Learn how to celebrate nature around you with small efforts at this two-day workshop near Mumbai

A view of Inchara Shanthappa’s apartment window turned into an urban jungle; Pics Courtesy/Inchara Shanthappa; (right) A farming workshop at Vanvadi. Pics Courtesy/@Vanvadiforest

Who doesn't love being surrounded by nature? If you're questioning that, perhaps you just haven't found your kind of green yet - one you can embrace in the comfort of your home. Interestingly, this can be developed right outside your window.

That is the idea behind Edible Urban Jungle, a two-day hands-on workshop at Vanvadi, a 65-acre collectively regenerated forest nestled in the Sahyadri foothills of the Western Ghats. Vanvadi began in 1994, when more than two dozen people came together to regenerate land that had been largely clear-felled. Today, it is home to more than 80,000 trees, with seasonal streams, water bodies and a rich variety of forest foods and wildlife.

Participants enjoy a communal meal served on jumbo leafplates; (right) Shevla is one of the wild vegetables grown at the farm

Now, the forest is transforming into a classroom for creating a little wilderness at home. Volunteer teachers and urban jungle experts Inchara Shanthappa and Elijah De Souza will guide participants on how balconies, backyards, and other small spaces can become edible, self-sustaining ecosystems.

The workshop will take participants into the world beneath their feet, exploring living soil and the relationship between water, sunlight, plants and urban biodiversity. They will make compost, self-watering wicking pots and microgreen trays, while getting hands-on with potting and other essential skills for growing food at home.

Inchara Shanthappa

The aim is to understand natural cycles and bring that interconnectedness into everyday urban living.

"It's not a balcony garden, but a balcony jungle. We are calling it a balcony jungle because we are trying to create a self-sustaining system," says Shanthappa. "We all have a connection with nature. When you spend time in it, you begin to appreciate it and value it more," she adds.

ON October 10 and 11; 10.30 am onwards
AT Vanvadi Forest, between Chichwadi and Ware Village, 9 kms from Neral station.
CALL 9930640168 (for registration)
COST Rs 3500

Workshop hops

Pic Courtesy/Inner World

Tiny green world
Get hands-on with terrarium-making as you layer soil, plants and colourful pebbles to create a miniature garden in a glass jar to take home.
ON October 11; 3.30 pm onwards
AT Corner of Joy, Sector 14, Vashi.
LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com
COST Rs 899 onwards

Pic Courtesy/Naturalist Explores

Moss magic
Learn the Japanese art of Kokedama, creating a moss-wrapped plant with your own hands while exploring a creative, eco-friendly way to bring greenery indoors.
ON October 10; 9 am onwards
AT Ambedkar Nagar, Dharavi, Bandra East.
LOG ON TO urbanaut.app
COST Rs 577

Pottery time
Try your hand at pottery through pinching, slab-building and sculpting techniques, shaping clay into a piece that is uniquely yours.
ON October 11; 11 am onwards
AT Doolally Taproom, Ghodbunder Road, Thane West.
LOG ON TO happyhikkups.com
COST Rs 899 onwards

Grow your corner

. Follow the sunlight: Pick a spot that gets at least 2-3 hours of sunlight a day.

. Start with herbs: Begin with easy, everyday herbs and leafy greens before taking on bigger plants.

. Let the soil live: Use compost and natural organic matter to build healthy, living soil.

. Reuse what you have: Convert old containers, boxes and pots into planters instead of buying new ones.

. Save your kitchen scraps: Composting gives food waste a second life and feeds your plants.

Representation Pics/iStock

. Think beyond plants: Leave room for pollinators and other small creatures that make your mini ecosystem thrive.

. Grow slowly: Start with a few plants, observe what works in your space and allow your tiny green patch to evolve.