Orchids Flower Show 2017 - The Orchid Society of Karnataka - Lalbagh, Bangalore

We had visited the Orchid show during 2012, and we went today as well. The entry tickets to the show were Rs. 50 per head. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Orchid Society, you can ask the members at the ticket counter. The members’ orchid collections were excellent!

We were overwhelmed at the number of sale/nursery stalls that were present today. Also check out the book by Naresh Swami and calendar available, and snacks (not made from orchids!) available at the food stall.

Please don't buy orchid plants before familiarising yourself with the types, growing details, and so on. With knowledge comes power to better nurture these special plants. You can also ask for guidance when you buy.

Here are a couple of photos of unique orchids that we thought were awesome. Enjoy!

Floral arrangement in the form of a photo frame!

Floral towers and displays

Exotic orchids

More exotic ones

Guess these!

Regards,

Asha 

Black Eyed Beans

I am growing Black Eyed Beans/Alasande Kalu in growing-bags, third time around, from seeds saved, at the garden. Had 100% germination of seeds saved; seedlings/plants are healthy. Three plants are flaunting beans; others plants are flaunting flowers. 

Growing these plants in growing-bags of size is 6"×6", and with regular potting mix. The bags are placed west-facing, receives direct sunlight till dusk. The plants/creepers are free to climb the tiled space. Have used threads made from coconut fibre to guide these creepers. Frequently spray organic pest repellent to these plants because they can be attracted to a variety of pests.

Black eyed beans

Regards,

Asha

Sunflowers - Dwarf Variety

I have been saving seeds of all kinds. These Sunflowers are grown from seeds saved during previous seasons. This is the dwarf variety; tiny seeds, and lot of flowers. It's a delight to see them. 

In 8" pots, we have two dwarf plants each. May seem crowded but no; their stems are thin and tall, and leaves are small, and therefore, two plants grow well. We ensure that one plant is manure, the other one is seedling. This way, when the manure plant stops flowering, the seedling would have grown manure enough to flower. 

The potting mix is red mud, cocopeat, and manure; well-drain soil. During flowering season, I add a handful of manure/vermi-compost to the top soil, and mix well. Yes, these plants love direct sunlight. Needs water almost everyday, depending on the temperature. Search the plants for caterpillars, and if found, remove them. 

After the flower dries, cut them, and save them for the next season. Here sunflowers grow throughout the year, and that's a beautiful gift. :-)

Happy gardening! 

Dwarf sunflowers

Regards,
Asha 

Free Gardening Books

We have a list of brilliant Gardening books that are free to access/download, and we share the list with you!

• The Beginners Book Of Gardening by Roberts,Harry
• Organic Gardening For Dummies
• The Book Of Climbing Plants And Wall Shrubs by Arnott. S
• Home Vegetable Gardening by F. F. Rockwell
• Gardener's Composting by Steven Solomon

Please do read them.

Regards,

Asha

Herbal Teas - Blue tea

We brewed this Blue tea with Bluepea/Shankapushpi flowers that we organically grow at our garden. We pick the flowers in the morning, dry them in shade, and brew tea. Boil one cup of water, add the flowers, and allow them to steep; can also squeeze the color from the flowers.

Word of caution: Please check with your doctor, before consuming herbal teas. 

For benefits/uses, please see:www.ayurvedicindia.info/12-benefits-of-shankhapushpi-uses/

#rakeandspade_bluetea

Regards,
Asha

Herbal Teas - Pink tea

It's been raining here. Morning was damp and cold. We brewed some Pink tea to keep us warm. The Pink color came from infusing organically grown hibiscus flowers from our garden; we discarded the flowers' Stigma. This hot tea was served with a little lemon juice and organic honey.

Word of caution: Please check with your doctor, before consuming herbal teas.

For details about health benefits, see: homeofayurveda.org/hibiscus-ayurvedas-beautiful-remedy/

Regards,
Asha

Herbal Teas - Fennel Flowers

Today's herbal/floral tea brewed from Fennel flowers growing (organically) at our terrace garden smells great. The brew is simple; a cup of water boiled and poured over the flowers, and allowed to steep. Served hot.

Word of caution: Please check with your doctor, before consuming herbal teas.

Regards,
Asha