tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32753044092323646612024-03-14T00:50:19.485-07:00the urban balconyUrban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-38936518581276774462011-11-03T09:39:00.000-07:002011-11-03T09:41:22.196-07:00To be back soon :)I will be back soon, after one and half years. I have so much to tell! See you soon.Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-87544875852222713602010-05-06T22:06:00.000-07:002010-05-07T02:41:20.341-07:00When you feel like giving up on someone, there is a second chance.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheh5PNdEWOxcWgtam8XmD38I1UO1YKbqXd7oO7qkeo4wRbcfxMgLmz-r8j7rprlV4ALL-tIFGI-QjK3Qhz0OnkNMHYmzyH0sQcaFfxKGrwbeIG2oVZen1r3oADQia3mf9_Uw4GSlvk43k/s1600/CIMG9209.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheh5PNdEWOxcWgtam8XmD38I1UO1YKbqXd7oO7qkeo4wRbcfxMgLmz-r8j7rprlV4ALL-tIFGI-QjK3Qhz0OnkNMHYmzyH0sQcaFfxKGrwbeIG2oVZen1r3oADQia3mf9_Uw4GSlvk43k/s640/CIMG9209.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468405871518725730" /></a><br />I have this jasmine shrub in my garden for over three years now, and it barely flowered. Despite regular care, manuring, putting it in a larger container, changing spots - it didn't seem to do well. It was blighted, the leaves would wilt and fall with no sign of recovery for good three years. We didn't know what we were dealing with. Disappointed, we decided to get rid of it last autumn to put the container to better use. We soaked the shrub to wrench it out of the pot but it didn't budge, troweled to scrape off the roots sticking to the sides and tried yanking it out again. Having failed, we brutally chopped off the shrub (about 3 inches is all that remained) and planted some cuttings into the same pot. Seven months since then, it shriveled and we were reasonably sure that it was finished until one morning in early April. The stem sprouted sending off shoots in all directions. I was amazed. In the middle of scorching summers (111 F), it grew sparkling waxy green large leaves, long branches and restored itself into a healthy bright shrub when the other plants begun to wilt in the heat. In blistering May, it started flowering profusely like never before. It's incredible.<br /><br />Moral of the story: Don't give up on those who let you down. Don't stop hoping for a change.<br /><br />"Don't give up when you still have something to give.<br />Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying." -Nancye SimsUrban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-12289503085780126702010-04-30T08:09:00.000-07:002010-05-01T07:00:05.699-07:00Last few flowers...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_mhM8Jtc_uWCb9oNvouG3ihGUiTBQLbKf6w0yS771QHajOmnMI-vnAIQE2QF8LTvRDYyFbJKGk9TAWYLJWDBsOxVqMgQzYCnSEWToENuhF0wPTgC81X_tWZZBHms1bKq-YTYb8KpDUA/s1600/CIMG9191.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_mhM8Jtc_uWCb9oNvouG3ihGUiTBQLbKf6w0yS771QHajOmnMI-vnAIQE2QF8LTvRDYyFbJKGk9TAWYLJWDBsOxVqMgQzYCnSEWToENuhF0wPTgC81X_tWZZBHms1bKq-YTYb8KpDUA/s640/CIMG9191.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466300817022827938" /></a><br />It's blistering in Delhi (it went up to 111F). I wonder how these petunias lasted, but they did pull through. My next couple of posts will be about the burns and bruises in my garden this summer unless luck strikes and I find a rare bloom to beat the heat.<div><br /></div><div>Happy weekend to all!<br /><div><br /></div></div>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-16433443188754776172010-03-27T21:16:00.000-07:002010-04-05T00:32:07.975-07:00Garden Cottage - Meeting Mr. Conrad J Nunes in Old Goa<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWbAb89NgcFzlOddVbyq0Ac4q5udfh4HWb3jkLN5ffiK7aEySHbhllnPrX9HgQ7JIXu7PcRXY6BVkbZlGRNgd6CtYVmlZYZoo14FOqCfg56Xr71lErD2iaSCvd1gT6gw5dSUIIael-DM/s1600/water+garden+design.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWbAb89NgcFzlOddVbyq0Ac4q5udfh4HWb3jkLN5ffiK7aEySHbhllnPrX9HgQ7JIXu7PcRXY6BVkbZlGRNgd6CtYVmlZYZoo14FOqCfg56Xr71lErD2iaSCvd1gT6gw5dSUIIael-DM/s640/water+garden+design.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456547591605837730" border="0" /></a>If you happen to visit Goa and are a sucker for plants, Conrad's garden is worth a visit in Old Goa.<br /><br />About Goa: Goa is mostly about the sun, sand and the sea and famous for its exotic beaches while Old Goa is a 15th century city, famed for its opulent buildings and churches. The remains of the city are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A week before last I made a trip to Goa with my husband, and we hired a bike to explore the place. Tropically nested, you cannot miss the palm, frangipani, hibiscus, gingers, banana and cashew trees along the coastal line.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Riding around Old Goa (off the coast), we chanced upon the 'His Creation Plant Nursery' cottage. The sprawling place is dotted with tall palm trees, and those of cashewnuts, avocado, love apple, jackfruit, italian lime and more. We felt at home as soon as we met Mr Conrad who enthusiastically took us around his garden and showing the treasures he owned. Mr Conrad is an avid plant collector, with species growing in his garden that were once considered incompatible with the tropical climate. A challenge keeps the gardener going!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-58EZN2Vl4rCYKjknRmB01ecCxyLDPCsNmVwB1VzrV7uiIukdKwc4AEYqhCvzgiRbsmexy-ZKeoo6A4VtJBlqPzrW37yNAay5d4KtZ8R81JiT3DUwWtsti3FhC_WD5tu9KmD8NjLlok/s1600/Mr+conrad.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-58EZN2Vl4rCYKjknRmB01ecCxyLDPCsNmVwB1VzrV7uiIukdKwc4AEYqhCvzgiRbsmexy-ZKeoo6A4VtJBlqPzrW37yNAay5d4KtZ8R81JiT3DUwWtsti3FhC_WD5tu9KmD8NjLlok/s640/Mr+conrad.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456546820690547538" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHretiA0-WuJ9sh2pX2Ij9zrzwEYsnRtrKBnO3GrRvckmCHB0V3TxVUup2i_HSXROFWJ7PyAWtaVEysTYYxFYoBLFf-gnLZOTjcpLfYkMjUdQfjUWV09k4TVd6naGkp-U21iP6cKPvaGk/s1600/garden+view.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHretiA0-WuJ9sh2pX2Ij9zrzwEYsnRtrKBnO3GrRvckmCHB0V3TxVUup2i_HSXROFWJ7PyAWtaVEysTYYxFYoBLFf-gnLZOTjcpLfYkMjUdQfjUWV09k4TVd6naGkp-U21iP6cKPvaGk/s640/garden+view.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456547249548481618" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzVhiC63JeaPA_R7N7igTw9lDENNPikXZ0KgeUYYi_I9CySFB1lNwZTjcwSJhhFRKp_kgTwuQezdn5o5JWw0j_lTAVG47u0Y6XeujU6M1QC5DxQMsYnZJPa9jZlCf2eMLXI8U7G_CNTI/s1600/cashew.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzVhiC63JeaPA_R7N7igTw9lDENNPikXZ0KgeUYYi_I9CySFB1lNwZTjcwSJhhFRKp_kgTwuQezdn5o5JWw0j_lTAVG47u0Y6XeujU6M1QC5DxQMsYnZJPa9jZlCf2eMLXI8U7G_CNTI/s640/cashew.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456546825056134914" border="0" /></a>The container water gardens along the pathway, flowering shrubs and trees teamed with rich foliage around it bring a colorful character to the garden. The striking feature is the assortment of unique plants he has. Mr Conrad left his job abroad to settle in Goa and follow his passion for gardening. We were glad to meet someone like him who followed his heart, and with such ease while the rest keep dreaming that some day they will. You cannot miss the feeling of excitement and pride in his voice as he spoke of his garden, very similar to that of a parent. He has a history of plant acquisitions, and interesting ones. I have rarely heard of italian and israeli limes growing in India but Mr Conrad has it all.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSiyndbcWFNZGtL3fv233qqEnd_6t0v9bg8GwZPGJVgjyXnrrbv7-pPwH7X9Uc4bxipA7JHhBfpIOssfOLSW8ey2D-L-1nfq88AW7M-_417sKzT0LqVU2lFr_9VXn-GQEl9LhZyr5m1E/s1600/italian+lime.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSiyndbcWFNZGtL3fv233qqEnd_6t0v9bg8GwZPGJVgjyXnrrbv7-pPwH7X9Uc4bxipA7JHhBfpIOssfOLSW8ey2D-L-1nfq88AW7M-_417sKzT0LqVU2lFr_9VXn-GQEl9LhZyr5m1E/s640/italian+lime.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456547269961371842" border="0" /></a>At the end of the visit, we got ourselves a few ferns, and free. In return, he has made us promise that we would visit him again and bring back some unique plants from the North. My memoir will not be complete if I do not mention the cashew fruits and love apples (fresh from his garden) he packed for us to carry home.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0UueLUKbKq98N95rNNMqMRjHfnWabBRfu_lUMsuA5DKsqlGct1jr73fopLGSvzfa1Wpwc98se7uP2-kwo9It_k-XxsBbpJ_7HLxEbmA-u51vb5H5l5wC8o2-j92ABY44E0ql8Wy7JlI/s1600/love+apple.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0UueLUKbKq98N95rNNMqMRjHfnWabBRfu_lUMsuA5DKsqlGct1jr73fopLGSvzfa1Wpwc98se7uP2-kwo9It_k-XxsBbpJ_7HLxEbmA-u51vb5H5l5wC8o2-j92ABY44E0ql8Wy7JlI/s640/love+apple.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456547566894857122" border="0" /></a>Taking a stroll around the garden, I snapped a few pictures that I leave you with. There are a couple of arrangements I loved especially around the water garden.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWbAb89NgcFzlOddVbyq0Ac4q5udfh4HWb3jkLN5ffiK7aEySHbhllnPrX9HgQ7JIXu7PcRXY6BVkbZlGRNgd6CtYVmlZYZoo14FOqCfg56Xr71lErD2iaSCvd1gT6gw5dSUIIael-DM/s1600/water+garden+design.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWbAb89NgcFzlOddVbyq0Ac4q5udfh4HWb3jkLN5ffiK7aEySHbhllnPrX9HgQ7JIXu7PcRXY6BVkbZlGRNgd6CtYVmlZYZoo14FOqCfg56Xr71lErD2iaSCvd1gT6gw5dSUIIael-DM/s640/water+garden+design.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456547591605837730" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZYHS4KrB-tznCe7tR6Uf-JIWuspPHPw7YXig7pmD77FXkLkiwwquFTZMkymN4RUoPSM6D5b2MDS9U1Fnjaf3S56r2ic2VncAxRHri4h69y9mtS6JALO5nKlcAaa8qKr6nWKiLlUs608/s1600/golden+fern.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZYHS4KrB-tznCe7tR6Uf-JIWuspPHPw7YXig7pmD77FXkLkiwwquFTZMkymN4RUoPSM6D5b2MDS9U1Fnjaf3S56r2ic2VncAxRHri4h69y9mtS6JALO5nKlcAaa8qKr6nWKiLlUs608/s640/golden+fern.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456547253746257058" border="0" /></a>golden fern<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GIi40OhhpSAFATMccvfYjdwwSKSDCoTyNFAZA2fmALNeZziJb8cAFJf5_-jDQBcdKybrtYP5M7Cs-pedyzKdJRI4bZqrzYPehL5Bg0pPPOWk0XnsATLX2FtYtDqAzlmEzJF_trQw8Bk/s1600/hibiscus.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GIi40OhhpSAFATMccvfYjdwwSKSDCoTyNFAZA2fmALNeZziJb8cAFJf5_-jDQBcdKybrtYP5M7Cs-pedyzKdJRI4bZqrzYPehL5Bg0pPPOWk0XnsATLX2FtYtDqAzlmEzJF_trQw8Bk/s640/hibiscus.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456547257965742962" border="0" /></a>dark pink hibiscus<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMrcx2UcRddT-KbjxHkNwVIop0dSfwAfsM7rjcpgnN1aTzp01zYVqfHj_SVVYRxYiqSsZ5C6bLJsV9rMEFVZ2hFu5nqoOaOJH1dO2QQ_3TAxmq9hbKcI20zneMPh3BcFpd6qxeceZJTM/s1600/double+hibiscus.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMrcx2UcRddT-KbjxHkNwVIop0dSfwAfsM7rjcpgnN1aTzp01zYVqfHj_SVVYRxYiqSsZ5C6bLJsV9rMEFVZ2hFu5nqoOaOJH1dO2QQ_3TAxmq9hbKcI20zneMPh3BcFpd6qxeceZJTM/s640/double+hibiscus.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456546835832112866" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroPn6SJgS0Jnk1SY4YRAp9xqQrLX_0vmNVOk2SbXMU4802pnB83_NVT6OcoRz9LbNjJmV-TQKAvqtLBFns2R2G3cPu9w6_dedRscF4Te7Lzf3wreoHkedARowfOyBr0eOQVB0Cnzrfwk/s1600/flowering+tree.