Topiary is used largely by business houses, five-star hotels and at some famous events, national parks and gardens in India. It is the horticultural practice of shaping live trees, by clipping the foliage and twigs of trees and shrubs to develop and maintain clearly defined shapes which are often geometric and spectacular. The border is a simple form of topiary used to create boundaries, walls or screens.

It is one of the famous horticultural arts and the artist is called Topiarist which means one who skilled in topiary gardening.

Topiary shapes

Today there are variety of shapes available in topiary, it is possible to make shapes of different types. Simple shapes such as a globe, sphere, dome, table, chair, clock, cube, birds, animals, and many more that are not difficult to achieve. These forms can be given without help of any assembled moulded wire model.  When figures of birds, animals or human beings are to be shaped, a lot of patience and dedication is needed; these are to be obtained by preparing a rough outline with wires and then guiding the shrub along the frame and clipping carefully periodically over the years to get the desired shape. The branches are tied carefully to the frames without causing any injury.

The topiarist needs to remember that whatever form is chosen, it should have a broader base. For example, a dove standing over a substantial base such as dome/cube is more impressive than standing on its own. Once the base is made, the bird is shaped along the outline of the wire frame. And this may take about 3-4 years of clipping and pruning to obtain the general shape. Pruning of the shrub is not done randomly. The objective should be that any shoot or branch which can be trained into the framework should not be pruned. The shoot tips and foliage that tend to grow out of frame is trimmed regularly.

The earliest documented case of topiary is found in letters by Pliny the Younger. He described the Cypress animals, figures, inscriptions, and obelisks in his Tuscan villa and credited Gaius Matius Calvinus for introducing the art to Julius Caesar, who in turn popularized it across the Roman Empire. Levens Hall garden in Cumbria, England, is an example of a 17th century topiary garden, created by French gardener M. Beaumont in the 1690s. It is now recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest topiary garden in the world.

In India, topiary park in Chandigarh combines nature’s beauty with the art of sculpture. It was founded in 1987. It is in Sector 35A near the sub-city centre. It is popularly known for its stunning collection of Topiaries – plants trimmed and shaped into different forms. The park is beautifully decorated with exotic decorative plants and trees. As you stroll through the park, you can find captivating topiaries depicting animals, human figures and other abstract designs.

The topiaries are in the shapes of elephants, bears, peacocks, dinosaurs and many others, making it a fun sight for the children. The park also has swings, slides and a wide green garden where children can play; elders can sit and relax, exercise and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Topiary gives the impression of the old world and goes well with old buildings and cottage gardens. The topiary feature gives your garden a classical or vintage look, and it can be fitted into a formal garden. In India, the hanging gardens (Kamala Nehru Park) of Mumbai is famous for its topiary work. Visit in the evening to witness eye-catching sunsets and see the topiary take on shadowy mystique as the park becomes illuminated by solar-powered streetlamps. Located in the Malabar Hill district, the Hanging Gardens is about a 15-minute drive from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station.

Topiary plants in India

Different shapes of birds, animals, etc. are done with Clerodendrum inerme, Duranta plumeria, and Bougainvillea. Other shrubs used are Malphigia, Murraya exotica, and species of Hibiscus. Trees like Thuja, Ficus Benjamina, Cypress, Putranjiva, Polyalthia are also used to shape domes, cones, spheres, umbrellas, etc. In hill stations, Buxus sempervirens and Taxus baccata are widely used for topiary work. Chrysanthemums especially the small flowering types, can be trained into various shapes such as a table, chair, bird, animal, etc.

Flowers have an immediate impact on our happiness. They bring with them lot of positivity and delight. The fragrance of flowers have a long-term positive effect on our moods. They reduce depression, anxiousness and agitation to a great extent. Flowers make intimate connections, they increasing our connectivity with family and friends. Mogra which is famously known as Jasmine flower is one of the most beautiful and fragrant amongst all flowering plants in Asia. The flower is also referred to as Kundumalligai, Arabian Jasmine, Jai, Jui, Chameli, Madanban, Sayali, Kunda or Mallika. The popularity of Mogra is too high, as it is referred as “Moonshine in the garden.” Shrubs or ramblers, most having highly scented flowers. Mogra bloom in summer and monsoon and some verity blooms in winter.

Mogra is incomparable with any other flower, its five white petals are a tiny box of fragrance. It gives a high to the brain, it buzzes with happiness and serenity.  Have them in your garden and see a magical difference. In India, the Mogra flower has a great religious significance; it is known as a favorite flower of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. World over it is used in perfumes and medicine. The garlands of the flower are offered to Gods and Indian women wear them in their hair as adornment. The beautiful white flowers have a strong, but pleasant scent that is enduring.  The flower itself is very durable, and stays fresh for a long time, even in hot climates. It continues to exude perfume for a day after being plucked.

