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Published Columns
The invitation to write for Deccan Herald came unexpectedly, but it aligned perfectly with my vision of gardening. Over years of tending my garden, I'd discovered that true gardening transcends merely growing plants - it's about creating living ecosystems where plants, pollinators, birds, and insects thrive together in harmony.
"Motley Garden" became my platform to share this holistic approach. While many view gardening as simply maintaining plants, I wanted to show readers how a garden can become a vibrant habitat. Each column would explore not just plant care, but the intricate relationships between flowers and their pollinators, the seasonal rhythms that bring different visitors, and the joy of watching this miniature ecosystem flourish.
The timing during lockdown felt serendipitous - as people were seeking connections with nature from their homes, I could share how even small urban gardens can become sanctuaries of biodiversity. Through these columns, I hoped to inspire readers to see gardening as more than a hobby - it's a way to participate in nature's grand symphony, right from our balconies and backyards.
48 The Pole Stars of your Garden
A garden is a place of growth, and sometimes, plants—like people—need a little support. In this column, I explore the fascinating ways climbers and vines make their way upward, from twining stems to grasping tendrils. I also tackle a reader’s concern about mosquitoes in balcony gardens, dispelling myths and offering practical solutions. Gardening is a balance of patience, care, and knowledge, and I’m here to help you cultivate confidence. Have a question? Write to me and let’s grow together.
47 Know Your Toxic Plants
What truly shapes a plant’s growth—sun, water, or something more? In this column, I explore the evolution of urban gardening and the importance of understanding plant safety, especially for toxic species like Nerium oleander and Cascabela thevetia. A tragic incident in Kerala highlights the need for awareness before bringing home a new plant. I also address a reader’s concern about composting with mixed waste and how nature processes nutrients. Gardening is not just about plants—it’s about knowledge, balance, and making informed choices.
46 A jasmine by any other name is Confusing
Plants reveal themselves not just through sight but also through touch and scent. In this column, I explore aromatic leaves like Pelargonium graveolens, Origanum majorana, and Artemisia pallens, commonly used in floral strings like Kadambam. Their unique fragrances enhance both garlands and gardens, each playing a role in nature’s ecosystem. I also introduce a new section answering reader queries, starting with a simple breakdown of DAP and NPK fertilizers. Thoughtful gardening is all about knowing what to plant, how to nurture, and when to feed!
45 A subtle Soothing of your Senses
Plants reveal themselves not just through sight but also through touch and scent. In this column, I explore aromatic leaves like Pelargonium graveolens, Origanum majorana, and Artemisia pallens, commonly used in floral strings like Kadambam. Their unique fragrances enhance both garlands and gardens, each playing a role in nature’s ecosystem. I also introduce a new section answering reader queries, starting with a simple breakdown of DAP and NPK fertilizers. Thoughtful gardening is all about knowing what to plant, how to nurture, and when to feed!
44 Nurturing a family of show stoppers
Gardening often leads us to unexpected discoveries—like my search for the lost Clerodendrum Chinense, a plant from my childhood. This journey introduced me to the diverse Clerodendrum family, including the striking Bleeding Heart, Pagoda Flower, and Light Bulb plant. Each species, with its unique blooms and growth habits, has added richness to my garden. Beyond their beauty, these plants have connected me to memories, travels, and fellow garden enthusiasts. In the end, a garden is not just about plants—it’s about the stories they tell.
43 The art of Nurturing Prickly Beauties
Succulents and cacti never cease to amaze me—whether it’s the pebble-like Lithops or the night-blooming Epiphyllum oxypetalum. These plants thrive in arid conditions by storing water and protecting themselves with spines or waxy coatings. Growing them successfully means understanding their unique needs—well-draining soil, careful watering, and seasonal dormancy. Some flourish in summer, others in cooler months, but all remind me of nature’s resilience. Watching a cactus bloom is a lesson in patience and the beauty of survival.