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroPn6SJgS0Jnk1SY4YRAp9xqQrLX_0vmNVOk2SbXMU4802pnB83_NVT6OcoRz9LbNjJmV-TQKAvqtLBFns2R2G3cPu9w6_dedRscF4Te7Lzf3wreoHkedARowfOyBr0eOQVB0Cnzrfwk/s640/flowering+tree.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456546838305679298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW2uX2kNFvnhFXvCjjTbN16owUMHIGhcLBjQe3R9tD3rUCmLKLIrhTGLU_UrYbh7f-x_u16hk4ddEWjdGQpRSxe1L0Bbx104qp_7ZJeTmafzBCt9cq8Wue2-H0YEx6eJifoKhFhDXMQo/s1600/foliagecollection.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW2uX2kNFvnhFXvCjjTbN16owUMHIGhcLBjQe3R9tD3rUCmLKLIrhTGLU_UrYbh7f-x_u16hk4ddEWjdGQpRSxe1L0Bbx104qp_7ZJeTmafzBCt9cq8Wue2-H0YEx6eJifoKhFhDXMQo/s640/foliagecollection.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456547241508436434" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51X-mtGfYbn9Se0n-Hru9sxRbb7UgCopCQQ250Pr6D3-kZ6nY3xRPDVilg-Go0aJtJB6u8bum8ewKUmmKKQYYwOo5PTbP4qtEQeWZQRZVXIm4mW3q1_WnsRRayEijQeN0BUZDQsqsgCs/s1600/foliage.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51X-mtGfYbn9Se0n-Hru9sxRbb7UgCopCQQ250Pr6D3-kZ6nY3xRPDVilg-Go0aJtJB6u8bum8ewKUmmKKQYYwOo5PTbP4qtEQeWZQRZVXIm4mW3q1_WnsRRayEijQeN0BUZDQsqsgCs/s640/foliage.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456546842546040290" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDhkuG8PnfYzt0ssaF4MlDaWxp3EdcRxHoOuWsouhAVCz0IJRWZH1Afoq6slHEDPJ4MkmWOE4N7MwElPKWMzxtKWSt3fsOCfKFHBuM5s1PqiB8xtfsY_2AAGodiCr7aQNx74E8KxIFCk/s1600/pathway+water+garden.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDhkuG8PnfYzt0ssaF4MlDaWxp3EdcRxHoOuWsouhAVCz0IJRWZH1Afoq6slHEDPJ4MkmWOE4N7MwElPKWMzxtKWSt3fsOCfKFHBuM5s1PqiB8xtfsY_2AAGodiCr7aQNx74E8KxIFCk/s640/pathway+water+garden.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456547580815606546" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvpSGn7OR7ymI3P275Sv9dDN-zrOGLd_BkrH8JKniw5aMYwBTzu6PhjZLvAswYkyKVkivTzocKMJE3A9HWoVWDBqp-4lf0dX0dY1C96CHUPqr5a9PGgD4cPI64apo9jeY3qT1v5G4RuM/s1600/misc.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvpSGn7OR7ymI3P275Sv9dDN-zrOGLd_BkrH8JKniw5aMYwBTzu6PhjZLvAswYkyKVkivTzocKMJE3A9HWoVWDBqp-4lf0dX0dY1C96CHUPqr5a9PGgD4cPI64apo9jeY3qT1v5G4RuM/s640/misc.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456547573037752546" border="0" /></a>I wish I had more time to spend at the garden cottage. Just in case you are in Goa, the address is given below.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Conrad J Nunes</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">His Creation Plant nursery</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">San Paula, Old Goa</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/19C06D65718BF0BBE35AEFDB9EC76DC7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a></div>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-68529509283924956532010-03-14T20:36:00.000-07:002010-03-14T20:55:09.472-07:00Saving seeds to have the same colors in the next seasonTo collect Petunia and Phlox seeds, I let a few of the blossoms die back naturally and did not deadhead them. When the flower dries and falls off, the calyx swells (this is the seedpod), turns brown and dry and splits open. The pod contains numerous tiny little dark seeds. Put these seeds in an airtight container or paper bag for storage.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEv6FaPuAy9GUUodb_cHX9yTybJrdVpggaAMGD2MP-sKaQ3XSAy0IQNIHbs9VALdpn0u2Dsn2u3ZvmABH2yByzBTbk43r5_Pz9MzU48tFaNJAUkrWziCjNZQOKS6SxtrD4zqltL2_CQ-w/s1600-h/saving+seeds1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEv6FaPuAy9GUUodb_cHX9yTybJrdVpggaAMGD2MP-sKaQ3XSAy0IQNIHbs9VALdpn0u2Dsn2u3ZvmABH2yByzBTbk43r5_Pz9MzU48tFaNJAUkrWziCjNZQOKS6SxtrD4zqltL2_CQ-w/s640/saving+seeds1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448701077286775762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1o-ZALQQvrBbIf1dOWVBAzWmlZYLJMT65DV03cBcdB4vprTIDk1_a9xvv_ARLknQjFuDbFkTdTGqqCI3YwjHk_Oa1vA3XHwuZQuX7MpoXMLRHwU46JGUFy2r5xGsfGqsnDf-BOIKu9Q/s1600-h/saving+seeds2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1o-ZALQQvrBbIf1dOWVBAzWmlZYLJMT65DV03cBcdB4vprTIDk1_a9xvv_ARLknQjFuDbFkTdTGqqCI3YwjHk_Oa1vA3XHwuZQuX7MpoXMLRHwU46JGUFy2r5xGsfGqsnDf-BOIKu9Q/s640/saving+seeds2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448701085714548850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AHZoR1HRploPZKl9jBuKlSatphdA3nFwBRI-zSZn-XPCXT6wz1nYSo7sVPBPPU7dsx_UKbF55tKFzMVuAHIC_UR1hXlN4srp2TAMSWJr8rJCPN1NcvqLjA-ho12Me00h6mZGLHdJVGQ/s1600-h/saving+seeds3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AHZoR1HRploPZKl9jBuKlSatphdA3nFwBRI-zSZn-XPCXT6wz1nYSo7sVPBPPU7dsx_UKbF55tKFzMVuAHIC_UR1hXlN4srp2TAMSWJr8rJCPN1NcvqLjA-ho12Me00h6mZGLHdJVGQ/s640/saving+seeds3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448701077874603890" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdouxhnNmAyvvfYgPXh54Yw929q6vuUoTms5aefFonh9ZdSb3JA6HOTD8xuRpUwQ8d0QDNAztM1W2w9eptM15t2wbONf7fa_xfBs-fUUP48QYslhT9YfqXf6-ezokgUef8Ox966KLg5c/s1600-h/saving+seeds4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdouxhnNmAyvvfYgPXh54Yw929q6vuUoTms5aefFonh9ZdSb3JA6HOTD8xuRpUwQ8d0QDNAztM1W2w9eptM15t2wbONf7fa_xfBs-fUUP48QYslhT9YfqXf6-ezokgUef8Ox966KLg5c/s640/saving+seeds4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448701090126688034" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/19C06D65718BF0BBE35AEFDB9EC76DC7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-65471005494949951192010-03-05T09:22:00.000-08:002010-03-05T10:07:02.526-08:00Phlox is my spring delightI wrote about growing phlox last year. See <a href="http://theurbanbalcony.blogspot.com/2009/08/phlox-tips.html">Phlox tips</a> for more. This year, I had some blooms from the seeds I saved last year. I took some pictures from the garden my in-laws have. The last picture (seedlings) was taken about three weeks after I sowed the seeds.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UeS8vvqYwibdAgoArFy2ng2WOIOXR1PgVZqFQOkgBjUfpbgTOATxHvilRv6m8pRZf9trQtCY2AV7ROs_QIGFlIFhiZdMeBvkLoWe2oQ8w7PQD2pRJ9W8oOPcvVWh1eHw7byNaxN7O9E/s1600-h/phlox+red.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UeS8vvqYwibdAgoArFy2ng2WOIOXR1PgVZqFQOkgBjUfpbgTOATxHvilRv6m8pRZf9trQtCY2AV7ROs_QIGFlIFhiZdMeBvkLoWe2oQ8w7PQD2pRJ9W8oOPcvVWh1eHw7byNaxN7O9E/s640/phlox+red.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445210099828928594" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVeIYUxAqq-xCUI1Kbm0EH58V1yLKoeeu8VCHjBeMCf6xZSAWt2ncfH0gG9ridKPoZxQ65BxLDgY0bU2gIR857UZ19-Kdm5TJUl9MSLXywZB1RTvd1f69JhVEv_mBixyMMIb-hNJsphA/s1600-h/phlox+shaded+red.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVeIYUxAqq-xCUI1Kbm0EH58V1yLKoeeu8VCHjBeMCf6xZSAWt2ncfH0gG9ridKPoZxQ65BxLDgY0bU2gIR857UZ19-Kdm5TJUl9MSLXywZB1RTvd1f69JhVEv_mBixyMMIb-hNJsphA/s640/phlox+shaded+red.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445210104075852626" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03nC17OaskPBSqieYfaE-sn0VxKoqQ1y2j5GElk5sYFZfdFs9-ZhLctlN5hPTAmf1Dmp9NmJff0-1ZZl9aMNFeepplum8m151648rovxSRBP3WEwJUFudLIhyphenhyphenXY6ti8n16R2qFCGD2dU/s1600-h/phlox+dark+pink.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03nC17OaskPBSqieYfaE-sn0VxKoqQ1y2j5GElk5sYFZfdFs9-ZhLctlN5hPTAmf1Dmp9NmJff0-1ZZl9aMNFeepplum8m151648rovxSRBP3WEwJUFudLIhyphenhyphenXY6ti8n16R2qFCGD2dU/s640/phlox+dark+pink.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445210084076257986" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRPvrHXwtXmx5DJ1ol3njxKTfhIDmVUg2MHGT_jtt8phVXI-YieWlDvGrhVcQjwTjEZ-8x_aa66BJDGZbAjliaURZpbVBndW64Q4eNOh9NzFnCT0qjxPMAlNNGFKupAPJXFM0n0rnmeU/s1600-h/phlox+dark+pink+shaded.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRPvrHXwtXmx5DJ1ol3njxKTfhIDmVUg2MHGT_jtt8phVXI-YieWlDvGrhVcQjwTjEZ-8x_aa66BJDGZbAjliaURZpbVBndW64Q4eNOh9NzFnCT0qjxPMAlNNGFKupAPJXFM0n0rnmeU/s640/phlox+dark+pink+shaded.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445210075707028242" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PO23gGDJRKzAKrbF1k2peNP0EEXC-zOu0oOND-BQj42AlWNIsY5GXHAfC9Lmx76bbT11UJjiuGvMW9ktAKlSIccMuZYqWXGPfuR7sCqnFLDGeWe1lw_wYvQmn_h7BnmDq81heQG5IkM/s1600-h/phlox+variegated1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PO23gGDJRKzAKrbF1k2peNP0EEXC-zOu0oOND-BQj42AlWNIsY5GXHAfC9Lmx76bbT11UJjiuGvMW9ktAKlSIccMuZYqWXGPfuR7sCqnFLDGeWe1lw_wYvQmn_h7BnmDq81heQG5IkM/s640/phlox+variegated1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445210411940223586" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgMdSV9xtngknT6ya-Js1Mr8eCZVaMbvDyT3Ylm9_o-hnK_UbzySbbniTVJYdDL3peaWnFsCO7rVy1KRy1RVztA1xQhdLvQilNhRXY14xemu_lxNSiDS6uaKGduEatALeMmHD-NpbzMM/s1600-h/phlox+purple+shaded.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgMdSV9xtngknT6ya-Js1Mr8eCZVaMbvDyT3Ylm9_o-hnK_UbzySbbniTVJYdDL3peaWnFsCO7rVy1KRy1RVztA1xQhdLvQilNhRXY14xemu_lxNSiDS6uaKGduEatALeMmHD-NpbzMM/s640/phlox+purple+shaded.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445210092233219714" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQlA4iOLPPCOpX0sl8DMummtitvOBHRGQsbkZLqgLM3dKuiHQTo_qVOI-eZ5sB9-B2mQsbQVAsFRDdQsHMagP6IEXlmi3Xt1Hi-xHYp9GXp9fBuBesYafjJQ_pFq-7MBtJDLN8i-nUNo/s1600-h/phlox+white.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQlA4iOLPPCOpX0sl8DMummtitvOBHRGQsbkZLqgLM3dKuiHQTo_qVOI-eZ5sB9-B2mQsbQVAsFRDdQsHMagP6IEXlmi3Xt1Hi-xHYp9GXp9fBuBesYafjJQ_pFq-7MBtJDLN8i-nUNo/s640/phlox+white.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445210431103126978" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkqk_JlutITVhNtscBJ40UMvCDpbUytLecb2KrVQ5xVwTrNLENBt5sCb0ZaqOZ5-uBxSQqTCixGzJKS_z54x514M3yYjkg9hFmBTFZMf0UAb0XR9KWW5reEQ1H3h4fjGdr1FvAEAUI6c/s1600-h/phlox+seedling.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkqk_JlutITVhNtscBJ40UMvCDpbUytLecb2KrVQ5xVwTrNLENBt5sCb0ZaqOZ5-uBxSQqTCixGzJKS_z54x514M3yYjkg9hFmBTFZMf0UAb0XR9KWW5reEQ1H3h4fjGdr1FvAEAUI6c/s640/phlox+seedling.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445210570466373778" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/19C06D65718BF0BBE35AEFDB9EC76DC7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-46219824567206830752010-03-04T01:31:00.000-08:002010-03-04T01:37:05.577-08:00Calendula<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46CzuCLnoCXAISQ_RnFiZAobvj_RkUGiTfgeiR52mu4-o-hyAf2PKCyYkBHlbhObZOGoOCU7-B3iLKGa75tGVBNf6NT80UveC8aUergbulk52Nlu7ya9VeFh2_b1SoP3zohUCQlKSPso/s1600-h/calendula.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46CzuCLnoCXAISQ_RnFiZAobvj_RkUGiTfgeiR52mu4-o-hyAf2PKCyYkBHlbhObZOGoOCU7-B3iLKGa75tGVBNf6NT80UveC8aUergbulk52Nlu7ya9VeFh2_b1SoP3zohUCQlKSPso/s640/calendula.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444709607905817554" border="0" /></a><br />My husband photographed this, and I think it is a brilliant one. What do you say?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/19C06D65718BF0BBE35AEFDB9EC76DC7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-50166452994241444472010-03-02T19:11:00.000-08:002010-03-02T19:21:45.650-08:00Finding Peace in NatureThese pictures are from my peace preserve :)<br />Looking at them I realize that Nature has no worries about the future, no stress, no fear or anger - it's about being in the present.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5w5fFwupbZ2csRrkzyRUZuQD40MijvfIKmCMFRfrTjmTkLZ_IuK31rOF1nvQLdlF2Z42AD4SN7ZK_N5RlX78c3W-HS4px5YSV8Pd4sccwaKNZUb0sJ65pfGhTrG4brLHhW5jm3tJ85w/s1600-h/phlox+white.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5w5fFwupbZ2csRrkzyRUZuQD40MijvfIKmCMFRfrTjmTkLZ_IuK31rOF1nvQLdlF2Z42AD4SN7ZK_N5RlX78c3W-HS4px5YSV8Pd4sccwaKNZUb0sJ65pfGhTrG4brLHhW5jm3tJ85w/s640/phlox+white.