Down To Earth

Shrubs are known to be the saving grace in a garden as they bear flowers when it is in preparation mode for the next flowering season.

Shrubs are known to be the saving grace in a garden as they bear flowers when it is in preparation mode for the next flowering season. But there are some shrubs that have that curiosity factor too. Calliandra (in the picture above) bears flowers that command a few repeated glances from visitors in the garden. Also called the puffball shrub,it comes in white colour as well. The shrub derives its name from the puffball appearance of its blooms. It is hardy to the extent that it can withstand drought for months altogether,and can easily be propagated by cuttings.

I am about to plant the lawn. How much manure should I add in the beginning?

Satinder Singh,Mohali

First,this is not the best time to plant a lawn. Second,dont add manure. Wait till the pre-monsoon showers for planting and before that,do the preparation of soil. Manures will add tremendous amount of weeds.

What is the best time to control weeds in the lawn using chemicals? Do the chemicals also harm

lawn grass?

Devender,Chandigarh

April is the best time to control weeds in lawns. No,the chemicals that are used to kill broad leaf weeds do not harm lawns.

I hear the statice can be dried for dry arrangements. If it is so,do they retain colour too?

Rajinder,Chandigarh

Yes,you heard it right. The statice can be dried and also,it does not lose its colour after it is dried.

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Can we grow calla lily in Chandigarh? Will it give quality blooms?

Sukhdeep,Panchkula

Yes,you can easily grow calla lily here and it gives reasonably good quality blooms.

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