Happy Hues From a Garden Long Gone
Part 1: 2022 in review | Garden dwellers
2022 has been a year of consciously cultivated happiness. I owe most of that to plants and animals. And to a garden that I lost.
Undeserved Grace
Mid-year — shifted to a new place, within the same city.
That meant leaving the much-adored gardens behind.. it was a sad affair.
Looking back, the gardens - a large front one and a small backyard, were the absolute bliss of my life.
Watching the barren place come alive with plants and wildlings within a few months was an unreal experience. Had I not witnessed the transformation first-hand, I’d have found it impossible to believe. And all I did was till the soil a bit, channeled some water…
Magic!
Each winter I’d bring home dozens of these violets — as many colours as I could find. They’re my forever favourites. Somehow they never flourished in the ground, but always multiplied vigourously in containers. I think of heaven as a field overrun with clovers and violets.
I was thrilled to discover (pixie?) lupins in my local nursery and promptly bagged five colours. The blush pink/almost cream one was the knockout choice.
Rose is a plant that blooms with much grace and pomp.. and why not?? Look at this perfection!
Unsure what I love more about Pelargoniums, their sweet colours or the amazing, mango-ish fragrance…
Some more violets… I’d appreciate if someone can help solve the mystery of the left one.
Profile of a violently violet pansy.
Put down a carpet of sweet alyssums in the backyard — best decision ever. Pollinators loved these dainty blossoms, I loved the whiff of the sweetness each time I stepped out into the garden. Another forever favourite.
A ton of purples and blues.. Pansies rock.
This young mulberry was my favourite neighbour. It started fruiting in 2021.
Bittersweet.
I hope you enjoyed these memories. You might like other parts of the 2022 recap series —
Photos © Shreyasi
These fabulous writers & nature lovers make my every day extraordinary with their keen observations… do check their work out if you haven’t yet 🍀 Louise Peacock | LucianoSphere | Ivy Shepherd | Dennett | Taimen | Sharing Words | Zuzanna Żak | Anne Bonfert | Alison Moore
