Lay newspaper 2–3 layers thick around garden plants, then cover it with several inches of straw or compost; the paper blocks light while the top layer holds it downUsing newspaper as mulch provides a sustainable and cost-effective way to control weeds in gardens. This method involves layering newspaper...
15 Sep, 2026, 01.10 PM IST
Chicago installed tree tubs and permeable pavement at Navy Pier; it helps capture stormwater while reducing annual pollution by 3 lb of phosphorus, 47 lb of nitrogen and 2 tons of sedimentChicago's Navy Pier showcases an impressive green infrastructure designed for efficient stormwater management. Featuring seventy-seven tree...
11 Sep, 2026, 07.14 PM IST
Penn State measured a green roof during a June 2002 heat spell; its membrane peaked near 30°C, while the uncovered roof surface climbed to nearly 70°CGreen roofs present a remarkable solution for enhancing temperature control in urban environments, effectively lowering surface temperature...
11 Sep, 2026, 02.20 PM IST
Dia Mirza turned her Mumbai home into a mini jungle. Actress shares 3 easy steps for beginners to attract birds, butterflies and beesActress Dia Mirza shared simple ways for people living in cities to bring nature closer to their homes. Flowering plants can attract birds ...
10 Sep, 2026, 10.45 AM IST
In 2004, Iowa listed Easter Lake for murky water. 20 years later, restoration helped it meet water standards and park visits climbed from 500,000 to 1.3 million visitorsEaster Lake in Des Moines was listed as impaired in 2004 because sediment and cloudy water were damaging its quality. Two decades of restor...
09 Sep, 2026, 08.30 PM IST
Machinist Edwin Budding patented a lawnmower in 1830; rotating blades used to finish woolen cloth gave him the mechanism for cutting grass evenlyIn 1830, Edwin Budding revolutionized lawn care by inventing the lawn mower, a clever adaptation of a machine designed for trimming cloth. ...
09 Sep, 2026, 02.50 PM IST
Central Park is changing to survive climate change — and what New York is doing could matter for cities around the worldCentral Park faces climate change challenges like increased rainfall and extreme heat. The park is now adapting by becoming climate infrast...
05 Sep, 2026, 08.33 PM IST
In 2022, Washington DC installed 2 bioretention systems across 2.6 acres to manage runoff. 1 year later, they could retain 2,627 cubic feet of stormwater per stormWashington DC bioretention systems are quietly changing what happens when heavy rain hits city streets. Two systems on Hamlin Street NE can...
28 Aug, 2026, 10.30 PM IST
In Detroit, residents began turning vacant lots into urban farms, and today the city says it has more than 2,200 gardens and farmsDetroit's urban farming movement began with residents planting on vacant lots. This grassroots effort gained momentum after the 2008 financ...
04 Aug, 2026, 05.01 PM IST
Inside R. Madhavan's Rs 17.5 crore Mumbai home: From gold accents to a serene Buddha corner to terrace garden where he grows fruits and vegetables using hydroponicsR. Madhavan's Mumbai home reflects his calm personality through thoughtful design choices. Gold accents and an all-white bathroom create a ...
02 Aug, 2026, 10.36 PM IST
In 1889, one invention solved the biggest problem every snow sled had; a flexible piece of steelIn 1889, downhill sledding was a dangerous game. Sleds couldn't steer at all. Riders had to jam a boot into the snow to turn or stop. Quake...
30 Jul, 2026, 09.39 PM IST
While trees across Bengaluru fall during heavy monsoon storms, this engineer’s 600-sq-ft rooftop forest of 100+ fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants stands strongBengaluru's monsoon woes are being countered by a remarkable five-storey rooftop forest, cultivated by engineer Venkataraman. This 600-squa...
30 Jun, 2026, 10.15 PM IST
Blooms and laughter! Chelsea flower show will have 1st garden designed by childrenWhile the Chelsea Flower Show is typically synonymous with serene contemplation amid a sea of prize-winning blooms, this year, a different ...
02 Nov, 2023, 10.52 PM IST
No garden-variety idea: Startups reaping dividends in urban farmsCompanies such as Khetify, Mumbai-based i-Kheti and Bengaluru-based Living Greens, which have sprung up in the past few years, say they are...
05 Jan, 2018, 07.48 AM IST
Here's an intelligent watering system for urban gardenersAfter his idea was incubated at CMRIT, Jenitter decided to commercialise it. He registered it as the proprietor under the name Irrrigatroni...
24 Apr, 2017, 11.47 AM IST
This smart-gardening app will nurture your plants remotelyThe app comes with a kit that includes smart pots fitted with sensors. It can detect basic plant parameters like the soil's moisture conten...
15 Jul, 2015, 01.14 PM IST
Environment laws will make nod easy, violations tough: Prakash JavadekarThe HLC headed by former Cabinet Secretary TSR Subramanian reviewed environmental laws and has given its recommendations to the Centre.
10 May, 2015, 08.28 PM IST