After the construction of our new house, we hired a professional to plan the layout of our garden and terrace garden. The architect was also involved, as the terrace needed to be reinforced to bear the weight of sand, soil, plants, and to ensure proper drainage of excess water. The plan was to have a garden surrounding the house, with a mix of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The terrace garden would have plants along the peripheral walls, while the central portion would be covered with Korean grass.

That’s exactly how it was done. However, over time, we realized that maintaining the grass required unnecessary effort and expense, with no real benefits. It grew rapidly, requiring frequent mowing, and we often had to hire gardeners. After a couple of years, we decided to remove the grass and replace it with potted plants. The terrace garden now boasted flowers and vegetables, which thrived in the ample sunlight.

Gardening isn’t always straightforward; not all plants and trees automatically flourish into fragrant flowers, tasty vegetables, or sweet fruits. Some plants simply didn’t survive. My wife devoted herself to the garden, discussing with gardeners, consulting with other garden enthusiasts, and watching YouTube videos to learn how to provide the best care for our plants and trees. When pests invaded, immediate action was needed. I can’t claim any credit for the gardening, as my knowledge was limited to basic watering, and I never had the time to help. My wife did everything single-handedly. She’s deeply passionate about plants and trees, treating them as her own children. Despite her health issues and unsteady legs, she diligently waters them, applies natural fertilizers whenever possible, and manages pest control. We can proudly say that our garden looks beautiful, and residents from our street often take flowers from our house, with fruits occasionally shared as well.

As our garden flourished, birds slowly began to return, drawn to the new greenery. Now, we hear birdsong in the mornings and throughout the day. The crows returned too, and crow feeding resumed. One particular crow had a habit of entering the kitchen at the same time each day, taking food directly from my wife’s hands. Although that crow hasn’t been seen in a while, others continue to feed regularly.

When there were no birds, even the cawing of crows became a welcome sound. But now, with so many birds returning, along with blooming flowers and ripening fruits, there is music, color, joy, and energy all around us. Squirrels frequently scurry through the garden, targeting the fruits.

One of the residents planted a peepal tree, which has now grown uncontrollably, with its roots encroaching on the foundations of nearby houses. The peepal tree, revered for its significance and importance, is not to be cut down. However, its placement on the street, and the unoccupied house in front of which it was planted, have made it a haven for bats. These bats have taken a liking to our guava tree, forcing my wife to cover each fruit with plastic to protect them. We haven’t yet figured out how to manage this situation.

Despite these challenges, my wife’s passion for gardening continues, and we, along with some neighbors, enjoy the vibrant flowers, fruits, vegetables, and the lively sounds and colors that our garden brings.

Continued in 85. Shopping Hopping - Part 1