Indoor gardening during the pandemic lockdown

Shanti Khathing, a Tangkhul Naga of Manipur, is a homemaker. Shanti is mother of two and a doting grandmother of two grandchildren.

After her husband's retirement from the Central government service, John and Shanti have settled in Guwahati, Assam. Shanti loves traveling. She uses her travels to learn about the new places, their cultures and customs. She is an avid nature lover and loves gardening. Shanti is a dog lover too and has over 10 pet dogs.

On account of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is passing through a very unusual time. Consequently, we have to maintain good health physically, mentally and spiritually in order to boost our immunity. Several social analysts have asserted that our lives will no longer be the same post lockdown. We will have to make several adjustments in our daily living.

John and Shanti in front of their meadow bungalow.

Thus, to keep ourselves mentally and physically active, fit and strong, we need to engage ourselves in some form of physical exercises. Several people have taken to morning walks (including climbing their building staircases), yoga as well as prayers and meditation. Personally I like to keep myself busy and engaged in gardening as it gives me much joy to see new plants, flowers, vegetables and fruits in our garden. Moreover, it is beneficial for our health. It also gives us both mental and physical satisfaction. Anyone can take up some home/indoor gardening. One can start with plants and vegetables which can be grown indoors and do not require much complicated maintenance. The satisfaction one derives from eating your own healthy home-grown organic vegetables is so very real. Such vegetables are: 1. Egg plant 2. Tomatoes 3. Ladies Finger 4. Chilli 5. Mint (pudina) 6. Coriander (dhaniya) 7. Basil 8. Ginger 9. Carrot Additionally, with the air being so polluted, one can also start growing air purifying plants. These indoor plants add beauty, freshness have a calming effect to the house along with generating positive energy. These plants can be placed / kept in the living room, bedrooms, bathrooms, balcony, kitchen, etc. Some air purifying plants that everyone can try out are: 1. Money Plant 2. Spider Plant 3. Snake plant (aka Mother-in-law Tongue) 4. Peace Lily 5. Aloe Vera 6. Bamboo/Areca Palm 7. Crotons 8. Rubber Plant 9. Anthurium 10. Boston Fern Finally, don’t throw away old and used teapots, vases, mugs, bowls, etc – one can use reuse them to grow some indoor plants. Tending to plants and my little patch of grass is like my energy boost; it keeps me away from claustrophobic thoughts.

The living room of the meadow bungalow showcases Shanti's love of lace, crystal, pottery and indoor plants.

Another view of the living room shows walls decorated with Egyptian art and family photographs.

A Boston fern sits on the marble floor near two elaborately carved and polished teak display cabinets.

A two-tier plant stand near the front door hosts a Philodendron selloum at the top. The bottom shelf holds money plant, English ivy and a snake plant in ceramic pots.

An aloe vera plant graces a lace-covered coffee table.

A mini Kamini and a money plant drink in the sunshine pouring in from a window hung with delicate curtains.

Climbing figs and money plants occupy a balcony.

Shanti planting zucchini saplings in another balcony.

More climbing figs and philodendrons outside, next to a traditional well.

Cherry tomatoes and yellow tomatoes ripen in a vegetable garden bed.

Thai green chillies.

A foxtail orchid releases its spicy aroma on warm evenings.

As night falls, the Star of Bethlehem or Brahma Kamal, starts to bloom and releases a powerful fragrance to help pollinators locate the pure white, star-like blossoms by moonlight.

Shanti with her pet dog, Lulu - mixed breed of Apso.