Mogra is well respected for its medicinal properties and aromatherapies. It is one of the famous flowers used by aroma therapists for its healing and calming influence. The roots and leaves are used in decoctions for relieving sore eyes. The plant is very useful. The common variety of mogra grown on evergreen shrubs, and it is the pride of all gardens. Its botanical name is ‘Jasminum Sambac.’ Some variety of Mogra, such as Jai, Chameli grows on vine; the shrub grows up to 0.5 to 3 mtrs and the vine up to 10 feet.

Cultivation of Mogra plant

In the Summer season preferably from June to November, plant a softwood cutting, semi hard wood cutting or it can be easily done through simple layering. Make sure that it is planted six inches deep inside the soil. Regular watering ensures ongoing life for the plant as it requires moist and well -drained soil to flourish. Proper quantities of manure, good Sunlight and frequent pruning will result in maintaining good health of Mogra plant or vine. Give it a heavy support to climb up to. Do not forget to remove the weeds present near Mogra plants. Keep adding Fertilizers from time to time. For nourishment of the plant Phosphorous and Potassium should be applied in two split doses i.e once after annual pruning and again during June and July. To avoid frequent pruning and to enhance lateral growth pinch the tips of the plants.

Surprisingly, the little flowers that this plant bears in huge clusters is simply about an inch each. The oval shaped green rich leaves, bear around five to nine leaflets which give the entire plant a very beautiful and arty look. By the way, Mogra is a symbol of purity and peace.

Medicinal Uses: The Mogra or Jasmine flower is used as a vital ingredient of almost all ayurvedic medicines owing to its diverse curing qualities. You will be surprised to note that especially it is used to remove intestinal worms. It is also considered to be a suitable and biological cure for jaundice and other venereal diseases. The flower buds help in treatment of ulcers, vesicles, boils, skin diseases and eye disorders. The leaves extracts are useful to stop breast tumors. Do you know that drinking Jasmine tea regularly helps in curing cancer? It is strongly recommended. Jasmine oil is very effective in calming and relaxing.

Jasmine/Mogra is also used for manufacturing perfumes and incense sticks. The flower’s flavor is used extensively in tea. Jasmine tea and other herbal or black tea are famously used all over world. Its oil is also used in creams, shampoos and soaps. It is considered to be a great skin toner and conditioner.

Globally famous: World over Jasmine/Mogra has captured hearts of people. In Philippines it is called ‘Sampaguita’ and its garlands are usually placed on religious images and photographs of the deceased on altars, and is presented to visitors, dignitaries, and occasionally to graduating students as a form of bestowing honor, reverence and accolade. Buds strung into ropes several metres long are often used to decorate formal events. Though edible, the flower is rarely used in cuisine, but in Philippines, one of the ice-creams is flavored with this flower.

In Indonesia Mogra is called ‘Melati Putih’ and it is considered as one of the three national flowers of Indonesia. Mogra was officially adopted as national flower in 1990 during World Environment Day and enforced by law through Presidential Decree No. 4 in 1993.

In Cambodia, the flower is used as an offering to the Buddha. During flowering season which begins in June, Cambodians thread the flower buds onto a wooden needle to be presented to the Buddha.

The Chinese use the flower for making Jasmine Tea, which is consumed in great volumes. And, one of the famous folk song Mo Li Hua is based on the flower, which is a very famous folk song!

In Hawai, the flower is known as Pikake, which is derived from Peacock. Hawaiians are famous to use the flower in all their official decorations.

In Oman the flower is used prominently on a child’s first birthday. Flowers are sprinkled on the child’s head by other children while chanting “hol hol”.

In Sri Lanka it is widely known as Pichcha or gaeta pichcha. The name sithapushpa and katarolu are also used in older texts. The flowers are used in Buddhist temples and in ceremonial garlands.

Jandy Nelson an American author of young adult fiction says “The smell of jasmine makes people tell their secrets.” After all Mogra is as an antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac and sedative.

We all thrive on sunshine, we are dependent on water for survival, and we are dependent on vegetation and greenery. No matter however high-tech we have become, we need to live in sync with nature. We need to build a stronger relationship with nature. Greenery is the one thing we cut out on every corner for constructing houses, buildings, bridges etc., yet it is the one thing we spend every day fighting to live with.

For all of us three things are most essential for life: clean air, clean water and healthy food. All of them are directly linked to plant life. Because plants produce oxygen, plant clean and retain water, and plants form the basis of our entire food chain. They do this very silently and continuously. We take them for granted because we often forget that that quiet trees, or that little greenery planted in our window is actually working very hard for us.

