My hobby garden in the soft afternoon light: A story of green bananas, plum flowers, and fresh eggplants
How are you all? I hope you are well and healthy wherever you are.
I have been thinking of sharing some new updates from the garden with you for a long time, but due to various busy schedules, I didn't have time. When the sun came out a little this afternoon, the surrounding environment looked quite calm and serene. The afternoon weather is already very nice at this time of autumn. A light breeze was blowing, and when the leaves of the trees sway in that breeze, I really like to see that scene. So I went straight to my hobby garden behind the house with my smartphone in my hand. The purpose was to see a little movement of the trees in the garden and take some fresh pictures for you.
Those who garden regularly will probably agree with me that when you enter the garden with thousands of daily work pressures, fatigue or worries, your mind instantly feels better. Just as looking at the green leaves of the trees relaxes the eyes, a kind of strange peace also works in the mind. You may remember that I planted 100 banana trees in this place. The trees have now grown quite big. The banana leaves are so big and fresh that they create a great shade on this side of the garden.*
The most joyful thing is that the banana trees have yielded quite a good harvest this time. In the pictures shared today, you can see that quite big and plump bunches of green bananas are hanging from the trees. These are not the sweet bananas that are eaten when ripe, but our well-known green bananas or plantains. The dark green color of the raw bananas seemed to be shining even more in the sunlight. The banana bunches have become quite heavy, as they do when the harvest is good.
This raw banana is a great addition to our daily cooking. It is delicious to eat raw banana in a thin broth with fresh fish from the pond or mashed banana with hot rice. We are often worried about harmful chemicals in vegetables bought from the market, but the taste, health benefits and satisfaction of cooking with fresh bananas from your own garden are absolutely incomparable.
New banana blossoms (or hearts) have emerged on some more trees. The dark maroon-colored petals are opening little by little and small banana stems are peeking out from inside. It is truly a joy to see this scene happening before our eyes. The shrimp curry or fry made with banana blossoms in our rural Bengal tastes great. I hope they will be ready to eat in a few days.
I have planted plum trees inside the banana garden, first I planted bananas, and then I planted various fruit trees inside it. I have several plans for this garden. Those of you who plant fruit trees must know that September-October is the time when the plum trees bloom. My trees are no exception. When I got closer, I saw that the entire trees were covered in small yellow flowers. In the gaps between the leaves, in every knot of the branches, there were bunches of flowers and flowers! The flowers are so small that they may not be clearly seen from a distance, but if you look closely, you will see what a perfect creation of nature. I have planted a total of 50 plum trees.
The smell of plum flowers is not very good. When I was taking pictures, I saw several small flies, ants and insects roaming around the flowers. I was actually happy to see them, because these insects will help in pollination. The more pollination is helped, the better the plum yield will be. Now we just have to wait for winter. When these small flowers fall and the buds come, and those buds grow and turn into sweet plums, the tree will look even more beautiful. If the yield is high, the branches often bend, then you have to give the branches a little support with bamboo poles. Although I have given it a few days ago, then when the fruit grows, I will have to give more.
Along with the fruit trees in the garden, I have also planted some vegetable trees, so that my daily needs can be met to some extent. While looking at the vegetable trees, I went and stood in front of the brinjal tree. I saw that the tree was blooming with very beautiful brinjal flowers. How magical these small purple flowers look! These purple flowers against the background of green leaves have increased the beauty of the garden a little more.
After taking a picture of the flowers, I peeked behind the leaves and saw two beautiful eggplants hanging on two trees. Absolutely fresh, shiny and vibrant eggplants. Those who grow vegetables organically know how challenging it is to get a good harvest of eggplant. Because eggplant trees are very susceptible to attacks by insects that bore into the tips and fruits. Many times, eggplants look beautiful from the outside, but when you cut them, there are insects inside. Since I do not use any harsh chemical pesticides, I try to control them naturally. So, as a farmer or gardener, seeing such fresh eggplants hanging on the tree without insect attacks gives me a different kind of satisfaction.
In fact, gardening is not just limited to planting trees and harvesting fruits; it is a test of patience and love. From planting a seed or seedling in the ground to watering it every day, cleaning weeds, and protecting it from insects - through this whole process, we get very close to nature. When I see a new leaf growing on a tree that I planted with my own hands or the first flower blooming, it feels like I have achieved something great. In today's mechanical life, we are all in a hurry. But these trees should teach us to stop a little, to be patient.
Today's afternoon was really great. I also feel very happy to be able to share these small changes and growths in my garden with you through the lens of my camera. Who among you who is reading this article of mine has such a hobby garden? And what plants do you have in your garden now or what new flowers and fruits have bloomed? Be sure to tell me in the comments, I am also very interested in hearing the stories of your gardens.
I am saying goodbye here like today. Everyone stay well, stay healthy and try to be close to nature whenever you get the chance. Happy gardening.
(All posts are written in Bengali and translated into English using Google Translate.)
| Camera Used | Samsung SM-G973F |
|---|---|
| F-Stop | F2.4 |
| ISO speed | ISO 50 |
| Focal length | 26mm |
| Flash | No |
| Editing app | Lightroom |
| Photography | Garden & Nature Photography |
| Photographer |  @mshbd |
| Location | Natore, Bangladesh |