My Mother's Garden

From a distance, my parents' backyard (foreground only) looks like
this. It's there where the tallest betel nut trees grow. Because
of the trees, no fence can be seen. Beyond my mother's garden is
my aunt's, and beyond that, is the public area.

This is my childhood garden, where guavas, mangoes and passion-
fruit ruled. Or according to the season, plums and peaches,
Indian blackberry, grapes, pears, pomegranates and pomelos.
Somehow, the sweet scent of summer fruits waft into my memory.
Endearing images of my siblings, all five of them as children,
are intricately linked to my many garden-associated memories.

The bottom of the garden has this spring water on its tireless
journey to the lake. As children we would follow its path right
from the hilltop where it gurgled and rushed on its downhill
journey. In winter it's just a trickle.

I've always loved this view at the bottom of the garden. Although
the pond isn't ours, in photographs, it looks as if it's part of
the garden. But in reality, it's across the small road and belongs
to a neighbour.

When you think about the most useful plant it's the bamboo which
comes to mind. In our parts it's indispensable.

Bananas and betel nuts seem to be everywhere.

Another view. The backyard is roughly about half an acre. The
area has undergone some changes. Some fruit trees have been cut
and some have been severely pruned as the lush growth impeded
the growth of smaller plants.

Caught this common yellow butterfly on a mustard bloom.

The bean vine goes on and on and on.

A few tomatoes are ready for the picking.

There are just a few flowers blooming now. These roses added a
splash of colour to a drab front-yard.

I hope you've enjoyed going through these photos. My love and
respect for plants started here. I've always felt that my mother's
connection to soil went beyond a gardener's relationship. And
in my small plot, I carry on this legacy of love, for garden soil.