Subhashini Chandramani remembers being surrounded by nature as her grandparents lived in lush villages, their homes surrounded by trees. Her holidays were spent lazing in the open. Her father tried to recreate the atmosphere in their hom in Chennai city, by planting coconut trees, flowering plants and berries, passing on what he knew about gardening to her. "He would say it was key to observe nature. He'd be able to accurately predict the weather by watching cloud patters, and the arrival of specific birds," says Bengaluru-based Chandramani.

Lunchbox created from elements found in the garden