Let us first take a look at the
Value of a Tree -- 1.Trees generate
Oxygen -removes CO2 2.Recycles
fertility and soil erosion control, 3.Creates
a Natural air pollution control system,
4.Provides
shelter for birds and animals--
5.Shade for all mankind and creatures ;
Besides
providing flowers, fruits.
So,
when even one tree is cut, the city loses, mankind loses , all lose--
Trees
in smaller spaces in metros--- Aerial Growth space. -
This
pic has a Neem about 45 ft tall, a Bilwa of abt 30 ft and a Cotton Tree outside
even --
This
is seen at Sringeri Math Temple at Mandavelli, Chennai.
In my small compound-started in 1982-
Pic
shows a Neem in my compound in 5 ft space -over 30 years. In the rear space
we managed 2 Coconut trees as we have 40 x 10 ft space only..
What is needed:
1)
All that is required is Aerial Growth space, 2) A little care in pruning in
growth stages will ensure branches do not spread horizontally and the Tree will
grow well--vertically. Water the tree and care for it
Some
trees can be grown and managed more easily --but Ficus genus like Ashwattha,
Banyan and Oudamber will need more space and cannot be managed in small spaces.
With the Metros buildings crowding in more daily and Builders not giving much
space for Greening --we have to carefully choose suitable trees -to Plant and
Take Care .
Think
before you cut a tree!
Just
a little care and concern--and assistance Trees
need this care and we need Trees
Nature
is GOD! Conservation
is Prayer!
Respects to All
TR
Thursday, 10 April 2014
Reflections in April, 2014-
On 31st. March we have the fin year ending which
this time also coincides with our New Year of Yugadi; also for many in India.
Tamil New Years day and Vishu and others follow in mid April.
Writing in a reflective mood - For me the
last year was one that can be best described as a Dizzy Bizzy Crazy year. Add in
medical and all--But that's Life too- more seen with age and today
perhaps a bit more stressful. thought"Destiny is not something we choose, but rather some thingm that walks
closely and quietly beside us" Of things that we may be even unaware of even.
We all now live in a world where personal circumstances may vary totally & more so with this potpourri in India, soaring inflation and a service sector
--inc Banks, Insurance, esp Mediclaim, Hospital-treatment that is spinning out
of control as compared to the very simple and easier times till the 80s. Even
working hours have changed and meeting at a dinner table is now a thing of the
past.. Chai Time meet is a luxury and become rare!!However, we still
have to make choices and take decisions setting simple goals and resolutions. So
what all really matters most : 1) Time , Health & Energy Management to
suit present day needs of our "body clock takes priority and helps a lot.--any
age group. 2) Renewal of Friendships (and Healing) is a vital part but often
lost out with job or other pressures piling up still ! but somethings just
cannot be put on hold too long either. Meet all your close and special
people - 3) Catch up with all personal pending items -inc domestic,finance
and set in order.The list seems just endless; Sounds very basic & so simple,
but working this out takes commitment anjd application and time. 4) De -Clutter
or in sailors language JETTISON, all unwanted Baggage and Focus on essentials is
what I keep telling myself-as we often seem to get into too many hassles at
times. Gentle but firm speech & words and above all keep cool helps a lot.
5) Finally we decide where want to go-Direction and Course to
Steer. "A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory
fails." TR
Monsoon Watch from a
hotel balcony at Mumbai 2013.
I was briefly at Mumbai
for a head office meeting -and was just too tired to go out after 6pm-stayed in
my room at Sea Place hotel over looking the Sea at Colaba --Water front and
stared out of the window-watched the Sea and Ships & boats--some thing I
never tire of doing and it refreshes me--I did not go out at all in the monsoon
--(age &health -my neuro- mg is telling badly on such frenetic rush- rush
trips finally!! have to stop and take breaths .. )
Managed to take some pics
of the sea front at Colaba- from Gateway ; my fav place
really.
Evokes so many memories
...esp of my life on a Coastal Tanker m.t. Jag Jwala 1966-69.
Reflections at Dawn The very early morning
hours of 10th Feb.found me looking out of my window at Sea palace Hotel, Mumbai-
across the bay and the scene was a vivid recall of T.S. Dufferin mornings .
The view across was misty and with some
haze---as the sunrise is quite late.. past 7 am, unlike my earlier sunrise time
on East Coast.The Gulls and all tiny sea birds floating and feeding on the
waters of the silent dawn are the only signals of a city awakening, apart from
a few early morning walkers. The ships in the background is much the same as
in 1963-5,-except now so many pleasure Yachts are moored there.
The serenity of the view across the bay so
vividly helped recall those short periods after early morning bugle call of
Reveille and then the the "Fallout for Prayers" as we prayed or reflected at
Dawn as Cadets - across the Sea ; A great experience continued over those
two years as Cadets does remain etched in the recesses of one's memory..