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444241839477298690" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfSjuJe_YpFZDITaBvIaNS2STFtw0yrdS4NdgftN8u5OrhtvDZ0JjxEWvo6V4y3Yje4Yrr24tyhXJNbIhNl0p4EcOcW-flr8dy-1NUWEcl04hTgAKFX3y5U59K9S2d3k8x-LlINxU8Ec/s1600-h/petunia+white.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfSjuJe_YpFZDITaBvIaNS2STFtw0yrdS4NdgftN8u5OrhtvDZ0JjxEWvo6V4y3Yje4Yrr24tyhXJNbIhNl0p4EcOcW-flr8dy-1NUWEcl04hTgAKFX3y5U59K9S2d3k8x-LlINxU8Ec/s640/petunia+white.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444241842434419346" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPl87vCy5T2hITJzJEoZAkzCS8eRALi1ahfmJtGGPWVxuC34zpIcKDKsK8Qil9s-YH3ahsl3FHS7WwkYzlUHiKmtJwQfmmTt92X6nBq1Eq9x2kHm609P2g9K-2A51IBt6w1Z0nDPQ17Y/s1600-h/hibiscus+white1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 637px; height: 640px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPl87vCy5T2hITJzJEoZAkzCS8eRALi1ahfmJtGGPWVxuC34zpIcKDKsK8Qil9s-YH3ahsl3FHS7WwkYzlUHiKmtJwQfmmTt92X6nBq1Eq9x2kHm609P2g9K-2A51IBt6w1Z0nDPQ17Y/s640/hibiscus+white1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444241824149146962" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/19C06D65718BF0BBE35AEFDB9EC76DC7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-81402033638646111622010-02-24T19:10:00.000-08:002010-02-24T20:08:10.440-08:00Re-telling...thoughts.<div style="text-align: justify;">It's hard to watch parents growing old. Trying to cope with the change is tougher. My parents are having trouble doing the things they used to handle effortlessly. They face memory glitches, repeat themselves, are tired easily and often sick. I am guilty of feeling impatient, and at times angry at them and finish feeling dim about it.<br /><br />When they call while I am at work and repeat themselves, I promptly cut it off by saying "Yeah, you've told me that before", or promise to call back once I'm home. As we age we no longer wish to share our ordeals with parents sparing them the stress that we'd rather deal with on our own. There is a lack of things to talk about, and therefore a repeat conversation is likely to be some sort of a connection or interaction for them. I read that the point of talking to people isn't to receive information in the form of words; it's the pleasure of the interaction and expression of sharing and trusting.<br /><br />So, I tell myself that listening over and over again, or simply receiving the interaction, is not really so hard to do. But I feel sorry for the way I act sometimes with my parents.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sorry Ma. Sorry Dad. I hope you will understand.</span><br /><br />PS: Pansies mean 'thoughts', so these ones in my garden just for my parents.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwAqFXKDSAkgKKiWM0w5AezXqhe-H_ipF9VXI1HHC1_7vYjCqiKnfsyG2MbrlXB7ODZLdBtlg_Yb-lXbq2ZgCd737LcYdMtru45MWBNHMprIQSEbp_0sY1lIsWJK0GDtI2eAJa4EQF2w/s1600-h/pansy4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwAqFXKDSAkgKKiWM0w5AezXqhe-H_ipF9VXI1HHC1_7vYjCqiKnfsyG2MbrlXB7ODZLdBtlg_Yb-lXbq2ZgCd737LcYdMtru45MWBNHMprIQSEbp_0sY1lIsWJK0GDtI2eAJa4EQF2w/s640/pansy4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442024885567070994" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDucZ59NK5OWsQ2Yi44tBEH_u4dhrt6t9R3CAkcJBWC4fvm48S8kzpcYJxtlA9GsjMMiLoG4wztSnVgF4qLdWJPshUiQPbi6AX_8qwllt5O42kzsmq_Q-tHg2avVKL6h0SjCXbDsIWqY/s1600-h/pansy1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDucZ59NK5OWsQ2Yi44tBEH_u4dhrt6t9R3CAkcJBWC4fvm48S8kzpcYJxtlA9GsjMMiLoG4wztSnVgF4qLdWJPshUiQPbi6AX_8qwllt5O42kzsmq_Q-tHg2avVKL6h0SjCXbDsIWqY/s640/pansy1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442024900296685042" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauWdTKWJhITyd3e3jYvtnOZQfhqTB6ISfeNZaukScDAzGWiAH5m7FVKVavT4A-HhUGKYn-iZmvKsQy2oxsX5SNaUixTEviA378_n-7FsSCOWF21AE4vgLPzGxVUx13F8OlHs-jFHbvoA/s1600-h/pansy2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauWdTKWJhITyd3e3jYvtnOZQfhqTB6ISfeNZaukScDAzGWiAH5m7FVKVavT4A-HhUGKYn-iZmvKsQy2oxsX5SNaUixTEviA378_n-7FsSCOWF21AE4vgLPzGxVUx13F8OlHs-jFHbvoA/s640/pansy2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442024891587952898" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79-oEDWqDbw_gRZqnWn4lnuN8MF6_Eoe7R0K3cSIPS4s97mZE9aXceuzWm77PppOnjJLxivd7j9HKHiYBO1P6KPdSs9T1276Inw4CPr0r90hhFGIUi02Jliqz9J65lp9ibLM8hKGRY4Q/s1600-h/pansy3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79-oEDWqDbw_gRZqnWn4lnuN8MF6_Eoe7R0K3cSIPS4s97mZE9aXceuzWm77PppOnjJLxivd7j9HKHiYBO1P6KPdSs9T1276Inw4CPr0r90hhFGIUi02Jliqz9J65lp9ibLM8hKGRY4Q/s640/pansy3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442024890136568258" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGucNBUDobRk7EQCiMHLgezpwanXyGKfHBP8betyYDzHG3tfJs_WsWF8aarfeJXLWpDfot49FHZdyazMTPUOvirdmkGp8EOmNzEKGd05LCOYRMSuQ0C5VIueXXSgVUMqYJ-Hvn24Mbzx8/s1600-h/pansy5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGucNBUDobRk7EQCiMHLgezpwanXyGKfHBP8betyYDzHG3tfJs_WsWF8aarfeJXLWpDfot49FHZdyazMTPUOvirdmkGp8EOmNzEKGd05LCOYRMSuQ0C5VIueXXSgVUMqYJ-Hvn24Mbzx8/s640/pansy5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442024877883724402" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYykQegO_f43lltApmVaFmLkMq7RmBNda5LUlGD2SG-B-dvwcsRDpOBflnb_sdoZns7CjpXb6vU1-5bSEI8J5CIZe6GukAniIpTBFhbP27M1WR43XO4V54NXzGBqbtrFQaby6lsZ98LSc/s1600-h/pansy6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYykQegO_f43lltApmVaFmLkMq7RmBNda5LUlGD2SG-B-dvwcsRDpOBflnb_sdoZns7CjpXb6vU1-5bSEI8J5CIZe6GukAniIpTBFhbP27M1WR43XO4V54NXzGBqbtrFQaby6lsZ98LSc/s640/pansy6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442025483137581698" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/19C06D65718BF0BBE35AEFDB9EC76DC7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-30181502289139678522010-02-23T21:14:00.000-08:002010-02-23T22:23:19.942-08:00Gloom to cheer!Last couple of months were a bit of a roller coaster. I felt glad that I could still maintain my container garden despite the chaos. I was juggling relationships, health matters in the family that left me depleted to spend time on blogging. I don't think it was insufficient time, I think it's more about my mind and what goes on in it. I have never been good at compartmentalizing my life, and my head. Therefore, a problem in my personal life pretty much affects all facets of who I am. On a bad day I would typically end up staring at the screen wondering what to post. That's when the inertia set in, and I never managed to get over it for a while.<br /><br />My husband usually says that when something goes wrong in life, it's an easy downward spiral from thereon. And during these times does one really gets to figure out the person one is. While one would like to hold out but personal questions are unsettling unless the mind develops enough skill to field them gracefully. It took me good 3-4 months to find answers or make peace with myself, and with people and situations around me.<br /><br />I feel better, brighter and life is beautiful again. By the way, my pansies and petunias did their bit to dispel gloom and bring cheer. Thank you colorful buddies.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGX6QK8wrcb8Wt4xiY1Xb-xGrqWOKmszNlOZ9vJr5KRaedQr1lYgXmj6owqcDx-_xY5GeyhgjBE_jcM7_LsTOHHaKujnuix6jP8J0r6UNNYTK-DXylErvLNZEKqBfn78BWrsrjzdIXZXU/s1600-h/petunia5.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGX6QK8wrcb8Wt4xiY1Xb-xGrqWOKmszNlOZ9vJr5KRaedQr1lYgXmj6owqcDx-_xY5GeyhgjBE_jcM7_LsTOHHaKujnuix6jP8J0r6UNNYTK-DXylErvLNZEKqBfn78BWrsrjzdIXZXU/s640/petunia5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441690198347236930" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBRhWjp9MDnkECWbHp6ouv75L4EcMZyMBp-g1MKk9x3KT26Inp3k2Kdp9oqojwzec4iBPGC2prT6OUzdpVd9OzU3U1INos_UqbMKgdWE_y8nzkK4NtOjThiPjDr476ev0jUk3iVu8PCo/s1600-h/petunia4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBRhWjp9MDnkECWbHp6ouv75L4EcMZyMBp-g1MKk9x3KT26Inp3k2Kdp9oqojwzec4iBPGC2prT6OUzdpVd9OzU3U1INos_UqbMKgdWE_y8nzkK4NtOjThiPjDr476ev0jUk3iVu8PCo/s640/petunia4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441690189534489650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopww-uP6551xhyphenhyphenVVC3pwOx-THKPlPVUlyQbS6v2FB1bAIDZm367GcHlAnt_FhobkzKj9OjJmzoKoTo4Fed67TCz79XLqpFG7RATVn9WazvZj6Y4Iguu1CFipfJlzyCMUexKuacOvMW9U/s1600-h/petunia3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopww-uP6551xhyphenhyphenVVC3pwOx-THKPlPVUlyQbS6v2FB1bAIDZm367GcHlAnt_FhobkzKj9OjJmzoKoTo4Fed67TCz79XLqpFG7RATVn9WazvZj6Y4Iguu1CFipfJlzyCMUexKuacOvMW9U/s640/petunia3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441690186931846082" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__aN9tS0igEWPQeKgQlIQLppDx0vef8GMxTEeQ8noGQZ1BIZPe58cBzTytXwRH8qqNfJG4yDzBaur1l0cnuLmuSIfUz1_md8fmMTa_aQA_25_oeMpds0iqXMb1s2WZeyZFvKRhgdJ81o/s1600-h/petunia1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__aN9tS0igEWPQeKgQlIQLppDx0vef8GMxTEeQ8noGQZ1BIZPe58cBzTytXwRH8qqNfJG4yDzBaur1l0cnuLmuSIfUz1_md8fmMTa_aQA_25_oeMpds0iqXMb1s2WZeyZFvKRhgdJ81o/s640/petunia1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441690175402099410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJcaxKhMTkKlj4Cv1HFke3zkDJcZhZ7bVta0N1qKIcGLH4bxrwICdl6oU_R_X6Cddp-AsCAIgTEzq39e8j30vpXKNoo86Te-81J5iR3R-sqrUpXb8kOp-BhIYsEl_I_K_gLl_LYpqwyo/s1600-h/petunia6.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJcaxKhMTkKlj4Cv1HFke3zkDJcZhZ7bVta0N1qKIcGLH4bxrwICdl6oU_R_X6Cddp-AsCAIgTEzq39e8j30vpXKNoo86Te-81J5iR3R-sqrUpXb8kOp-BhIYsEl_I_K_gLl_LYpqwyo/s640/petunia6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441690549828270130" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMrjNYs-gBcYlI3QWmp1C-BZVlmoFiL4xf8xFzpJW8365UC4R6v5IHdxHgcKF8sRKK3KxKeRCyP3jg7AV9_UkXKvDH1vH6CbJnfbB3z7Thjiz5bA7e1qtYViP_5U6IlQoV9kGTBnGBJQ/s1600-h/petunia7.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMrjNYs-gBcYlI3QWmp1C-BZVlmoFiL4xf8xFzpJW8365UC4R6v5IHdxHgcKF8sRKK3KxKeRCyP3jg7AV9_UkXKvDH1vH6CbJnfbB3z7Thjiz5bA7e1qtYViP_5U6IlQoV9kGTBnGBJQ/s640/petunia7.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441690569109478562" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGHJ8-nlj9XjMz8pJPnJ5XXJnvigbGaiij7ABCpdsnCk6pG5DdccUet9UFuQSxNOQmi67w0iFFS5RlDgdm4buQwNyqCj9QDl4LrvSnLcbG0AoSI5BHfNbt-rzfesVhrAHRSzGyb233oU/s1600-h/petunia2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGHJ8-nlj9XjMz8pJPnJ5XXJnvigbGaiij7ABCpdsnCk6pG5DdccUet9UFuQSxNOQmi67w0iFFS5RlDgdm4buQwNyqCj9QDl4LrvSnLcbG0AoSI5BHfNbt-rzfesVhrAHRSzGyb233oU/s640/petunia2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441690205498900706" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/19C06D65718BF0BBE35AEFDB9EC76DC7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-44987207147924046062010-02-22T22:24:00.000-08:002010-02-22T22:43:28.429-08:00Homecoming...!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkRmwTAIJpjTjWxiSMiNnFVc6BGB7AN-5hTUpY8rgVAfQanqc67GhZrunAkBa9OnkTBpAu_Aqwo7PMmGGimbTCwNHwER4B1XADynmfmvXAriKII62YVQVE3_WrJFGwbUGFSk0dJrb9S0/s1600-h/Petunia.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkRmwTAIJpjTjWxiSMiNnFVc6BGB7AN-5hTUpY8rgVAfQanqc67GhZrunAkBa9OnkTBpAu_Aqwo7PMmGGimbTCwNHwER4B1XADynmfmvXAriKII62YVQVE3_WrJFGwbUGFSk0dJrb9S0/s640/Petunia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441323405217572658" border="0" /></a><br />It feels like a homecoming. Echoing a saying here: "<span style="font-family:georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">Homecoming means coming home to what is in your heart. "</span><br /><br />I have a lot to tell. While I organise my thoughts and make more sense, I'll leave you with some spring shots from my balcony garden.