Saturday 19 April 2014

Cacti garden: Desert rose


Cacti provide gardens an eccentric beauty . PHOTO: ZAHRA ALI

A garden without leaves can only be a cacti garden. Its striking landscape and distinct architectural form strays away from a conventional one (rich in palms, seasonal plants and creepers), giving the space a cutting-edge look.
There are more than 1,500 varieties to choose from and some cacti can live up to hundreds of years and produce countless offspring with their seeds, eliminating the need to buy new plants. “Cacti live for as long as you can take care of it,” says Fahim Siddiqui, founder of the Cactus and Succulent Society of Pakistan. His collection consists of more than 5,000 cacti and 800 succulents and the oldest cactus in his garden is almost 35 years old. “The thing about cacti that attracts me the most is its tactics to survive in the most difficult conditions… a trait rare to us.”


Pink blossoms of a Mammillaria. 

The shape of a cactus is determined by its capacity to store water or minimise water loss. This makes it an ideal plant to grow in the country, where water shortage is a perennial problem. The slender, finely toothed Yucca variety grows slowly and can reach up to 3ft, while the Golden Barrel species, covered in rows of sharp spines, takes a spherical shape and produces yellow flowers. “A Mammillaria’s bloom fascinates me the most and there are more than 170 varieties that one can grow as a beginner,” says Khalid Suhail. His cacti collection of over 15 years features interesting red, yellow and white ones.
The Queen Victoria Agave cactus.

Buying a cactus
Start by buying potted cacti first which cost somewhere between Rs100 and Rs500, depending on the type. A wide variety of ornamental species are imported, primarily the eye-catching colourful, grafted cacti. Although they look vibrant, they do not last long as grafting means slicing your cactus in half which could go terribly wrong if not done properly. Also the colour is injected in the plant which overshadows its natural beauty.


Caring at home
Well-drained soil is ideal for a potted cactus. It can be 20% organic compost or animal manure and 50% sweet sand, with the remaining 30% covered in a layer of stone chips. Weekly watering patterns work best as the plant requires minimal water only when the soil dries out and during winter most species don’t require any watering at all. For this purpose, get pots that are barely one to two inches bigger in diameter as bigger pots allow the soil to store water longer. And the best time to re-pot or divide the plant is during spring.


Gardening enthusiasts like to collect unusual cacti.

Conservation alert
Over-collection and habitat destruction has led to a threat of extinction. Preserve the endangered species by growing them in your own garden or donating to a botanical garden. Cacti take several years to grow large enough to be used for landscapes. If you come across one at a very low rate, it has probably been sourced from the wild unless the seller can prove otherwise.
Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, April 13th, 2014.

14 comments:


  1. Namaste and Warm Greetings from Himalayan Country Nepal!!!
    Trekking Guide & Tour Operator
    My name is Sanjib Adhikari. As an independent trekking guide and tour operator in Nepal, I would like to welcome everyone in my motherland country, Nepal. With the keen interest in the adventure tourism, I have been involved in this field at a very young age. Pursuing my career in different capacities as porter, assistant guide, I have developed myself as an independent trekking guide and leadership in various outdoor activities. Licensed and fully certified from the Government of Nepal, we plan and guide for exploration and adventure throughout Nepal.
    http://nepalguideinfo.com/
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    http://nehttp://nepalguideinfo.com/everest-base-camp-trek/
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    Nepal Planet Treks (Pvt. Ltd.)
    Post Box: 4453 Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
    Mobile: +977-9841613822
    Email-:sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com

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  2. Hi welcome to The Green Hiker Treks - Trekking Agency Nepal
    Green Hiker Treks is one of the foremost Trekking Agency companies in Nepal. rendering to quality service to clients for every of the globe. Green Hiker Treks is located in the Thamel Kathmandu Nepal. we we organised all over adventure and culture tours so making it easily accessible. We offer you one of the best service like trekking and expedition package and Rafting,Jungle safari, Mt.Flight, paragliding, Hotel Reservation, Bungy Jump, Sightseeing, mountain biking ,and Air Ticketing( Dom,/Int'l) .We Also organised the international country tours like Tibet Bhutan and India. We ensure you have a happy and enjoyable holiday in Nepal.
    Contacts
    Green Hiker Treks & Expedition P. Ltd.
    Licence No. 1777

    Satghumti (Seven Corner)Inside Annapurna Market , Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
    +977 9741125989
    +977 9803148847
    greenhikertreks@gmail.com
    Website:www.greenhikertreks.com
    Email:info@greenhikertreks.com

