Terrace Gardens- The New Trend during Covid.

A terrace garden is your answer to lush green surroundings or a mini urban oasis during these pandemic times.

Stay home and stay safe, invest in health and build your immunity are the new norms during the recent pandemic times. The skies are clearer, air is cooler with the monsoon magic and the urge to be outdoors is irresistible. But since we need to exercise caution and follow social distancing norms, why not blend (or contrast) modern terrace decor with organic elements to create a visual spectacle that makes you feel peaceful and serene.

A terrace garden is your answer to lush green surroundings or a mini urban oasis during these pandemic times. But before you start building a green haven, keep the following in mind. The first and most important thing is that your terrace should be strong to hold a garden and spacious enough to bring in elements of relaxation. Next, a few important steps should be taken to avoid water seepage;  opt for water proofing of the terrace, like using Dr.Fixit, Asian paints, etc.

Add Positivity

Colourful flowers induce an element of positivity and qi energy indoors. (qi energy is identified as a 'vital energy' that guides your physical and mental processes). Make your terrace more colourful by bringing in small and large plants with leaves of different colours and seasonal plants which bloom at different times, so there will always be fresh flowers throughout the year. Bring in the fragrant air by planting fresh herbs and fragrant plants like lilies which have a nice fragrance in window boxes or pots along the windows. Marigolds are really easy to grow from seed in pots.

Herbs can be used for cooking and medicinal purposes. If you have a south-facing balcony, sun-loving herbs such as lavender, rosemary or thyme are ideal. If your balcony is more shaded, mint, parsley, chives and lemon balm would be more suitable. These natural fragrances also help in elevating the ambience. 

Introduce Health

Grow local vegetables like brinjal, spring onions, snake gourd, and bitter gourd on the terrace. Even broccoli, Chinese cabbage, lettuce also can be grown, but these need special care like weather support, shadow nets, green shade, additional nutrients, etc. Plant peas, broad and French beans in pots, even tomatoes, chillies and peppers will grow in pots provided it's a sheltered spot.

Lift Weight Off

Potted and hanging plants lighten a little weight off the terrace. Climbers and flowers are an easy way to bring a splash of colour when space is limited on the terrace. Use trellis, poles or netting to support plants such as tall peas and beans, climbing nasturtiums, sweet peas, morning glory and passion flowers. Consider using shelving for several layers of plants, or group plants of different growth habits in the same pot e.g. strawberries with chives. Ensure you grow plants that are suited to the conditions that you have.

Add Accessories

Decorate the terrace with outdoor furniture, candles, and rugs to make the place comfy. It is recommended to buy furniture with a canopy so that you can relax in the shade, read a book or relax with friends. Do keep in mind the leg room while buying furniture.  If space is a constraint on the terrace, lower the seating with floor cushions and mattresses. Some people even put artificial turf on the terrace to give the illusion of being in the garden.

Pay attention to how much sun the balcony gets through the day and if it's exposed to the wind, try to create more shelter e.g. fix some glass to the railings or use shutters and screens.

Cooking can be turned into a fun activity by setting up a barbecue grill on the terrace. The earthy aroma of the burning wood combined with the flavours of various marinades is enough during the pandemic. Skewers are easy to grill and create minimum fuss for a wide variety of meats, seafood and veggies. Treat yourself to grilled corn and sweet potato, the quintessential monsoon food.

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