Topic No. 25 Uses of Bottle Garden
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Prepared by Rashmi Pandey, DHRTC,Garhakota Topic No. 25 Uses of bottle garden Bottle gardens may be called as miniature greenhouse in which liliputian landscapes are planned. Any size of bottle, a jar, or a jug is suitable for gardening provided these are made of clear glass. Bottle gardening is a novel way of growing, certain moisture-loving indoor plants, which may be otherwise impossible to grow in a dry house. Uses of bottle garden: • Bottle gardens are commonly used as a form of decoration, or as a substitute garden in areas with little space, such as patios or high rise apartments. • Being easy to create and maintain, bottle gardens are also used in schools as an economical way to study miniature eco-systems within the confines of a classroom. • They can also be used as a control mechanism, enabling the internal environment of the bottle to be effectively controlled and isolated from outside stimuli. • Bottle gardens have also been used for vegetable production in dryland areas and areas with a shortage of water, allowing water to be conserved for other uses. Planting in bottle garden: Dwarf maidenhair and other ferns, Selaginella , Pilea, Tradescantia, etc. can be grown successfully in a large bottle. Before planting, the bottle must be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water and made to sparkle by rubbing it with a clean cloth. A mixture of coarse and crushed charcoal may be poured into the bottle to form a 3 cm thick layer at the bottom and later a mixture of equal parts of soil, sand and leaf-mould through a paper funnel. Small plants can be introduced with a fork or a desert spoon tied to a thin bamboo cane with wire or tape. After planting, the plant should be watered lightly with a tube and the bottle corked tightly. Avoid sprinkling soil over the leaves of the plants. Any soil resting on the surface of the leaves can be washed off with a fine sprayer. The bottle-garden, like a terrarium requires very little watering. Plants suitable for bottle garden are: • Club moss (Lycopodium clavatum) • Heart leaf philodendron (Philodendron scandens) • Snake plant (Sansiviera trifasciata) • Artillery plant (Pilea macrophylla) • Asparagus fern (Asparagus plumosus) • Begonia rex (Begonia rex-cultorum) • Bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus) • Peperomia (Peperomia caperata) Topic no.26 Terrarium Terrarium Garden: Terrarium is a sophisticated technique of growing plants indoor inside transparent glass containers in a manner to make it a complete eco-system. A Terrarium is a rectangular glass case with a cover, inside of which small plants are grown for indoor decoration. Concept A terrarium is a transparent glass or plastic container with plants grown in it to make a miniature landscape. The introduction of the art of the terrarium is generally credited with Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward as early as 1842. It has an open or closed top. Many kinds of containers can be used for terrariums. These clear-sided containers have no drain holes and usually have a clear top. Terrariums provide a humid atmosphere that allows growing of forest plants at home. The theory behind the terrarium is that in a closed container the moisture which the plants take up through their roots and transpire through their leaves is condensed and eventually returns to the soil again, keeping the plants watered and at the same time keeping the air within the container at a point below saturation. Terrarium planting is a specialized part of home gardening. When a terrarium is properly planted and located, it can be a source of enjoyment for years, providing an interesting way to grow and display many plants with relatively little care. • Containers - Almost any type of clear glass or plastic container can be used for a terrarium: fish bowl, fish tank, glass jar, jug or bottle. There are also containers made especially for terrariums. The container must be clear to allow light. Containers can be closed or open. Containers with large openings without covers may be used but will require more frequent watering to maintain humidity. • Soil - Soil must be high in organic matter, clean and well-drained. Since plants are not meant to grow rapidly, adding fertilizer is not necessary. Mixture of peat, pine bark and rich garden soil can be used. The soil must be sterilized. Relatively dry soil should be added to the container. • Location for the terrarium - Most plants require light near a window or supplemental artificial light. The