A green patch

Bindu Gopal Rao

While the Pantone colour of the year is green, there is an easy way to create your own patch of greenery at home. And if you are worried about space, here are a host of ideas to go green even when you have a space constraint.

The specifics

Good design is essential for small space gardens. If you have limited room to grow, maximising the area you can garden in and wise plant selection should be top priorities. K. Madhavan, managing director Peps Industries Pvt. Ltd, adds, “India is a country where coconut and coco peat/coco soil (a mixture of peat and vermi compost) is readily available. With these, one can start a garden even with limited space. Plants and flowers are these days available in ready-to-use packages at a very low cost. All that needs to be done is plant a small piece of stem into a pot and they grow into a blossoming plant.” 

Those who hanker about less space could start with just a few pots. “In fact, gardening starts with something as simple as taking a used lettuce head and replanting it in a pot to grow it and use it again! However, it is easiest to start by growing microgreens. They are exotic, pack a punch nutritionally, and can be added to almost every form of cooking,” says Saahil Parekh, co-founder, Khetify.

Gardening in small spaces has to be done intelligently. One must really understand the complementary nature of plants if they are being planted close to each other to get a good yield. “For example, tomatoes absorb a lot of nutrient from the soil. So, planting them with beans, which add nutrients to the soil, makes brilliant sense. Similarly, if space is a constraint, you can grow tubers like carrots and radishes that occupy space underneath with leafy greens that occupy space above the ground,” adds Parekh.

Ideas and more

Make a small space attractive and ensure a contemporary look with strong landscaped lines. “Create interesting interlocking zones with distinctive materials such as wood stained decking, pale patio slabs and decorative stones or chippings. Try turning a small courtyard into a lush habitat with a towering living wall,” says Sagar Datta from Casa Interio.

If you have less space, consider hanging gardens. “A 300 sq ft balcony space can be doubled by installing an 8-feet green pergola, an arched structure covered with climbing or trailing plants. We can create a room with vines hanging down and with grass under our feet,” says Anupama Bihani, owner Mirabel Interiors, Delhi.

One could also go for vertical gardens that are gaining popularity as a space-maximising approach to gardening. “For example, by attaching potted herbs and bush varieties of vegetables to wire mesh, you can create your own vertical display. Vertical gardening is a wonderful way to cultivate indoor plants, especially if your space gets plenty of light,” adds Bihani.

Be smart

A beautiful garden area can also be created with some old furniture that you are planning to throw out. “Old dressers make great planting bases. You simply put the plants in individual pots and then use the drawers to hold them. You end up with a three tiered garden look that is both beautiful and space saving. Recycling is a great way to save money and space. This recycled, upside down garden is perfect for those living in apartments,” says Bihani.

Think of an Indian kitchen and you realise it echoes a boring interior. However, with indoor planting, you can pep up its look. Harjith D. Bubber, MD and CEO Rivali Park, CCI Projects, explains, “Adding a live herb garden can leave your kitchens spilling over with greenery. Edible plants growing in your kitchens are the most functional gardens you can grow indoors. Single narrow planters fit well if you have a windowsill garden. Mason jars are great to use for indoor herb gardening. You can make use of all the available vertical space by hanging small baskets of plant stands. If you have a small home, use of miniature plants will help make your space look bigger.”

Choose wisely

Succulents are easy to grow and care for. These are native to areas prone to drought and need very less water. Areca palm, dracaena, spider plant, snake plant and weeping fig are some other popular choices. Spotted dead nettle is notable for its variegated foliage and dense clusters of flowers, which appear in a variety of colours, including white, pink and purple. Varieties such as Peperomia’s, Ellen Danica and Laurenti come in different shades, which make them look like grape creepers or exotic snakes. The plants can help structure and beautify your home. So get your green thumbs working.

Tips to take home

• Plant a table-top garden that you can use as a centrepiece.
• Try gardening on your bench top.
• Go for dwarf, semi-dwarf or miniature varieties of plants.