<br /><br />I hope to be more active here though I have a whole lot to check out on all my favorite blogs. And a big thank you to each one of you who stopped by my blog and sent me messages.<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/19C06D65718BF0BBE35AEFDB9EC76DC7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-27921057252395533482010-01-11T00:31:00.000-08:002010-01-11T00:33:09.730-08:00Hello everyone!Sorry for the silence. it's been a long time...but am not finished yet. Hope to come back once a while to update you on my gardening expeditions. see you around.Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-30723989520495819312009-10-26T04:58:00.000-07:002009-10-26T05:12:00.975-07:00A few from my foliage collection!These are my eternal garden companions. They never fail me, nor are they fair weather type. Hardy and resistant, they make pretty combinations when arranged with flowers and other plants.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcVgOLzOteUcNMYOACzkA53_H-ygs5zyRprQwE9oWvLQqeSkGFM7S_EHyL1iP8F7XTjRQ9J_TFyE55BjeKPPZKkU-4rzNeGre1KLrAPcptBbtp-3sgvkssl56mgKAJ1xJwRRrXTNh3GE/s1600-h/foliage1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcVgOLzOteUcNMYOACzkA53_H-ygs5zyRprQwE9oWvLQqeSkGFM7S_EHyL1iP8F7XTjRQ9J_TFyE55BjeKPPZKkU-4rzNeGre1KLrAPcptBbtp-3sgvkssl56mgKAJ1xJwRRrXTNh3GE/s640/foliage1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396877803712799522" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvkGnjuWGukc5hS2SwE4qTr0L4mwxoUzpyPq3wy4rkAsF6Tj82P4IxfdnOCJw4M5SFMT28GoIehUWf4w3iu_wlloTMMSHjtB58fuChnneV02bu-7XUqyay6TX6Yz0roSoj8_e_U_lWjE/s1600-h/foliage3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvkGnjuWGukc5hS2SwE4qTr0L4mwxoUzpyPq3wy4rkAsF6Tj82P4IxfdnOCJw4M5SFMT28GoIehUWf4w3iu_wlloTMMSHjtB58fuChnneV02bu-7XUqyay6TX6Yz0roSoj8_e_U_lWjE/s640/foliage3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396877813201871890" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_FDYEidm1-YtKBWVBk-vbmv19qLML7OqV3UUbewNUg_-9BwuTl1Wo0_lnsYrFWpI46yPpzOaci5BWoyUiVuQu5nVkeIu_ixNxAiyNbKQVpwswh2umM7WxeAXHNjiznJzPi7IFYwr-8g/s1600-h/foliage6.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_FDYEidm1-YtKBWVBk-vbmv19qLML7OqV3UUbewNUg_-9BwuTl1Wo0_lnsYrFWpI46yPpzOaci5BWoyUiVuQu5nVkeIu_ixNxAiyNbKQVpwswh2umM7WxeAXHNjiznJzPi7IFYwr-8g/s640/foliage6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396878492574386322" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCtu3EoFHyyMJUrFQa43emIkqoMRHO25kYfUCvzkB9rO2H37EVLzN_JogDoy4uyzSv373QWEZnu_pdYRisWTEHPKoVPyoX3l0SxEl9pEEJdZSAQzOgTamcKisAWj2D1OZ2-kv7rm7Ssc/s1600-h/foliage2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCtu3EoFHyyMJUrFQa43emIkqoMRHO25kYfUCvzkB9rO2H37EVLzN_JogDoy4uyzSv373QWEZnu_pdYRisWTEHPKoVPyoX3l0SxEl9pEEJdZSAQzOgTamcKisAWj2D1OZ2-kv7rm7Ssc/s640/foliage2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396877808968153170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIpepivyMhLoT9rKDrroh2yW5NWhxsanepDQJGVdmmvpFmVaotM-x3VJQ76Pb9-uMi9XmUlNB4Qy5EyiQ_tvI3Xy8LH7ziKDPp7gSQ69bPN8KpAOxsR4-ZNsernBTNmg5KWSyx-1y4WY/s1600-h/foliage5.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIpepivyMhLoT9rKDrroh2yW5NWhxsanepDQJGVdmmvpFmVaotM-x3VJQ76Pb9-uMi9XmUlNB4Qy5EyiQ_tvI3Xy8LH7ziKDPp7gSQ69bPN8KpAOxsR4-ZNsernBTNmg5KWSyx-1y4WY/s640/foliage5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396877820311820962" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTl30kevbw3zWh2WrxUXYQ5Xb9yCsOlbpQvi0lqs09S55ie3gzGJd-4cKAqVOJYb3CXQUemObTH60yrg9xGUsbGH-WRRRy6AmV4-VqAPml0-1v4exchOaJH2R-mEkjAHcwZxwGWkeBMU/s1600-h/foliage4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTl30kevbw3zWh2WrxUXYQ5Xb9yCsOlbpQvi0lqs09S55ie3gzGJd-4cKAqVOJYb3CXQUemObTH60yrg9xGUsbGH-WRRRy6AmV4-VqAPml0-1v4exchOaJH2R-mEkjAHcwZxwGWkeBMU/s640/foliage4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396877815124503330" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/19C06D65718BF0BBE35AEFDB9EC76DC7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-14601617037642474932009-10-23T04:42:00.000-07:002009-10-23T05:14:33.542-07:00Root-over-rock bonsai in makingThese are night shots (not great though!) with the peepal (ficus) tree lit up by the earthen lamps around it. I'll try get one of those blog befitting pictures one of these days.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvigMkn0odUg6_oD4cLfPccUERJVs2G1zm4yIqKAvs01znZFrzxAPjdrkiTajnYbxl5zUh40ITuPR8lurZXpEVFZxzZ6d1UOHnuKgZDWQ1joOpt-PQfixv-TeqqGsgyhM6yCs37zAwi6o/s1600-h/rootoverrock2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvigMkn0odUg6_oD4cLfPccUERJVs2G1zm4yIqKAvs01znZFrzxAPjdrkiTajnYbxl5zUh40ITuPR8lurZXpEVFZxzZ6d1UOHnuKgZDWQ1joOpt-PQfixv-TeqqGsgyhM6yCs37zAwi6o/s640/rootoverrock2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395766787024069202" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmopdUa5pGx6EGaHqksvV5Oiw0vmiwoFbNBsrIWIZgI1lzEhupW6Kq_oFymNLj4iRH5TSSz9cS_QYhvapwLjTRCdMDbBJ1u9CohyphenhyphenraujbYUJggrXhdp0E8qU3giLySWXmhTMgErSlxh4/s1600-h/rootoverrock1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmopdUa5pGx6EGaHqksvV5Oiw0vmiwoFbNBsrIWIZgI1lzEhupW6Kq_oFymNLj4iRH5TSSz9cS_QYhvapwLjTRCdMDbBJ1u9CohyphenhyphenraujbYUJggrXhdp0E8qU3giLySWXmhTMgErSlxh4/s640/rootoverrock1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395766796443120466" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">There are no short-cuts to a root over rock bonsai. It takes many years.<br />Typically, bare roots of an year old tree is draped over a large piece of rock. A fissure in the rock helps to settle the roots a little more easily. This arrangement is held securely with a plastic sheet with space to slip in some soil, and to be kept moist with an occasional water spray. While the tree with the bottom roots is put back into the container, half of the rock with the plastic sheet should be visible. The next one and a half or two years, the tree is allowed to grow freely for the root system and the trunk to thicken over time. In the rainy season, the tree is lifted out. Soil is washed away from the rootball. The tree with plastic covered rock is planted into a bonsai pot.Carefully, the plastic sheet is cut off and the roots are seen firmly matted around the rock. Excess shoot growth is pruned, and over the years with pruning and re-potting, the leaf size of the bonsai plant reduces.</div>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-90031975655983708402009-10-21T04:28:00.000-07:002009-10-22T04:14:01.207-07:00Garden this DiwaliI'm back. Missed blogging, and all my blogger friends. I spent this Diwali with my in-laws and I bring you some shots from their garden, and some random ones from our celebration.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZ78pjC0UWPLwHWH7N0-dTj0S2lfoelWRechW67KjYZfVltMQIwMiolne3VUn1OM0y1Vy3lTscMqnZBlQPTsYtnLlY0s9XQajdSj1R136MVzHZSFcdkQ42y10Py_ZpYai1u4ZEDqrt_A/s1600-h/jpr1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZ78pjC0UWPLwHWH7N0-dTj0S2lfoelWRechW67KjYZfVltMQIwMiolne3VUn1OM0y1Vy3lTscMqnZBlQPTsYtnLlY0s9XQajdSj1R136MVzHZSFcdkQ42y10Py_ZpYai1u4ZEDqrt_A/s640/jpr1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395018060791572610" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3tPe9NWEbm61wZsqXmoRY5AvBzYcSzM4_ekXkFvGs154N0D0F7xSCcvlVmIskdLltJk94McZZ7_Eqo0f2bC5z5TgHn9nUC8YcSF8yVhwqSyo-Kbslixy34I7_veiiPYGsTRKGqKLFlA/s1600-h/jpr5.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3tPe9NWEbm61wZsqXmoRY5AvBzYcSzM4_ekXkFvGs154N0D0F7xSCcvlVmIskdLltJk94McZZ7_Eqo0f2bC5z5TgHn9nUC8YcSF8yVhwqSyo-Kbslixy34I7_veiiPYGsTRKGqKLFlA/s640/jpr5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395018085980318754" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_n2fBJjtLtNxxaYRXHn5YMIGplwshkdkIHwAtdm3RMJJ1JuyEDFXnSw7XEtlcR8HsRot9CZGEl7QztX-K71RgP4PdYwju4y-CBv5o09RDrd2j8wcxWsnfdnBLNx3CFUTXMeo7tG-WDgk/s1600-h/jpr6.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_n2fBJjtLtNxxaYRXHn5YMIGplwshkdkIHwAtdm3RMJJ1JuyEDFXnSw7XEtlcR8HsRot9CZGEl7QztX-K71RgP4PdYwju4y-CBv5o09RDrd2j8wcxWsnfdnBLNx3CFUTXMeo7tG-WDgk/s640/jpr6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395018523188224946" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKw58qf56jahtRrBgSi43WQ20D2OAXEZznAVmgY-i5eh41FY4qH_QWqz_u2Oh6nEleQsOvczfBEeJXZj86gLTfkLcHIy22TLgBkJ7v7GjatQ7JANh7eMW0pS1gud27caXXIPof-NuP50/s1600-h/jpr4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKw58qf56jahtRrBgSi43WQ20D2OAXEZznAVmgY-i5eh41FY4qH_QWqz_u2Oh6nEleQsOvczfBEeJXZj86gLTfkLcHIy22TLgBkJ7v7GjatQ7JANh7eMW0pS1gud27caXXIPof-NuP50/s640/jpr4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395018077577152786" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3A6TNooshvNItuTq72aVPZ1VEG9sLhZYpat9gSQPgSK7M2pnuxA0I60uC2nCzAPRee_HewNdplQn5y_mc0MPHyq5Vyug3WAwsjKoBIF-B5g7H1Wzjh4cO30vKwkJHmNJOO9IvbMgiJg/s1600-h/jpr3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3A6TNooshvNItuTq72aVPZ1VEG9sLhZYpat9gSQPgSK7M2pnuxA0I60uC2nCzAPRee_HewNdplQn5y_mc0MPHyq5Vyug3WAwsjKoBIF-B5g7H1Wzjh4cO30vKwkJHmNJOO9IvbMgiJg/s640/jpr3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395018073780134066" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcGqh2-jT6roEj6G2YFapPtKCot1SE5HxJn-Y45YTVJNcSez2v2uMXVvl4XrF1RJj6sPBGyz33ZPc7-qE_5r0HfsBi7OuDgNErfPNwgnSHRWVW6Jdx7bQr6w7UdtBb8riWC1MPW902ZM/s1600-h/jpr2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcGqh2-jT6roEj6G2YFapPtKCot1SE5HxJn-Y45YTVJNcSez2v2uMXVvl4XrF1RJj6sPBGyz33ZPc7-qE_5r0HfsBi7OuDgNErfPNwgnSHRWVW6Jdx7bQr6w7UdtBb8riWC1MPW902ZM/s640/jpr2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395018068647497346" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZONdhct28heKdVQ3tBXkyQ1rj3D_esR8ZO0bzA8fd1P-FAbB2l5sG35BaiFOZj2ljjBIT54RbWz7KIH-tcbVGOqM9mHUwrZD-ma9vcReESnpmFVuVXgze5pc3W2Rm6CsI2KFIH00jFs/s1600-h/jpr7.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZONdhct28heKdVQ3tBXkyQ1rj3D_esR8ZO0bzA8fd1P-FAbB2l5sG35BaiFOZj2ljjBIT54RbWz7KIH-tcbVGOqM9mHUwrZD-ma9vcReESnpmFVuVXgze5pc3W2Rm6CsI2KFIH00jFs/s640/jpr7.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395018526492976514" border="0" /></a>The picture you see below is traditional design I made at home to celebrate Diwali. It's free hand drawing with a paste made from rice and fuller's earth. I made this one in less than 30 mins and lit it up with earthern lamps in the evening.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgs6-PEs6z0KdE_mnKZrFiTppc7qh6YaGSn06aFvCd7O-8RZbpFm84YBBuU93XxWKekNLALdxid4MJyEwedyyJyhAqB5CZoqC4PHnTTGR-pAFETjDK_E7bci07YIf3rhUKJqLUNS9Xmw/s1600-h/jpr+alpona.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgs6-PEs6z0KdE_mnKZrFiTppc7qh6YaGSn06aFvCd7O-8RZbpFm84YBBuU93XxWKekNLALdxid4MJyEwedyyJyhAqB5CZoqC4PHnTTGR-pAFETjDK_E7bci07YIf3rhUKJqLUNS9Xmw/s640/jpr+alpona.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395021376241770642" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/19C06D65718BF0BBE35AEFDB9EC76DC7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsd6-wA8mfXnXQM9v-htUeTfhcxrqJDinvxrxK0edtgNCVwyNkFDZieFrl8pN4d0-q0vk4rOzp3WgwomEjyIT2_GUrODF8ksb7G9gY2dhZBy9oDmwk7znauetPVW7ic2bqW60D5VRbVfA/s1600-h/jpr+alpona.JPG"><br /></a>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-58639825036734892812009-10-16T10:34:00.000-07:002009-10-16T10:40:07.555-07:00Happy Diwali!