Recently I came across a WhatsApp message: a man from Akluj, in Solapur District, Maharashtra State who is a regular traveler from Akluj to Mumbai, never discards fruit seeds; instead of throwing away the fruit seeds (especially custard apples) he washes them, cleans them and throws them on barren lands/valleys/farms etc while travelling. This kindhearted man has mentioned in one of his interviews in a local newspaper: it seems he buys custard apples each time from the fruit sellers on the roadside during his travels. He casually asked them from where they purchase the fruits, and to his surprise the fruit sellers told him that they pluck fruits from trees grown in the valleys and roadside trees. This gentleman was overwhelmed with their response……..his efforts have borne fruits. He says don’t throw seeds away.

Many kind hearted people have been sending messages on social media about germinating fruit seeds instead of throwing them away in waste, my request to all is kindly don’t throw the seeds, wash them and keep it in a plastic pouch in your vehicles, whenever you go out and find barren land while travelling, on a highway throw these seeds. They will simply germinate in the monsoon. In many towns people have adapted this idea and have seen great results. Let’s have abundance in nature this way. Let’s make it a mission. Let’s have good future for our next generation. Don’t throw the seeds away.

I read Dr V Raj Shekar Tummala’s interview in Hindu newspaper – he is a senior scientist and ecologist. He says that the seeds of summer fruits such as mango, jackfruit, jamun germinate when thrown in barren land, only if they are soaked in water and the seed coats must be removed before they are sown. A bit of care needs to be taken, which I think is not a problem. We can do this easily.

Recently, I read the blog of Konstantinos Karoubas, in which he has mentioned that In October, November and December of 2013, he and his team placed about 20,000 almond and apricot seeds in the ground in different locations in North Greece, near Thessaloniki and the South Greece near Sparta. Elevations varied from 200 to 1100 meters. They were places at 8 different locations. The climate in each area is different. Although, the climate of Greece is typically Mediterranean, it depends on the location. The record hot and record cold temperatures are 48°C or 118°F (the hottest in mainland Europe, in Athens) and -29.9°C or -21°F (in the north-west city of Florina, commonly referred to as the coldest area in Greece), respectively.

It costs around 3.5 cents (euros) to buy the seeds and the labor to place them. They placed around 200 to 250 seeds per hour in the ground in flat terrain. In difficult terrain this drops down to 60 to 100 per hour and the cost increases.

When he visited the locations after six months in Northern Greece near Thessaloniki, where he had  planted hundreds of almond and apricot seeds, and a couple cactus pads were placed on the ground – the results were very, very encouraging. More than 90% of the trees survived the long hot summer. In his own words, he found this very amazing, almost a miracle. He mentions that his team’s effort to find ways to economically reforest and improve the soil in Greece have a very positive impact, and they all feel great. Karoubas and his team are monitoring the plantations and are making efforts rigorously to reforest.

Do you know that, the color of the Year 2017 is greenery! It has been announced by the Pantone Color Institute – they are called the authority on colors. The institute helps organizations make the most informed decisions about color for their brands, logos, mascots or designs. Whether it is color trend, forecasting or brand color development. The Pantone Color Institute can guide you through the development of a color strategy that fits your company’s unique needs.

The color of 2017 is full of life, a renewed sense of nature and the bright, cheery mood the world desperately needs, that’s how the color of greenery was chosen. In the year 2017 let greenery come shining into the world with vigor and surprise. While the message they have given balances both societal and political nuances. This happy-go-lucky shade cannot be disliked by anybody. It’s full of life, it’s refreshing, and it’s a breezy color of springtime. If anybody dislikes the color, it is like hating the morning sunshine peeking out from behind the hills.

Have you ever wondered how the world would look like without trees? Try to imagine a barren earth……… it’s so, so scary. Trees are a crucial factor to our existence, they serve an important role in the carbon cycle. Let us all join hands to grow more plants on this planet. Let’s take simple steps, let’s not throw the seeds of fruits, flowers in dustbins, let us store them and throw in barren lands, farms, roadside greenery, gardens and backyards. Seeds are life, I think we have lost connection with the life-giving properties of seeds. We are so immersed in our highly commercial and materialistic culture, that we are losing connect with the nature.

Buildings which have good amount of plants planted inside them have a healthy ventilation systems constantly invigorating them with air from outdoors after a filtration process that removes some large particles, such as pollen, from it. Once inside, this air is augmented by a large range of indoor plants. Some well-placed greenery brightens the space and also purifies the air. The plants are also helpful in creating a more relaxing, restful ambiance in the building.  It reduces stress and tensions to great extent. In a 2008 study, Dutch researchers found that hospital patients with indoor plants in their rooms recovered faster from their illnesses and reported lower stress levels than patients without them.