42 Growing the Gardener's Pride
Every visit to a nursery leaves me mesmerized by orchids—their beauty and complexity make them both a gardener’s pride and challenge. I recently spoke with Dr. Madhusudan from INDAM nursery to understand the secrets to growing healthy orchids. From selecting the right species to providing optimal humidity, light, and nutrition, I share key insights to help beginners succeed. My own Phalaenopsis now grows on a tree bark, and I look forward to seeing it thrive. Stay tuned for my next column on cacti and succulents!
41 Creating an Urban Oasis
A summer rain in Bengaluru reminded me of the beauty and fragility of our urban trees. As I walked through familiar lanes, I reflected on how greenery is vanishing and why trees are essential in moderating heat, preventing floods, and improving air quality. Instead of removing them, we should design our cities and homes to incorporate trees thoughtfully. A well-planned front yard can be a green sanctuary—offering shade, beauty, and a space for community gatherings. I’ve shared some plant and tree recommendations to help you create your own urban oasis.
40 Quench Your Plants Thirst
With droughts stressing even the hardiest plants in my garden, I sought a way to keep my vegetable saplings hydrated without wasting water. Using saved PET bottles, I created a simple DIY drip irrigation system that slowly releases water while also composting kitchen scraps. This method ensures consistent soil moisture and provides added nutrients to the plants. While not a permanent fix, it has helped my thirsty crops survive the harsh summer. If you’re struggling with water conservation, I’d love to hear your creative solutions too!
39 How to Protect Your Plants During Water Crisis
With summer’s water scarcity, keeping our plants hydrated becomes a challenge. In this column, I explore ways to use RO wastewater safely, optimize watering schedules with color-coded markers, and conserve moisture through mulching. Reusing kitchen water and adjusting fertilizer use can also protect plants from heat stress. Thoughtful planning ensures our gardens survive the summer while minimizing water waste. Let’s nurture our green spaces and prepare for the rains ahead!
38 Why not Grow Your Proteins at Home
This year, I decided to grow my own protein-rich crops—Chickpeas, Pigeon Peas, Hyacinth Beans, and Broad Beans—right in my vegetable patch. Inspired by fresh green Channa in Gandhi Bazaar, I set out to sprout, plant, and nurture these legumes, ensuring they thrive with companion planting and organic pest control. Marigolds and Basil not only protect the crops but also add beauty and attract pollinators. Gardening is more than just growing food; it’s about experimenting, learning, and creating. In the coming columns, I’ll share more about trellis-building for these climbing vines!
37 How to Build your own Serenity Pond
Our garden transformed the moment we introduced a lily pond and water baths, attracting birds, insects, and even the occasional squirrel. What started with clay bird baths soon evolved into multiple water sources, drawing in Spotted Doves, Bulbuls, Coucals, and even migratory visitors. The pond not only supports birdlife but also enriches the surrounding plants and creates a soothing microhabitat. Adding a solar fountain enhanced the experience, bringing movement and sound to the space. If you’re looking to liven up your garden, a water feature is a perfect addition.
36 Colours of Xmas in your Garden
A visit to a nursery on a cold December day introduced me to Euphorbia Leucocephala, a plant that transforms into a snow-white wonder just in time for Christmas. This discovery made me reflect on how nature’s changing colors—from Poinsettias to Indian Tulips—bring joy and inspiration. My love for plants extends beyond my garden into my art, where I use botanical elements to create ephemeral images. It also shaped my approach to gifting—choosing living plants over fleeting flowers, sharing nature’s beauty with others. Have you thought about gifting a plant to someone special?
35 The Secret Visitors to your Garden
Every season brings a new cast of insect visitors to my garden, each with a unique role to play. From bees and butterflies to lacewings and moths, these tiny creatures contribute to pollination, pest control, and plant health. I love observing how different plants attract specific insects—whether it’s a Grass Demon butterfly seeking turmeric or a carpenter bee crafting its wooden nest. Even wasps and moths have their place in this ecosystem. Gardening isn’t just about plants; it’s about nurturing the web of life that thrives around them.
