Manashimaya
For many, gardening is merely a pastime, but for some, like myself, it is a profound passion that transcends time and space. My journey with gardening commenced in the tender embrace of my mother’s verdant sanctuary, where the symphony of blossoms and the chatter of birds became the backdrop of my childhood. The moments spent amidst the foliage, instilled in me, a deep reverence for nature’s wonders, laying the foundation for a lifelong love affair with gardening.
From a young age, I eagerly lent a hand to my mother’s gardening endeavors, relishing the opportunity to nurture and care for our botanical companions. These moments were not mere chores but sacred rituals of connection with the natural world, offering respite from the chaos of daily life.
As the years passed, my passion for gardening flourished, mirroring the growth of the plants in our backyard. The sight of tender leaves unfurling and vibrant blooms adorning the foliage-filled my heart with boundless joy and contentment. Even now, after decades of tending to plants, the thrill of witnessing their growth remains undiminished, a testament to the timeless allure of gardening.
A significant milestone in my gardening journey was the creation of my balcony garden in Narendrapur, Kolkata, upon our return from Delhi in 2022. Despite the spatial constraints, I transformed this small alcove into a lush oasis teeming with life. The visits of birds and butterflies added an enchanting dimension to my urban sanctuary, reminding me of the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
Amongst the myriad visitors to my garden, the cuckoo holds a special place in my heart with its melodious serenade that pierces the morning silence, evoking cherished memories of my childhood. These fleeting encounters with nature are a poignant reminder of the intrinsic connection between humans and the natural world, transcending the confines of time and space.
Despite the demands of a bustling life, gardening remains my sanctuary, offering solace and rejuvenation amidst the chaos. The quest for new plant varieties and the thrill of witnessing their growth fuels my passion, driving me to expand my botanical haven.
Every leaf that unfurls and every flower that blooms, I find solace and serenity. Gardening is not merely a hobby but a profound spiritual practice—a journey of self-discovery and communion with the earth. As I tend to my botanical companions, I am reminded of life’s resilience and beauty, reaffirming my belief in the transformative power of nature’s embrace.