Do you know that the indoor pollutants are airborne biological pollutants, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, pesticides and disinfectants? These pollutants contribute to ‘sick building syndrome’, which causes symptoms ranging from allergies, headaches and fatigue through to nervous-system disorders and cancer. It may come as a surprise but air pollution levels indoors are almost always higher than outside. Even more surprising is that indoor plants have the ability to diminish high levels of most airborne contaminants.

Indoor plants add positivity besides great looking décor. There are some beautiful houseplants that are easy to take care of and effective at increasing oxygen and clearing out toxins for cleaner breathing air, some of these are approved by NASA. Try adding one to your each room at home and your work station in office.

Paharpur Business Centre:

Established in 1990, in chaotic commercial hub of Nehru Place in Delhi id the Paharpur Business Centre with an exterior tall, grayish-white with rectangular windows spread over 50,000 square feet and six floors. When you step inside you are taken aback with the multitude of money plants that fill your vision. It is not an ordinary office.

The Paharpur Business Centre boasts of being declared as the Capital’s healthiest working place from environment point of view in a city. As such Delhi is notoriously famous for being the most polluted city in the world. This building manufactures its own air that is supposedly of ‘mountain-fresh’ quality and free of any toxins. The building is house for 1200 plants such as areca palms and snake plants which are placed everywhere. There are 4 plants for every employee on an average. As per the CEO of Paharpur Business Centre Mr. Kamal Meattle, minimum 4 plants are required to supply quality breathing air for one person. He quotes a WHO (World Health organization) statistics that has found indoor air to be the second-biggest killer after blood pressure in India, claiming over 1.3 million lives every year. It seems Kamal Meattle was diagnosed with decreasing lung capacity in 1992. He was advised by the doctors to leave Delhi. But, he did an intense study and found this solution to overcome the air pollution.

The air inside this quiet building smells slightly medicinal and is completely still. It is only after some time that you realize why the gentle breeze and general hum of air conditioning units that are present in other offices or homes are missing here. It seems air conditioners are switched on only on the weekends to give the plants some rest.

The air that flows throughout the building is cultivated in a fascinating system set up on PBC’s roof: outside air passes through a scrubber that washes it with water to rid it of outside pollutants. This air is then circulated through a greenhouse that holds many plants such as areca palm, snake plant and money plants to eradicate formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide and bacteria. Plenty of plants are creatively placed everywhere to allow as many as possible in the greenhouse besides the potted plants that jostle for space. You see plants curling downwards from the ceiling and stretching across the walls from layers of plastic bottles. These plants are cultivated using hydroponics; a method to grow plants using mineral nutrient solutions without soil. According to Mr. Meattle these plants heighten their oxygen-producing capabilities, and extend their life span.

Some most useful indoor plants are as following:

Palm Areca (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)

It is also called the “Butterfly Palm”. An upright houseplant that is somewhat vase shaped. Specimen plants can reach 10 to 12 foot in height. It prefers a humid area to avoid tip damage and requires timely pruning. When selecting an Areca palm look for plants with larger caliber trunks at the base of the plant. Plants that have pencil thin stems tend to topple over and are quite difficult to maintain.

Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)

This plant is famously known the “Lady Palm.” This durable palm species adapts well to most interiors. It is one of the easiest palms to grow, but each species has its own particular environment and culture requirements. The “Lady Palm” grows slowly, but can grow to more than 14’ in height with broad clumps often having a diameter as wide as their height.

 Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

It is also called the “reed palm”, this palm prefers bright indirect light. New plants will lose of some interior flora as they acclimate to indoor settings. This plant likes to stay uniformly moist, but does not like to be over-watered or to sit in standing water. Indoor palms may attract spider mites which can be controlled by spraying with a soapy solution.

Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta)

This plant grows very well indoors, preferring semi-sun lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, especially in summer. Young plants may need to be supported by a stake. The Ficus grows to 8’ with a spread of 5’. Wear gloves when pruning, as the milky sap may irritate the skin. It requires water thoroughly when in active growth: allow the soil to become fairly dry before watering again. In winter keep slightly moist.

To add beauty and gaiety to your interior décor you can opt for planters that are hanging for the ceiling. Hang them from the ceiling to preserve floor space and allow them to purify the air and to add freshness and color to the décor. They feature a reservoir that gradually feeds water to the roots. Classical hanging planters are also a nice way of decorating your home. Hang them from the ceiling or beams and allow them to showcase all their beauty. Use them as alternative ways of dividing the spaces and opt for climbers or any other plants that you like.

