawning habitat for salmon that would have swum past before, says Swainson.

Re-wiggling the Beck allowed the river to clean itself too, as artificially straightened rivers flow faster and pick up more sediment.

(ADOPTED)

PLANTS are terrific healers.

(Dr. Manisha Sarkar, Ex. Deputy Director, Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Govt. of India)

In this days and age when people are depending exceedingly on advanced medicines like antibiotics, steroids etc. to get rid of their ailments, the traditional form of Indian Medicine seems to have been providing only a subsidiary role. But we are forgetting HERBS can do so much more than just adding flavour to foods, worshiping with leaves and flowers but they do miracles in healing and improving health. From the beginning of Mankind they have provided food, medicaments and shelter. Since the time of Charaka, the man who wrote Materia Medica of Herbs (Charaka Samhita) and the Sushruta, the man who introduced ancient Sanskrit text on medicine and surgery (Sushrata Samhita) we, Indians, have used plants and herbs to heal ourselves. And India has a lot of herbs and natural remedies for almost every disease.

There are several high-quality medicinal plants in our proximity that can be used for a wide variety of ailments. So it is a good idea to have some medicinal plants also at home because you never know when you might need them. Here I am discussing about a few very common plants we have around us which are terrific HEALERS.

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae))

Neem, a very commonly available road side tree or a court yard tree is one of the most precious and magic herbs found in India. It is said that even the wind passing through a neem tree is beneficial for your health as it is an air purifier because it contains good quantity of sulphur. It has antibacterial and antifungal activities. In Ayurveda this plant has been documented as one of the most valuable herbs. Its leaves can also cure some serious ailments such as leprosy, eye disorders, bloody nose, intestinal worms, stomach upset, loss of appetite, skin ulcers, diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease), fever, diabetes, gum disease (gingivitis), and liver problems. Extracts from neem leaves can be used as a sedative, also cures some serious ailments like hypertension and epilepsy and is a good analgesic. It is also used for birth control and for abortion but no scientific proof of this claim is available. Now a days Neem leaves are used in toothpaste but its branches were used as toothbrushes for ages in India before the modern day toothpaste was invented. Its dried leaves have insect repellent properties and so they are burnt to get rid of mosquitoes and other insects and also kept in boxes and almirahs instead of naphthalene balls. Neem is also used in Indian cooking for its healing capabilities.
So we can consider as an “all cure plant”.

Tulsi or Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum L. (Lamiaceae))

Tulsi, the Queen of all herbs, is a sacred plant and is a very common herb found in the courtyard of almost all Indian households. It has been known for ages for its remarkable healing properties that is why Tulsi finds its presence in many natural remedies that mothers and grandmothers swear by and for this reason it is worshiped every day from time immemorial. In fact, around the world basil happens to be the most used herbal expectorant.
Its leaves are nature’s best antibiotics and are definitely one of the most commonly used ingredients in many Indian home remedies. The essential oils found in it effectively act on our respiratory system be it a kadha to cure a congested chest and cough or a warm and soothing tea to relieve fever; it is also often recommended to start your day by having two to three fresh leaves on an empty stomach because it is a great blood purifier and is known to flush out toxins and clean your internal systems. A great way to have it is to make a soothing Tulsi tea. The juice of the leaves is used in catarrh (running nose), cough and cold, chest congestion and bronchitis as it has very strong germicidal, fungicidal, antibacterial and antibiotic-like properties. It is very effective against indigestion, headache, hysteria, insomnia, in loss of appetite, infantile gastric disorder and cholera; for healing skin from ring worm and other cutaneous diseases when a strong decoction is applied on skin; it is also a good mosquito repellent. Tulsi oil is also used as ear drop.
So, we worship it for its immense medicinal values.

Doob Ghash or Barmuda grass (Cynodon dactylon (L.)Pers. (Poaceae))

It is commonly known as grass and is very commonly available everywhere.

Photo of Doob Ghash Grass is considered as a sacred herb and commonly used in worshiping. But since it is a great source of many metabolites and has many medical and clinical properties it has a great significance in Indian Traditional Systems of Medicine including Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy.
A traditional use of this herb is for eye disorders and weak vision; the afflicted are advised to walk bare foot on dew drops spread over this herb each morning. Farmers traditionally apply crushed leaves to minor wounds as a styptik to stop bleeding.
It is beneficial to wounds, bronchitis, asthma, tumours, and enlargement of spleen, piles, eczema, urticaria, injuries, skin rashes, constipation, indigestion, mental debility, diabetes, epilepsy, a good appetizer, anthelmintic, antipyretic, alexiteric, vaginal problems, menstrual problems, gynaecological problems. It removes bad odour of mouth and breath when chewed raw.
So, we can consider it as a popular Home Remedy

Calendula (Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae))

Do not mix it up with common Marigold or Genda. Though they belong to the same family and look somewhat alike, they are different. It should not be treated only as an ornamental plant because it has several useful medicinal values.
It is a well known remedy for skin problems, insect bites, stings, useful in sprains, bruises and healing wound, good for sore eyes; tea of the petals tones up blood circulation and if taken regularly eases varicose veins; internally it is used to treat fever and chronic infections, applying the crushed stems to corns and warts will soon have them easily removable. Now a days a good number of cosmetics and beauty products are available e in the market having Calendula as a main ingredient in it.
So, for trivial skin ailments we can go to our garden to collect some Calendula flowers to get rid of problems.

