Summer Under The Shade - Chennai’s Green Mask.

Chennai raises its hands again; not to protest, but to hold umbrellas. As we suffer in shame within our homes with no IPL team to support, the sun cares the least to balm this misery. Bordering 40 degrees celsius has been as harsh as Vardah storm and the city stumbles on its way to 6pm. As we carry our shades, hand-towels , pocket-fans and sunscreens, Chennai turns towards the greener pastures.

Ms Rashmi Sunil, the proprietor of Harith Tharang, says “ The Go-green campaigns hosted by young associations has changed the shade of Chennai-ites attitude towards greenery”. A climatic shift is a long way to go, however a shift in attitude is clearly felt after Vardah uprooted Chennai’s beloved. Ms Rashmi makes a bold statement on this, “Lets not cry over something that is lost, plant a sampling in its place and Chennai will grow green again.”

Her nursery boutique is inspired from a modern green house architecture with glasses surrounded on all 3 sides. Flower pots & samplings set up, from the ceiling to the floor meets the good vibe mark comfortably. “We have a plant for every office, every living room, every balcony and every kitchen”. Though palm varieties, Aglaonema and Moss stick plants seem to be the favourites of Chennai households, Ms Rashmi has no inhibitions. “Plants are natural air conditioners, air purifiers and home beautifiers. Though they are not necessities, they can make your home a positive place. Care for one, keep one on your work desk, one on your window and plenty on your balcony and notice the difference every day.”

75% of home-makers opt for kitchen gardening as their first step of greeonovation. “Organic planting is the next big thing”, says Mrs Sunil, who has her customers specifically requesting for herbal plants like Coriander, Curry leaf plant, Rosemary and Thyme. All of the real stories shared on social media validating indian-made products’ shallow market, has played its part in this change of thought. Though there are queries for importing exotic plants like Bonsai to the indian soil, Ms Rashmi has stayed put in promoting indian roots.

Harith Tharang also vehemently supports “Gift a plant” campaign and has seen a steady rise in organic gifting among corporates, weddings and parties. A nursery being seen as a traditional indian home business is a misconception. Like every indian retail store, nurseries battle the same question, “What’s new?”. Plant rentals, An online site to buy plants, custom made flower pots, gardening and maintenance services, home decor are some of the services provided by Harith Tharang to answer that question. Similar to pet hotels, Harith Tharang transforms into a plant hotel and takes care of your greenery when you take a holiday!

“A table requires maintenance. It needs to be wiped, cleaned and polished to ensure its durability. A plant is a living, breathing organism. All it needs is water, sunlight and your love and you can nourish its loyalty. is that high-maintainence?”, asks Mrs Sunil.

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