terrarium should be located within several feet of a bright window but not in direct sun. Location of the terrarium is an important aspect. Succulents like sedum do well in a sunny location whereas plants such as ferns and mosses are suitable for a moist and shady location. Lighting- Terrarium plants need sunlight, but in limited amounts. It is important that the plants receive bright, indirect light. Natural sunlight can be filtered through a sheer fabric or white plastic. The lighting is adjusted based on the performance of the plants. Artificial illumination may be provided if required. • Planting - The container is sterilized before planting. In general, about a quarter of the container will be used for drainage material and soil. A layer of gravel is placed in the bottom of the container for drainage. Next, a ½-inch layer of charcoal is placed above the pebbles to keep the soil from developing a sour smell. Sphagnum moss may be placed over the charcoal to prevent soil from sifting into the drainage area. •Arrangement : Plants should be arranged so that taller plants are towards the back. A low, coarse textured plant makes a dominant focal point near the front. Sand, rocks, shells, wood and other natural materials can be used for visual interest. If the terrarium is to be viewed from all directions, the display should have a hill in the middle. • When placing plants in a deep container, or one with a small opening, long, slender tongs or a stick with a wire loop on the end must be used. A long stick with a cork fixed on the end can be used for firming the soil. Moss and other accessories may be added to give a finished appearance. Care after planting - Open terrariums need occasional watering. - Watering should always be light. - Heavy watering results water logging. - With a little trimming the overgrowing plants can be kept undercontrol. - Frequent pinching of growing tips will result in more balanced growth. Terrariium-toolls : Certain special tools are required especially if the terrarium has a narrow mouth. 1. Tweezers and long sticks can be used to dig holes, move items and support plants while they are being planted. 2. A long, thin spoon will be helpful in placing soil and drainage material in the container. 3. A funnel made from paper or aluminum foil can be used for placing soil into the container. 4. Household scissors are handy for pruning plants before they are planted. 5. An atomizer or bulb-type sprayer will be useful for spraying and watering plants in the terrarium. 6. A stick with a wire loop on the end is handy for lowering plants into large terrariums with small tops. Pllants for terrarium Low growing plants are best. Large plants can be used and kept small by pruning. Plants with variations in size, texture and color as well as adaptability are chosen. Many of the indoor plants are suitable for the terrarium. Some foliage plants that do well in a small-mouthed terrarium: • Swedish ivy (Plectranthes australis) • Sansevieria (Sansevieria trifasciata) • Bird’s nest fern (Asplenium trichomanes) • Maidenhair fern (Adiantum cuneatum • Philodendron (Philodendron scandens) • Irish moss (Selaginella sp.) • Artillery plant (Pilea microphylla) • Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) • Nerve plant (Fittonia sp.) • Podocarpus (Podocarpus macrophylla) • Prayer plant (Maranta sp.) • Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) • African violet (Saintpaulia sp.) • Peperomia (Peperomia spp.) • Club moss (Lycopodium spp.) • English ivy (Hedera helix) • Flame violet (Episcia dianthiflora) • Miniature Begonia rex (Begonia rex-cultorum) • Golden pothos (Scindapsis aureus) • Hen and chicks (Echeveria spp.) • Jade plant (Crassula argentea) • Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe tomentosa) • Oxalis (Oxalis spp.) • Asparagus (Asparagus plumosus) • Iresine (Iresine sp.) • Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) • Copper plant (Cordyline terminalis) • Ribbon plant (Dracaena sanderiana) • Earth star (Cryptanthus acaulis) • Prayer plants (Maranta sp.) • Parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans) References • Bose TK, Maiti RG, Dhua RS and Das P. 1999. Floriculture and Landscaping. Naya Prokash. • Nambisan KMP.1992. Design Elements of Landscape Gardening. Oxford & IBH. • Randhawa GS and Mukhopadhyay A. 1986. Floriculture in India. Allied Publ. • Sabina GT and Peter KV. 2008. Ornamental Plants for Gardens. New India Publ. Agency. • Woodrow MG.1999. Gardening in India. Biotech Books. • Arora, J.S. 1999. Introduction to ornamental horticulture. Kalyani Publishers, Ludhiana, India. .