The best part of having indoor plants is that it is joy to see them grow!!!

Several recent studies have focused on the positive effects of trees and nature on our mental and physical health. A recent study published in a journal using satellite images on 31,109 residents of the greater Toronto, Canada found that people who live in areas with higher street tree density report better health compared with their peers living in areas with lower street tree density. People living amongst higher trees density feel more contented and more cheerful.  Another study found that living on a street with 10 more trees than average (both on the street and in people’s yards) makes them feel as healthier as much as  seven years younger!!

Adding an extra 10 trees to a block might be a simple way for cities to improve health. Ten more trees in every block in a street can increase tree density in a diffusion area. So if you are planning to make investment in a new house, you should count the number of trees on the block. Why not make a little investment in planting few indoor plants or if you have a balcony or a backyard, plant few trees.

On occasions when you need to give a gift, please give of a flowered plant; by doing so, you are giving pleasure, creativity, and better health to the person. Fresh, appealing flowers come in colours and sizes to instantly enhance every home and patio decor. Additionally, the benefits of gardening and nurturing a living flowered plant can reduce stress, help in doing little physical exercise, and connect to nature that is healing. One need not be a trained gardener to grow a bloomed plant. Choose a hardy and easy-going plant that can grow in almost anywhere. I think this can be a perfect gift.

Trees are known to improve air quality by capturing six common air pollutants and toxic gases: ground-level ozone, particular matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and lead. In fact, a single tree can absorb 10 pounds of air pollutants per year. In a study published in 2014, U.S. Forest Service scientists and collaborators calculated that trees are saving more than 850 human lives a year and preventing 670,000 incidents of acute respiratory symptoms.

Have you heard of a concept ‘’Shinrin-yoku’’? It is a term that means forest bathing. It was developed in Japan during the 1980s and has become a foundation of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. The idea is simple: it is taking meditative, thoughtful long walks through the woods that reconnect the individual with nature.

Researchers primarily in Japan and South Korea have established a robust body of scientific literature on the health benefits of spending time under the canopy of a living forest. IN recent years their research is helping to establish shinrin-yoku and forest therapy throughout the world.  In the past several decades there have been many scientific studies that are demonstrating the mechanisms behind the healing effects of simply being in wild and natural areas. Many trees in the forest give off organic compounds that support our “NK” (natural killer) cells that are part of our immune system’s way of fighting cancer. The forest bathing reduced blood pressure, it reduces stress, it increases ability to focus, even in children with ADHD and it helps in accelerated recovery from surgery or illness. It boosts increased energy level and improved sleep.

Let us connect with nature by living a beautiful life among the trees.

Do you know, okra promotes a healthy pregnancy – an extremely important B vitamin for producing and maintaining new cells, ‘folate’ is an essential compound for finest pregnancy. The vitamin helps prevent birth defects in child and helps the baby to grow sufficiently. Vitamin C is also essential for fetal development. As mentioned above Okra is rich in both folate and vitamin C.

It also helps in keeping the kidneys healthy. It supports the colon’s health too. Okra is full of dietary fiber, which is essential for cleansing the colon, and digestive health as a whole. The fiber in Okra helps to clean out the gastrointestinal system, allowing the colon to work at greater levels of efficiency. Additionally, the vitamin A contributes to healthy mucous membranes, helping the digestive tract to operate suitably. Its Vitamin C property helps keeping the respiratory problems away; like asthma and wheezing symptoms. What more, okra promotes healthy Skin. Vitamin C helps keep the skin looking young and vibrant. The vitamins aid in the growth and repair of bodily tissues, which affects collagen formation and skin pigmentation, and helps to rejuvenate damaged skin.

Get rid of blood sugar: 

Take two pieces of Okra/Lady Finger and remove both ends of each Piece. Also put a small cut in the middle and put these two pieces in glass of water. Cover the glass and keep it at room temperature during night. Early morning, before breakfast simply remove two pieces of lady Finger from the glass and drink that water. Keep doing it on daily basis. Within two weeks, you will see remarkable results in reduction of your blood sugar. You may chop the lady fingers into small or medium size pieces and put them into water and drink it up the next morning. Please try it as it will not do you any harm even if it does not do much good to you. But, you have to keep doing it at least for few weeks.

This has cured diabetes of many people. And it is a fact. Lady Finger stabilizes the blood sugar in diabetic patients by controlling the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract. Many scientific journals have published studies on the superb capability of okra to cure diabetes. So if you are suffering from diabetes, (even border line) it would be a great idea to cure it by trying this easy treatment at home.