Pudina or Peppermint Mentha spp. (Lamiaceae)

Pudina or Peppermint is sometimes regarded as “the world’s oldest medicine”, there are archaeological evidences placing its use at least as far back as ten thousand years ago. Peppeprmint is naturally high in manganese, vitamin A and vitamin C and essential oils specially menthol and some other essential oils. However, its most popularity is for its cool and fragrant taste which is imparted by the presence of those essential oils.

When its crushed leaves rubbed on the skin help soothe and relax the muscles. Infused peppermint leaves are used to treat common cold, reduce irritable bower syndrome, indigestion and against upset stomachs, inhibit bacterial growth, treat fevers, flatulence, spastic colon and oral health.
So, the Pudina chatni that we relish with our food has immense health benefits.

Methi (Fenugreek) Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Fabaceae)

An Indian home cannot do without methi or fenugreek seeds and leaves. It is used in almost every Indian preparation. Fenugreek helps to cut down the cholesterol levels and its seeds are known to be rich source of steroidal saponins that prevent the absorption of cholesterol and triglycerides.

Fenugreek seeds are nourishing and encourages weight gain (take note, anorexics) and help in body building; inhibit cancer of the liver, lower blood cholesterol levels, control diabetes; treat inflammation and ulcers of the stomach and intestines, poor digestion, insufficient lactation, labor pain; drains off sweat ducts and freshens bad breath.
So, Aloo-Methi or Methi parathas are not only tasty but it protects us from various health problems.

MARIGOLD (GENDE KA PHOOL) Tagetes spp. (Asteraceae)

Its flower extract is good for sunburns, acne, and blemishes; it soothes ulcers and helps to cure digestive problems. Crushed leaves of this plant is very popularly used to stop bleeding which is the speciality of this commonly available plant.
So not only for worshiping but we can use this commonly available plant also as a readily available medicament.

Bael Aegle marmelos L. ( Rutaceae)

It is one of the few plants whose all the parts from root to leaves are used for different diseases. Extract of the leaves of this very familiar tree helps to cure diarrhoea, dysentery, constipation and relieves pain. Unripe fruits are used in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, useful in worm infestation and stomach related problems, peptic ulcers, while ripe fruits are laxative and used to recuperate from respiratory affections in various systems of medicines; it is an antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-diarrheal, gastroprotective, anti-ulcerative, cures colitis, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective; it balances Kaph and Vata doshas; its roots improve digestion; stem for heart and flower for curing of diarrhoea.
So, one Bael tree in the courtyard can be of immense importance.

Have you ever seen our grandma running after a doctor or medical store every now and then for small health problems? Most of them had vast knowledge of so many wonderful natural remedies all around us for cold, fever, sneezes, stomach ailments, curing cut, minor burn and so on. For major health problems and surgical purpose we should definitely go to a doctor and get remedies and treatments but like our Grandmas we can also treat our small problems like them with the help of plants around us. That is why it is very important to have medicinal plants around the house and have a primary knowledge about them because you never know when we might need them.

Creating Stunning Spring Containers with Bulbs

Spring is a time for vibrant colours, and what better way to welcome the season than with striking containers filled with blooming bulbs? Whether greeting visitors at the entrance of your home or adding a splash of colour to your garden, bulbs in containers are a simple yet stunning way to elevate your spring landscape.

Why Plant Bulbs in Containers?

Containers are ideal for showcasing spring bulbs, allowing you to create portable focal points that can be moved around the garden or home. Planting bulbs in pots offers flexibility in design and makes maintenance easier. It also allows for better control of soil conditions, ensuring your bulbs are planted in well-drained soil—essential for healthy blooms.

Choosing Bulbs for Containers

While almost any bulb can be planted in a container, tulips are a perennial favourite for their simple form and the vast array of colours available. Daffodils, crocuses, and muscari also perform beautifully in pots. However, the key to a successful container display is planning for blooms that occur at the same time. If the bloom times are staggered, the dying foliage of the early bloomers will detract from the display.

To maximise visual impact, plant one type of bulb per container. However, if you’re feeling creative, you can layer different bulbs in the same pot to extend the blooming season. Make sure to consider the timing, so you get a succession of flowers from early spring to late March.

