Saturday, March 27, 2021

Gardening hopes



I recently came across a  Chinese proverb in the newspaper: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” It was so true regarding my desire to plant a curry leaf plant or Karivepu as we call it. If I had done it five years ago when I landed here, I would now have been reaping organic, pesticide-free curry leaves that are a staple with Malayali cuisine.

Three essential plants - curry leaf, mint and basil - were procured from the plant nursery near the Al Jubail market in Sharjah on Friday. After failed attempts to grow the first two, here I am trying again. 

With the pigeons - a persistent grey and white pair of late - playing spoilsport to my gardening dreams, I keep the saplings out only in the morning when the sun benevolently shines on my kitchen and balcony in the east. The remaining plants are kept indoor including chillis and the 4 o'clock plant (here it blooms at 2:30 pm owing to the time difference.)

The old Muslim gentleman from Kannur, who sold us the plants (and explained the difference between the more purplish Krishnathulasi and the greener Ramathulasi) threw in a couple of plants free. He seemed the epitome of North Kerala goodness and affection as he chatted heartily with us and gently chided Ash for not paying attention to anything but his phone while we were there. 

He showed us different balcony nets and screens that could keep away the pigeons but we were not satisfied - one needs permission from the municipality to make any changes to the facade of buildings here especially those that are in prime locations. We decided to wait for a less visible net so that we dont incur a fine. Neither should birds get trapped in them. 

This minor shopping was done after visiting the Sharjah Heritage Days festival in the Heart of Sharjah area, where we got a glimpse of local culture and cuisine. I got a customary picture with the camel. I believe each animal has something special or beautiful and for the camel it is its smiley face. I am still trying to fathom what is most beautiful about a crocodile (save on Lacoste products).😏

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