The Garden That Stole My Heart
In response to the Second Week Prompt Of Nature
I recently visited Ooty with a friend. Ooty is in Tamilnadu and is at a height in the Nilgiri Hills in South India.
It is very scenic and when I was there two weeks ago it rained and rained. I still enjoyed being there so much.
I did not even carry an umbrella unless someone forced me to do so. At one point it rained so hard that it became slippery.
However, I wanted to go to the Ooty Botanical Gardens. I had heard so much about it. It was pure joy when the cab driver said that he would park his car in a safe parking zone so we could enjoy the cool breeze and the flowers for as long as we wanted.
What is special about the Ooty Botanical Gardens?
The thing I liked best about the Ooty Gardens was the way they arranged their mixed-colored flowers and plants.
Several rows of one color look beautiful and they had several rows of the same types of flowers and the same colors. Then in addition to it they had mixed colors and mixed varieties.
Maintaining a garden is an art. I maintain a small Municipal Corporation Park and I know the amount of time it takes and the artwork that goes into making it look beautiful.
You have to think of colors, types, short and long plants, and bursts of color.
It is not easy. Look at the photo above. The colors of the various varieties are all mixed but so harmonious. Nothing looks out of place. Nothing is jarred or unnecessary. It is just gorgeous and looks lovely.
The colors just melt into being happy together. The plants smile and some look happy. Each flower and plant has its own place. The potted plants give an elongated look and then a little raise on top looks even more beautiful.
It was simply an Aha moment for me! I felt like jumping with joy and taking pictures. Nothing can capture the beauty of the eyes when you see the sight of flowers.
One tourist asked me to take his photo and I requested him to take mine. This was an enclosure within the garden.
As I walked outside the enclosure what did I see?
A treat for the eyes
The bed of flowers and some flower pots are enclosed with it. Stuck together I found the art so appealing. The artistic look was indeed a treat for the eyes. It was amazing.
It is indeed difficult to blend the splash of colors. It is just like an artist trying to paint with a brush.
Many artists get inspiration after looking at the beauty of nature. I was also inspired by the creativity.
As I moved to the next row I saw one color of flowers. I loved the yellow bougainville. There was a row of yellow Bougainvillea. I love these flowers but in Ooty, I noticed the size and shape of Bougainvillea.
I nudged my friend and asked her to look at the yellow flowers!
“Oh how pretty,” said Madhulika. These flowers do not look like the usual Bougainvillea. Not completely satisfied with the information desk, I went to ask the gardeners. They confirmed that these were Bougainvilleas and it is just the soil and weather over there that makes them look different.
The brightness of red
As we moved on we saw a whole bed of salvias. They were fiery red and brought in a lot of color to the garden.
Salvias are happy flowers. They bring happiness to their surroundings. You look at them and smile. I enjoyed watching the lovely blooms.
To wrap up
The Botanical Gardens are so beautiful. Who will not miss these flowers?
I am still carrying the memory of such an amazing place. I appreciate the beauty and would love to go back again if I ever get a chance.
When you travel, you see amazing sights of nature, and a picture is formed and remains in your heart.
Two posts on gardens that I read and loved are the following:
I love roses and Joyce Nielsen has beautifully depicted them in her garden visit.
Libby Shively McAvoy wrote her experiences as a little child in the garden. It made me remember my childhood and my love for the garden.
©Dr. Preeti Singh, 2023. To get my stories in your inbox, you may subscribe to my content here. You may connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, or via email: [email protected]