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRO_wC_dYNZKfjkGlrR7b_7zC6W3aV6_DRZYE8jKmoQRndCdt6pJ4ac8Hpdbi1yh3Wkhbdy2l99TqYWKEiw0P2MLjAERN6K9SHJqbnt_M-yPauIv1XF-XBvlkEIQCq9Ia34Cz-PlYCGs/s1600-h/diwali2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRO_wC_dYNZKfjkGlrR7b_7zC6W3aV6_DRZYE8jKmoQRndCdt6pJ4ac8Hpdbi1yh3Wkhbdy2l99TqYWKEiw0P2MLjAERN6K9SHJqbnt_M-yPauIv1XF-XBvlkEIQCq9Ia34Cz-PlYCGs/s400/diwali2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393253609921417938" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQDXiMKvkTnf9knbTknMgZlp42oDpPJL_AhnVphJmnUNbgrw2NlNwTBZAygndQuUA8vGhlgugLTe8-qs3Da_Uo0DdI-VbGpy3gBYyD7RkP_6n1EDea_aoMTAm7g8Dof9fu1rjEljLtCg/s1600-h/diwali.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQDXiMKvkTnf9knbTknMgZlp42oDpPJL_AhnVphJmnUNbgrw2NlNwTBZAygndQuUA8vGhlgugLTe8-qs3Da_Uo0DdI-VbGpy3gBYyD7RkP_6n1EDea_aoMTAm7g8Dof9fu1rjEljLtCg/s400/diwali.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393253600080208178" border="0" /></a>I'm taking a break until Tuesday to be with family and friends, and celebrate Deepavali 'festival of lights'.<br />See you soon.Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-34830384411449791042009-10-14T21:16:00.000-07:002009-10-22T19:42:54.593-07:00Gardening couple and their green yard!<div style="text-align: justify;">Mr. and Mrs. M are a typical, cute old couple. They have a charming old house in the camp area, back at Allahabad (my hometown) with a small patch of garden. Their children grew up and flew out of their nest to build their own in bigger cities. Though alone, both are rattling busy souls. A couple so passionate about gardening, there is hardly anything that would keep them away from it. Uncle is a gregarious old Sardar, while Aunty is always chipper. I <span name="storyText" class="headlines" id="storyText">actually don't think I've ever seen her <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> smiling. Infected, you just can't stop smiling back. Within minutes of arrival, Aunty dishes out sherbet or chai (tea) with home-made cookies and roasted snacks. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span name="storyText" class="headlines" id="storyText">Coming back to gardening, Uncle steals the show since he's the flaunty talker while Aunty is the helpful assistant behind the scene. Though in practice, I think Aunty is more orderly between the two. </span><span name="storyText" class="headlines" id="storyText">Their lawn is currently under restoration, and all other plants are in containers. They have put a part of their terrace to use for rose beds and vegetable gardening. Every day, they deadhead and water plants, sweep and re-organize pots to de-clutter their green space.</span><br /><br /><span name="storyText" class="headlines" id="storyText">Their energy and enthusiasm is contagious. When I am home, I make it a point to wheedle out some time to meet them, discover new plants and borrow some for my city balcony.</span> Here's a look at their desert rose (adenium) collection - they have quite a number, but it's just a few that I photographed.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIfAGA2SvNppZKaxtCDm_yDAiUBNu4K83C4sRWNpWkLUcviv9NfC3y3jMSROAYpmf66JIfwc5x9G5DPsEqkhPAy7H39KbTkabi-Vg2N7ELmkGJBaGbwZWXu5E8xpEbUHPseBqj39CFnc/s1600-h/uncle3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIfAGA2SvNppZKaxtCDm_yDAiUBNu4K83C4sRWNpWkLUcviv9NfC3y3jMSROAYpmf66JIfwc5x9G5DPsEqkhPAy7H39KbTkabi-Vg2N7ELmkGJBaGbwZWXu5E8xpEbUHPseBqj39CFnc/s640/uncle3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392696614345253490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DpcB3CQGb-g-lmZySGKNNmPST7I6BltZYtf1XWvJ08cb8lKvOa9aPn-g9LlVfBLP-nnK5DtEowbTW7gdfFby6PC_y5sg2ey96pw8OkYP80UJ5m2DrsVQkanV-W6Gw5zXjHi_WwHCF4g/s1600-h/uncle4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DpcB3CQGb-g-lmZySGKNNmPST7I6BltZYtf1XWvJ08cb8lKvOa9aPn-g9LlVfBLP-nnK5DtEowbTW7gdfFby6PC_y5sg2ey96pw8OkYP80UJ5m2DrsVQkanV-W6Gw5zXjHi_WwHCF4g/s400/uncle4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392696623171328066" border="0" /></a></div></div><span name="storyText" class="headlines" id="storyText"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfMD577qOFJRkfa4HfZMNUXnvTv28kXEMrHPhpauuTD8X8FoWznHoM-X4qPy1Ndl6zsKbKrotxHC6eJOyswST9VLi4NY8mnPKfj07Pv39kwpp7PVyeuOjKNmSTdYS-lBATu5PIQNr06w/s1600-h/uncle1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfMD577qOFJRkfa4HfZMNUXnvTv28kXEMrHPhpauuTD8X8FoWznHoM-X4qPy1Ndl6zsKbKrotxHC6eJOyswST9VLi4NY8mnPKfj07Pv39kwpp7PVyeuOjKNmSTdYS-lBATu5PIQNr06w/s400/uncle1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392696629503147250" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyROAnMd40v13chdjdvHmiGWhsY_fu3MF7n4Xq53N85E8pwDmopfwcRqYuNKc4YvNTDkgO-u1KpxHlbGa_QP4Z1x3xkxQqSUIHXXh4mUjVKVYB20k8LCZn57rGUaKH7pFfJ9qCMuHg-fo/s1600-h/uncle2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyROAnMd40v13chdjdvHmiGWhsY_fu3MF7n4Xq53N85E8pwDmopfwcRqYuNKc4YvNTDkgO-u1KpxHlbGa_QP4Z1x3xkxQqSUIHXXh4mUjVKVYB20k8LCZn57rGUaKH7pFfJ9qCMuHg-fo/s400/uncle2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392696638223475554" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/19C06D65718BF0BBE35AEFDB9EC76DC7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-7323113335784190652009-10-11T19:32:00.000-07:002010-02-24T00:26:39.185-08:00Up the hill - Photo-tag<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Jc1hAnm0BVvH1YeE800_GFKMXe26m3z8l77r6e0Fjj0bJpORKFm-LgQ9Sa0JNOxCAYdSB3EWN9MQbXKHpN9fGXM_kxEHlVUq3Vxw0DPYdTFsaH7fYM4uaR1kdMzGflklgZQlQ4Z9nFI/s1600-h/shimla9.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Jc1hAnm0BVvH1YeE800_GFKMXe26m3z8l77r6e0Fjj0bJpORKFm-LgQ9Sa0JNOxCAYdSB3EWN9MQbXKHpN9fGXM_kxEHlVUq3Vxw0DPYdTFsaH7fYM4uaR1kdMzGflklgZQlQ4Z9nFI/s640/shimla9.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391554138085596930" border="0" /></a>Joyful from <a href="http://snapthatpenny.blogspot.com/2009/10/photo-tag.html">Snap that</a> prompted me to play the photo-tag game. Your first photo folder -> Tenth photo -> Share the story!<br /></div><br />Some random arrangement led me to the one you see here, the rose.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This one, and the series of photographs that follow were shot at Shimla. Shimla is a hilly town in Northern India, popularly known as Queen of Hills and is draped in forests of pine, rhododendron and oak. It was a weekend trip to Shimla with my best friend about five months back to meet another friend we had not been in touch for nearly 12 years. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnIMmVMJrDCTrj9Y2XkW3BWsk8wBl8dzTa0JlWEeZ0rdibCUFoA212iJz3SUhvwhPeypmcO1PpwHNqVsYZ4TjnuMg64jdPiP8Z8eWrUmPwVc55IIktM2PPDplKq65NfM4W-KwxOufwvs/s1600-h/shimla10.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnIMmVMJrDCTrj9Y2XkW3BWsk8wBl8dzTa0JlWEeZ0rdibCUFoA212iJz3SUhvwhPeypmcO1PpwHNqVsYZ4TjnuMg64jdPiP8Z8eWrUmPwVc55IIktM2PPDplKq65NfM4W-KwxOufwvs/s640/shimla10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391554131911994722" border="0" /></a>For the three of us, it was a homecoming of sorts. It's amazing how childhood friends never feel toodistant or cut off from each other's lives no matter where they are. As soon as we met, we took off from where we had left. While we stayed up the night to babble relentlessly and catching up from where we left, her husband kept the house up and running. They took an off from work to be with us and show us around the town We binged on some amazing Tibetan food, travelled around and had a terrific time.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere." -Tim McGraw</span></b><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAKk2WnIgiU3BnZSHT-F2MrISC7E-YWNBOWoi8dhei1FUj-ZLk59UMkmNaWI-gC4FRl8XVUB0e4EV6BVvLXOj0Kgmik1bywl-0_zpPmREQaGsG01ZMSx3EZ3WdAFrZhyphenhyphen_-Xh3IcvYlwE/s1600-h/shimla12.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAKk2WnIgiU3BnZSHT-F2MrISC7E-YWNBOWoi8dhei1FUj-ZLk59UMkmNaWI-gC4FRl8XVUB0e4EV6BVvLXOj0Kgmik1bywl-0_zpPmREQaGsG01ZMSx3EZ3WdAFrZhyphenhyphen_-Xh3IcvYlwE/s640/shimla12.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391554119214883298" border="0" /></a><br /></div>How true<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GnkKDNKf7Sy4FP6PN0gxPNxM4tF75LTJgThoCQGLkoFNk6qpWj_qzVTRKLh4y8YG_sDSJplTNRdjdR2wQL9PUs6XzIoYiQPxDRwYT1qkyZf3gaJ0jOhUMkgyqzjjpEnaScKN8PcE0PY/s1600-h/shimla11.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GnkKDNKf7Sy4FP6PN0gxPNxM4tF75LTJgThoCQGLkoFNk6qpWj_qzVTRKLh4y8YG_sDSJplTNRdjdR2wQL9PUs6XzIoYiQPxDRwYT1qkyZf3gaJ0jOhUMkgyqzjjpEnaScKN8PcE0PY/s640/shimla11.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391554121602423106" border="0" /></a>!<br /><br />Do you know this pink-white flower - name?<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Another place near Shimla<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PE0yrBmygJZsjYsLeYBv2tgyI-rMpBVhnc_3gYzpmQDg1_vZYm9-ItrxMR3ECuoUHjyrnOGI4K5dbxNOXN1uIYjhh0BZZVvRt7YrvUw8QK7S1EXBWbTNnTYx5VlZ961yw4QNaPjPDF0/s1600-h/shimla1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PE0yrBmygJZsjYsLeYBv2tgyI-rMpBVhnc_3gYzpmQDg1_vZYm9-ItrxMR3ECuoUHjyrnOGI4K5dbxNOXN1uIYjhh0BZZVvRt7YrvUw8QK7S1EXBWbTNnTYx5VlZ961yw4QNaPjPDF0/s640/shimla1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391555281445530530" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj9J-euHryoOw04mjvCxjMlxewYqaFghYC27uGTt3oOOQM55Zcm_yKAf5sdh18zCijD0mSnS8XTiirUXJ5QidDLDtEzJk5v1r9YS220sUHBP6uLFS6ylDB2OjHj6cQjgLCIGUm3e7gA0/s1600-h/shimla6.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj9J-euHryoOw04mjvCxjMlxewYqaFghYC27uGTt3oOOQM55Zcm_yKAf5sdh18zCijD0mSnS8XTiirUXJ5QidDLDtEzJk5v1r9YS220sUHBP6uLFS6ylDB2OjHj6cQjgLCIGUm3e7gA0/s640/shimla6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391555460761467938" border="0" /></a>View of places around Shimla<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GfW5sIfhEhpFCtk5Q9f6E3HiLtCLDBeZqXr_3MfjnKbHss7yJyIQDvYI1IB04nO6IusqiGgFkKFJI_qb0G356qaICJwJOJqH8eMYTvGeqK83xiYzfA06Fp__xR_7KbUWHmZSGfux2AA/s1600-h/shimla4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GfW5sIfhEhpFCtk5Q9f6E3HiLtCLDBeZqXr_3MfjnKbHss7yJyIQDvYI1IB04nO6IusqiGgFkKFJI_qb0G356qaICJwJOJqH8eMYTvGeqK83xiYzfA06Fp__xR_7KbUWHmZSGfux2AA/s640/shimla4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391555267034662002" border="0" /></a>Wayside flowers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUl5JAt62ALSvgmf7YzI9rbbFTINETikHxmNrC8S0pTXq8viS1vzJQa8kxg7tt1czPZb2pehv0kH9dwz9Ae2MPj3N01we-zyRaImnD2g1yb01MeXqLk1ZxAXKl9THkxUz4ulhnhBTBCY/s1600-h/shimla2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUl5JAt62ALSvgmf7YzI9rbbFTINETikHxmNrC8S0pTXq8viS1vzJQa8kxg7tt1czPZb2pehv0kH9dwz9Ae2MPj3N01we-zyRaImnD2g1yb01MeXqLk1ZxAXKl9THkxUz4ulhnhBTBCY/s640/shimla2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391555275730077218" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLh1rUCnYh2ex1syVAB36ekj_ibgo-mzgmrlTl98gl1yG_q9QEsD9DsSfnCpXnT3JT7FSI2OZ_Ki0uqFmonWxZeOZtxU5eeJWJyGITi3lTqkHbKrsPy3dCvgBjx4wsvhlL95KSmXSQKTQ/s1600-h/shimla5.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLh1rUCnYh2ex1syVAB36ekj_ibgo-mzgmrlTl98gl1yG_q9QEsD9DsSfnCpXnT3JT7FSI2OZ_Ki0uqFmonWxZeOZtxU5eeJWJyGITi3lTqkHbKrsPy3dCvgBjx4wsvhlL95KSmXSQKTQ/s640/shimla5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391555259126350994" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtKOiVb6OIIS7sHVp8DxGZpV4B8kXAzcmnOmzNWC2rk54IH1w5ljKXOGSNuy1MdOgrzI5r2BM7gTlJm0sH-4hOxDiyVzsuDNEUd3JqW2f1eNQ3Svifl94C-wmB4C-g7puXS8gwFyqvDw/s1600-h/shimla7.