Latest news with #Periwinkle
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Rashtrapati Bhavan Amrit Udyan 2025: From babbling brooks to floral clocks, here's what you can explore, booking details inside
Synopsis Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan will welcome visitors from August 16 to September 14, 2025. This year's highlight is the Babbling Brook, replacing the musical fountain. The garden includes new features like a water stream and a banyan grove. Special provisions are made for disabled visitors. Entry is free with online booking or walk-in registration. PTI Amrit Udyan to open for public from Aug 16; Babbling Brook among key highlights The famous Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be open to the public from 16 August to 14 September 2025, officials announced on Wednesday. This year, the highlight will be the Babbling Brook, a peaceful garden feature where flowing water, greenery, and colourful flowers create a calm and relaxing Deputy Press Secretary to the President Navika Gupta said the Babbling Brook replaces the earlier musical fountain. 'Lush greenery surrounds the brook, with flowers adding bright colours. It winds gently through stones and plants, offering visitors a moment of quiet reflection,' she said during a media preview. Amrit Udyan is now more friendly for people with disabilities. Ramps, Braille information boards, and special plant displays for sensory experiences have been added for visually challenged from the Babbling Brook, the landscaped area now includes: A water stream with small cascades and sculptural spouts Stepping stones and a raised reflecting pool A tranquil banyan grove with reflexology paths and panchtatva trails A plumeria garden with grass mounds and curated plants The trail also covers the Bal Vatika, Herbal Garden, Bonsai Garden, Central Lawn, Long Garden, and Circular Garden. Visitors can scan QR codes along the route to learn about the plants and designs. A food court will be available near the exit. Entry is free – book online at Walk-in registration is possible at kiosks outside Gate No. 35 Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (last entry 5:15 pm), closed on Mondays Entry from Gate No. 35, near North Avenue Road Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum tickets are separate; school groups get free museum entry during the season The President's Estate spans 154 hectares, with 139 hectares covered in trees, lawns, and open spaces. Amrit Udyan covers 15 acres and is often called the 'soul' of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Its beauty lies in its mix of fountains, water channels, ponds, seasonal flowers, and native plants. This summer, visitors can see more than 42 types of flowers, including Periwinkle, Celosia, Indian shot, Kochia, Tuberose, and Portulaca. A new floral clock has also been installed, featuring a real working clock surrounded by flower beds and colourful pebbles. President Droupadi Murmu will officially inaugurate the summer opening on Thursday, continuing her vision of making Rashtrapati Bhavan more open and citizen-friendly. Inputs from PTI
Time Business News
17-07-2025
- General
- Time Business News
Landscaping Ideas Around Tree Roots
Tree roots are essential for a tree's health and stability, but they can be a real challenge when you're trying to landscape. They're often exposed, raised above ground, or spreading into areas you'd rather keep flat and tidy. So, how can you make your yard beautiful and tree-friendly? Before jumping into any landscaping project, remember—your tree's roots are its lifeline. Damaging or covering them too aggressively can lead to stress, disease, or even death. The goal is to enhance your yard without harming the roots below. Tree roots usually spread wide and shallow rather than deep. In fact, over 90% of a tree's roots are in the top 18 inches of soil. This is why they often become visible over time, especially in compacted or eroded soil. Exposed roots can: Create tripping hazards Be damaged by lawnmowers Dry out in hot weather Be more susceptible to pests or disease Don't bury roots with extra soil: This can suffocate them. This can suffocate them. Avoid digging trenches: You might accidentally sever major roots. You might accidentally sever major roots. Never use plastic or rubber edging: These restrict air and water flow. Piling mulch high around the trunk (a.k.a. volcano mulching) traps moisture against the bark, leading to rot and fungal issues. Start by clearing debris and weeds gently. Identify any roots that are overly exposed or damaged. Use hand tools rather than heavy machinery to avoid injury to the root system. Use a rake, hand cultivator, or soft-bristle brush for cleaning. Avoid sharp tools near roots and always wear gloves. Creeping thyme Sweet woodruff Vinca minor (Periwinkle) Ajuga (Bugleweed) These are shallow-rooted, low-maintenance, and great for shade. Look for perennials that can handle competition for nutrients, such as: Hostas Ferns Heucheras (Coral Bells) Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. It also adds organic matter to the soil. Spread mulch 2–3 inches deep Keep mulch 6 inches away from the trunk Use natural materials like wood chips, bark, or shredded leaves Gravel allows water and air to pass through but can reflect heat. Use it sparingly and never pile it high around the trunk. Create a gravel border around the tree with curved edges, mixed sizes, and native plants peeking through for a soft, inviting look. Yes, if done carefully. Raised beds should be shallow and built with breathable materials. Avoid packing soil tightly over roots. Use stacked stone or timber to form a low, circular border around the tree. Fill it with mulch or light ground cover, keeping airflow open. They blend well with trees and allow air/water exchange. Refresh them yearly to keep the area tidy and nourished. If your tree creates a damp, shady environment, lean into it with a serene moss garden or a woodland-inspired fern landscape. Turn roots into features! Highlight gnarly exposed roots with soft lighting or natural sculptures. This adds a rustic or whimsical vibe. Use reclaimed wood, stone, or even old bricks to define space around the roots while maintaining natural harmony. A circular bench gives 360-degree access to shade. Build it on supports, not directly on roots, to prevent damage. Lay down a small gravel pad or mulch base, add a weather-resistant bench, and surround it with soft plants and maybe a bird feeder. Choose eco-pavers or gravel-filled grids. They stabilize the ground while keeping roots hydrated and aired. Instead of forcing a straight line, let your paths meander around major root systems. It looks natural and protects your tree. Astilbe Lungwort Toad Lily Bleeding Heart These add color without stealing too many resources from your tree. Use ground covers for the base, mid-height blooms in the middle, and tall leafy plants near the back for a full, layered effect. Create a sensory garden with soft textures, edible plants like mint or strawberries, and a little log path for barefoot adventures. Line mini paths with stepping stones or wooden disks. Add wind chimes or birdhouses for extra fun and learning. Direct water runoff to tree roots with gentle slopes and natural basins filled with moisture-loving plants. Choose local plants that work symbiotically with your tree, enriching the soil and attracting helpful pollinators. Landscaping around tree roots doesn't have to be a battle—it can be an opportunity to get creative while keeping your trees happy and healthy. Whether you choose ground covers, gravel paths, or cozy sitting areas, the key is to balance beauty with respect for the roots beneath your feet. Only a very thin layer. Adding too much soil can suffocate roots and damage the tree. Yes, but choose shade-loving, shallow-rooted flowers and avoid aggressive digging. Natural mulches like bark, wood chips, or leaf mold are ideal. Use flexible paving materials like gravel or permeable pavers, and build around roots rather than over them. Yes, if it's a floating deck with minimal posts that allow air and water flow to the root zone. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
