"Many things grow in the garden that were never sown there."
~ Thomas Fuller
Little by little, inch by inch, the spaces in our new home are being adorned with meaning and life. With the rooms almost done and the last of our shipped boxes waiting to be unpacked, the settling part at least seems to be falling into place. I had kept the garden for the last, for it needs time and patience. Like all things that need love and nurturing do.
Now, I wish, and how desperately, that I had a real garden, one where I could dig into the dirt and let my soul lose in its intoxicating earthiness. But this is a city, or as my favorite cliche would convey it more beautifully, a concrete jungle. And all I have got is a rather huge rectangular balcony where toddlers could play cricket! But the abundant space does allow me to dream of a colorful little balcony garden with rusty, unpretentious terracotta pots. I intend to create a green, breathing pad that would provide a refreshing refuge from the din and decay of the dreary city life. So with the hibiscus, rose and marigold, I dream of painting my balcony with a carnival of colors.
And so August blooms, verb or noun, quite literally.
Hello Suman:
ReplyDeleteYou are so right to accept that gardens, and the making of them, take time and patience. And with this in your mind, we are sure that you will create something very wonderful on your new balcony. We do hope that we will all be allowed to watch future progress.
Dear Jane and Lance, the compulsive shutterbug that I am, I'm sure you'll be tormented with picture upon picture of the garden. Thank you for the good wishes.
Deletebabe update ur fb album of ur new home
ReplyDeleteI feel they are alright here; FB would be too much of a show-off, no?
DeleteA balcony that big will provide you the space to make your dream reality. Don't be in a hurry - do take the time to sit on the bare balcony and plan, just as you would on a plot of land. As The Great Dane has always said (from his Air Force days) 'time spent in recce is never wasted'.
ReplyDeleteAnd I shall keep The Great Dane's ever wise words in my mind while ploughing through the garden. Unfortunately, the marigold is almost dead, limp and all shriveled up, and so from now on, I'll do things one at a time, like you have suggested.
DeleteIt's a sheer joy to decorate a new house and fill life in vacant spaces. So much meaningful and colourful it seems like your thoughts...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.duringmytimes.com/
Thank you for the very kind compliment, Rajnish. Hope you are doing well.
DeleteI live in a concrete jungle too. A big balcony is a wonderful space. You can grow the flowers you like and create your own shelter. A perfect space to rest, read, and drink a cup of tea ....
ReplyDeleteJust my thoughts - rest and read with a cup of tea! I'm glad that I can share my city woes with you from now on. And yes, I just checked your mail which I'll be replying soon. Take care.
DeleteYou would be surprised how many wonderful plants would grow in the size of balcony you describe. Use large, rambling plants, they'll soon make you feel that you have exchanged the concrete jungle for a verdant one. And what's wrong with sinking your hands in earth in large pots?
ReplyDeleteThank you Friko, for that much needed vote of confidence. Although I love gardening, I am still an amateur. And coming from you, the expert gardener, this suggestion is sheer gold for me.
Deleteabsolutely splendid pics!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ash!
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