No soil no food.Soil the healer, the energy of grounding.Blessings of Mother Earth, soil has an emotional connection to our bodies.A very important part of the cycle of nature. While people are going soil less with alternative methods in growing plants, I still cling with the muddy hands and digging of soil.
Its absolutely Awesome to dig your hands in soil, get them muddy and I have noticed,what whatever I am going through, this gardening brings a beautiful grounding stability and fresh energy in my life. Keep soil near you, in any form, this will keep you grounded and happy.
So true is the quote that brings nostalgic memories in hearts of NRI's 'mitti ki khushbu' ''apne desh ki mitti' .
Life calling, soul destination, "Kutch nahi dekha to kuch nahi dekha"Amitabh Bachchan promoting Gujrat tourism ,so on wish list, the vast salt dessert. Absolute Bluss! Largest salt dessert, Rann of Kutch. The festival is on from November 2018 till February 2019. Worth visiting and out of this world experience! Mesmerizing whiteness, salt salt everywhere, fresh purification of the body and soul. Its fantastic to ride camel cart and I always make it a point to ask the name of the camel, or horse and thank them too, and of course selfie with the horse and selfie with the camel rocks!
View from the tower Rann of Kutch Salt Dessert |
Rann Utsav Rann of Kutch Festival 2018 |
Meanwhile our 3 little gardens are growing well, windows and the entryway garden. Container gardening is challenging as plants have to grow in limited soil. With struggle for beginning few months have come to right combination of plants that grow in low light and less water.
Practical points to consider when going for short vacation-
1) If you are often on the go traveling, choose to grow container plants that require less water.
2) Large pots hold more staying capacity. If the root system is strong they survive better in any challenging conditions for few days.
3) Do not plant new seeds or new saplings if you are going to be away, they may sprout but will die off if not cared for. ( Mine love me so much, they are still alive, blessed for this love,) But am now very careful in planting new seeds and do consider the timing to nurture the new babies coming out.
4) the plates below the containers, if filled with water help. Gradually supplying moisture to the plants.
5) Try growing plants in water, this is what I am trying to do now, its another entryway garden challenge, but will be worth to keep my entrance green. I have seen you tube videos and on Google that all plants grow in water, but there is a right technique to grow them other wise they rot.
6) If you can request a neighbor or domestic help to water them, this helps, but I usually avoid this as many times my plants don't take well with someone else handling them. and have lost some due to over watering by other people once in a while. especially container plants need controlled watering.
7) Multiple space covers help conserve moisture. Remember to grow like minded plants, team then up, each benefits the other.
The shell garden Zen garden is beautiful with its uniquness |
Succulent Jade Feng Shuii Number symbolism wealth luck plant
Took twine and DIY hanging ideas for containers Amaryllis bulbs look happy here |
8) If you can plan vacations during winter or rainy season where watering needs are comparatively less for your container plants. That's what we try to do, so that I also know they will be fine in a few days of my absence.
Recycling projects on mind, have grown in cold drink bottles and hand painted bottles, Chinese bamboo and money plants and this looks great! With my garden they are never the same, every few months some new, some changes and some additions are always there!
Happy Gardening! All the Best from Rizwana!
Remember Gardening need not be a chore! enjoy your garden, keep them independent for most times and see them and you happy!
Lesson learnt! Chinese Bamboo are the best and they grow in any condition! low sunlight, low water ,low care! How to save Bamboo 8 immediate practical tips |
My little entryway garden |