The terrace garden at Uppal Southend in Sector 49, Gurgaon.
The hustle and bustle of life in Gurgaon, more often than not, leaves you exhausted and longing for a retreat where you can relax and rejuvenate yourself. You want a place where you can spend time reading or playing a game of cards or a board game with your kids. And who doesn’t want to catch some rays while reading the newspaper during winters!
Well, there’s a way to fulfill this need – just create your own little retreat. Terrace gardens are a perfect way to get close to nature and recharge your batteries. The greenery, the freshness, the colours and the freedom to grab a chair and sit with your loved ones whenever you feel like is idyllic.
So, are you sold on trying your hand at it? Here's some inspiration to get you started - a few pictures, some words, shared by this enthusiastic gardener, Nitin Sirohi, from Gurgaon's Uppal Southend, Sector 49.
IT STARTS WITH SMALL BEGINNINGS: And experiments. Some failures and some successes. You learn which plants can survive the hot blazing sun on Gurgaon terraces and which ones cannot survive your enthusiastic gardening assistant who most often waters them to death. Bougenvillea (above) for example, doesn't need too much care.
THE TOUGH AND THE TOUCHY: You then learn over the years how to select plants: The hardy ones can survive three days without water and there are the ones that need daily attention. You will learn how to water them optimally and not to waste gallons. And the reward is there for you to reap. Aren't these Pitunias glorious?
CLIPPING AND CURING: Yes, that's an art you'll learn along the way, to craft your very own Geranium (above), popular as bedding plants and great for display.
EYE SURPRISE: Gardening is a hobby that will often deliver pleasent surprises. You will discover some of your plants grow beyond your expectations. These Bryophyllum, blooming at Uppal Southend's terrace garden, sure must be a delight to the one who nurtured them.
SHARE YOUR SUNSHINE: Look at the Champa (Plumeria) above. A good looking, robust plant in a nice looking planter is always a treat for the eyes. And sure, these also make for great gifts. You may move on gradually to the more serious art of Bonsai.
PLACING THEM RIGHT: With winters around, you may create a wonderful collage of flowers. During monsoons you may create an explosions of greenery with climbers and creepers. Experiment with combination of plants and ways to organise them. In the picture above, Gazania and Kashmiri roses are kept in flower pots at the front while Dahlia catches one's eye from behind.
WHO WANTS TO STAY INDOORS! You will finally learn to put up a shelter to save your roof-top investments, specially during the blazing hot April-July days. You can design aesthetic shades, use awnings and arrange a nice seating area to complete your very own terrace garden. You may also use it for parties or create a bar. Indulge as per your budget.