34 Culinary Marriage of Two World Travellers
Revamping my garden made me appreciate the fascinating journeys of the plants within it—especially the globe-trotting chayote and the ever-resilient coconut. Coconuts, with their ability to float across seas, and chayote, introduced from Mexico, are both travelers that have found a home in my garden. I share tips on how to grow chayote successfully, from sprouting to fruiting, and how to care for it. Gardening isn’t just about growing plants; it’s about understanding their histories. Every leaf and vine holds a story worth listening to.
33 Share a Cup of Coffee With Your Plants
As I sip my morning coffee, I’m reminded that plants, too, can benefit from its nutrients. Inspired by traditional practices from my village, I explore how rice-washed water and coffee grounds can enrich the soil, even in modern container gardens. Coffee grounds, rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, are especially helpful for acid-loving plants like hydrangeas and roses. With the right balance, this simple kitchen waste becomes a natural fertilizer. So the next time you enjoy your brew, consider sharing some with your garden!
32 Droopy Plants have a Story to Tell too
Plants communicate their distress through their leaves—wilting, yellowing, or curling are all clues to what they need. In this column, I explore common issues like overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, and plant diseases, offering simple ways to diagnose and fix them. Whether it’s nitrogen-starved yellowing leaves or fungal infections, plants give us signs if we observe closely. With the right care, most plants can recover and thrive. Understanding these silent signals deepens our bond with our green companions.
31 A Burst of Color and Fragrance
In this final part of my three-part series on easy-growing flowers, I explore the magic of climbers—nature’s way of adding vertical beauty to gardens. From the ever-flourishing Butterfly Pea to the cascading elegance of the Mysore Trumpet Vine, these climbers bring movement and depth to any space. Bougainvillea’s bright bracts make a striking entrance, while the fragrant Hoya plant is a joy to grow indoors and out. Over this series, we’ve discovered twelve beautiful flowers that thrive in open gardens and balconies alike. May your garden flourish, bringing color, fragrance, and life to your world.
30 A Case for Scent and Senses
Scents and flowers have a way of bringing back cherished memories, and for me, the Bangalore rose is one such fragrance. In this second part of my flower series, I explore the beauty of roses, Clerodendrum Chinense, Gardenia, and Tuberose—each known for its intoxicating aroma. These flowers transform gardens into fragrant sanctuaries, creating a sensory experience beyond just visual appeal. Growing them requires understanding their sunlight, soil, and watering needs, but the rewards are worth it. Stay tuned for the next part, where I’ll introduce fragrant-leaved plants to complete the experience.
29 All the Flower you can Grow
Inspired by the blooming avenue trees of Bangalore, I began compiling a list of easy-growing flowers to bring more color into our gardens. In this first part of the series, I explore hibiscus, jasmine, heliconia, and dahlia—each with unique beauty and growing needs. Whether in an apartment or a small garden, these flowers can transform any space into a vibrant, green sanctuary. Gardening is not just about aesthetics; it’s about nurturing biodiversity and improving urban ecosystems. Stay tuned for more flower recommendations in the next column!
28 A Whiff of beauty
Evening walks with my parents were a cherished part of my childhood—filled with stories, stargazing, and my mother’s keen ability to identify night-blooming flowers by their fragrance. Years later, I planted Cestrum nocturnum in my garden, and its intoxicating scent brought those memories rushing back. I explored other fragrant night bloomers like Parijatha, Epiphyllum oxypetalum, and Mirabilis jalapa, each with its own charm and growing requirements. These flowers attract nocturnal pollinators and add a touch of mystery to the garden. Their beauty and fragrance make them a magical presence in any space.
27 Onions that make you smile
Have you ever wondered why onions in your pantry sprout green tips? I delved into the world of onions to understand their growth cycle, the difference between scallions, spring onions, and shallots, and what happens when a sprouted onion is planted. While they won’t form new bulbs, their greens and flowers are worth growing. Onions need sunlight, rich soil, and consistent moisture to thrive. The next time an onion sprouts, try planting it—not just for flavor but for the beauty it brings to your garden.