Relevant tip for glowing skin: Boil a handful of okra until soft. After letting it cool, mash it, and apply it on to your face. After 5 minutes, wash your face and see your skin glowing. You will also feel your skin smooth and rejuvenated.

Hydroculture is a form of inert hydroponics (plant roots grown in water) and it can be grown without soil. Indoor plants can be grown with the medium of clay pebbles instead of soil. It is a lot more trouble free way of growing attractive indoor plants.

The indoor greenery always gives a good feeling; it enhances the look of a house or office. Common indoor plants are good to fight against rising levels of indoor air pollution. NASA scientists are researching on the topic further more. They are useful in absorbing potentially harmful gases and cleaning the air inside homes, hotels, offices, restaurants, hospitals etc.

If you observe closely, you will find that buildings which have good amount of plants planted inside them have a healthy ventilation systems constantly invigorating them with air from outdoors after a filtration process that removes some large particles, such as pollen, from it. Once inside, this air is augmented by a large range of indoor plants. Some well-placed greenery brightens the space and also purifies the air. The plants are also helpful in creating a more relaxing, restful ambiance in the building.  It reduces stress and tensions to great extent. In a 2008 study, Dutch researchers found that hospital patients with indoor plants in their rooms recovered faster from their illnesses and reported lower stress levels than patients without them.

Indoor plants add positivity besides great looking décor. There are some beautiful houseplants that are easy to take care of and effective at increasing oxygen and clearing out toxins for cleaner breathing air, some of these are approved by NASA. Try adding one to your each room at home and your work station in office.

Hydroculture system is simpler to use because it is made up of five simple parts: clay pebbles (or a similar inert growing medium), planters, hydroculture pots, water level indicator, and plants.

Clay pebbles: They are the primary growing medium used in hydroculture systems. These expanded clay pellets take the place of soil. They are highly absorbent and are effective at retaining moisture and nutrients. They are free from soil-borne pests and diseases and they provide plenty of oxygenation at the root zone. Because of their inert nature, they give the plants a sturdy support; hence, the plants grow faster and blossom. There is another medium besides clay pebbles such as perlite, which is a form of a volcanic glass that is mined and then heated in big ovens until it ‘pops’ into a round, white material that’s used in seed-starting and potting mixtures to lighten the soil. Even perlite allows more air around the roots of plants.

Planters:  They are more or less identical to any other plant pot available in market. They are made out of expensive and unbreakable plastic. You get them various shapes, size and colours and designes.

Hydroculture pot: They are snugly fitted inside the planters; the hydroculture pot comes with a groove for a water level indicator which will show you exactly how much water your plants are sitting in. The hydroculture pot contains clay pebbles and the plant.

Water level indicator: Water level indicators are a simple way to measure exactly how much water your plants are sitting in. They are tailored for use with specific hydroculture pots and usually come with indicators showing the ‘minimum’, ‘maximum’, and ‘optimum’ water levels. Water level indicators show when to feed your plant. The average watering cycle for a 6” plant is probably every 2 weeks in soil. With hydroculture, the length of time between watering gets normally tripled. This can be especially helpful for people that cannot access their plants every two weeks, those who travel often.

Plants: Peace Lily (spatifilum), Dracena, Umbrella, Nasa, Xanadu, Snake plant (mother in law’s tongue) Money plant, Spider plant, Anthurium, African Violets, Cast Iron Plant, Areca Palm, Bamboo palm  etc are some of the decorative indoor plants good for hydroculture. These are decorative indoor plants which add beauty to the decor.

Overall, growing using the hydroculture method can be both a refreshing change from soil gardening and a rewarding experience when you start growing bigger, better plants. They last for longer duration; some plants live for ten years or so. This is because the roots are healthier and more robust. Healthy root systems support longer-lasting plants.

Pushpam:

In Mumbai, Milind and Yashoda Mokashi of Pushpam Landscape offer hydroculture plants and maintenance services.  Established in 1986, Pushpam is an umbrella organization for landscape-related services. The organization is famous for its qualified and experienced personnel who are committed in providing the highest quality service to their clients. Mr & Mrs Mokashi are ardent plant lovers; their hobby is growing indoor ornamental and outdoor plants. They keep travelling to various countries researching about latest botanical techniques.  Hydroculture is the latest arm added to Pushpam’s large array of botanical services. Please visit their facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/pushpamflowers/

Kadi Patta: Its leaves are used in many dishes in India, Sri Lanka, and neighbouring countries. Because they are often used in curries, the leaves are generally called by the name ‘curry leaves.’ They are packed with carbohydrates, fibre, calcium, phosphorous and irons as well as vitamins like C-vitamin A-vitamin B-vitamin, E-vitamin. Curry leaves help your heart function better, and they fight infections and can liven up your hair and skin with vitality. It contains plant sterols, amino acids, glycosides, and flavonoids which makes it very dominant and therefore is used in high quantity in kitchen.  Many people do not throw the curry leaves used in seasoning, they consume it.

