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Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Tips to grow lilies in your home garden that steal the spotlight
Lilies aren't just flowers, they're elegance on a stem. Whether you're dreaming of a fragrant garden corner or adding drama to your patio pots, lilies are the showstoppers you need. But these stunning blooms don't just appear with a wave of a trowel. They need the right timing, soil, care, and a little know-how. Don't worry, we've got you covered with everything from bulb basics to bloom-boosting tricks. Here's a few tips on how to grow lilies that will make your neighbours stare (in a good way). Grow lilies in your garden with these simple tips Choose the right type of lily Lilies come in many varieties, and each brings a different mood to your garden. Oriental lilies are known for their sweet fragrance and large blooms, while Asiatic lilies offer vibrant colours and earlier flowering. If you like a wild look, tiger lilies add a bold, speckled flair. Choose the type based on your garden's vibe and how much scent you're okay with, some lilies can perfume an entire room. Plant at the right time Lilies need a cold period to develop strong blooms, so timing your planting is crucial. For most regions in India, the best time to plant is between October and December, before the winter chill sets in. If you're in a warmer climate, early spring works too, just make sure the soil isn't too warm or soggy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo Get the depth and spacing right When planting lily bulbs, the general rule is to plant them about three times deeper than their height, usually 6 to 8 inches deep. Space them about 8 to 12 inches apart to give each bulb enough room to grow without competing for nutrients. This spacing also improves airflow, reducing the risk of fungal issues. Prepare the perfect soil Lilies thrive in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. If your garden soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in compost and sand to improve drainage. Good drainage is key, soggy soil leads to rotting bulbs. For potted lilies, use a lightweight potting mix in deep containers with proper drainage holes. Pick a sunny spot Most lilies love sunlight and need at least 6 hours of it each day. While they enjoy full sun, a bit of afternoon shade can protect them from harsh heat, especially in peak summer. If your garden gets less light, opt for varieties like Martagon lilies that tolerate partial shade. Water wisely Water lilies deeply but infrequently. Let the top couple of inches of soil dry out between waterings. Overwatering can rot the bulbs, so avoid keeping the soil constantly moist. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool during summer. Feed them during growth Lilies aren't heavy feeders, but they do appreciate a little boost. Use a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season, especially in spring and early summer. Avoid fertilisers high in nitrogen, they'll encourage leaves at the expense of blooms. Stake tall varieties Some lilies grow tall and elegant, but they can be a bit top-heavy, especially during windy days or after rain. Stake taller varieties early to prevent them from bending or snapping. Use soft ties to avoid damaging the stems. Deadhead to keep them blooming After the flowers fade, remove the spent blooms to prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. Leave the green stems and leaves, they continue to photosynthesise and help the bulb recharge for next year. Only cut back once the foliage turns yellow or brown. Keep pests in check Lilies are relatively low-maintenance but can fall prey to red lily beetles, aphids, or slugs. Regularly inspect your plants, and if pests show up, treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Companion planting with marigolds or garlic can also help deter unwanted visitors. Lilies are one of the most rewarding flowers to grow. With just a bit of planning and care, they'll return year after year with tall stems and stunning blooms. Whether you're working with garden beds or balcony pots, these tips will help you create a space that blooms with grace and smells incredible too. Also read| How to grow cherry tomatoes from seeds (even if you've never gardened before)
Scroll.in
25-07-2025
- Scroll.in
Two rare wildcat species caught on camera-traps in Pakistan
Conservationists snapped images of two small wildcat species in Pakistan earlier this year: an Asiatic caracal (Caracal caracal schimitzi) and a sand cat (Felis margarita) – both which are incredibly rare in the country. Information on both cats in Pakistan is limited, with the sand cat presumed possibly extinct there, according to the IUCN, the global wildlife conservation authority. The camera-trap image of the caracal is 'very rare visual evidence of the once widespread but now rapidly declining species', says Zafeer Ahmed Shaikh, director of the Indus Fishing Cat Project. That image – the first camera-trap record of a caracal in Pakistan, according to Shaikh – came from Kirthar National Park, where the Indus Fishing Cat Project, a nonprofit, has had cameras set for around four years. The team decided to extend its camera trapping after earlier reports of a caracal crossing a road in broad daylight in the area in January this year. The nonprofit's local partners, Qalandar Burfat, Zohaib Ahmed and Ramzan Burfat, set up the trap near a watering hole inside the national park. 'There was only one singular video of this male cat from about 400 videos at this particular camera station across a two-week-long period,' Shaikh says. Unfortunately, another sighting included one juvenile cat killed in the national park by local people. These images offer firm evidence that caracals are still present in Pakistan, says Jim Sanderson, founder and director of the Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation. 'But, as with most places, we have no idea if a self-sustaining population exists.' The sightings 'give us better insight into species distribution and habitat preferences in the country', Ricky Reino, an Asiatic caracal species monitor and studbook keeper for the European Zoo population, told Mongabay by email. 'We know that caracal numbers are considerably less in Asia, especially in India, than they are in Africa,' he adds. Though the caracal is listed by the IUCN as a species of least concern globally, within Pakistan it's considered critically endangered, with an estimated population of approximately 100 individuals. A 2023 paper noted there's 'no comprehensive information on the distribution or abundance of the caracal in Pakistan'. With the species deemed widespread and a low priority across much of its range, few 'conservation-based threat-reduction projects are taking place' anywhere, including in Pakistan, Sanderson adds. The species' status is currently under review by the IUCN. In another rare feat, Shaikh's organisation snapped a picture of a sand cat – a species listed as possibly extinct in Pakistan, according to the IUCN. 