Purple, Red, Yellow, Pink, Orange and Blue scattered in a generous splash of Greens. I remember this about our garden in Shillong. And there were not only flowers but vegetables too. My mom and dad would spend weekends pruning leaves, watering, mulching and spreading fertilizers in the soil. But I never could understand their fascination towards gardening. Whether the excitement at first blooms or disappointment when a plant died, what brought about these I had no clue.
But today after about 7 years of leaving my home, after leaving Shillong, I must say maybe I do understand what they felt, and still feel about the plants in their, now compact but precious, terrace garden. Who would have thought someday I’d say that? Not me!
The mud, manure and manual work involved were always a deterrent when it came to gardening. Not at all my kind of hobby, I thought. In fact I don’t even recall helping mom with anything in the garden ever.
However, the moment I set foot in my own apartment I began having a strange kind of urge, unlike any I had ever had. Roses, marigolds, lilies and more in my cozy balcony, was the vision I saw every time I sat there with my cuppa. So with an orange China rose, i.e. hibiscus, and marigolds, began the very slow transformation of my balcony last December. The first blooms, what can I say, filled my heart with a bizarre kind of pleasure? Something I can’t quite explain. I fathomed at that moment my mother’s excitement while talking about her dahlias, chrysanthemums and roses. I understood why she felt angry when somebody plucked even a single flower from one of her pots.
Of-course, the honeymoon period was interrupted by my travels and few other problems. But I’ve began all over again last month. What can I say? A white rose, a yellow china rose, some tiny red flowers, coriander and tomatoes. Yes, that’s what I started with now. And I plan to plant some more. Of course, I’ve left the playing with mud part with S. I’m just happy with watering and admiring the colors and the blooms. Honestly, I can’t wait for the tomatoes, just too excited. I know having any sort of garden in a balcony is a challenge but then I’ve decided to make the most of it.
Well, that was about my new found interest in gardening sans the mud.
And, yes I finished reading ‘The Book Thief’ and ‘Before We Met’ last week. Both books were unputdownable. You should read them if you haven’t yet. My next read is ‘Before I go to Sleep’, will let you know how that went next week.
Take Care!
Wow…you definitely have a great hand at gardening. Unfortunately, I kill every plant I touch! I even managed to kill mint which grows so easily!
Oh and I loved the Book Thief too. Haven't read the other two but they go on the list.
I love the hibiscus! So glad you have found understanding and a like of gardening for yourself. I hope to get there some day. 😀 I mean, I understand the appeal, I just can't be bothered, for not.
Maybe it is the possession of your own space brings on the gardening bug! Flowers are so lovely.
Beautiful flowers! I know the feeling – I started getting it when we got our own place as well. Unfortunately, I'm awful with plants.
Glad that yours are doing so well, and look forward to seeing more!
I was kicked out of our front yard, a blessing in disguise, as I realize I bit off much more than I could chew. Now, a couple of pots on the back porch, or on the ground in the back courtyard. Gardening is such a mood enhancer. Congratulations on the lovely results of your efforts.
I am one of those people who desperately wants a garden yet cannot keep plants alive. And therefore steps away from gardening entirely. We don't even have plants inside the house.
I wish I could get excited about gardening – we have both a front and a back yard, with lots of room to grow things, yet my laziness takes over and the place is a mess. 🙁 Maybe next spring!
Wow I have always wanted to decorate the balcony with potted plants but my laziness would usually take over. My mom too is crazy about gardening. What's the genre of the books you are reading?
wow! you certainly have a green thumb don't you? 🙂
My dad fretted about his plants when he was here.. but, I have not inherited his green thumb!
the rose looks lovely 🙂
I am waiting for my lilies to bloom. Would have loved some more plants, but no space in the apartment balcony. I know the feeling, having your morning tea..looking at the beauties. My mom's and grandparents' have beautiful spaces…Sigh!
Loved this post! 🙂
P.S. wasn't Book Thief AMAZING!! One of favourite novels!
How beautiful, Naba! I hope you'll post photos of the tomatoes! I yearn to put some pots in my verandah but the pigeons are so discouraging. Still haven't found a way to close the place off without a grill.
Must check out those books you mentioned! Love and hugs to you!
Beautiful flowers Nabanita..I've a small courtyard garden at my house..I can feel the pleasure and happiness.:-)
Have read "The Book Thief"…yet to read the other one…
Ohh I killed a few in the process too and the coriander doesn't seem to be doing so good these days..But I'm hopeful…
I know what you mean…Maybe one day you'll be drawn to it too 🙂
Thanks…
Yes, you know I think so too 🙂
Thanks…Oh there were some which sadly didn't live long to bloom but I'm hoping to get past that 🙂
So true gardening is certainly a mood enhancer… Thanks 🙂
Oh you must keep trying…Some of my plants died too in the beginning and they keep dying in between…But I keep replacing them 🙂
Yes, maybe you can try next spring…Start with only a few 🙂
I know the laziness part all too well…Being lazy myself!
I'm reading thrillers these days Rajlakshmi
It's alright not everyone has to like Gardening…I don't know how long my fascination will last as well :).. And thanks , the rose is really lovely, isn't it?
Oh yes…That's what I wish to have a huge garden but living in an apartment that seems impossible…
Book Thief was awesome!
Thanks Vidya…I'll surely put up some pictures when the tomatoes are out 🙂
Love and hugs right back at you 🙂
Oh wow…Lovely…Post some pictures Maniparna 🙂
We get the same satisfaction working on our backyard plants! Our kids don't get it either but hopefully, down the road, they too will appreciate it like you do now!!
I'm sure they will do Roshni…