Stand Up

After the provision of utilization space,the space left for the gardener is normally very less. Along the drive,it is a big constraint and the gardeners hardly get one and a half foot or so space along the wall. Over and above,there is a problem of seepage and dampness in walls. Using stands is the best alternative. See the accompanying picture. Using base plates is even better as it collects the spillage or draining through the basal hole. But before adapting this method,make sure that the pots used are uniform or alternated by similar display as has been done in this arrangement. Also,the plants should also be as healthy as these are visible. The plants alternately used in this arrangement are Areca palm and Asparagus (Mayeri).

* The football lily in my garden is in flowering. There is no leaf as yet on the plant. Please tell how the flower has appeared without leaves?
Kiran,Chandigarh
Do not worry,nature is great. The necessary food is already aplenty in the bulb,sufficient for early stages of plant growth or flowering. Now the leaves will follow to sustain the plant. The flower forming parts (primordial) is already decided and present in the bulb.

* The litchi fruit is now over. What should we do now for the upkeep of the tree?
Madhu,Chandigarh
Luckily there is no serious insect-pest or disease in litchi. So there is nothing to worry. Only keep removing the dead wood.

* The pudina patch in my garden has dried. Earlier,the leaves curled up and there was sudden vanishing of the plants. What could be the reason?
Surinder,Panchkula
The curling of leaves in pudina is due to aphids. It is better to clip the plants near the base once or keep washing the plants with fast jet of water. I do not advise use of chemicals in this case. However,the second reason of the plants vanishing must be due to excess watering. Check if the ‘vanishing’ was as if it was burnt since that is a sure sign.

* How and when can plumeria be multiplied?
Satnam,Chandigarh
The plumeria is multiplied by way of cutting in January.

For gardening problems,ask Dr Green at satishnarula@yahoo.co.in