26 Nurturing of the soul
Caring for my husband’s grandmother, Paati, taught me more than I ever expected—especially about her deep connection with nature. She revered every plant, treating them as sacred, and instinctively practiced sustainable living long before it became a modern concept. From her love for Nagagandi flowers to her use of vegetable peels in cooking, she saw value in everything. Her garden was a place of peace, wisdom, and quiet joy. As I sit in my December garden, I realize that beyond plants, gardens hold our most cherished memories.
25 The Scent of a
Fly
Seeing an unpeeled baby corn reminds me of coremata, the pheromone-releasing structures of male moths and butterflies. This natural scent-based communication system is also used in pest control, which I discovered firsthand while tackling a fruit fly infestation in my guava tree. After trying neem oil and other remedies with little success, I turned to pheromone traps—and they worked wonders. The concept of using targeted attractants to disrupt pest populations fascinated me. Integrated Pest Management is an effective, eco-friendly alternative to pesticides, and I highly recommend it.
24 The Value of a Patch of Green
This month, the flooding of homes has weighed heavily on the minds of many Bangloreans. The reasons are well-known at this point. A small portion of this is also due to the lack of vegetation, as old wetlands have been replaced by concrete.
Grass has a very important role to play in our surroundings. Unlike concrete, grass absorbs heat rather than reflecting it back and is cooler than the surrounding environment. The difference in temperature between a concrete path and its adjacent grass is usually more than ten degrees. In fact grass is even cooler than soil by as much as six and ten degrees. It tolerates drought and shrivels during summer but recovers with rain. During rainy season, the grass prevents water stagnation and channels it into the ground. When grown with other plants, it produces an ecosystem that maintains the health of the garden.
In India, we rarely make space for soil or a lawn unless we make a concerted effort. On any piece of land, most of the plot is occupied by the house, while the remaining area is plastered up and decorated with a few potted plants. What if we could convert a small portion of our garden into a mini lawn that could beautify the house and also act as a conduit to recharge our rainwater wells?
In the initial days of the pandemic I did not have sufficient time to maintain my garden due to shift in my priorities. My sporadic visits allowed the garden to flourish. Unhindered, the bamboo, bougainvillea, mango, hibiscus, and calliandra spread their branches. Within a few downpours, the garden was bursting at its seams. Undoubtedly, the birds enjoyed the thicket; More the vegetation, more the insects. Crow pheasant and paradise fly catchers were regular visitors. It was also home to a couple of magpie robins.
On the other hand, the lawn in the middle of our garden had deteriorated. It was overrun with clover and crabgrass. Keeping a garden free of weeds is an important aspect of garden maintenance. A few months of neglect will cause them to take over the entire garden. I did not want to use any type of pesticide to eradicate the weeds in the lawn, so I pulled and dug up the roots. Yet they persisted. I therefore purchased a hedge trimmer to facilitate the task. We were able to remove the weeds to a certain extent, but were left with a patchy lawn and bare soil.
The winter monsoon commenced. Even a brief rainfall swamped the lawn. I planned a flower patch in the middle of the lawn using seeds I'd preserved over the years in the hopes that it might alleviate the water logging. For ground cover, I identified a couple of internet nurseries and ordered purple copia plants and peace lilies. I put them around the perimeter to keep the soil from eroding.
The saplings lacked the strength to withstand the downpour. The land was inundated. We had never seen stagnant water in the lawn area. All these years, the grass had ensured that not a drop of water was wasted. It served as a preview of what would have occurred if the rain had reached enormous proportions. It made me appreciate the vital role roots play in directing water to the earth. When spring arrived, we re-laid the grass while keeping the flower bed. Additionally, watering the lawn was easier now. The surplus water from the patch flows through the grass and maintains the moisture.
A lawn is home to insects and earthworms. The occasional use of neem powder prevents pests and decay. It is a germination bed for the seeds scattered by the surrounding plants. It provides moisture and water to bees and other insects. It acts as a natural rain collector. When combined with plants, it produces a lovely, diverse landscape.