Ginger: Ginger contains Gingerol which is a powerful medicine. It has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It has been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and helps fight the flu and common cold, to name a few. Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice. It is a very common ingredient in recipes. The unique fragrance and flavour of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. The health benefits of ginger include relieving nausea, loss of appetite, motion sickness, and pain. Ginger does not have an immediate impact, but may be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain. And, it also has anti-inflammatory properties. A research has proved that ginger has powerful anti-diabetic properties too. I know a lot of people who consume ginger juice regularly and they all are strong people both mentally and physically.

Coriander: It is a wonderful source of dietary fibre, manganese, iron and magnesium as well. In addition, coriander leaves are rich in Vitamin-C, Vitamin-K and protein. They also contain small amount of calcium, phosphorous, Potassium and Thiamin, Niacin and Carotene. Coriander consumption helps in lowering blood sugar, easing digestive discomfort, decreasing blood pressure, it helps in fighting food poisoning, heals urinary tract infection, helps women in healthy menstrual function, helps in healing neurological inflammation and diseases. It grows easily in our balcony, and its lush greenness adds beauty to your balcony garden.

Green Chillies: Not many know that green chillies are rich in dietary fibre, which is important for a healthy digestive system. Green chillies take care of skincare system. Green chilli is a rich source of vitamin-C and eating it helps in keeping skin healthy and glowing. It is a rich source of vitamin B6, vitamin-A, iron, copper, potassium and a small amount of protein and carbohydrates. Eating green chillies boosts immune system, perhaps that’s the reason for there are people who consume it regularly. Daily wages labour and farm labour consume it raw with jowar or bajra roti, and they have a good stamina.

Among the birds, over 60% of the species require forests. One global audit pertaining to important birds and biodiversity areas, approximately a quarter of the forests has vanished naturally and due to greed of having more and more construction work. It a serious issue, if we don’t make sweeping changes, little forest habitat will survive to the end of this century.

Biodiversity is constantly under threat worldwide. Activities such as increased development, inappropriate agricultural practices, poorly managed forestation and climate change have all threatened biodiversity with the result that many species of plants and animals are now under threat of extinction. It is vital, therefore that all sectors in society play their part in the protection of biodiversity.

Many developed and developing nations suffer from air pollution which is wreaking havoc on the health and well-being of its citizens. It is therefore very essential for innovative solutions of having more greenery to absorb the carbon dioxide in air. Because, many countries are getting highly urbanized, and there is hardly room to plant new trees.

What is a Vertical Forest?

Vertical forest is catching up in many countries across the globe. Wherein, you build a forest straight up into the sky. China’s Nanjing Vertical Forest, which is scheduled to be fully built by 2018, will bring thousands of trees and shrubs into the highly populated Pukou District of the city, absorbing tons of CO2 and producing a wealth of oxygen at the same time. Designed by famed architect Stefano Boeri, the “forest” will actually be a pair of towers absolutely covered in greenery. The taller of the two towers will stand 200 meters high, with 35 floors, and will host everything from a museum to a private club on its roof. The larger tower will even feature an architecture school specializing in green building. The smaller structure measures just over 100 meters tall and will be a Hyatt hotel with nearly 250 guest rooms. Inside the building, a complex irrigation system will redirect the water people use back onto the porches to sustain plant life.

The Nanjing Vertical Forest besides giving a pleasant surprise to eyes in the night will be extremely valuable from an environmental perspective. The structure will have 1,100 large and medium-sized trees on its facades, along with 2,500 other plants and shrubs. The plants are expected to provide 60kg of oxygen per day while absorbing over 25 tons of carbon dioxide every year. All the plant life helps reduce smog, dampen noise levels, produce oxygen, and regulate temperatures inside the two buildings. And, during the winter, sunlight can easily pass through the bare plant life and help heat people’s rooms. During the summer, the leaves can block harsh rays from making apartments too hot. The vertical forest also produce huge quantities of oxygen and can become habitats for native wildlife.

This is not the first vertical forest that Boeri has designed and built. He has to his credit a amazing vertical forest project named ‘’Bosco Verticale’’ in Milan, Italy. In Milan, the project has its own pair of towers: the construction began in 2009 and was completed in 2014, and the buildings are now residential structures. However, the Nanjing project is much larger in scale and ambition, more than doubling the number of plants as well as increasing the total height of the towers themselves. The forest is two towers at 110 and 76 metres high, with 900 trees and over 20,000 smaller plants and bushes planted on balconies on all sides of the buildings. Pruning the trees themselves took two years, Boeri says. They had to be specially designed to fit beneath balconies of varying heights.

