Summer is unbearable as the mercury level soars up to 43 degree Celsius. As a result, air conditioners have become indispensable. “People prefer to stay indoors, but for this, many preparations have to be made,” says Jaswant Singh, a resident of Spartan Avenue, Thiruvalluvar Nagar, Mogappair.
One can see that his house is covered with greenery that includes some medicinal plants. The compound wall of his house is covered by bamboo. Having designed his home in such a way that green is seen everywhere, he thought of developing creepers along the walls to keep the room temperature under control.
He has used coloured plastic sheets to supplement the wall height. “The leaves of the climbers make a style statement for the wall. Flowery climbers will make it more eye-catching, but bringing in a combo of vines, creepers and climbers will make it attractive,” says Jaswant.
Climbers are commonly used on walls, arches, pergolas, trellises, porches and pillars. Bare walls can effectively be decorated by growing colourful climbers on them. It is often felt that among the various types of ornamental plants, the least interest is taken on creepers and only a few varieties are found.
Even a good gardener knows just about a handful of climbers and practical information is just inaccessible, feels Pranav.
Architects, especially in contemporary times, explain how much of a role ‘green' plays for spaces that can bring in these ‘add-ons' for cool visual breaks. According to them, selection of good flowering climbers for a sunny porch is important as it not only adds beauty to the house but also enhances the garden in front of the building.
Mr. Singh lists out certain dos and don'ts. Vines, creepers and climbers are often grown along the top of a compound wall or building or as a cover for walls at the entrance as an arch. As they are plants with tender stems, they can grow only with a support. “Vines are ideal for ornamentation as it is a flowering one,” says Mr. Singh.
Apart from creepers and climbers, Mr. Singh has fruit-bearing trees such as coconut, mango, guava and many fragrant flowering plants. Considering energy needs, he had installed a solar panel. He may be contacted at 98400 45621.