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtKOiVb6OIIS7sHVp8DxGZpV4B8kXAzcmnOmzNWC2rk54IH1w5ljKXOGSNuy1MdOgrzI5r2BM7gTlJm0sH-4hOxDiyVzsuDNEUd3JqW2f1eNQ3Svifl94C-wmB4C-g7puXS8gwFyqvDw/s640/shimla7.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391555256071205586" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQsZR1AvDHrbCuGk4JuHeo0XxA6BPPDz_aT9L4Hs75ZIrqsOdNhWTsjHlMPCFUlQwctwQfJbUhSpaFrDVWYwjDbD2iO5c07c8JFg4Pz9P5Np0bmmT570EWy3gKMBBZA23hQfSfVH4pBI/s1600-h/shimla8.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQsZR1AvDHrbCuGk4JuHeo0XxA6BPPDz_aT9L4Hs75ZIrqsOdNhWTsjHlMPCFUlQwctwQfJbUhSpaFrDVWYwjDbD2iO5c07c8JFg4Pz9P5Np0bmmT570EWy3gKMBBZA23hQfSfVH4pBI/s640/shimla8.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391554144119006322" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/19C06D65718BF0BBE35AEFDB9EC76DC7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /></div>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-71935329819164275212009-10-09T10:47:00.000-07:002009-10-09T12:12:50.021-07:00Banana leaf special...Part IIThis is an extension of an earlier post: <a href="http://theurbanbalcony.blogspot.com/2009/09/banana-leaf-special.html">Banana leaf special</a> Part I<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Cooking in banana leaves is considered beneficial for health, besides tasting good. I'm an experiment freak and have had excellent results so far. When Ma called a couple of days back to share her recipe, I was eager to try. I got a banana leaf from my garden and started. The dish turned out delicious. I prepared it in my favorite steamer, handed down from my grandmother. My husband lent a hand with cooking so that made it extra special too.<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_XP3O9bR9fN5tAZNERKTvMg6aE69LmNTy1gHCwVLaylH6qy_o211VNviHuC7K4m7xRUjzc0YoFR261WDIqh1kjpU2v9DfQb8UlDguC-sX1eFvbXSKlMytY1fDnJY5AOFgN773_43g-8/s1600-h/hand.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_XP3O9bR9fN5tAZNERKTvMg6aE69LmNTy1gHCwVLaylH6qy_o211VNviHuC7K4m7xRUjzc0YoFR261WDIqh1kjpU2v9DfQb8UlDguC-sX1eFvbXSKlMytY1fDnJY5AOFgN773_43g-8/s400/hand.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390680221023151042" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Steamed fish in mustard</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"> sauce</span></span><br /><br />Here's what you need and how you do it :<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ingredients</span><br />4 pieces hilsa /shad fish<br />1 large banana leaf (washed thoroughly and left to dry, and the central rib removed before use)<br />2 tbsp yellow mustard seeds (soaked in lukewarm water for half hour)<br />1 tbsp poppy seeds (soaked in lukewarm water for half hour)<br />5-6 cashew nuts (soaked in lukewarm water for half hour)<br />4-5 almonds (soaked in lukewarm water for half hour)<br />2 green chillies<br />1.5 tsp turmeric powder<br />2 tbsp mustard oil<br /><br />Method:<br />Marinate the fish pieces in salt, turmeric powder and 1 tsp mustard oil and set aside for half an hour. Grind yellow mustard, poppy seeds, cashew, almonds, green chillies with little water into a thick paste. Add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tbsp mustard oil and salt (to taste) and mix well. Coat the marinated fish pieces with the paste.<br />Lightly brush the washed and dry banana leaves with oil and warm it over the flame. This softens the leaves. Cutting them into pieces and folding becomes easier.<br />Each coated piece is transferred to a separate banana leaf piece, topped with a green chilly, wrapped carefully and secured with a thread. These folded pieces go into the steamer for about 15-20 minutes. Once done, the pieces are lifted out gently and served with steaming rice.<br /></div><br />Do let me know how it turned out for you.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigOLbYzzLK033pWLCdadH5wzqxb-UfrUrEeJn6-ASsxlObT6oZ8TxrdZ-rnY9g3kdPLwN9GYoo-UKNm_lAUCSckJSch7jfAFfCYM2Xl9DEWxbz6o7I_oMZA6ZCCBBh0B4IRFiZCI3G_U/s1600-h/coated+fish.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigOLbYzzLK033pWLCdadH5wzqxb-UfrUrEeJn6-ASsxlObT6oZ8TxrdZ-rnY9g3kdPLwN9GYoo-UKNm_lAUCSckJSch7jfAFfCYM2Xl9DEWxbz6o7I_oMZA6ZCCBBh0B4IRFiZCI3G_U/s400/coated+fish.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390676371474989922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4R5GQib37bQ7EDD2YEuT-83iaFk5fJ1gankvymtJpbr3wV-EJWJGULfeqRuhwpGmPZWss95FVKbEp650aPR4MZdsiUGeG_yzw6PQqtMQLqSv-QTYK4DD_oOGBqsOwP6g8wgVEbsNpJL8/s1600-h/wrapped+fish.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4R5GQib37bQ7EDD2YEuT-83iaFk5fJ1gankvymtJpbr3wV-EJWJGULfeqRuhwpGmPZWss95FVKbEp650aPR4MZdsiUGeG_yzw6PQqtMQLqSv-QTYK4DD_oOGBqsOwP6g8wgVEbsNpJL8/s400/wrapped+fish.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390676379882639186" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGT0jDd7wyQ-5adSa9EYhGGTcR9YWfm8HAJxskFycyufV2FEM764fMbqvedvkEG4leKmqXyqxd2zYW6EE07p981PmpV-6myv_DsbPJ_1PddgWeB8m_yC8rBxmgkH3HNSYhUqAc0_rd-Vs/s1600-h/steamer.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGT0jDd7wyQ-5adSa9EYhGGTcR9YWfm8HAJxskFycyufV2FEM764fMbqvedvkEG4leKmqXyqxd2zYW6EE07p981PmpV-6myv_DsbPJ_1PddgWeB8m_yC8rBxmgkH3HNSYhUqAc0_rd-Vs/s400/steamer.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390676400272655618" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAJv-ELZkdYPOCFid8LBFdjCkKqwj3UZgU1LgmxlSUg9dEXntdXg394Lyul-5YiMBdyfD_uJVKh8GTrwDjpsE00AxH17IaxSKVn7wnrNNZ9uWKHJFxMJL_cq48kWEgG-odULvkuBCldw/s1600-h/ready+for+serve.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAJv-ELZkdYPOCFid8LBFdjCkKqwj3UZgU1LgmxlSUg9dEXntdXg394Lyul-5YiMBdyfD_uJVKh8GTrwDjpsE00AxH17IaxSKVn7wnrNNZ9uWKHJFxMJL_cq48kWEgG-odULvkuBCldw/s400/ready+for+serve.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390676388111125250" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-y4-Bml3kCPcftqKFf2tVY3wg1IM01hbwA8auBdW9i_hT5S2Eqqdv4Lsj8gppbNCNJpPufRe9ek8zzfBO7NmCLi9rSxtSzihrS3u143KtQq3U0GFYKcZfIHJ9wLwZQTXmgYc1KOnN1Rg/s1600-h/ready+to+eat.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-y4-Bml3kCPcftqKFf2tVY3wg1IM01hbwA8auBdW9i_hT5S2Eqqdv4Lsj8gppbNCNJpPufRe9ek8zzfBO7NmCLi9rSxtSzihrS3u143KtQq3U0GFYKcZfIHJ9wLwZQTXmgYc1KOnN1Rg/s400/ready+to+eat.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390676394797908738" border="0" /></a></div>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-2088994723321625552009-10-06T22:55:00.001-07:002009-10-07T11:00:20.764-07:00My flip flop with papaya<div style="text-align: justify;">Do you have fruits which you once detested as a child and turned around to love them when you grew up? I have many, but papaya leapfrogs the others. Often I reason that most of which I loathed back then happened to the ones excessively available or grown at home. The novelty fades and so does the taste.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We had almost ten papaya trees (with young ones growing around them) that would fruit profusely. Nearly every meal had papaya in it - salad, main course, desserts - in its raw or ripe avatar. No sooner did I smell the fruit at the dining table than I switched off and felt no hunger. I've been on hunger strikes to oppose papayas in my meals. Nonetheless, I was petrified of Ma. One grim look from Ma, and the food went right down my food pipe grudgingly. In some rare moments I would underhandedly sift through the serving on my plate, and dole out chunks to our dog under the table. I never got caught but I have a feeling she knew what I did. Mothers always know!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjaVn6ki6PMv7OrStBZbAprRuoYiLBX-o2BBA_jUuX5uMVZ8u2wbWUIM41OXOrZGwxzBX91wy8TL3jdEVhvWZjjac0fTTbEhmIENWo331c0HolHRlIlm8eQ4yuQ1Ta7GbBDanWMJQAlk/s1600-h/papaya+tree+at+home.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjaVn6ki6PMv7OrStBZbAprRuoYiLBX-o2BBA_jUuX5uMVZ8u2wbWUIM41OXOrZGwxzBX91wy8TL3jdEVhvWZjjac0fTTbEhmIENWo331c0HolHRlIlm8eQ4yuQ1Ta7GbBDanWMJQAlk/s400/papaya+tree+at+home.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389917712225471394" border="0" /></a><br />What is puzzling is that many years later, I have discovered a new found love for papayas. I don't quite remember how the U turn happened but raw or ripe, I find it both edible and tasty. now. During my trip back home, Ma stood stunned and amused when I told her I photographed the papaya tree and savored the fruit in my salad. Promptly, Ma conveyed her utter amazement to Dad who enthusiastically offered to pack a papaya plant for my balcony garden in Delhi.<br />Goodness, growing papayas in containers ! Now, that I call is far-fetched.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbpULLgDcEhSNJb4KqFxmwb9Mn4ZMat1D3c1UFRL-SWD5KZdQKeR7oUa0lTGf-hpJqB8gbTX-_mQ9GbGXOB4vhMaLbreUglDF4mAU3NKXTkBhK2JCEfsmsUnp9xZ5dseVzgrYxR5EiZQ/s1600-h/raw+papaya.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbpULLgDcEhSNJb4KqFxmwb9Mn4ZMat1D3c1UFRL-SWD5KZdQKeR7oUa0lTGf-hpJqB8gbTX-_mQ9GbGXOB4vhMaLbreUglDF4mAU3NKXTkBhK2JCEfsmsUnp9xZ5dseVzgrYxR5EiZQ/s400/raw+papaya.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389916648832019410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The fruit has high nutritional benefits and is a powerhouse of vitamins. A proteolytic enzyme called papain (highly concentrated in the skin of raw papaya) aids digestion and is highly recommended. The fruit has remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties besides being rich in dietary fiber, foliate, vitamin A, C, E, carotene, calcium and iron.<br /><br />Papayas can be grown from seeds. They grow fast but needs care in its early stages. They love tropical climate and need lot of sunlight, water and good soil mix. Papaya plants can be either male, female or bisexual. The male does not produce fruit, so to be sure you'll have to plant extra ones. The plants/trees starts flowering when they are little over a meter tall. The flowers on the male plant can be recognized from the heavy blooms and slender stalks, while female plants have a single large bloom, and short stems. Papaya trees need nitrogen rich fertilizers and fruit all the year round except in peak winters. The trees grows weaker and yields less as they age so new plants every three years is ideal.<br /><br /></div>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-59535954914162636152009-10-05T22:47:00.000-07:002009-10-06T10:44:03.439-07:00The fruit that connected 10 and 60I've grown up in a joint family, and my years spent with my grandparents are probably one of the most memorable ones. My life would have been incomplete without their love.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />I was quite a mischievous kid and Daadi (my grandma) was my partner in crime. In times of potential smack sessions from Ma, I would run to Daadi for cover and hide behind her. As an adept negotiator, my Daadi would swing into action and wheedle Ma out of her rage. I re-appeared promptly after the storm passed and Daadi pushed a candy into my mouth. A modest battle won!