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  3. Tours Trekking in Nepal is part of world adventure tourism. Natures to renew one’s own self regard, to relive oneself, to realize Nepal beauty of Treks Himalaya, to interact with its generous, friendly peoples are highlights of Trekking in Nepal and is one long term activity that draws repeat visitors. Acute Trek Pvt. Ltd. an indoor outdoor trekking and tours operative company takes you that further way to guarantee you has an unforgettable adventure that you have been dream with Acute trek is part of your choice. We specialize in organize Nepal travel activities excursion such as:- Trekking, Helicopter Tour, Peak Climbing, Mountain Flight, Honeymoon Tour, Sightseeing, Rafting, Jungle Safari, Pilgrim’s Tour, Hotel Reservation, Air Ticket, Tibet and Bhutan Tour many more your vacation desire. Tours Trekking in Nepal is important of Himalayas on description Nepal of large range of ecological features for Nepal. The country nurtures a variety of flora and scenery. Addition to natural atmosphere is rich Himalayan culture. Many of visitor trek to different part of Nepal every year to experience its rustic charm, nature and culture. Most treks through areas between 1000 to 5185m, though some popular parts reach over 5648 meters. Trekking is not climbing, while the climb of Himalayan peaks and enjoy holiday in Nepal might be an attraction for travelers. Every travelers knows for trekking from all over the words an exciting experience is your holiday attraction in Nepal lies in its spectacular beauty and its excellent culture.

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  4. Everest base camp trekking and hiking – once in a lifetime real adventure in Himalayas
    Everest base camp trek (5,362m) is the most popular adventure activities in Himalayas ever since Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa climbed the Mount Everest in may 29th 1953. The Everest base camp trekking in Nepal is an ultimate goal for trekkers and a beginning of the expedition bid for the climbers. The 2 weeks long walking holiday journey to Everest base camp and Kalapathar 5,445m is once in a lifetime adventure of great challenge and achievement with thrill of being so close & standing face to face with tallest mountain on world. The scenery is breathtaking with paradise of glistening snow-capped mountains, spectacular glaciers, fascinating Sherpa settlement and culture, ancient ornate monasteries and friendly ever-smiling mountains people.

    We have time for trek orientation and preparation before trek in Kathmandu we take an exciting flight to Lukla 2,880m it take 30 to 35 minuets, after Lukla airport to start the adventure of the Everest base camp trek 5,362m . Hiking along the Dudh Koshi river, we climb up to the busting Sherpa settlement of Namche Bazaar 3,440m where we spend two nights to ensure proper acclimatization on everest views hotel and Khumjung village. Nepal Guide Info and Exp medical trained and experienced trek group leader customizes the exploration and acclimatization hike around Namche and Dingoche. Leaving Namche we hike to hidden valley to Khunde and Khumjung and on to Dingboche via Phortse village following the less trodden route to base camp, no doubt different trekking routes than many other groups. Picturesque Dingboche nestles in the sunny valley facing the most beautiful Amadablam peak – a great place to spend two nights to adjust the thinner oxygen level before we climb up above 5000 meter. Then trek to Labocha, Everest base camp, and Kalapattar the Back Lukla

    Email:sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com

    http://nepalguideinfo.com/
    http://www.hikehimalayas.com/
    http://nepalguideinfo.com/about-us/
    http://nepalguideinfo.com/annapurna-trek/
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    Nepal Planet Treks (Pvt. Ltd.)
    Post Box: 4453 Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
    Mobile: +977-9841613822

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  5. Everest Base Camp Trekking is one of the most famous trekking destinations for adventure-seekers in Nepal. The Everest Base Camp Trekking is also referred to as Everest Base Camp –Kala Patthar Trek as the EBC Trek goes through the Kala Patthar region of the Everest. While the Everest Base Camp Trek offers a great opportunity to witness the world’s tallest mountain peak Mount Everest from a very close distance, the trek is also equally adventurous. The major highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek are Namche Bazaar, popular region of Kala Patthar and the Everest Base Camp itself. Everest Base Camp Trekking traverses through the majestic looking mountains clad with snow, colorful monasteries, the famous Namche Bazaar and the conserved region of the Sagarmatha National Park. This also provides one with the opportunity of viewing at the Mountain Everest, world’s tallest mountain peak, from incredibly close distance.
    The trek begins from Kathmandu with a flight to Lukla or the Tenzing-Hillary Airport. Flight to Lukla itself can be no less than an adventure as the airport is enlisted as the most dangerous airport in the world, by virtue of the location, altitude and topography. The real Everest Base Camp Trek commences from Lukla, when you start your trek to Namche and the Base Camp crossing many Sherpa villages and settlement areas on the way. Another feature of the Everest Base Camp Trek is the opportunity to visit Gokyo Valley, the Gokyo-Ri or the peak and the beautiful Gokyo Lake. Gokyo is one of the most beautiful villages in the Khumbhu region of Everest. Also, the popular Cho-La Pass lies along the Everest Base Camp Trek which offers great views of the mountains including the all famous Everest.
    The total cost for the trip or the tour depends on several factors as per your convenience. The preferred type of accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara makes a difference in the totality of the cost (budget to 5 star accommodations). The chosen mode of transport also affects the cost of your package, for example the prices may vary widely from flight compared to private car / van, tourist or local buses. The number of guides and porters too affect the total cost of your trip. For these reasons the same route / tour price may vary considerably. If you want any further information regarding price then you can also visit our official site.