The recent flooding in Bangalore serves as a sombre reminder that paved roads prevent water from seeping into the soil. If there was an epsilon of grass or trees along the water flow, the effects of the floods could have been mitigated. If possible, include grass in your landscape instead of plastering all the surfaces around your home.
Grass has a very important role to play in our surroundings. Unlike concrete, grass absorbs heat rather than reflecting it back and is cooler than the surrounding environment. The difference in temperature between a concrete path and its adjacent grass is usually more than ten degrees. In fact grass is even cooler than soil by as much as six and ten degrees. It tolerates drought and shrivels during summer but recovers with rain. During rainy season, the grass prevents water stagnation and channels it into the ground. When grown with other plants, it produces an ecosystem that maintains the health of the garden.
In India, we rarely make space for soil or a lawn unless we make a concerted effort. On any piece of land, most of the plot is occupied by the house, while the remaining area is plastered up and decorated with a few potted plants. What if we could convert a small portion of our garden into a mini lawn that could beautify the house and also act as a conduit to recharge our rainwater wells?
In the initial days of the pandemic I did not have sufficient time to maintain my garden due to shift in my priorities. My sporadic visits allowed the garden to flourish. Unhindered, the bamboo, bougainvillea, mango, hibiscus, and calliandra spread their branches. Within a few downpours, the garden was bursting at its seams. Undoubtedly, the birds enjoyed the thicket; More the vegetation, more the insects. Crow pheasant and paradise fly catchers were regular visitors. It was also home to a couple of magpie robins.
On the other hand, the lawn in the middle of our garden had deteriorated. It was overrun with clover and crabgrass. Keeping a garden free of weeds is an important aspect of garden maintenance. A few months of neglect will cause them to take over the entire garden. I did not want to use any type of pesticide to eradicate the weeds in the lawn, so I pulled and dug up the roots. Yet they persisted. I therefore purchased a hedge trimmer to facilitate the task. We were able to remove the weeds to a certain extent, but were left with a patchy lawn and bare soil.
The winter monsoon commenced. Even a brief rainfall swamped the lawn. I planned a flower patch in the middle of the lawn using seeds I'd preserved over the years in the hopes that it might alleviate the water logging. For ground cover, I identified a couple of internet nurseries and ordered purple copia plants and peace lilies. I put them around the perimeter to keep the soil from eroding.
The saplings lacked the strength to withstand the downpour. The land was inundated. We had never seen stagnant water in the lawn area. All these years, the grass had ensured that not a drop of water was wasted. It served as a preview of what would have occurred if the rain had reached enormous proportions. It made me appreciate the vital role roots play in directing water to the earth. When spring arrived, we re-laid the grass while keeping the flower bed. Additionally, watering the lawn was easier now. The surplus water from the patch flows through the grass and maintains the moisture.
A lawn is home to insects and earthworms. The occasional use of neem powder prevents pests and decay. It is a germination bed for the seeds scattered by the surrounding plants. It provides moisture and water to bees and other insects. It acts as a natural rain collector. When combined with plants, it produces a lovely, diverse landscape.
The recent flooding in Bangalore serves as a sombre reminder that paved roads prevent water from seeping into the soil. If there was an epsilon of grass or trees along the water flow, the effects of the floods could have been mitigated. If possible, include grass in your landscape instead of plastering all the surfaces around your home.
23 Going with the Grain
Independence Day celebrations often revolve around creative expressions of patriotism, from colorful rangolis to tricolor dishes. This year, I reflected on growing the very ingredients that represent our national flag—carrots, coriander, and even paddy. My unexpected journey into rice cultivation started when a mouse scattered grains from a decorative bundle, leading me to experiment with growing paddy in a pot. Alongside carrots and coriander, it deepened my appreciation for agriculture and the effort farmers put in. Growing our own food, even in small spaces, is a fulfilling tribute to the land we call home.