'The sighting of the sand cat in Pakistan is highly significant from both ecological and conservation perspectives since the species was practically unknown this far east of its range,' Shaikh says. Other sporadic sightings have been recorded in other parts of the country. 'These confirmed photographic records are extremely valuable, as the species is poorly documented in South Asia,' he says. 'And Pakistan lacks comprehensive data on its distribution or population status.' Little known, highly endangered Kirthar National Park, where both cat species were spotted, sits on the border of Karachi, a city that's home to some 20 million people. Despite the preserve's protected status, it is beset by sand mining activities, says Shaikh. Karachi, the capital city of Pakistan's Sindh province and the 12th-largest city in the world, is undergoing massive development with ongoing conversion of its green belt to residential and commercial areas. 'Such projects require sand and gravel to construct and build, and as such, they extract these natural resources from within the national park itself,' Shaikh says. 'It is happening at multiple sites. But two locations – Pachhran and Khar Centre – are notorious.' Khar Centre is where the caracal was photographed, with sand and gravel mining activity there likely impacting the small cats and a host of other species – disrupting habitat, threatening water sources, and creating noise and other pollution. For small cats in Pakistan, in general, retaliatory killings pose another major threat. That's the current focus of conservation work by Shaikh's organisation. The group says it hopes to capture more images of caracals and sand cats to deepen knowledge of the country's populations. But with stretched resources, the NGO's focus is on direct conservation action. 'Our goal is to expand on existing awareness programmes as well as to create a solid foundation for a compensation scheme in the region,' Shaikh says. Similarly, the sand cat sighting may help build a case for a national conservation strategy, targeting threats such as habitat degradation due to overgrazing and retaliatory killings. 'Every verified sighting is contributing to baseline data, and solidifying the mapping of its current range, and supports its inclusion in national conservation strategies,' Shaikh says. 'These sightings are important, as it shows the need for dedicated research and conservation initiatives focussing on caracals and other small cats,' Reino says. Conservation of small wildcats is severely underfunded worldwide, though research and conservation financing has increased in recent years. Only around 3% of global felid funding is currently directed at the more than 36 species of small cats, with the lion's share going to the charismatic big cats, according to Sanderson. '[S]mall wildcats are far from the priority species or wildlife groups of most wildlife conservation bodies in Pakistan,' Shaikh says. 'These species go by unnoticed very easily, and thus, this creates huge research gaps and conservation issues that must be addressed soon.' Shaikh says he hopes the new photo records for both small cats will 'stimulate scientific interest and raise awareness among local communities and authorities,' ultimately building a case for conserving Pakistan's elusive small cats, rare as they may be.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Time of India
1k hectares grassland in Barda sanctuary to help more lions roar
Rajkot: Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Porbandar district is steadily coming into its own as a natural extension of lion territory. Once a quiet reserve, Barda is now at the heart of a major conservation effort to create a self-sustaining habitat for Asiatic lions . The forest department has launched a project focused on restoring native grasslands and strengthening the prey base — laying the groundwork for lions to thrive here on their own. Spread across 1,000 hectares, the sanctuary is undergoing a green revival. Invasive plant species are being cleared on a large scale, and native grasses are being cultivated to support herbivores that form the base of the lion's food chain. According to the latest lion census, Barda is now home to 17 lions. The first — a solitary male — arrived naturally. Soon after, five lionesses were translocated to the sanctuary, and their successful mating led to the birth of 11 cubs. With this, Barda has proven itself as a naturally viable habitat. Forest officials have taken a hands-off approach, allowing the population to grow organically. The groundwork for this success was laid years ago. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tecno Pova 7 Series starting at 12,999 - Catch the light. TECNO Mobile Buy Now Undo In 2014, the forest department set up a breeding centre for Sambar and spotted deer. Since then, hundreds of herbivores born in captivity have been released into the wild, helping to establish a solid prey base for the growing lion population. But restoring the landscape hasn't been easy. Deputy conservator of forests, Ravi Prasad Radhakrishna, pointed out that invasive species — such as single acacia (Acacia nilotica), Lantana camara, and Cassia tora — have posed a major challenge. "These alien species prevent native grasses from germinating," he said. "We've launched an intensive removal drive and are promoting native grass species to rebuild a healthy ecosystem for herbivores. " Experts believe birds may have unknowingly contributed to the spread of these invasives, either by carrying seeds on their feathers or excreting them after feeding elsewhere. "Barda is increasingly seen as Gujarat's second home for lions," Radhakrishna said. "With lions naturally dispersing into the area, we're shaping the habitat to support that expansion. In time, we expect the population to reach ecological saturation." The sanctuary now also hosts Nilgai and wild boar — adding further richness to the food chain. Officials believe Barda has the potential to support up to 40 to 50 lions in total. Recognizing its ecological promise, the forest department has also launched a jungle safari to boost eco-tourism and raise public awareness—inviting people to witness the quiet revival of a forest now finding its roar.
