Intipanta meet at Lamakaan

 

Stirring out of home from this corner of Hyderabad is a task that requires planning and hurrying up. Many a time I miss meetings due to various adjustment troubles , but today I made it hey…For the Intipanta meeting, organised by an efficient group of Terrace Gardeners , who were thoughtful to include warmth and friendship in to the group.

I have the habit of comparing our group meetings to the OTG meets of Bangalore, where the knowledge and the drive of the gardeners used to amaze me. Now, I found the same spirit of participation and sharing in this meeting from all those amazing young people who are doing their best to make Hyderabad rooftops, a food factory. May the tribe increase and attract more bees and butterflies to Hyderabad skies.

The venue was at the open space in Lamakaan which was convenient,making it easier for many. Though I missed our usual crowd, except a handful of the old group,it was heartening to see that handful taking active part.( Sundeepgaru, Prakashgaru). The pleasant surprise was that he gathering consisted mostly of  young garden enthusiasts,readily  sharing the pains and pleasures of the organic gardening experience.

The energy of the chief organizer was behind the smooth functioning of the meet(Ms.V). She and her group of volunteers did a good job , conducting , getting people to interact, arrange the seed swap and sapling distribution.  I noticed that for the first time, they had organised sapling exchange which was booked in advance. I saw Ivy Gourd saplings, betal leaves, cinnamon. scent jasmine (dilli malli) , turmeric, banana, kanakambaram , chrysanthemums piled under the tree! All those in charge of the seed exchange, were busy throughout, I barely got to know them.Next time may be.

The power point presentation was lapped up by budding gardeners, and the presenter requested for interaction whenever possible. The concept of containers , vertical gardening and use of oil cakes were touched upon.

The demo on compost was simple and encouraging. I am sure those who did not think of recycling kitchen waste are pepped up to start immediately. Availability in Hyderabad at affordable prices, can make many balconies the place for those pretty kambhas.

The speaker from Agriculture Department , explaining about the Bio fertilizers,made it in easy jargons and dispelled the doubts about organic ametuar gardeners using stuff like azospirillum azotobacter and PSB. She offered her help for anyone requesting advice, thus making it easier to access materials like top class Vermi compost, neem cake and accessories all from NIRD, and AGri Dept, Rajendranagar. More on that can be sourced in the Facebook group.

There were expert organic gardeners who have offered to advice on the issues , anytime, through Facebook discussions. (Mr.Z). (Ms.Sh). Hope more Hyderabadis will join the group and avail their expertise.

There were many more enthusiasts , whom I know only by name, but could not interact. Maybe next time , a meet will be held in a big garden where discussions and bonding takes place.

I could collect the lily plant from Ms.S at last. 🙂 What a nice person she is, keeps distributing lovely seedlings to anyone who wants it. Interacting with her was an eyeopener. I also got a gift of small “pencil Dondakaya” sapling from Ms.SG, another lovely person and avid gardener. Hope to live upto their expectations by tending their saplings with care.

It was a great meet, thanks to the organisers, hopes to see many more in future.

 

P.S. I could not post the names directly, but you all will understand. If there is any problem with photographs kindly indicate in the comments.