While there are some cities where the heat can get unpleasant, but the evening breeze becomes a solace for city dwellers...
spring
Temperatures are rising as the flowers are blooming, bidding farewell to gloomy days. Bright sunshine replaces the dreary clouds and the birds come out to sing again. Ah… it’s springtime! While there are some cities where the heat can get unpleasant, but the evening breeze becomes a solace for city dwellers.
In some areas, this is the most happening season since the atmosphere makes it perfect for weddings, garden parties and outdoor activities. But for people living in the hustle and bustle of the city, they might even miss this transition. However, it’s time we start to change that.
If that pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that many of us have been taking our environment for granted. We hardly used to and still don’t give it a second thought before we cut down trees to make a concrete jungle, let alone caring for the little plants that are growing around us. During lockdowns, we longed for the outdoors. We discovered how much we had lost touch with nature. While the parks were closed, many people dusted off their joggers and cycles and took them for a spin. The air felt cleaner… more breathable. Unfortunately, when the lockdown eased, many of us forgot their plans to revisit their nearby parks or take a minute to take in the greenery around them. (Guilty as charged! We know many of you are too.)
If you have been thinking about getting close to nature, this is the time because spring is all about getting a fresh start. You should start getting active now before the temperatures become unbearable.
Around this time, there are many activities that take place encouraging people to step into the outdoors and one of them is flower shows! They encourage visitors to bring out their enthusiasm for gardening and getting close to some greenery. Recently, the 70th Annual Flower show was held at A.K. Khan Park (formerly Seaview Park), Karachi, which attracted large audiences.
More than 500 plant varieties, including seasonal, perennial, and rare species, were on display this year in the floral exhibits set up by the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC), according to the organisers. In contrast, around 1,000 local and exotic species could be seen at stalls set up by specialised clubs and societies participating in the show and commercial nurseries. The Horticultural Society of Pakistan (HSP), in partnership with the DHA and the CBC, hosts the festival every year.
Many non-profit organisations have set up stalls, including the Orchid Society of Pakistan, Cactus and Succulent Society of Pakistan, Pakistan Bonsai Society, Amateur Gardeners Club, Ladies Horticulture Society, Ikebana International-Karachi chapter, Ikenobo Study Group, World Flower Council-Pakistan chapter, Sojetsu Study Group, and Floral Art Society. When asked which plants were the most popular during the event, officials from commercial nurseries that have long participated in the HSP flower show responded it’s the exotics.
In an age where threats to the environment are widespread, it is important for individuals and institutions alike to make an effort to minimise the negative environmental impacts of their activities. Horticulture and gardening are often associated with stay-at-home spouses and senior citizens, but that shouldn’t be the case. Study after study documents the psychological and physical benefits of connecting with the environment. People who are more connected with nature are happier, feel more vital, and have more meaning in their lives. Even merely looking at pictures of nature speeds up mental restoration and improves cognitive functioning. So, taking a little time out to nurture a plant can be a refreshing experience.
For anyone looking to begin their gardening journey, here are some useful tips to help you:
Get to know your garden: Check the aspect – is it south-facing or north-facing? Knowing where the sun hits the ground will help you decide what to grow where. It’s also worth knowing what soil type you have. Take a look at what’s growing which will tell you if the soil is acidic or alkaline. Doing a soil test will further help you know your soil, and therefore what plants you can grow.
Plan it out: This way you can work out what to grow where, rather than getting carried away.
Start small: It can be tempting to take it all on in one g, but it’s much better to do a little bit at a time.
Feed and water plants regularly: Knowing when and how to water plants is the difference between them living and dying. As a general rule, water the root ball rather than the leaves, as it’s the roots that absorb the water.
Enjoy your garden: Be creative and proud of your progress. Create a seating area near it so you can revel in the beauty of nature!