As the sun slowly rose in the sky- it also
reminded me of basic navigational training like sun's amplitude, sextant
altitude and all. The mist slowly lifted and the day break continued. Crows, -
raucous as they are, replaced the Gulls and slowly the traffic noise replaced
the Quietude of the wonderful morning.... Oh yes, the beautiful scene was
heightened with a Lemon Tea at The window.
Never thought the hotel room overlooking the Sea
face at Mumbai would offer such a gentle vista for a meditative space in the
early hours esp. considering the usual din of city traffic and noise that
starts later.
Moments of Silence still reigned in the early
Dawn-
"take time to appreciate the
wonders of Creation and the Creator is a truism".No wonder our Ancients
valued the early hours so much as "Shubha Muhurat" and then said "Good Morning". Cheers
TR
Sharing my experience with Jasminum sambac ( botanical name )
.
The Jasmine (Madhvi or Vasanti in sanskrit) is a flower for all
occasions and all over the South India ( (Jadi & Mullai type) dominate -inc in
the busy Chennai Metro as the preferred choice .
The
Jasmine takes a special place at Pooja time as the priests chants Malati,
Mallika, Shevantaki, Bakula Champaka , Ketaki etc.in pushpa
archana--
We have a stotra on Mata Parvati
representing the Jasmine Creeper and adorning Lord Shiva .Most all "Sugandh" is
Fragrance and synonymous with Jasmine ..and is in Lingashtakam - Sarva sugandhi sulepita Lingam-Buddhi vivardhana karana
Lingam, Siddha surasura vandita Lingam Tat pranamami Sadasiva Lingam----Meaning;
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,Which
is anointed by perfumes,Which leads to growth of
wisdom,And which is worshipped by sages, devas and
asuras. Jasmine -Malli--
Some varieties are so pretty to look at eg.Gundu Malli
but without fragrance but still so nice.
Malli -Mallika- as it is called in
southern part of India obviously comes from the full name Malati.
Background
I had planted two very small plants called
Nitya Malli in the earth on North and West side in my small compound in
2004.
Honestly I feel some plants come to us
by sheer Grace- Anugraha as they both some how grew well despite the fact I had
enthusiasm for plants and trees but little l idea of how to handle a Jasmine
Creeper.
The north side creeper climbed up the wall
and went onto the adjacent shed.
The western side creeper was taken onto the
Frangipani Tree.
All I did was to ensure watering and
occasional Soil change and manure.
In fact they seem to be hardy plants
(creepers) and just grew to a height of about 15 feet with sweet smelling
Flowers at the top.
After Rains esp. they would bloom even more
and exude a delightful fragrance.
All well went ---till I called in a Helper
to Trim the dry vines and dead wood as pest control isa reality in every garden
.Trimming at aheight is difficult and calls for great care.Periodic trimming and
pruning is necessary to control the drying out vines. I had just been absent for
half an hour ( for a late breakfast on sunday) when the Helper clipped all the
Jasmine Vines on the Creeper in our house frontage and wrecked the entire
Plant.-Dear God ...Helpers!!
Vines dont grow -new have to sprout
...OMG
LESSON
Do not employ Helpers who dont understand
Garden work...
RE-STARTING--
I spent a week to understand the Jasmine
Creeper as very little information is available to suit Local conditions--I
share my learnings with all --who may want to plant this delightful Creeper
.
INFORMATION LACKING
1.I went through all blogs and found there
are so many Varieties of Jasmine and names confuse . Most relate to varieties
grown overseas esp in Colder conditions. Finally came across Design Green India
2 The local Flower stores ( who deal in
horticulture) and sell Plants-Saplings and other garden material have no
Botanical knowledge .Most are just sales persons to push sales and were of no
help in plant advice.
3. I finally asked around and thr Gardener
who tends the corporate properties at the end of Greenways Roads was quite
helpful.
4. I learnt some lessons on this Jasmine
-NItya Malli aka Chameli as it is called in north india. This site covers a lot
-http://designgreenindia.com/2013/06/best-tips-for-growing-spanish-jasmine-chameli/
5. Just adding on to what I learnt--5 Tips.
SHARED
1) In India it is best to grow in the
earth as it really grows and spreads to heights and across ; a spot with
adequate sunlight.
A mixture of Red Earth (sem-mann) &
Cowdung mix is sold in all places for Rs 100/per gunny bag. Thie sapling to be
planted in the ground after digging in and is to be kept moist and with
drainage.
2) Daily Watering is needed -esp in
Chennai wher it can be extremely hot from April till August
3) Fertilsier -have used only Neem Oil
solution, Organo & Compost is available in packets at Rs 30
each.
Replenish Red earth and cowdung mix when
the plant needs a pick up--
4) Neem Oil Spray was
used.
5) Trim dried out vines with
care--
Happily a few new new Vines are sprouting
in the earth- this time I will be more careful
I learnt that trimming of new vines helps to propogate new vines
and leaves and Flowering.
Plan to use a wire grill to
guide the creeper on to the grill by tying a string near the tip of the
plant.
Will nurture them with greater
Care.
The plant will flower in a few months
Other names are Jasminum grandiflorum (chameli ) Spanish
jasmine.