22 Garden Remedies for Monsoon Maladies
Monsoons remind me of childhood remedies made from herbs growing in our garden—Tulasi, Dodpatre, and Betel leaf. These plants, rich in medicinal properties, were the go-to for colds, congestion, and digestion. I share how to grow and care for them, along with a simple, spicy soup recipe that we prepare every rainy season. These herbs not only heal but also add fragrance, beauty, and flavor to a home garden. Growing them ensures you always have nature’s remedies at hand.
21 How to Compost in an Urban Landscape
Composting isn’t new—it’s an ancient practice that improves soil health and nourishes plants. I recently spoke with Vasuki Iyengar, a composting expert, to learn about simple and effective urban composting methods. He explained how to compost kitchen waste using container composting, a hassle-free aerobic method. With just a container, dry leaves, and food scraps, anyone can create nutrient-rich “Black Gold” for their plants. Even if you don’t garden, composting is a way to give back to the Earth—one small bin at a time.
20 A Touch of the Aromatic
When a friend asked me where to buy a curry leaf plant, I realized I had never needed to purchase one—my garden always had it. Curry leaves are not just essential for cooking; they also make a refreshing summer drink and a nourishing hair oil. I also shared tips on growing and propagating them, along with Impatiens Walleriana, a self-seeding wonder. Reflecting on my childhood, I see how urbanization has reduced open soil, making it harder for plants to thrive naturally. A little patch of soil can make all the difference—let’s keep our spaces green!
19 The Importance of Being Bee
I’ve always been fascinated by insects, and bees are no exception. A few years ago, I stumbled upon a leaf-cutter bee’s nest inside my garden tap, which led me to observe them more closely. These bees may snip leaves, but they are vital pollinators, helping flowers bloom and keeping gardens thriving. Watching them work is a lesson in patience, precision, and the delicate balance of nature. I encourage everyone—especially children—to take time to observe these tiny, tireless creatures and appreciate their role in our world.
18 The Magic of Growing Plants Without Soil
I’ve always loved growing my own greens, but the hassle of cleaning them made me wonder—can we grow them without soil? That’s when I explored hydroponics, a method that feeds plants directly with nutrients in water or an inert medium. I spoke with hydroponics expert Manikandan Pattabhiraman to learn more about its benefits, from space efficiency to sustainability. He shared insights on growing vegetables, fruits, and even trees using this technique. Hydroponics is a great way to grow fresh produce in urban spaces with minimal effort.
17 Shake it up, Wake it up
I open with the heartbreaking tale of a magnificent white climbing rose that reached our first floor, whose sweet-smelling blooms could make you dizzy with their fragrance - and how we lost it through ignorant pruning. Through this personal gardening tragedy, I share how pruning is actually about stimulating growth and renewal, much like the process of unlearning and learning anew. I detail the critical elements of proper pruning - from selecting the right tools like sharp secateurs to understanding the science of cutting between nodes at the right angle. Weaving in specific guidance for different plants, from regular pinching for Tulasi to post-fruiting pruning for lemon trees, I demonstrate how proper pruning techniques transform both plants and gardens. I conclude by drawing a parallel between pruning plants and editing essays - how careful cutting away of excess helps both gardens and words flow more beautifully.
16 A World Without Hurry
While recovering from Covid, I revisited my old garden journals, reliving moments that made me smile and think. From watching praying mantis nymphs emerge to a lizard stealing an ant’s grain, these memories remind me that a garden is more than just plants—it’s an ecosystem full of surprises. I also reflected on how the Pongamia tree transforms my garden each year and the many ways it contributes to its health. These snippets show how my garden and I have grown together. Even in isolation, my garden continues to inspire me.
15 The Best Sort of Color Therapy
I begin with a celebration of Bangalore's rainy season beauty, when the weather creates magical transformations in our gardens. Through the story of my oldest white hibiscus plant and its mysterious occasional pink blooms, I explore the fascinating science behind flower color changes triggered by temperature and humidity. I weave in practical harvest timing advice for tubers like elephant foot yam, ginger, and turmeric, connecting their growth cycles to seasonal changes. By sharing my observations of how anthocyanin creates nature's color palette - from autumn leaves to shifting flower hues - I reveal how understanding plant chemistry helps us become better gardeners and more attuned observers of nature's rhythms.
