Bonsai: You can find quite a collection of bonsai plants in their homes. A self-taught Bonsai expert, Nisha, confesses that growing Bonsais is very addictive. Watching them grow is a huge source of satisfaction to both of them, as they feel they have succeeded in preserving the trees. And Bonsai are Godsend for preserving medicinal plants as well. A Bonsai tree may cost you less than Rs 1000.00, if it is not matured, but it may cost you more if the Bonsai tree is older and larger.
Kokedama: Kokedama is a Japanese art of gardening using moss ball. With a moss ball as container and a slow-release fertilizer compound inside it, a multitude of flowering plants can be grown in the moss. These are aesthetic and eco-friendly solutions requiring no planters. A bit of pruning, water and ventilation will make sure it lasts for a long time. In summer a 3 to 4 seconds dip in a bowl of water will fulfill its water requirements, and if you wish to see it grow in a pot, simply plant it in a planter, moss ball and all.
Other distinctive gardening solutions which Greener Pastures have come up with are log planters, oval wooden baskets, colorful planters, moss planters, Gift-A- Plant ideas, and also growing of exotic variety of plants for your garden be it orchids or any other hybrid variety of plants.
Can exotic varieties like orchids be grown in homes?
Mamta who specializes in growing all types of Orchids in her home says that orchids are sturdy and grow quite easily in Bangalore weather.
‘A lack of knowledge and fear about handling orchids prevents people from planting them’, says Mamta. ‘You can very easily grow Kalanchoes, Gerbera Daisy, orchids, peace lilies, Anthuriums, some Bromeliads, African violets, Begonias etc in containers in the balcony’, suggests Nisha and Mamta.
A price of an orchid may vary from Rs 500.00 and can go up to Rs 5000.00 or more, depending on the type of orchid, the number of flower spikes, shape, color etc.
What are their future plans?
They have plans to conduct gardening classes covering Bonsais, growing of orchids, organic way of growing vegetables and maintenance of gardens in Bangalore. Their future projects include community gardens and effective waste management of our homes.
What keeps them going?
A good harvest, comments from clients such as, ‘Thanks to you my lawn is so good’, ‘My plants taken from you bloomed’, etc, keeps them motivated and gives them the greatest satisfaction. ‘And the fact that by indulging in gardening we have somehow contributed to the green cover in city and help restore the habitats of several creatures like butterflies is what further adds to our satisfaction’, says Nisha.
Where can they be contacted?
They have both a website and social media presence.
