March on Tekdi

March was a month of hectic activity on our Tekdi. Instead of putting everything down in words, I have a few photos that will better convey developments on the Tekdi.
As the sleeping earth awoke (from whatever winter we have here) some trees burst into fluorescent shoots that always glittered as the caught the early morning sun. It was also time for others to shed whatever remaining green garb they wore as the reserve forest plantation took on a sad brown hue.
Man made or accidental fires raged in parts that often destroyed this dried up undergrowth and grass but often took along with it some healthy trees as well …



As the parched earth thirsted for water, morning walkers enthusiastically watered the trees using discarded plastic bottles. The forest department ensures (tries to) that cement water tanks specially built for this purpose are refilled regularly. To goad those who prefer to just walk past, many voluntary organisations and activists put up posters urging every one to do his/her bit. I have one photo of a sample poster but there are many more similar interesting ones put up on trees.

March on the Tekdi shows signs of hope.
People marching on the Tekdi all have a common aim- to stay fit and healthy and conserve this unique feature of our city.
Cheers!
Annual Fruit and Vegetable Show

The Pune Municipal Corporation organised its annual fruit, flower and vegetable show at the Sambhaji Park recently. In view of the recent explosions at German Bakery in Koregaon Park, public participation was less enthusiastic. Every year the organisers go the extra mile to decorate the Park in a unique way. In fact, one will not recognise Sambhaji Park in the Show to be the same as the one seen all year round.
This year, the entrance and walkway thereafter was bedecked with orchids, anthurium, gerberas and carnations in many different colours. A deer created out of sphagnum moss was a lovely look alike to a real one. With Shiv Ratri being round the corner, the organisers had created a ‘shiv ling’ of flowers. The backdrop to the imposing statue of Shiva (NOT made of flowers!!) was … more flowers of course with a layered border of pansies, salvia, balsam etc.
Behind they created a landscape depicted a river, trees etc. and in front of it a flower train…
Other than this the show had the usual displays (all wonderful) and a superb display by the Friends of Bonsai.
If you missed the event this year, here are some photos. But keep track of the newspapers next year, and its a not-to-be missed display .
Cheers!
Apta (Bauhinia racemosa)
In Maharashtra there exists a practice of exchanging ‘apta’ leaves. As always there are several mythological stories associated with this custom, but we shall talk about that another time. Today, the focus is on the tree. In view of extensive tree cutting going on presently, several nature lovers advocate against this practise. I wouldn’t blame them as people usually end up defoliating almost the entire tree and ruthlessly break up branches. It would take another year of growth before the tree regains its glory and by then the next festival is upon us.
Often the more common Kanchan (Bauhinia variegata) is mistaken for the apta (Bauhinia racemosa) tree and meets the same fate. Usually Kanchan is in full bloom in this season but that does not deter enthusiastic Puneites who get taken in by the similar looking two-lobed leaves. Click here to read more about the Bauhinia racemosa (apta). This plant also has several medicinal uses.
Apta trees are still to be found growing in some parts of Pune. Many farmhouses around the city too have this tree growing there. The above photo was taken at one such farmhouse.
Plant a tree. Make your city green.
Stay well!
Aristolochia bracteolata (batak vel)
This creeper goes by the common name of Batak vel and its botanical name is Aristolochia bracteolata. This beautiful bean shaped purple flower has dark striations and actually looks like a duck (batak). The plant flowers from July to December. The batak vel is said to be popular for these ornamental looking flowers. I am told that a rare variant has red flowers but I could not see that plant.
Seeds and roots of Aristolochia bracteolata are said to have medicinal properties. Click here and here for some more information. This link also has some information.
Cheers!
Agave inflorescence
These are pictures of an agave that has flowered. Agaves bloom once every 7-20 years or so. Thereafter the main plant dies and is succeeded by off shoots or new plants at the flower tips.
Follow this link to learn more about Cacti.
Keep your eyes open on the country side as the monsoons slowly start receding. Nature continues to surprise us…
Cheers
Miraculous Rain
