CHENNAI : When Marella Sridevi is not attending to work, she spends time nursing her garden, which is spread across 100 yards with strategically-placed plants and trees, ranging from Hibiscus and Chrysanthemum to everyday veggies such as lemon and green chilli to fruits such as mangoes and guavas, and medicinal plants such as Tulsi and Aloe Vera.
Sridevi has been religiously collecting these plants and trees for the last eight years, and now, she has a beautiful garden that is a favourite resting spot for birds. This green thumb says her curry leaves, leafy vegetables, corn and mint plants require constant watering, while her other plants can go on for some time without water. Like bees take to pollen, insects do to leaves. Sridevi ensures the plants get holistic care, and does not shy away from using pesticides in reasonable amounts at regular intervals.
“I use natural manure procured by making a compost of green leafy vegetables, vegetable waste and dry leaves,” she says.As Sridevi has a busy schedule, her father takes care of the garden and waters it in her absence. “Sometimes, our tenants take care of the garden when we are not in town,” she says. Every weekend, Sridevi spends her ‘me’ time in her garden. “Plants and trees are natural stress-busters. They are the reason behind our sound health too,” she says.
For this single child, plants have been her companions since childhood. It is not just a hobby, but an emotional outlet in more ways than one. “The blossoming of flowers and fruit gives me a sense of achievement and satisfaction,” Sridevi reveals.Sridevi has some pointers for beginners. “Plant a tree wherever possible, because they don’t just give us oxygen, but also act as stress-relievers. Engage your children in gardening so that they grow up loving plants, which is better than electronic gadgets. Gift them a plant on each birthday and ask them to nurture it.”“Although there are challenges such as weather conditions and pests destroying plants, there are remedies that can prevent these issues,” says Sridevi.