14 Life Under the Fronds
I tell the story of an unexpected evening encounter with a banana skipper butterfly laying eggs on our young banana plant, leading me into a fascinating investigation of these recent migrants to South India. Through careful observation, I document the skipper caterpillars' methodical leaf-rolling behavior, revealing both their remarkable instincts and potential threat to banana cultivation. I explain how my past experiences with caterpillars on curry leaves helped me understand the different impacts of leaf-eating insects on various plants. By weaving together practical banana growing advice with the importance of documenting garden events, I show how every garden challenge becomes an opportunity for learning and contributing to community knowledge.
13 Passion That Runs Deep
I confess my plant-shopping tendencies - entering nurseries with a list of four plants and leaving with twenty - and how the pandemic shifted my plant hunting to online portals. Through the story of losing and reviving my beloved Passiflora Incarnata, I share my growth as a gardener, from someone who once would have given up to someone who knows how to nurture plants back to life. I detail my experience with air layering, a technique I used to save my fractured passion vine, demonstrating how gardening teaches us patience and problem-solving. Through this personal narrative, I weave in the life lessons vines teach us - about resilience, growth, and knowing which relationships to nurture and which to prune away.
12 Planting a seed of Happiness
I trace the universal journey of a plant lover - from that first tentative plant to creating a thriving garden - capturing how one plant leads to another until we find ourselves surrounded by green companions. Through the progression of learning plant care, joining gardening groups, and investing in tools and supplies, I reveal how gardening becomes more than a hobby - it transforms into a priority that shapes our daily rhythms. I describe how the garden becomes a personal sanctuary where every leaf movement has meaning, where birds and butterflies create their own ecosystem, and where we find ourselves talking to plants like old friends. Moving beyond basic cultivation, I show how gardening deepens our connection to nature, awakens creativity, and ultimately changes us into more environmentally conscious individuals.
11 Gentle Waft of Memories
I begin with a charming encounter of a young college student who knocked on my door asking to see my garden, reminding me of my own shy curiosity about others' gardens. Through my drives around Bangalore, I share my favorite garden discoveries - from the Plumeria obtusa that scented my childhood evening walks to the stunning orange Pyrostegia venusta that brightens a busy road. I detail my fascination with climbing vines like the resilient Combretum Indicum that returned after renovation, and the captivating Passiflora that transforms garden arches. Through these urban garden stories, I guide readers in selecting appropriate vines for their spaces, whether in full sun or partial shade, showing how vertical gardens can transform city spaces.
10 Mud-licious and Puddle-wonderful
I invite readers into my rain-refreshed garden, sharing intimate stories of the diverse wildlife that makes it home - from the red-whiskered bulbuls' abandoned nest to the relocating beehive in the mango tree. I describe my special connection with the "elephant plants" in my garden: the Frangipani with its elephant-like dry leaves, the elephant foot yam, and the dancing elephant ear Colocasia. Through detailed growing instructions for these tubers, I reveal how these plants thrive with minimal care yet provide abundant harvests. I weave together these personal observations with practical gardening advice, showing how every garden holds its own magical stories waiting to be discovered.
9 Nourish to Flourish
I begin with memories of my father's garden in Anna Nagar, Chennai, where he taught my brother and me the art of watering three coconut trees by filling circular edges until satiation. I share how these trips with water buckets became childhood races, revealing valuable lessons about plant care and water absorption. Through memories of the diverse garden filled with jasmines, fruits, and vegetables, I explain my father's ingenious method of arranging plants along water flow paths based on their needs. I weave these childhood experiences into practical watering wisdom for modern gardeners, from handling seedlings to creating bird-friendly spaces in urban gardens.
