Ficus, Bamboo, Basil

Ficus has been one of my favourite trees. I have a few planted in one of my flowerbeds. I am hoping to use it as a screen once it gets a bit bigger. This plant lends itself well to shaping and its light variegated silver green leaves look amazing in the early morning sun.

A Basil plant that really took to the side flower bed. I usually try to get these potted as my wife uses these in the morning pooja (prayer to god). My wife also adds it to the morning tea. It is also added to the boiled water for its medicinal properties. In India Basil is also attributed spiritual and divine qualities. You will typically find at least one Basil plant in most houses in India.


The bamboo in the corner of the garden is a real vigorous grower. Its roots traverse the entire breadth of the garden in seach of nutrients and is very agressive. It keeps putting out new shoots ever so often, but systematic pruning by my gardner keeps it in check. There are also a couple of bird nests in the middle of this clump.

New shoots of the rose plant putting forth its baby red green leaves - which turn green and lose its red color as they mature.

I am not sure what this plant is called. My nursery person calls this Juniper - but it doesn't seem like the correct name.

Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) [Thanks Green Thumb]- this is a runner with violet and green leaves. There are two varieties: one with violet leaves and the other with green leaves. The underside of the green leaves are a bright violet.
Here is a close up of the leaf.

The winter cold has gotten to about 5 degrees Celcius (41 degrees Farhenheit) here in Pune. The coldest it has ever gotten in Pune is 2.8 degrees Celcius (37 degrees Farhenheit) in the nineties. The plants are all taking it in their stride - but I hope it starts getting warmer soon.