The Garden of Eden

It’s a perfect Friday afternoon (because I bunked work) and am actually by my garden doing nothing for a change. I notice the cloudy heavens above and watch the rain pour down the earth. Reminds of best friends hugging each other tight! I drain the coffee cup and walk right to the centre of the garden. The water droplets on my skin feel cold but amazing. All the plants around me have come to life, happy with fresh green on their leaves.

         A quick look at them and I realise how each corner of my garden and each plant has a story of its own.

         There are bonsai plants, miniatures, flowering ones, cacti all like a family, one single unit. Stationed at all corners of the compound wall, they are all in different shapes and sizes and of unique leaf-colours. We are a family of nature and animal lovers and so herbs that can be used in cooking, find a place here and so do plants that some owners did not want anymore due to high maintenance. We do not encourage plucking flowers to please any Gods or humans and so many leafy-potted plants find a secure place in the garden.

       This pretty corner is the first one you will notice and is special because our pet dog lies beneath its soil. Ever-so magically, the beautiful curved branch turned inwards on its own to provide shade to his little grave. Every day the soil here automatically has some flowers fall from the branch. And there is not a single day, Bruno’s grave does not have flowers.

         Next to it, stands a barren bark of a tree which once had life. Instead of cutting the bark, we now have a money plant that is soon going to cover the tall bark. We had a small debate over this one where I had a wild idea of painting the bark like a giraffe due to its natural shape. But, dad won. Hence, the constructive idea of creepers! Planted and blooming next to it is the colocasia plant.. which has a little family of its own. Every other month, we wait for the leaves to get bigger till we can take them to the kitchen and fry them to make alu vadi (vegetable leaf rolls) of it!

           

        There is a growing brahma kamal plant (too lazy to google English name!). I planted a leaf before I got married. Today, after about two and a half years, it has beautifully grown into a tall plant. Good sign huh!

        Then there are the hanging plants. Simply delicate and happy bundles, we had to take them off their hooks. They were too tall for my dad and after this operation, it became difficult to lift his hands high up. So he applied his creative new idea here with a simple rope. The ropes are evenly placed in a decorative fashion that serves the purpose. Brilliant, don't you think so?

          This little company of potted plants is just outside the main door. Applying best from waste, Mrs. Mumma had a great idea of using plastic containers for the plants and décor. Do notice, her imagination with those stones there. A brush of minimal painting strokes and her Ganpati will be ready! 

           Although we have lost our pet, we still make sure we can offer water to the thirsty animals and birds who are now a part of our home. Various colourful species of birds have been coming forever and patiently await their bathing time one after another. So do the dogs, who drink water to their hearts content near the gate and a wag a two-second long helloo-tail before galloping away...

           Apart from water, plants need love which they can feel through our touch and through our words. I believe my parents are parents to a lot of animals and plants around! And what fun it is to sip coffee right here in the garden or just have conversations feeling the light breeze every now and then!