Staghorn ferns attract enthusiasts

THE TERRACE FARMER: CO George with staghorn ferns in front of his house. GREEN-FINGERED CO George has a novel way of gardening that keeps his home green and salubrious. The staghorn fern hanging in front of his house is a rare sight. These 'green lanterns', which somewhat resemble horns of a deer, have been decorating his house for years. George plants the staghorn ferns along with a coconut husk and hangs it on a hook. The plant grows through the entire husk; that will make it attractive. When the growing plant breaks the husk out of shape, George adds a new husk to reshape the "pot". His love for flora is evident everywhere. The terrace of his house, for instance, is lush with a variety of plants, including 12 different bonsais and ornamental flowers. Some of his bonsai trees on the roof top are banyan known as Krishnanaal, which is associated with Lord Krishna, according to legends. He got the Krishnanaal from Thrissur museum when he was working there. He started terrace farming years ago. The effort won him Thrissur Corporation's best terrace farmer award of 1989. But, over the years, he lost the steam and his farming declined. "The terrace needs to be really water-proof or water will seep into the roof and walls and damage the house, George pointed out. For George, the farming and gardening is merely a pastime. He is now more interested in carving out artefacts from coconut shells. His hobbies have often attracted people into his home at East Fort.