Stories by Dr Khwaja Ali Shahid

GARDENING: JOURNEYS WITH A COCONUT

GARDENING: JOURNEYS WITH A COCONUT

The coconut is technically a drupe, botanically a seed and practically a vessel — built by nature to survive months at sea... Published 08 Mar, 2026 09:39am
GARDENING: HARVESTING THE CHARD

GARDENING: HARVESTING THE CHARD

Getting the most out of Swiss chard, whether raw or cooked, depends on knowing precisely when and how to pick it Published 01 Mar, 2026 07:51am
GARDENING: CHARD DAYS

GARDENING: CHARD DAYS

Nutritious, resilient and surprisingly easy to cultivate, Swiss chard can thrive in South Asian climates — if grown with the right Published 15 Feb, 2026 07:07am
GARDENING: BRIGHT LIGHTS FOR THE GARDEN

GARDENING: BRIGHT LIGHTS FOR THE GARDEN

Swiss chard’s vibrant stems — in red, yellow and white — make it one of the most visually striking vegetables you can grow Published 08 Feb, 2026 07:39am
GARDENING: SWISS ONLY IN NAME

GARDENING: SWISS ONLY IN NAME

While many other types of saag dominate South Asian kitchens, Swiss chard — of Mediterranean origin — remains largely unknown here Published 01 Feb, 2026 07:00am
GARDENING: THE BRACTS PACK

GARDENING: THE BRACTS PACK

From bougainvillea to red button ginger, some of the most striking ‘flowers’ we admire are not flowers at all. A closer look at.. Published 18 Jan, 2026 07:53am
GARDENING: SAVING THE STRAWBERRY

GARDENING: SAVING THE STRAWBERRY

From flowering to fruiting, strawberry plants face threats at every stage — from birds and bugs to weather and infections. Published 11 Jan, 2026 10:45am
GARDENING: STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER

GARDENING: STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER

Growing strawberries from runners requires patience, but it is worth the effort when you get your hands on the juicy heart-shaped Published 21 Dec, 2025 06:38am
GARDENING: A QUIET RED REVOLUTION

GARDENING: A QUIET RED REVOLUTION

Strawberries grown through runners must be carefully planted, gently watered and protected from the harsh sun to establish strong roots and healthy foliage. Updated 15 Dec, 2025 03:23pm
GARDENING: GOING WILD FOR STRAWBERRIES

GARDENING: GOING WILD FOR STRAWBERRIES

In the 1990s Karachi, fresh strawberries were nearly impossible to find. Today, they are everywhere and you can even grow them at home. Updated 10 Dec, 2025 05:01pm
GARDENING: BLOOMS IN THE RAIN

GARDENING: BLOOMS IN THE RAIN

The white rain lily flower, which blooms for three to five days, is a fleeting beauty with its symmetry and star-like shape Published 23 Nov, 2025 05:53am
GARDENING: THE WHITE ALBUM

GARDENING: THE WHITE ALBUM

The white rain lily offers a lush display, but its beauty conceals a poisonous secret and a unique botanical structure that sets Published 16 Nov, 2025 05:49am