    http://www.himalayanspiritadventure.com
    himalayanspiritadventuretreks@gmail.com
    himalayan Spirit Adventure Treks & Expedition
    +977-1-4700540
    +9779851180282 +9779849380281

    ReplyDelete
  6. Everest Base Camp Trekking is one of the most famous trekking destinations for adventure-seekers in Nepal. The Everest Base Camp Trekking is also referred to as Everest Base Camp –Kala Patthar Trek as the EBC Trek goes through the Kala Patthar region of the Everest. While the Everest Base Camp Trek offers a great opportunity to witness the world’s tallest mountain peak Mount Everest from a very close distance, the trek is also equally adventurous. The major highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek are Namche Bazaar, popular region of Kala Patthar and the Everest Base Camp itself. Everest Base Camp Trekking traverses through the majestic looking mountains clad with snow, colorful monasteries, the famous Namche Bazaar and the conserved region of the Sagarmatha National Park. This also provides one with the opportunity of viewing at the Mountain Everest, world’s tallest mountain peak, from incredibly close distance.
    The trek begins from Kathmandu with a flight to Lukla or the Tenzing-Hillary Airport. Flight to Lukla itself can be no less than an adventure as the airport is enlisted as the most dangerous airport in the world, by virtue of the location, altitude and topography. The real Everest Base Camp Trek commences from Lukla, when you start your trek to Namche and the Base Camp crossing many Sherpa villages and settlement areas on the way. Another feature of the Everest Base Camp Trek is the opportunity to visit Gokyo Valley, the Gokyo-Ri or the peak and the beautiful Gokyo Lake. Gokyo is one of the most beautiful villages in the Khumbhu region of Everest. Also, the popular Cho-La Pass lies along the Everest Base Camp Trek which offers great views of the mountains including the all famous Everest.
    The total cost for the trip or the tour depends on several factors as per your convenience. The preferred type of accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara makes a difference in the totality of the cost (budget to 5 star accommodations). The chosen mode of transport also affects the cost of your package, for example the prices may vary widely from flight compared to private car / van, tourist or local buses. The number of guides and porters too affect the total cost of your trip. For these reasons the same route / tour price may vary considerably. If you want any further information regarding price then you can also visit our official site.

    http://www.himalayanspiritadventure.com
    himalayanspiritadventuretreks@gmail.com
    himalayan Spirit Adventure Treks & Expedition
    +977-1-4700540
    +9779851180282 +9779849380281

    ReplyDelete
  7. Our trekking with kamal was more than an amazing experience and kamal is more than a wonderful guide. He will help you choose the best trek for you, by taking into account your interests as well as your physical condition. He will show you all the hidden beauties which characterize Nepal and its mountains. Consequently, at the end of your trek, you will recognize all the plants, trees and animals and will have incredible experiences to tell your friends.
    Thanks to kamal, we have been able to experience few evenings among native Nepalese people with whom we have shared a glass of the local alcohol and food.
    We recommend you to get kamal help if you are planning to trek in Nepal, as he is the best! His web site www.alltreknepal.com , his Email is rimalkamal@gmail.com

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  8. Alpine Eco Trek is a small adventure company in Nepal and proud to be an eco friendly travel and trekking agency based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Registered with the Government of Nepal and associate member of various adventure associations, we are one of the most experienced travel and trekking company offering personal services in planning and execution of every holiday trip. We provide you the best holiday and cultural trips for small or private groups, custom plans for yourself, your family, friends, student travel group or a trip for your organization. These are the outcomes of our extensive research, careful planning and working experience to give you unique experiences of a real holiday with nature, culture and adventure.
    Our dedicated, experienced and committed team thrives to provide our ultimate satisfaction to our clients by obtaining thorough trainings and research with experience and feedback throughout the years. Our team always aware to take cares all the required services flexibility and as much your exotic holiday can be enjoyable, comfort and safe with us.
    Visit us for more info: www.alpineecotrek.com

