Down To Earth

After the construction or renovation of a house is over,it is the turn of the garden

After the construction or renovation of a house is over,it is the turn of the garden. Scan through the rubble. Some of it may be of use. For instance,pieces of marble make for a good feature in the garden (in the picture). Select pieces that are not broken. You could embed them in the walls or use them as a platform to keep small pots. It could also be used as a shelter to let some light come in and protect the plants from the sun and rain. Those who are innovative,could use it to hide a small mike or a music system in the garden. This could be covered with small pots or decorative plants.

Why is it said that the cuttings should be kept in shade,whereas the same plant is sun-loving? I have multiplied poinsettia,should I keep them in the sun or shade?

Manjit Singh,Mohali

When you have a plant cutting,it is advised to keep it in the shade as cuttings do not have roots and there is every possibility that it would dry due to desiccation. Do not expose it to the harsh sun till the it strikes roots or starts growing leaves.

My bael tree is in bearing and has shed leaves. The fruit is still on the plant. What is the reason of shedding leaves?

Rakesh Goel,Panchkula

The bael tree is deciduous in nature when it is not watered in summers. Otherwise,the leaves do not fall. However,you can still pluck the fruit and eat.

I am planting the summer season flowers like kochia,balsam,cosmos,zinnia and so on for the first time in my garden,as I have just shifted to a house on the ground floor.

Are these good flowering plants or should I have some other varieties?

Rajni,Chandigarh

Story continues below this ad

Kochia does not bear flowers and the plant is valued only because of its shape. Others are good flowering seasonals. You can also plant portulaca,gaillardia and gomphrena.

What is the difference between ordinary and hybrid flowers? I find there is a lot of difference in the rates in the market. Is it worth buying hybrid seeds or seedlings?

Rumi,Panchkula

The hybrid seeds are made by crossing two different varieties with certain desirable characters like colour,size fragrance and so on. As the seed is artificially made,it is costly. If you want to be specific for colour and size of the bloom,then you can go in for the hybrid.

For gardening queries,

ASK DR GREEN at satishnarula@pau.edu

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram