Untouched Canvas

The land in all its 6 acres had not been cultivated since memories in the neighbouring villages. Once we decided it was the place we wanted to life out the rest of our lives, the project commenced. Clearing the overgrown thorny bushes, finding the underground water source, fencing the perimeters, planting the peripheral trees...and then we took a breather! Built the house and it was time to embark on some serious “land manicuring”.

Six acres is large! Just planning segments and sections took a while. What to grow, how to landscape? – my mantra has always been “enjoy maximum with minimum maintenance”. Helping hands are scarce so whatever I wanted to do, it had to be manageable. I am mesmerised by splashes of colour, a mix of fruits and flowers – seasonal and perennials, local and foreign and genres.

Herbs fascinate me – the aroma, the flavour and the subtle taste it lends to food is unimaginable. Basil, rosemary, parsley, thyme and oregano pretty much completes my palate of international cuisines flavours. The more traditional Indian herbs like coriander and mint used as a garnish or flavour make curries and kababs special. Food, in my opinion is about smell and sight – the colours sooth our senses and when backed up with balanced flavours, the meal is delectable. Fruits for me are a breakfast soother – be it cut fruit or a juice or a smoothie. Flowers are meant to be enjoyed on the plant and amongst the rest of the foliage. However, the jasmine (in summer months) is a super room freshener with a mild intriguing fragrance when placed in a bowl of water.

Thus began my inquest into the infinite world of fruits, flowers, herbs and vegetables – with never ending eagerness to add and have new colours, new flavours and new fragrances.