* Has the recent rain done damage or good to plants in general? What precautions do you suggest?
Ramesh, Chandigarh
Rain in winter is always welcome for plants, except when these are in flowering. At this time, most of the gardens are ready for flowering, so not much damage is expected. In fact, it is good for plants. If the spell gets prolonged, then may be some of you may not have blooms in your gardens, if you’re looking to participate in the Rose Festival.

* Will the recent rain affect flowering in mango? What measures do you suggest to protect the present flowering status?
Manisha, Panchkula
Mangoes are not in the state of flowering yet. But in case the inflorescence has started emerging, spray karathane and thiodan, dissolved at one millilitre and two millilitre to a litre of water respectively.

* Will my garden be in flowering till the date of the Rose Festival?
Sudha, Chandigarh
As discussed earlier, if the rain prolongs and temperatures fall, you may expect a delay. Else, in case the weather warms up suddenly then you may expect your garden in a respectable condition for judging.

* I have a litchi plant that is five years old. I have yet not got any fruit from it. Do you think it will flower this year and give fruit? What precautions do you suggest?
Manjit Singh, Chandigarh
In all probability, you should expect fruit this year. In case the flowering panicles appear, spray bavistin, dissolved at one gram to a litre of water.