8 Find Your Pot of Gold
I share my early failure with my first dozen flower saplings from a nursery, despite following basic watering instructions. Through investigation of these failed pots, I discovered various soil compositions that sparked my curiosity about proper potting techniques. My exploration into elements like coco peat, vermiculite, perlite, coconut chips, and mulch helped me understand their unique roles in plant health. I explain how these components interact differently with water and nutrients, making this knowledge essential for successful container gardening. My journey from confusion to understanding reveals how proper soil composition forms the foundation of healthy plants.
7 A Simple Way to harvest Joy
I begin with my first venture into growing vegetables - from beetroots and cherry tomatoes to beans and brinjals - sharing both successes and imperfect harvests. Through a lighthearted grandmother's tale about outsmarting Yama with worm-infested brinjals, I reflect on how home gardening frees us from conventional notions of "perfect" vegetables. I detail my experience with growing greens using a three-pot rotation system, ensuring continuous harvest of spinach and other leafy vegetables. My journey reveals that urban vegetable gardening, despite space constraints, brings immense joy and satisfaction when we embrace its learning curve and occasional mishaps.
A Season to Grow Happiness
I explore the fascinating world of ambitious seeds and their remarkable journeys - from those that hitch rides on bird feathers to others that explode like missiles to find new growing spaces. Drawing from scientific discoveries of ancient seeds sprouting to life, like the 32,000-year-old Narrow-Leafed Campion from Siberia, I share my wonder at seeds' incredible survival abilities. Through practical guidance, I detail the art of preparing soil for spring sowing, explaining the layering technique that ensures proper drainage and growth. I demonstrate how even novice gardeners can succeed with seed starting, from understanding sowing depth to germination testing methods.
5 An Easy Route to a Spicy Harvest
I begin with Charles Darwin's "abominable mystery" about the sudden emergence of flowering plants, before diving into the fascinating world of underground stems - rhizomes. Through my exploration of ginger and turmeric cultivation, I share practical tips about selecting rhizomes, preparing the soil, and proper planting techniques for container gardens. I explain how these ancient spices, both belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, can be successfully grown in urban spaces with simple care guidelines. My detailed guide covers everything from choosing the right pot size to harvesting and storing these precious spices, making it accessible for city gardeners to grow their own.
4 A Rain Check for Your Precious Plants
I take you on a nostalgic journey of my childhood in Chennai's Anna Nagar, where my father taught me valuable lessons about gardening through the simple task of watering coconut trees. Our home's garden was thoughtfully designed with a mix of flowering plants, fruits, and vegetables, following a clever watering system that my father devised. I share how watering plants became a meditative practice for me, learning to understand each plant's unique needs and the importance of gentle care. Through these memories, I weave in practical tips about watering techniques for modern urban gardens, while emphasizing how involving children in gardening can nurture their connection with nature.
3 A Gentle Flutter in your Balcony
I write about my transformation from being a nervous gardener who once hastily removed caterpillars from curry leaves, to becoming a patient observer of nature's rhythms. Through my encounters with Mormon Swallowtails, Common Rose butterflies, and their host plants, I've discovered how my garden evolved into a living ecosystem. I weave together my gardening experiences with the enchanting world of butterfly metamorphosis, hoping to inspire others to create their own butterfly sanctuaries. My journey from fear to fascination shows how understanding nature's delicate connections has enriched both my garden and my life.
2 The Right Kind of Sunlight
The second column "The right kind of sunlight" addresses a fundamental aspect of urban gardening - understanding light requirements. Using relatable quotes from frustrated beginners ("I am a serial plant killer"), it tackles common mistakes new gardeners make. The piece cleverly uses Lalbagh nursery in Bangalore as a practical example of how plants are arranged based on their sunlight needs.
1 Pause to Wonder
The debut column "Pause to wonder" in Deccan Herald's Motley Garden series captures a pivotal moment during the March 2020 lockdown. The column's opening lines about the world shrinking to four walls resonated deeply with readers experiencing the unprecedented lockdown, making it a timely and relevant introduction to a gardening series.
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