Australia has vertical forest too, in Sydney’s One Central Park apartment project, and another planned for construction in Brisbane. The One Central Park building has won a host of international architecture awards including “Building of the Year” in 2015 and Best Tall Building from the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.

Singapore’s vertical forest named ‘’Marina Bay’’ is breathtakingly beautiful at night, with 18 LED lit “Supertrees”, reaching 50 metres tall. Each “tree” is actually a concrete structure with hundreds of small plants embedded on the side. At the top of each structure are solar panels to power the park’s systems and conservatory, and rainwater tanks.

Another renowned vertical forest designer Vincent Callebaut’s has planned for an eco-neighbourhood covering a 40-hectare post-industrial site in Belgium atop wetland which will include not one but three vertical forests, and several million plants.  Callebaut plans the site’s warehouses and sheds which have been repurposed into offices with a commitment to conserving energy, and the reuse of renewable power.

Dr Francesco Fiorito, a senior lecturer of architecture at the University of Sydney, says that the notion of a “vertical forest” is certainly not a publicity stunt. Dr Fiorito explains that without any greenery, traditional facades absorb energy from the sun and then re-emit some of the energy outdoors, causing an increase in outside temperatures in urban areas. Plants, as a substitute, use the energy absorbed by the sun for their living needs and as a “waste” product of this process they emit oxygen. This serves a double benefit. Besides, the evaporation of water included on plants’ surfaces, roots, soil, determines another reduction of air temperature. Dr Fioriti says there are a few reasons why vertical gardens have become more widespread, while the concept of the “vertical forest” is still in its infancy.

The vertical forest indeed has a great future!!!!

Why should we consume Indian Gooseberry – Amla?

Amla improves food digestion, it balances stomach acid, fortifies the liver, nourishes the brain and mental functioning, supports the heart, strengthens the lungs, regulates elimination of free radicals, enhances fertility, helps the urinary system, increases skin health, promotes healthier hair, and acts as a body coolant. It has eight times more vitamin C than an orange, twice the antioxidant power of acai berry and around 17 times that of a pomegranate. The humble Indian gooseberry deserves its super food status.

The translucent green fruit, which derives its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Amlaki’ meaning nectar of life because it can protect us against countless ailments from common cold, cancer to infertility. Ayurveda doctors claim that amla can help balance all the three doshas (Kapha/vista/pitta) in the body and eliminate the underlying cause of many diseases.

The vitamin C in amla is absorbed more easily by the body compared to store-bought supplements. Consume it once daily for permanent protection.

What are the benefits of Indian Gooseberry – Amla

Amla also improves eyesight Studies have showed that the carotene in amla improves vision. Daily consumption has also been linked to improvement in overall eye health as amla can reduce cataract problem, intraocular tension (the pressure you feel) as well as prevent reddening, itching and watering of eyes.

It boosts metabolism: Amla has a high fibre content and acids like tannic which help relieve constipation and make you look less bloated.

It improves immunity: Amla’s antibacterial and astringent properties boost one’s immune system. A significant number of health problems including cancer are caused by oxidative damage; when body cells use oxygen, they leave harmful by-products called free radicals behind. Amla can repair the damage.

Amla Enhances beauty: Amla improves growth of hair; it slows down its greying process. It prevents dandruff, strengthens hair follicles and increases blood circulation in the scalp thereby improving hair growth. It improves skin. It is the best anti-ageing fruit. Drinking amla juice with honey every morning can give you blemish-free, healthy and glowing skin.

Helps in reducing bad cholesterol: Amla helps in reducing bad cholesterol and it helps stimulate insulin production; thus, helping in reducing the blood glucose level of diabetics. Drinking amla juice early every morning or when one’s blood pressure is raised helps keep the blood pressure level under control, too.

It relieves arthritic pain: Regular consumption of amla helps in getting relief from arthritis-related joint aches. Amla can provide relief from mouth ulcers. You simply need to dilute amla juice in half cup of water and gargle with it.

How to get maximum benefits from Indian Gooseberry – Amla?

Drinking the juice of fresh amla is the best way to get the benefits of it. Take out the seeds from 2 gooseberries and cut into small pieces. Grind these pieces in the mixer with little water and make a paste. Mix this paste in 1 cup water (sieve it if you like). Add 2 tea spoons of honey into the juice and drink it fresh.