28th July 2012

7th August 2012

22nd September 2012

As the sprouts became little plants, they became taller and lankier day by day. I had to provide them something to lean on so that they can crawl and reach the grill of the balcony. Luckily, I had some bamboo stick and wire at my place. I made a bamboo net type support and inserted the frame in the soil. I tilted the frame to touch the balcony railing so that the plants can crawl up easily. Everyday I have been monitoring the growth and whether they climbing the right direction. If not, I unfurl the twirls and re-position them. Slowly and gradually, the plants have shot up and reached the ceiling. The twines are going haywire and I often need to position them on a support. The leaves are healthy green. I feel the plant is quite water-hungry as I find the soil of pot often dry at the end of the day (I water my plants in the morning) compared to the other pot plants.

17th October 2012

17th October 2012

With less than a week to Durga Puja, I wanted to see the flowers bloom badly. And yesterday morning, I got my flowery surprise! Perfect indigo blue aparajita flowers perched shyly on the higher end of the vines. There were around 6-7 flowers tucked in the green cover. I think they have been budding since a couple of days. But because of the bright green cover and their position high up, I could not notice. But I was so happy seeing my blue jewels that I spent a long time admiring them.

The butterfly pea flower has amazing medicinal properties and often termed as the ‘Miracle Plant’ . All the part of the plant–leaves, flowers, stems and roots, all have medicinal properties and extensively used in ayurveda. It is used both internally and externally. Aparajita is used as an appetizer, digestant and vermicide, in colds, skin diseases, for healthy pregnancies and even to enhance intellect. The medicinal prospects of this plant is unlimited.