I love being surrounded by nature. Having a hot cup of tea in the evening, amidst plants, flowers and the setting sun, is a favourite part of my day. Since my childhood I have liked gardening. If a friend at school ever gave me a rose, I would bring it home and give it to my mother. She would lovingly plant the small stalk (she has green fingers as they say and anything and everything grows when she plants it) and I would water and check to see if it was alive. And the small stalk would amazingly grow. The tiny leaves on the stalk would give me great joy. I have always liked to bring small plants, see them grow and flower. As far as I can remember, I have always had a small garden, grown and nurtured by me, from the age of 11. There were few plants like crotons on the ground, few flowering ones in the pots and a couple of money plants climbing on the wall like velvet. I liked to get up in the morning and take a small stroll amongst them and feel the cool breeze on my face. The garden and gardening, has sort of kept me alive.
Joining Bookworm has given me the opportunity to continue to be myself. Knowing and recognizing my nature and hobby, Sujata gave me a lovely gardening opportunity. Along with the Bookworm team, I had to plant pots for the new Bookworm library at Mala, Fontainhas. It was a rare opportunity that had come across. I had ample plants to share. The best thing about this gardening activity was going to be the Bookworm team. We were all going to do this together.
The cooperation from all and the fun I had that day will always be one of my fondest memories. All the team members had contributed a variety of plants along with Sujata and me. And Sujata had provided the pots and the soil. We fixed a day and gathered outside the library to begin the gardening. We started the activity around 10.00 am and finished by noon. The planting and potting took place amidst laughter and chatter.
The willing hands of all who like gardening and also those who did not like it so much made the task very easy. Bending, standing, pouring, repotting, watering – all this translated into just one word – fun.
I cannot thank each and every one enough for their cooperation, enthusiasm and energy.
Now whenever I go to the library, I first take a stroll to see all these plants grow- just like the old days. I am happy that they are taken good care of. The library is a much greener and better place now.
