Healing power of gardens
AstheNovelCoronavirusforcedustostepoutoftherat-raceandleftusalmostrudderless, whyareweexperiencinganincreaseddesiretobeclosetogreenery?
Iwork like a gardener,” the great painter Joan Miró wrote, referring to the proper pace of creative work.
The pandemic tore away the world’s shared sense of normality, leaving people confused and disoriented. But mankind is finding solace in reconnecting with nature, even if the route is through a tiny apartment balcony or a cramped terrace space. Caring for plants — watering, feeding, trimming and re-potting them - provides an escape route from the anxieties of everyday life, and offers proof that life can flourish in the darkest times. A gardening craze dubbed "plantdemic" is spreading in urban areas as a positive counterpoint to the pandemic.
PATH TO REJUVENATION
“The role that nature plays in health and healing becomes even more critical in Corona times. Nature has the power to refresh our mind, body, and soul. Living with nature is a blessing,” says Sudha Moola, interior designer, who has most of the seasonal vegetables and fruits growing in her terrace garden.
After the pandemic, I guess we will continue to spend time on our little patches of green as we have realised that gardening is good for mental and physical health and is conducive to meditation, despite the rising prices of plants
— Tulasi Nama,
homemaker
I remember my childhood where I would sit in the garden and gaze at a freshly bloomed rose. I had a connection with those plants. Just simply serene bliss! I miss all that. My reconnection with nature truly restarted during the lockdown. I connected with every plant I have. That connection is deep in my heart. I am glad to have those moments back
— Supriya Reddy,
Once a refreshing hobby, owning plants is now a trend among celebrities, and Juhi Chawla, Bhumi Pednekar, Dia Mirza and Twinkle Khanna are among the high-fliers who have taken to nurturing greenery in a big way. Samantha Akkineni has started a new venture called GrowWithMe on her Instagram page. While gardening and learning about plants herself, she shares with her followers the benefits of gardening.
“I remember my childhood where I would sit in the garden and gaze at a freshly bloomed rose.
I had a connection with those plants. I took long evening walks into paddy fields and dipped my feet in the water gushing from the fields. Just simply serene bliss! I miss all that. My reconnection with nature truly restarted during the lockdown. I connected with every plant I have. That connection is deep in my heart. I am glad to have those moments back,” says Supriya Reddy, interior designer.
interiordesigner
GREEN BALM FOR THE SOUL
COVID-19 has changed the face of backyards and balconies, as people turn to nature to relieve stress and boredom. Suheim Sheikh, founder and president, Yacht Club, says, “The wonder of minuscule, fragile seeds, growing each day into full grown vegetables, is mind-blowing. Taking care of a terrace garden and learning the techniques from experienced gardeners online has been a soulsatisfying experience and holistic education.”
Mini-gardens don’t just freshen the air, but make for a great hobby too.
“Looks like the pandemic has
come with a message – spend more time at home, and focus on health issues using home remedies. I grow medicinal plants like lemongrass and herbs like tulsi on the terrace apart from the flowers, and use them as home remedies when needed. Also, plants provide a way to connect with nature, give you fresh oxygen in the morning and create a relaxed ambience for you to work out in at home,” says entrepreneur Madhu Jain.
SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN A POT
“This is the perfect time to put your green thumb to use, and get into indoor gardening,” says actor Teja Kakumanu, who has been growing palak, methi, brinjal, tomato, coriander and air-purifying plants. “Spinach (palak) is one plant that can easily grow anywhere in any pot during any season,” says Teju, adding, “Our future generations should know where we get food from, and how it is produced - only then will they know the value of food and hopefully not waste it.”
RISING DEMAND
Demand remained robust even as prices for the most popular varieties of indoor plants, such as alocasia, spider plants and peace lilies doubled or even quadrupled. “A large number of nurseries have been doing brisk business selling plants such as Tulsi, Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Giloy and
Lemongrass. Orders for these plants are pouring in daily. People have been enquiring about plants such as Palm rose, Jawa and Citroneila, which have medicinal uses,” says Krishna, who owns a nursery in Begumpet.
“Many of us did not know how to take care of plants earlier. But perhaps due to stress during the lockdown and subsequent financial pressures, many people find solace in their gardens. Also, the easiest way to make yourself happy is through growing things, and gardens always add to joy. After the pandemic, I guess we will continue to spend time on our little patches of green as we have realised that gardening is good for mental and physical health and is conducive to meditation, despite the rising prices of plants,” says Tulasi Nama, homemaker.
A HEALTHY MIND IN A HEALTHY BODY
Healing of mind and body requires an interplay of a healthy diet, exercise and exposure to sunlight and clean air.
“Lack of exposure to fresh air and greenery can contribute to both physical and mental ailments. Exposure to air and sunlight plays a role in preventing lung disease by improving ventilation. Regular exercise prevents diabetes, heart diseases, hypertension and osteoporosis. Pregnant women who exercise regularly are known to have fewer complications. Depression and physiological disorders are definitely helped by greenery and fresh air,” says Dr. K. Seshi Kiran, Senior General Physician, Yashoda Hospitals.