I woke up to a morning surprise, a red beauty glowing bright in my balcony. Oh, I have been waiting since one week for it to bloom- a gift given to me by my sister in law who knows how eager I am to have my balcony garden!
Rising in the morning,
amidst green foliage-
red blooms.
Seeing this red hibiscus flower blooming out of the clay pot elated me and the sweet memories of childhood whirled me past, visuals coming frame by frame that only my eyes could see. How lovely it was- the verandah in my house at Agra used to be laden with shrubs and trees bearing pomegranate, guava, papaya, banana, fig. I vividly recall how popular our fig (Ficus Carica) trees used to be. Not only friends/people from neighbourhood but strangers seeing the fruit laden tree in the garden, used to come asking for its fig fruits, which is well known for its medicinal values (fresh figs contain adequate levels of some of the anti-oxidant
vitamins such as vitamin A, E, and K, quite helpful in controlling cancers, diabetes, degenerative diseases and infections). Oh, I miss those bright
yellow and orange coloured marigolds which grew profusely in a row, outlining the garden from one side; and then there were other flowers of all colours- purple, white, yellow, pink and red along with Raat ki Rani to scent the whole garden and its surroundings in the night! I miss tasting those lip smacking Shehtoot (Mulberry) which Baba (my grandfather) used to get from his friend's house during his morning walks! I miss plucking and eating those ripened small guavas with soft pink flesh inside and mischievously stealing the raw mango from a neighbour's tree! As a kid, I used to learn my lessons strolling in the garden, playing with the leaves, smelling the flowers. Yes, I miss that cornucopia of our garden! Gardening was so much fun!
Bright, vibrant and with all their hue, plants have the power to transcend energy, freshness and put vigour into your soul. Flowers beaming in your garden, terrace or balcony not only have an aesthetic appeal but also infuses the heart with happiness. No photograph, video or game can give the joy of walking on the grass in your garden, seeing the green foliage or touching the soft petals of colourful flowers or smell of that wet soil or mere sight of fresh fruits/vegetables laden plants.
I feel lucky to have grown up to such a beautiful garden, close to nature and imbibing a sense of sharing and sustainability. Many of us, were lucky to experience the joys of home grown fruits, vegetables and herbs. But my heart goes out to the coming generation, the kids who are tech savvy and smart but miss on these simple joys. The space constraints in our urban houses have drawn distances between us and nature. But a willing desire and intent can bring us closer to our childhood memories, can help us make kids feel these simple joys. I think it's time to revive gardening and make it cool, develop interest and spread the benefits & joys of urban garden.
Little effort can give you perennial joy, pep up the spirit when you are sipping your morning tea/coffee while watching that flower bloom!
For me, as of now, I am immersed in the beauty of my Red Bloom :-)
इतराता है ये पेड़ ।
इतराता है ये पेड़ ।
