Fruits of labour!

A green oasis at home apart, gardening is a stress-buster and also a hobby that helps you build connections, writes Jayanthi Madhukar

What combines the benefits of a workout, meditation session and meaningful social interaction all at once? For the devoted gardener, these are just a few of the many rewards of tending to plants, not to mention the simple joy of watching the fruits - vegetables, flowers or both - of one’s labour.

Even for those not inclined to delve into the finer details of gardening, the simple act of watering plants can be surprisingly calming. “Whenever my boys get too boisterous at home, I tell them to go out into our little garden and water the plants,” says Janaki Krishna, mother of two pre-teen sons. “Sure enough, they become completely absorbed in the task - plucking dead leaves gently, pulling out weeds - and it settles them. They return calmer, more focused.”

For the first-time gardener, bringing a few potted plants into the home can feel like a transformative step. “I thought I would be a plant killer,” says Meera Badri, a self-confessed novice who now proudly cares for 10 potted plants. “But when a friend gifted me a money plant and a philodendron, she gave me clear instructions - when and how much to water, where to place them. A month later, the plants were thriving. I added a few more plants to keep them company, and now, a year later, I consider myself something of an expert. My orchid even flowered under my care.”

Gardening, she says, has changed the way she spends her downtime. “Whenever I need a break from my home workstation, I find myself tending to the plants. It is funny how attached I have become.” She is now considering transforming her small balcony into a green retreat. “I think it will be the perfect way to decompress.”

When Priyanka and Suresh Kumar built their home in the city more than a decade ago, they made sure to include ample space for a garden. “Now that we are both retired, gardening has become our main form of physical activity,” Priyanka says. “The pavements aren’t walkable and there’s no good park nearby.” The fruit trees they planted early on now offer seasonal yields of jackfruit, sapota and mangoes. “We’re not just alleviating boredom and perhaps a bit of loneliness,” she adds. “We’re also spending quality time together.” The couple share their surplus produce with neighbours, and in doing so, have helped cultivate a close-knit community.

With such glowing testimonials, gardening emerges as a surprisingly effective way to reduce stress, stay active and build connections.

Choose plants based on space available

Creating a beautiful garden depends largely on the space available. Even if an outdoor garden or balcony with room for potted plants is not feasible, there are still ways to bring greenery indoors. Set aside a few sunlit windows and dedicate them to indoor plants. With aesthetics in mind, choose plant holders that complement the interior decor. While indoor container gardening is not especially demanding, it benefits from regular care. Find the right watering rhythm, occasionally wipe leaves with a soft, damp cloth, and periodically loosen the soil to encourage healthy, attractive plants.

Before beginning any outdoor garden, it is essential to develop a thoughtful plan. Consider the interplay of colour, texture and form, and place plants and trees according to their sunlight needs. Approach the layout with an artist’s sensibility and think in terms of complementary hues and dynamic compositions. The most compelling gardens often feature something extra - perhaps ornamental elements, outdoor furniture or focal features such as a pond or sculptural installation. Identify what you would like to highlight and allow it to anchor the space.

Plan your green retreat

Creating an attractive garden requires a degree of foresight in selecting plants that not only thrive together but also complement one another in colour. Think of your garden as a canvas which you will paint with blooms and foliage. Begin by choosing a colour scheme that suits your taste and the space available.

A sound guiding principle is to select one dominant colour, one or two accent hues and a neutral base colour which is typically the natural green of foliage. White, in particular, makes an effective dominant colour. It is versatile, pairs well with nearly any accent, and is available in a wide range of plant varieties. From white roses and jasmine to peace lilies, bougainvillea, chrysanthemums and carnations, there are ample options to consider.

For accent colours, pinks, reds, yellows and oranges are both visually striking and relatively easy to grow. Birds-of-paradise, cannas, marigolds and roses offer rich tones that can punctuate the garden with warmth and vibrancy. For something a little more distinctive, try combining white and yellow with a pop of blue - perhaps through hydrangeas, morning glory, butterfly pea flowers or orchid as a highlight.

Bold colours such as yellow, orange or red generally sit well together, especially when set against lush green foliage. To create vivid and eye-catching flowerbeds, petunias are a popular choice. Their richly shaded blooms offer visual variety and charm. As annuals, they will need replacing periodically, but doing so allows you to refresh the garden’s palette with each season and preserve its sense of enchantment.