AIKGA’S TWO DAY SPRING FESTIVAL WITH FOCUS ON GARDENING YEAR-ROUND BEGINS

Vidyaben Shah 94 being awarded by Youngest AIKGA member Ambalika Lamba 8 year old

“Create a beautiful, well-manicured yard that returns high quality organically-grown food. Apart from saving money gardening has many health and therapeutic benefits, and can be enjoyed by everyone. Edible landscapes can be just as attractive, yet produce fruits and vegetables for home use as landscaping can also be a good source of food. Gardening holds the key to improved mental health, stress relief, and much-needed exercise in a world where most of us spend our days sitting in front of computers in artificially lit rooms. Landscaping using vegetables is a gratifying activity, more than merely landscaping with flowers and shrubs.” Said MS Bela gupta, Secretary All India Kitchen Garden Association While speaking on the occasion.

As part of its Golden Jubilee it honoured its oldest member and past president 94 years old Gujarat born Vidyaben Shah with life time achievement award for her contribution to the Kitchen Gardening and other social welfare causes . She has been president, New Delhi Municipal Committee (NDMC) Founder member Triveni Kala Sangam, Trustee Gujarati Samaj in Delhi. The award was presented by AIKGA youngest member eight year old Ambalika Lamba.

“This year AIKGA has shifted the focus and theme of the show on Eco-friendly gardening through out the year as this trend is becoming popular world wide for growing vegetables ,fruits and herbs round the year.” said Ms Bella Gupta, Secretary, All India Kitchen Garden Association (AIKGA) .

“ During the show We will explore a full year in the vegetable garden, namely how to extend and smooth transition between each of the seasons. We will cover topics such as preparing for spring, selecting vegetable varieties, succession planting, organic methods and winter gardening. The calendar is still in winter, but the weather is teasing spring. With spring, those cool-weather vegetables that we love to consume can be grown in our gardens. Turnip greens, mustard, lettuce, spinach, kale, collard greens, broccoli and cabbage are topping this list of favorites.” Said Ms Gupta

“For instance, indoor gardening – growing under lights in soil, hydroponically or aquaponically (growing plants along with fish) – is becoming more common. From growing arugula (rocket salad leaves) to growing traditionally medicinal plants like tulsi, carom (ajwain), turmeric and vegetables helps one get clean fresh food with growing concept of, pick and plate every season. From herbal tea gardens on the window sill and healing herbs under lights to vitamin-packed microgreens on the kitchen counter, medicinal gardens are blooming indoors.” Said Ms gupta.

The other highlights of the spring festival are children Painting Competition, Ikebana and Bonsai show, session on eco gardening, sale of garden related items, farm fresh vegetables, seeds and plants for summers. Various chapters of the association in Delhi and National Capital Region will be presenting whole range of nutrition food and related recipes to meet the needs of changing lifestyle