The joys of gardening

Andrew Mangwarara

MANY of us grew up working in gardens, if not tending to a large maize patch.

I fondly recall cultivating numerous ornamental plants alongside my father, an exceptional landscaper.

He would rise early each day and if you joined him, you would find him sipping a hot cup of rosemary tea (Rosmarinus officinalis), its pleasant fragrance lingering in the air.

A freshly dug bed of compost would be prepared to pot the next batch of fascinating plants, such as the wild banana (Strelitzia nicolai) or the golden cane palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens). He possessed an uncanny ability to identify any plant upon request.

What captivated me was his profound knowledge of both indigenous and exotic flora. We would collect seeds from a diverse range of species, including Aloe chabaudii, Aloe excelsa, Pittosporum viridiflorum, Acacia abyssinica, Acacia nilotica, Peltophorum africanum and Anthocleista grandiflora, to name a few.

I can still hear him reciting the scientific names of plants with great enthusiasm.

He dreamt of plants, lived for plants and spoke of plants. It became clear that my destiny lay within the realm of nature.

Attending college was merely a formality, as I had already absorbed invaluable lessons from this “plant guru”.

These included the art of potting mixes, propagation techniques, plant care and the management of diseases and pests. I soon learned that a healthy plant rarely succumbs to illness.

Landscaping etiquette was also imparted, emphasising the importance of land preparation, plant selection, and adhering to landscaping principles such as balance, contrast and height.

Proper watering, spraying, and, most importantly, the enjoyment of the process were all integral aspects.

A garden should always be a source of enjoyment, a place to witness your efforts blossom.

Pause to savour the sweet fragrance of a rose, admire the unique, bird-like form of a bird-of-paradise flower, watch birds frolic in the birdbath or simply listen to the invigorating sound of a rooster crowing at dawn.

These are the cherished sounds that create lasting memories.

I also learned the invaluable lesson of hard work. Gardening is physically demanding, but it leaves you stronger, healthier and aging gracefully.

A garden is a symphony of delightful scents, including the captivating fragrance of Brunfelsia americana (yesterday, today and forever), the alluring aroma of jasmine, the sweet scent of heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens), and the calming fragrance of lavender, to name a few.

Years later, when I joined the botanic gardens, I encountered a vast array of new plants, further fuelling my passion for studying nature.

Many thanks to my father, Misheck Mangwarara, for the enduring memories of the garden that still resonate within us.

I hope we can successfully pass on this valuable heritage of gardening and its profound impact on the lives of truly blessed people.

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