“Being a dendrophile (person who loves trees and plants) is quite amazing. The nature has its own beauty which others can’t understand. – Yashi M

Out of the many passions that my hubby shares cricket and plants reign topmost , sometimes I wonder which one is over arching the other.

Surprisingly summer is the best time for both. After his cricket he plunges right into his garden , only this time dainty little plants capture his attention than the ever so daunting cricket field.

While he is working in the backyard we are on the sidelines , doing our own cool things. I am usually sitting in the swing and sipping my tea. My older daughter is with her laptop or phone and younger one is probably running around or practicing gymnastics.

As I come to think about it seems like our backyard is a miniature ecosystem with each one of us playing a role.

Dad being the gardener (like the sunflower head above the rest). He stands tall and watches his seedlings grow. The yield of his tomato , zucchini , cucumber , squash , lemon , and bell peppers is important to him. He nurtures them with the right proportion of soil , space , water and fertilizers. Perhaps he knows all along that the secrets are in the plants, to elicit them you have to love them enough.

Mom like the blade of grass bending , enduring , trampled upon sometimes but still stands upright with dignity dancing with the wind . She can make beautiful flower arrangements, cook a fiesta colorful meal but above all her act is to bring and hold everything together on a platter . After all happiness is homemade.

The teenage daughter like the creeper trying to find identity in a world of speedy climbers. She is probably in a constant tug of war with herself more than anyone else. Its the age or is it part of growing up? I see the same in our vines, each one has its own way of surviving in the wild. Sometimes they are resistant , sometimes dormant but blossom they will like the roses giving you thorns before the bloom.

The youngest kid is like the butterfly, apple of the eye for some reason she likes the birds who makes a nest each year in one of our trees hoping that they will never leave and be our extended family for ever. But just like the kids grow so do the birds ..one day they will fly but the land they treaded on has been truly enriched for ever.

As you go out into the nature trying to feel Mother earth , consider the question that Antonio Machado so eloquently asks ” What have you done with the garden that was entrusted to you? ”

Happy exploring:

1. Morning Altars – Day Schildkret

2. Year of Wonder – Clemency Burton Hill