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  9. Kailash Tour In Tibet
    Ekailash Tour specializes in small group tours and tailor-made trip to Mount Kailash, central Tibet, Guge Kingdom and Everest base camp. An expert’ team, based in Nepal, is passionate and extremely knowledgeable about the region having lived or traveled widely there. Our flexible and innovative Kailash tour itineraries are now even better value and take you beyond the tourist sites for a real experience of a lifetime!
    For More Information Please Visit Our Website
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  10. Annapurna Base Camp
    Annapurna Base Camp is a famous and appealing trekking option among the trekking fanatic and bestows superb views of the world’s 10th tallest mountain, Annapurna (8091 m). Trekking in Annapurna area also lets you observe bio-diversity and superb landscape of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, and Nilgiri. This elating base camp is located at the altitude of 4130m and the trekkers will experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the local ethnic people living there from long years. Tremendous peak view, Ghorepani, sunrise from Poon Hill, natural hot spring of Jhinudanda well-liked glacier view, Gurung community in Ghandruk etc are the main attractions of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. http://nepalplanettreks.com/annapurna-base-camp-trek.html
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    Hotline: +977-9841278579 (NJ) & 9841613822 (Sanjib)
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  11. Mount Face Nepal was established with aim of providing quality service and we are licensed trekking company of Nepal. As our team has experience and pragmatism staffs, we have been able to provide best quality service to our customers. We offer safe, unique and new routes which is more preferable by our customers. Meticulous planning goes into every aspect of your journey with Mount Face Nepal. The superior way that you will travel, the special places that you will visit, the remarkable people you will meet, the unexpected, unique experience along the way, you will see this different in everything we do. Not content with the mundane or second best, best seek out the ultimate. Great travel is seamless and should provide no distractions from experiencing the best of mountain culture, natural beauty, history and people.

    Mount Face Nepal is new benchmark in travel. Why not experience it for yourself??? We are export on these field Annapurna Base Camp , Ghorepani Poonhill , Everest Base Camp . <a href=" http://www.mountfacenepal.com/packages/details/phulkharka-village-tour
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    Nayabazzar Kathmandu Nepal

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  12. NEPAL PLANET TREKS - YOUR TRIP PLANNER
    HOLIDAY IN NEPAL, TIBET & BHUTAN
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    CONTACT ADDRESS

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    Email:sanjibtrekguide@gmail.com

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  13. Namaste Dear Valuables Trekkers and Climber Well, Adventure Everest Team is Mainly Organized Peak

    Climbing and Everest Expedition in Nepal and also those where

    are most popular Trekking Route as well. The Basically Everest base camp Trek, Everest

    Chola Pass Trek and Gokyo LakeTrek, Everest Three pass trek, Phaplu to Everest Base Camp and Everest Panorama Trek.

    These trip are most popular and Best Hiking in Nepal. the Trip start from lukla to Lukla or phaplu to all the way

    up everest base camp return to lukla fly back to Kathmandu.
    Adventure Everest Team is local base and Under Nepal government license holder Trekking Agency in Nepal which is more the 20 Years Experienced in

    this tourism industry. Base Full Board Packages Selling and Mostly Organized Peak Climbing Expedition in nepal. The

    Island Peak Climbing, Lobuche

    Peak Climbing, Ramdung Peak Climbing, Amadablam Expedition in nepal. there are not that lead to Adventure type of

    Expedition. we do have Mt Everest Expedition, Lhotse Expedition, Pumori Expedition, Nuptse Expedition, Barutse

    Expedition and Many Others Expedition in Nepal. these all trip are east part of Nepal. Mr Kul Bahadur Tamang run by

    Local Trekking Company in Nepal. as Professional team and Most

    of the Climbing guide are already maded Everest Expedition and over 8000 meters. and license holder Mountain

    Guide. Generarly Mr Kul run Hotel in Dingboche Good luck make happy to all of Clients and combine both Trekking

    Company in Nepal. The main aim is how to make happy all of valuable clients those who are travelling in Nepal.

    Secondary trip selling in Annapurna Region which is most popular trip Annapurna Base Camp Trek, mardi himal trek,

    Annapurna Circuit trek, Manaslu

    Circuit Trek
    , manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Kanchenjunga Trek, Upper Dolpo trek and Rara Lake

    Trek. these trip is South Part of Nepal. Chulu West peak Climbing and Chulu East Peak Climbing is very general and

    Popular Trekking Peak Climbing in Nepal.


    ReplyDelete

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