How to Plant Bulbs in Containers

Step 1: Select the Right Container

Choose containers that are durable and have excellent drainage. A container without proper drainage will cause the bulbs to rot. In colder climates, opt for containers made from stone, cast concrete, fibreglass, or plastic, as these materials can withstand winter conditions better than terracotta or other porous materials.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Use a well-draining soil mix that will keep your bulbs moist but not soggy. In a 24-inch container, plant about 50 tulips or small-flowered daffodils, or up to 100 minor bulbs like crocuses, muscari, scilla, or iris species. The general rule is to plant the bulbs at a depth of about twice their diameter.

Step 3: Layering Bulbs (Optional)

If you’re layering different bulbs in the same container, start by planting the larger bulbs at the bottom and cover them with soil before adding the smaller bulbs. This method ensures each bulb type is planted at the correct depth. Be sure to leave at least half an inch of space between the soil surface and the top of the container for easier watering.

Step 4: Watering and Winter Care

After planting, water the container thoroughly. Throughout the winter, ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. In cold regions, protect the pots by either storing them in an unheated garage or cold frame or by insulating them with straw, sawdust, or heavy mulch.

Step 5: Overwintering Bulbs

If you live in a region with harsh winters, you might want to plant bulbs in smaller 6- to 8-inch plastic pots that can be easily moved. These pots can be stored under protection, such as in a cold garage or cold frame, until the last frost has passed.

Bringing Your Spring Containers to Life

As spring arrives and your bulbs start to bloom, you can bring your containers outside once the risk of frost has passed. If the bulbs were planted in smaller pots, simply sink these pots into larger decorative containers for an instant display.

Tulips and daffodils will typically last a few weeks, providing a stunning burst of colour in the garden. Once they have finished blooming, remove the bulbs from the soil, dry them, and coat them with fungicide before storing them in a dry place for next year.

Container Care After Blooming

Once your bulbs have finished their spring display, you can either plant them in the garden or store them for replanting the following year. Bulbs such as tulips tend to lose their vigour after their first year in containers, so they may not be suitable for reuse in pots. However, daffodils and other resilient bulbs can continue to provide blooms year after year with proper care.

Conclusion

Planting bulbs in containers is an easy and rewarding way to brighten up your spring garden. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy a continuous succession of vibrant blooms from early spring to late March. By selecting the right bulbs, choosing suitable containers, and providing proper care, you’ll have beautiful containers of colour that transform your outdoor spaces into a seasonal spectacle.

Happy Gardening

Calendula: A Sunny Flower with Hidden Benefits

Often overlooked, the vibrant and sunny Calendula flower, also known as Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis), is a powerhouse of potential benefits. This cheerful bloom not only brightens gardens but offers a variety of uses that many may not realise. From culinary delights to skincare and health applications, Calendula is a plant worth exploring.

Easy to Grow and Resilient

Calendula is an incredibly easy flower to grow, thriving in nearly any kind of soil. Once established, these plants often reseed themselves, making them a reliable presence in gardens. While they may die back in cold climates, they will frequently return in spring from their reseeded offspring. In milder climates, they can even behave as perennials, continuously bringing their bright colors back year after year.

Culinary Uses: Edible Flowers

Calendula flowers are not just beautiful—they are edible, too. The petals (botanically referred to as ray flowers) can be sprinkled on plates or used as a colourful addition to salads, adding a gourmet touch to your dishes. While the leaves of Calendula are also edible, they are less commonly consumed due to their reportedly less pleasant taste.

The flowers have been dubbed the “poor man’s saffron” because their vibrant yellow color can be used as a natural food dye, imparting a saffron-like hue to dishes.

Medicinal and Cosmetic Benefits

Calendula’s medicinal uses are well-known, especially in skincare and body care products. The plant contains antioxidants, saponins, essential oils, and resins, making it a popular choice in natural remedies and cosmetics. Its bioactive compounds—flavonoids, triterpenoids, glycosides, carotenoids, and more—are believed to have healing and soothing properties, particularly for skin irritations and inflammation.

Calendula has earned its place as an ingredient in a variety of natural creams, balms, and oils designed to soothe and protect the skin, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

The Bioactive Powerhouse

The benefits of Calendula extend beyond its aesthetic and cosmetic applications. This flower contains a wealth of bioactive compounds, including:

• Flavonoids
• Triterpenoids
• Glycosides
• Saponins
• Carotenoids
• Volatile oils
• Amino acids
• Steroids, sterols, and quinones

These compounds make Calendula a valuable addition to herbal medicine cabinets and a key player in the world of natural health.

Conclusion

Calendula’s cheerful appearance and robust growing habits make it a popular addition to gardens, but its uses extend far beyond simple aesthetics. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of colour to your meals, create a soothing skincare product, or explore its medicinal benefits, Calendula is a versatile plant that can enrich your life in many ways.

Happy Gardening
Rama Tyagi
tyagirama1@gmail.com