<br /><br />A ten-year old and a sixty-five year old had a lot in common. I went temple-hopping with her and catching up with peers. She would take me out to play and accompany me on errands. She was always the first one I hugged when I returned from school and the bond I shared with her was incredible. Among other things she liked, she devoured fruits - especially custard apples and so did I.<br /><br />This visit, rambling in the garden back home I spotted a custard apple that sent me into flashback. I remembered days when Daadi would keep a watchful eye on the ripening custard apples and shoo off squirrels and parrots that nimbled away the fruit in no time. Disappointed with her failed attempts to rescue, she picked the remaining semi-ripe ones off the tree, wrapped them in newspapers and set them in our flour container in the kitchen. It took about two days to ripen, and ten minutes to eat. Besides, she used to make some great custard apple milk shake.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHy5RxlhV4SKMtLu2We_jeJVSmUpYQPZ-pU6nCFiE8Azv0od0r0p9sshC_m2jMPeScK3IwoZcNzvmKg1sAwy5woacamheRq3uo_CdwAkFJGMSTfy1rBHgpBomv7TWpAGGYUK9QfhDQfto/s1600-h/custard+apple.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHy5RxlhV4SKMtLu2We_jeJVSmUpYQPZ-pU6nCFiE8Azv0od0r0p9sshC_m2jMPeScK3IwoZcNzvmKg1sAwy5woacamheRq3uo_CdwAkFJGMSTfy1rBHgpBomv7TWpAGGYUK9QfhDQfto/s400/custard+apple.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389378851187326658" border="0" /></a>The custard apple (also known as bull's heart, <span style="font-style: italic;">sitaphal, shareefa, aata</span>) tree we have at home is not too tall, about 10-12 feet. It prefers a warm and humid climate and needs good care during the oppressive summers of Northern India. The fruits have high nutritional value and considered useful in treating anaemia.<br /><br />I dedicate this post to my Daadi I couldn't be with when she breathed her last.<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/19C06D65718BF0BBE35AEFDB9EC76DC7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /></div>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-83967799000781599592009-10-03T20:11:00.000-07:002009-10-04T19:00:57.125-07:00Aparajita (butterfly pea flower) brings back memories<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNX3w9HBZjqx5pgyRDDukDe14izIIi8h1QRebcHaKEE_IIG1lgymSyKhFqHycEezCPn3TF0pCqyMbK32VoKkGJaEZfXuaCzXmMYWoEVKgq24emqOMqzK58w6Qv56IsHvtI5jR7P23y1M/s1600-h/aparajita.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNX3w9HBZjqx5pgyRDDukDe14izIIi8h1QRebcHaKEE_IIG1lgymSyKhFqHycEezCPn3TF0pCqyMbK32VoKkGJaEZfXuaCzXmMYWoEVKgq24emqOMqzK58w6Qv56IsHvtI5jR7P23y1M/s400/aparajita.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388603068147907154" border="0" /></a>Aparajita (butterfly pea) brings back many childhood memories.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Ma spends over an hour praying every morning. She's got a small <span style="font-style: italic;">classified</span> room on the first floor of our house in Allahabad that has limited or no access for others. As a kid, I'd always wondered what's her fancy about. I tried sneaking around, mock-squalled, mock-fought with sibling hoping to interfere with her morning prayer. Today when I think back, I acted in defense of being ignored (ignoring me is so uncharacteristic of Ma except when she's praying).<br />When I cried as a peevish kid, she would scoop me up into her arms. She woke me up with a gentle hug and prepared the most toothsome meal when I claimed I was hungry and did thousands of other things to make me feel special and wanted in her life. Considering her shower of affection at all times, I hated this time of the morning when she ignored me and everyone else around at home. No matter what I did to assume a place of importance during her daily ritual, I failed. Fifteen minutes into her prayer time, she would climb down, chanting verses and head to the garden to gather flowers for worship. Whenever I've been exceptionally unruly and disobedient that hour, she'd signal me to quieten while on her way to the front garden and that is all the attention I could grab. She would get back to the prayer room in five minutes with a basketful of flowers. Her favorites are hibiscus, jasmine, marigold and to top it all is the butterfly pea flower. We call it <span style="font-style: italic;">Aparajita</span> here.<br />There have been times when she has been into an elaborate ritual when she has asked me to bring her flowers but I had to qualify her conditions first. I had to change out of my night clothes, bathe clean, comb back my hair into a plait, wash my hands and reach the prayer room in time to kneel, mumble a short prayer and run to bring back flowers for Ma. I loved my part and would look forward to these errands. Besides, this was the reason I was allowed access to the prayer room and got a chance to sit beside Ma and observe her. As I grew up and became less boisterous and more understanding <span style="font-style: italic;">(urban green chuckles), </span>picking flowers for Ma more or less became an everyday affair until I moved out of home.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">About Butterfly pea flower: It's a perennial species here, a very fast growing climber with cobalt blue flowers. They are decently hardy and do well in full sun (light shade in summers) and likes being well-watered. They are available in colors like white, light blue and lilac. Pinching the plant is a must to make it bushy. The plant fares well in a container, and makes for a great plant in balconies.</span><br /><br />Years later, Aparajita (butterfly pea) is still so special, a tug at the heart. I'm not unruly anymore and I know how important it is to say our daily prayers. Ma has an aching knee now, can't sprint around like in olden times so she asked me to bring her flowers this time but not without her qualifying requirements (Ah! Mums don't change). While I brought her a basket full of her favorite ones Aparajita, I was reminded of my childhood days.<br /><br />And did I tell you that I did not sneak into the prayer room any more? I walked right behind Ma to the room and sat beside her in silence, praying.<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/19C06D65718BF0BBE35AEFDB9EC76DC7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-29914535354557468562009-10-01T03:46:00.000-07:002009-10-01T08:09:51.714-07:00Way into dad's garden<span style="font-size:100%;"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype></span><div face="georgia" style="text-align: justify;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-IN;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> </div><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">I traveled </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">last week with my husband </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">to see my parents and was desperate for the train journey to end. Many months since I’d be</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">en home and met them. I had spotted my dad waving at me amidst the jostling crowd. Had I seen him earlier, I would have been ready to jump off much before the train came to a final halt. The sparkle that I saw in his eyes cannot be found any where else. We hugged, and soon he moved swiftly to lug my bag as if I were a school girl. It’s amazing how parents stay just the same for you.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">Ordinarily, I never let my parents know when am going to be home because that would mean they would be up at an unearthly hour to arrange things and pick me up from the station. No matter what I age, they’d still treat me like a kid. Besides, arriving uninformed also meant that I’d take a 30-min rickshaw ride as against a 5-min car ride from station to home at 6.30 am. Therefore, those 30 mins allowed me to soak up on the new, old and the extinct sights of the town. </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">When with my husband, I flaunt my town, its history and it’s green cover. It’s usually a monologue as I pass by familiar sights while he nods approvingly.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span lang="EN-IN">Look at that, the tree has grown so much! I love this palm. Damn! The tree has been felled. I can’t spot the teak. Look, he’s added so many plants. This creeper has been there forever. I never get this kind of a bloom. How long does a gulmohar tree last?</span></i></span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">I belong to a sleepy, rusty, chaotic and religious town <i style="">‘<st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Allahabad</st1:place></st1:city>’</i> that means ‘God’s creation’. Natives had large houses until sometime back when the real estate scenario changed, people moved and so did the density pattern change dramatically. Nevertheless, it’s still a green city compared to many I have visited so far.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">On my way home, I pass by the 19<sup>th</sup> century Gothic style All Saint’s Cathedral standing tall with its lush green cover.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeap_pYkD4W-AUiqGqSOhw_B5JRRpuUh59C3SjnK2TNPSD_4OtZd9tsN8GbsaZlp5hzUDtDH9QAqKvqNM-lVRviPA0XXcMH9b9E6iXw8R1I1J6KJw11qeq7pUTQX1FHzLGygIB57YBxQ/s1600-h/allsaint'scathedral3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 392px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeap_pYkD4W-AUiqGqSOhw_B5JRRpuUh59C3SjnK2TNPSD_4OtZd9tsN8GbsaZlp5hzUDtDH9QAqKvqNM-lVRviPA0XXcMH9b9E6iXw8R1I1J6KJw11qeq7pUTQX1FHzLGygIB57YBxQ/s400/allsaint'scathedral3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387587480963584514" border="0" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpdkmaiqWrraBfdxVVZlmQ5UmfDp7qnw1UWVcn-Kxlo8j7pEqi_7pVyDDWWe9UDDNr7bXQKEZ6D1IVXGuABVMi2JQNhnA6by7Wve7z08ZZ_PtfTjURETl0sOuMcRPOMF0O1SbX2TLYu8/s1600-h/allsaint'scathedral1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 389px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpdkmaiqWrraBfdxVVZlmQ5UmfDp7qnw1UWVcn-Kxlo8j7pEqi_7pVyDDWWe9UDDNr7bXQKEZ6D1IVXGuABVMi2JQNhnA6by7Wve7z08ZZ_PtfTjURETl0sOuMcRPOMF0O1SbX2TLYu8/s400/allsaint'scathedral1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387587488146624626" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">Company garden (I have no idea on the history behind the name) follows soon after and is a popular walker’s paradise and usually a beautifully landscaped garden with orchards and flower belts.</span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4RjnAxGGFsWivF65Ic_GYuWhG28iJdelHP3Fw4NZrQG50qlvG6vdgoEsCz75IUAoq3ZxrgrZKht3Eedi0Mzr9u-yu9l6ggTg8xr9BYz2eEvh6bLz84JVzGm7To8KGhRIdU0FTYD30Yw/s1600-h/alld+company+garden.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4RjnAxGGFsWivF65Ic_GYuWhG28iJdelHP3Fw4NZrQG50qlvG6vdgoEsCz75IUAoq3ZxrgrZKht3Eedi0Mzr9u-yu9l6ggTg8xr9BYz2eEvh6bLz84JVzGm7To8KGhRIdU0FTYD30Yw/s400/alld+company+garden.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387587473999148770" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">Hidden in the green cover, is the public state library built in </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">1864 that is a treasure house of old manuscripts and journals. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig9_YxsOYkSZcADIQCgPW3ZFzL5SsYSsCWv0WuCWL7PK9dxveSqZjVOTH9h7Zaupv_rPDYGXy2reQYmSAJgHw_IIL_UmVJq76om5P-hLinS9pnILVQ42raFSI4MJxDTU43qDqP43YXls/s1600-h/alld+state+public+library.