LuxeBook February 2022

It is something people tend to find extremely therapeutic,” says Kunal Maniar. Ankon Mitra believes it is the flowing and gurgling sound of water that has a calming effect on people, helping them relax and unwind. However, added water structures aren’t all about their decorative appeal. They’re more of a celebration according to Suneet Mohindru. “Water is more than just a decorative feature for a garden; it is an important part of our existence. And so, adding water features like ponds and fountains are a way to celebrate that very fact.” Leaving aside the therapeutic beauty and meditative aspect of water installations, people often worry about maintaining these installations. “People in the landscape design industry are increasingly worried about wasting water. And so, it’s on us landscape architects to design a water feature that doesn’t take up too much water,” says Suneet Mohindru. According to our experts, one need not install a large fountain or an expansive pond to be able to surround themselves with water. A shallow basin is perfect for terrace or roof top gardens. Ankon Mitra suggests using a basin with a dark stone base, which acts like a natural mirror. “A dark stone base with a shallow layer of water, no more than two inches, acts like a beautiful, natural mirror reflecting the trees and sky. If you fit a bubbler into it, it creates that beautiful gurgling sound, which is so peaceful and soothing.” Ankon Mitra is also a renowned origami artist, who sometimes tries to incorporate his artistry into landscape designing. His recent creation, a set of Origami Fountains is an example of simplistic water bodies that are simply fascinating to look at. Sustainability While sustainability is prominent in almost every field today, Sunnet Mohindru believes calling it a trend absurd. “Sustainability is not a trend; it shouldn’t be referred to as a trend. Sustainabilityhas tobeanattitude,about building and designing responsibly.” Speaking about sustainability, Ankon Mitra believes that “it is one of the most essential roles of the landscape designer now to be the frontline messenger for sustainability.” But the most important step in sustainability is planting the right species. For Kunal Maniar, planting something that is indigenous to the region is a great way to ensure its longevity. “We encourage people to use plants that are indigenous to the region in question, rather than something that is trending, which might not even survive in that specific region.” Ankon Mitra prefers the ancient technique of mixed tree planting, popularized as Miyawaki forestry technique in the West.“Mixed tree planting is an efficient technique wherein different species of trees help each other to secure different kinds of nutrition in the soil. This way, they help each other grow, while ensuring that the soil is balanced; not too acidic or too alkaline.” “Xerophytic plants like succulents are a great way to conserve water, because they require a lot less water,” says Kunal Maniar. Apart fromthis,basicwater conservation concepts like rainwater harvesting, grey and brown water harvesting, and bioswales (shallow landscaped depressions that infiltrate storm water) for water distressed areas are a great way to reserve and recycle water, according to Ankon Mitra. Finally, the use of natural products including planters, especially in home and roof gardens, is of utmost importance. Materials like fibreglass, jute planters etc., are a great way to limit carbon footprint. Fibreglass is made with natural ingredients like sand and limestone, and so it is highly durable to the elements, and poses great chemical resistance. Fibreglass planters from Bonasila and Studio Palasa, or jute planters from Kaksh Studio are some eco-friendly planters. Ankon Mitra Kunal Maniar 16| 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 | 17