The specter of a drought loomed largely over us all through summer of 1999. Southwest monsoon had reached Bombay ahead of time but now seemed hesitant to cross Dahanu. In Bhuj, in the sweltering heat one heard of travails of people who had to wait endlessly for water tankers or ladies who had to trudge miles to fill just a few pots of water. The countryside had become bare. The notorious Keekar of Kutch too was reduced to thorny stems. The ground was parched and cracked. On the highway we frequently encountered herds of restless cattle, all moving towards the towns in search of water and fodder.
The famous Hamirsar Lake in Bhuj had been reduced to a large muddy puddle. In winter Pelicans and many other varieties of large and small birds were a common site there. Now the lakebed was home to hundreds of cattle waiting out the long hot days. There were no signs of birds other than a few crows sitting desultorily on the cows. I had heard of a particularly bad year when the lake had dried out completely and a circus was able to camp there. I prayed fervently for things to be better that year even if it meant not enjoying the circus!
And then suddenly the Heavens opened! Dark heavy clouds poured the nectar of life onto us. Every creature, leaf and twig drunk up the water with glee. Children danced in the rain and no one denied them the pleasure of enjoying those first showers. I am sure some of the adults envied them wishing that they too could join them. I know I did!
Over night the landscape around me changed. The bare brown cracked earth of the day before was now an endless carpet of green. It was almost as if the seeds in the soil were only waiting for the rain to burst to life. We could hear the birds chirping and sparrows were soon busy building nests. The air was filled with the smell of wet earth and was full of Hope and Promise again.
It was only after two days that the weather cleared up enough for us to venture out for our evening walk. The area was suddenly full of different types of birds. Some splashed in the plentiful puddles of water while others were feasting on the large number of insects who too were out to savour the cool rainwater. I watched the antics of the birds in wonder. Each one seemed to have an area marked out for itself, pecking away at every little bug who dared to come out. All of a sudden they would break into a cacophony as if alerting each other of some intruder. One of them stood on the tarred road with wings wide spread, as if, inviting me to come fly with him. My husband said they were Egrets but their name meant little to me, as I watched them enjoying the aftermath of the rain.
Along the road I counted at least six different types of grasses growing. Some of the tiny plants had even flowered in these two days, their little purple blossoms making a flamboyant show on the green carpet. It was almost as if each plant however tiny, was exercising its right to bloom. All the plants, trees and bushes had donned a new wardrobe bearing no resemblance to the thorny stems of yesterday. The desert had become green in an incredibly short time.
The insects continued to amaze and irritate me at the same time! Over the 3 days of rain, we had several varieties of winged invaders in our home, buzzing around the lights. Their life was to last only until the next morning as some strange force of nature drew them to their end towards the lights.
Out on the roads the earthworms, snails and caterpillars were out in full strength. I saw a bewildering variety of 6 and 8-legged creatures all running to hide under a blade of grass as soon as they heard a footfall. The Hamirsar Lake was full again. The water reflected diamonds as it picked up the weak sunlight and its surface rippled in the breeze. The cattle on the lakebed had long gone back to their villages led by the farmers who hastened home to sow their fields.
As I watched the raindrops fall, I was struck by the life giving powers of the rain. The flora and fauna seemed as if infused with a new life and I vowed to recharge my mind with each cloudburst. The sound of the falling raindrops, the birds and crickets singing and the wind whispering in the leaves has the power to instantly bring peace and tranquility.
The monsoon is upon us again and the urban jungle responds differently to the downpour. Yet the first showers bring a welcome respite from the summer fury. I do not fret for the loss of a days work but sit back and let the rain work its magic.
At last, a Plant Hotel!
Each time I have to move out of Pune for more than a day, my biggest fear is for my plants. My small bonsai collection, few perennials and the usual foliage pots are my extended family. I had read of a ‘hotel’ for pets when owners travel or are on a holiday and desperately felt the need for a similar plant hotel.