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 336px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig9_YxsOYkSZcADIQCgPW3ZFzL5SsYSsCWv0WuCWL7PK9dxveSqZjVOTH9h7Zaupv_rPDYGXy2reQYmSAJgHw_IIL_UmVJq76om5P-hLinS9pnILVQ42raFSI4MJxDTU43qDqP43YXls/s400/alld+state+public+library.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387587467494659042" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2dfldH-KKTDE-GuPdvBb5hvz59eIB-8ImlF7M9j04eFDFw99_TvDBlrfKoe1K3aGmsk1TZlnU7PPOqhBcwAxTX1Atz7eAWQLNHXEA3C4pS3FyXv53WAu4ONsUlnwWWBTqLHq-9Z9wk8/s1600-h/AU.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2dfldH-KKTDE-GuPdvBb5hvz59eIB-8ImlF7M9j04eFDFw99_TvDBlrfKoe1K3aGmsk1TZlnU7PPOqhBcwAxTX1Atz7eAWQLNHXEA3C4pS3FyXv53WAu4ONsUlnwWWBTqLHq-9Z9wk8/s400/AU.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387587461963525042" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">As the road turns towards my house, the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">Allahabad</st1:placename></st1:place> can be seen. The buildings are known for its classical architectural designs and have strong Victorian and Islamic style architectural influences.<br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">Closer home, the residential areas have large patches of green, sprawling lawns and a wide variety of plants. </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">This time around since we drove back home in a car and were busy talking to each other, I did not get a chance to see much.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">Once I reached home, I stood for a minute at the gate to look at the house, my home for 20 odd years before I left to chase my dreams and build my nest. At the gate, I was welcomed by a robust large multi stemmed shrub blooming with flowers. They are popularly known as Land-lotus (Sthal Padam) or Confederate Rose, Cotton rosemallow or Hibiscus mutabilis. The plant is about 14 feet tall with large, bright green leaves. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIt9ULM_1eWsSKDxvBGWhEaJyu1AGcuSvciFmX3yn-43YC7Pr26f-A7hfADAl-UT5iGzbVlPb_qVI5Qeo1FfP0xghrFcgm-E2w4BBvZrA9hqOvv1r8ePXelA2EDiXudD8jLKt0PZP-C-k/s1600-h/landlotus1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIt9ULM_1eWsSKDxvBGWhEaJyu1AGcuSvciFmX3yn-43YC7Pr26f-A7hfADAl-UT5iGzbVlPb_qVI5Qeo1FfP0xghrFcgm-E2w4BBvZrA9hqOvv1r8ePXelA2EDiXudD8jLKt0PZP-C-k/s400/landlotus1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387585726077705698" border="0" /></a></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">It is in full bloom starting late summer until end of fall. The flowers open pure white and change colour during the course of the day to pink and dark pink by evening. It is propagated by cuttings during fall or spring. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsty_S0RGwM7WvK8lPHJY7tUDNqXjkEitp9G5IHlCcf8PEtQ5PyXb8cyTIQ2vq4523ZlA5CljkZEfbaeu-p4ZRQYrlgF0-ngqcqV_M3nVj9lXMEg73RvAUFeivDW-CqIJL5Y6mhZbNNQ/s1600-h/landlotus2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsty_S0RGwM7WvK8lPHJY7tUDNqXjkEitp9G5IHlCcf8PEtQ5PyXb8cyTIQ2vq4523ZlA5CljkZEfbaeu-p4ZRQYrlgF0-ngqcqV_M3nVj9lXMEg73RvAUFeivDW-CqIJL5Y6mhZbNNQ/s400/landlotus2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387585724259656082" border="0" /></a></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">While I stood watching the flower in admiration, Ma appeared at the door and I rushed to hug her and forgot about everything else.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">There is more to come.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:100%;">Pictures: All from the web except the flowers.<br /></span></p>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-39487854133180088732009-09-29T20:38:00.000-07:002009-10-03T19:39:08.600-07:00I'm back from my home town<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwufNonGoGBHkEmpIXoT1LvG5mFTUJVAl9kYVrmAzDZ3RF1jpyNtWeeXx88NTDXUkS48Y6m2g824R6GE54T0eVKQchGKYwZEpgcHpvqDw9Cza7r_v7FEtwAt_GapLa_V1zh8MVL8a6lZU/s1600-h/lemon+tree.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwufNonGoGBHkEmpIXoT1LvG5mFTUJVAl9kYVrmAzDZ3RF1jpyNtWeeXx88NTDXUkS48Y6m2g824R6GE54T0eVKQchGKYwZEpgcHpvqDw9Cza7r_v7FEtwAt_GapLa_V1zh8MVL8a6lZU/s400/lemon+tree.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387117334816625186" border="0" /></a>For those of you who had been wondering where I am, am just back from a holiday. I visited my parents, and it was a walk down memory lane. I've often mentioned that my dad is an avid gardener and this holiday was an occasion to sit with him and learn more.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I'll leave you with a picture of our lemon tree while I settle down and get back to writing more.</div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/19C06D65718BF0BBE35AEFDB9EC76DC7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275304409232364661.post-46341394438833870572009-09-22T20:47:00.000-07:002009-09-22T22:14:34.576-07:00Seed that takes about an year to sprout.<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Do you know of any seed that takes about an year to sprout?</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let me tell you about <span style="font-style: italic;">Rudraksh</span>.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLh6FICGGW55ubQimHunc3exG2XsaaoLor2pLGcoVlGhS-0nO_ZRFtkN59h9CWsYNPBgRUTPHuc0Zbqm8kQtbjs_8IDOofU5LwOJCzQJzEx6Y4fQnwlDzkJRE3fo9uhOiuXJNUI0ysfc/s1600-h/rudraksh+bead.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLh6FICGGW55ubQimHunc3exG2XsaaoLor2pLGcoVlGhS-0nO_ZRFtkN59h9CWsYNPBgRUTPHuc0Zbqm8kQtbjs_8IDOofU5LwOJCzQJzEx6Y4fQnwlDzkJRE3fo9uhOiuXJNUI0ysfc/s400/rudraksh+bead.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384520791926802802" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">The seed of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Rudraksh</span> tree (Elaeocarpus granitrus, Utrasum-bead tre</span><span style="font-size:100%;">e</span><span style="font-size:100%;">) is of great significance in Hinduism, and is recognized to possess </span><span style="font-size:100%;">mystical properties. <span style="font-style: italic;">Rudraksh</span> beads are considered auspicious as well as powerful, and are supposed to have profound health benefits. There is a explanation in Vedic scriptures but I'll skip it for the moment.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The<span style="font-style: italic;"> Ru</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">draksh</span> trees grow tall and bear tiny white colored fragrant flowers that bloom</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> in the rainy season. These flowers turn into black berry like fruits, that mature into </span><span style="font-size:100%;">brown-red colored <span style="font-style: italic;">Rudraksh</span> seeds. When dried, the <span style="font-style: italic;">Rudraksh</span> seed/bead is about the size of a marble with brainlike configurations which are commonly referred to as its “faces.” A bead’s value is dete</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9QXNA8D4NmniZEB_KlBUYc7xW0UVxucPuX9t5BOTJOntfF_ArOD3Z3O_sVAneEK_QhW3pDEsl6aPeg7DubWdzQhw1Tj8eiIeKfIfmPZ4uZ_jg1hPRXhhA92o87t5gfeQNa0e0ulnU_Y/s1600-h/Rudraksh+necklace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9QXNA8D4NmniZEB_KlBUYc7xW0UVxucPuX9t5BOTJOntfF_ArOD3Z3O_sVAneEK_QhW3pDEsl6aPeg7DubWdzQhw1Tj8eiIeKfIfmPZ4uZ_jg1hPRXhhA92o87t5gfeQNa0e0ulnU_Y/s400/Rudraksh+necklace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384521071638170610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">rmined not only by its size but by the number of faces nature has endowed it with. It may have one to twenty-one faces. Each of the different <span style="font-style: italic;">Rudraksh</span> beads have distinct powers and properties. It has been shown that <span style="font-style: italic;">Rudraksh</span> beads are considered to have electromagnetic properties and that they affect the human body when worn.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">These beads are used to make rosaries and necklaces for prayer a</span><span style="font-size:100%;">nd meditation mainly used by Hindus and Buddhists, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">especially by saints and monks that gave them tremendous amount of tranquility, control over mind and concentration to meditate for a long period. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50WkDo-FucX1XdwhOIlMzn5rQazMteRywmIUTl7rCb_1FSJy612PXYK_E3Kn-fiVSp_RXdIluDLwCWyBEFt0oknujFailImaEaw92G2yTXYlfvF2K3Kt6s0gzx4SrPLsss2JTTQIOlbw/s1600-h/hindusaint2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50WkDo-FucX1XdwhOIlMzn5rQazMteRywmIUTl7rCb_1FSJy612PXYK_E3Kn-fiVSp_RXdIluDLwCWyBEFt0oknujFailImaEaw92G2yTXYlfvF2K3Kt6s0gzx4SrPLsss2JTTQIOlbw/s400/hindusaint2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384520124442719234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">The <span style="font-style: italic;">rudraksh </span>neckla</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ces are treasured by Indians who wear them to regulate the blood pressure and to tranquilize the mind against nervous disorders. Considered a major stress reliever, Elaeocarpus fruits are used in Ayurveda for mental diseases, epilepsy, asthma, hypertensio</span><span style="font-size:100%;">n, arthritis and liver diseases.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Rudraksh</span> is found in Nepal and India </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and only a trained eye examining the beads for years can distinguish between a fake and a genuine one. Fakes are thriving due to the rising demand of <span style="font-style: italic;">rudraksh</span> and the </span><span style="font-size:100%;">lack of knowledge. Growing <span style="font-style: italic;">Rudraksh</span> is not easy. It grows in tropical conditions and I've not heard much </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFFvwofaDMGNNncWNfNAz_9CnSeCGW_H7OZuT1XF3mHBghnrWcKR0rFyADJift0re_Q8I2IszLoIH441r1euled7hhOhBAP2GjeB_pov3P6-9kabrrNPVjeWKKsJ8pYjfAps8NT0HK8s/s1600-h/hindusaint.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFFvwofaDMGNNncWNfNAz_9CnSeCGW_H7OZuT1XF3mHBghnrWcKR0rFyADJift0re_Q8I2IszLoIH441r1euled7hhOhBAP2GjeB_pov3P6-9kabrrNPVjeWKKsJ8pYjfAps8NT0HK8s/s400/hindusaint.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384521413234295458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">on the availability of saplings to plant. When genuine </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Rudraksh</span> beads a</span><span style="font-size:100%;">re sown it takes around one year for it to sprout to a plant. The potting mix needs to be kept well-watered at regular intervals. It should be moist but not waterlogged. Once about 4-5 inches tall, they can be re-potted into larger containers and finally the yard.</span><br /><br />My dad's friend has recently experimented with one. I'll see him in a week, and update this post.<br /><br />Photos courtesy: Internet<br />More links/resources:<br />http://findmeacure.com/2009/03/29/rudrakshaelaeocarpus-sphaericus/<br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudraksha<br /></div>Urban Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753898797737223631noreply@blogger.com28