LuxeBook February 2022

“Those who live in high-rise apartments with a few balconies can utilise them as their outdoor space, decorating with potted plants and other green elements. The luckier ones with a terrace to themselves can aspire to have a terrace or rooftop garden. These are a sight to behold, given the expansive sky view,” says Ankon Mitra. However, Kunal Maniar believes that one need not have an expansive balcony or terrace to build their own indoor garden.“Growing your own plants is so therapeutic, watching it (the plants) grow has such a soothing effect, which is why I believe if people don’t have a balcony or a terrace, a windowsill is perfectly fine,” he says. Having a green lung attached to your indoor space is a boon. It is important to decorate the space around it with the utmost care, because you don’t want to overdo it, but at the same time, you do want to enhance the space according to your liking. Décor Suneet Mohindru believes that the way a space is designed usually differs from person to person. “While some people prefer smaller plants to sit on their windowsills and tables, others prefer slightly bigger, denser plants.” One ongoing trend, according to Kunal Maniar is the demand and appreciation for succulents. “Because they are xerophytic in nature, they require a lot less water, and are relatively easier to maintain and thrive well in such settings.” Carefully arranging the plants and pots can lead to a dense and attractive ‘mini-garden’. Because it is indoors, it is probably in a place where you can see it. “When you have an indoor garden, you want to spend time in it, simply because of how beautiful and peaceful it is,” says Ankon Mitra. Planters are an integral part of a home garden, and decorative planters help add texture and style to these spaces. Metal planters made with different materials like aluminium, bronze and brass, are all the hype today in elegant designs. Logam’s Santos Planters are iron sculpture planters that have a beautiful gold sheen and are perfect for small indoor plants. Fleck’s Raku and Black Dust Planters have clean lines, structure and are perfect for minimalist spaces. “Stacked shelves, hoop rings on walls, bottle gardens, and vertical gardens, trellises, hanging gardens, terrariums and window boxes are all great ways to maximise a garden in a tiny outdoor area. These can really transform a dull, mundane space into a green haven,” says Ankon Mitra. Open spaces The trick with outdoor gardens, in this case, rooftop and terrace gardens, is to reimagine them in the same manner as an outdoor garden. Kunal Maniar advocates abundant greenery, especially flowering and a few fruit- bearing plants, which pose as the perfect combination. But it is also important to factor in sunlight and plant accordingly. “Growing plants on the roof leads to an abundance of sunlight in some spots, whereas not enough in others. So, it is important to arrange your plants accordingly,” says Suneet Mohindru. The most exciting thing about rooftop gardens, according to Kunal Maniar, is that they pose as a patio of sorts. And here is where furniture plays the trick.“You can try to experiment with furniture for outdoor gardens, but keep in mind good, comfortable seating,” he adds. Ankon Mitra suggests pool deck recliners, rocking plantation chairs under a tree canopy, comfortable log stools, or even jhoolas for seating areas, which can go a long way in accentuating the garden experience. “Strategically placing a bench along the garden path is another great trick to enjoy a panoramic view of the garden,” he concludes. Illumination Aside from seating, other pieces of furniture such as lanterns and lamps also help enhance the garden. Everything within nature finds expression when it is lit up. Given the fact that people are often occupied with work during the day, they can only enjoy the beauty of their gardens in the late evening or at night. And that is where lighting comes in. “Among other things, lighting is the one thing that can easily make or break a garden,” says Kunal Maniar. He further adds, “Good lighting is what sets the mood and adds to the ambience of the garden.” Aesthetic lamps and hanging lanterns are a great way to bring in the light without blinding LEDs. Flowing water “A reigning trend among outdoor gardens is installing a source of water, big, or small, among the greenery. 14| L U X E B O O K | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2 | L U X E B O O K | 15