LEAVES VS FLOWERS

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 LEAVES VS FLOWERS

 

LT COL NOEL ELLIS

 

22/VIII/2024

 

Flowers have their own story to tell. They make you smile, laugh, feel good, rejuvenated, uplift your mood and are so pleasing to the eyes. There cannot be two ways about it.

 

However, since the summers have turned to the rainy season, which too is about to go, it is the time when there is a little lull in flowering. Plants are waiting to throw up their best in just about a month from now and our wait is on.

 

In the interim, rains took some plants away and gave life to new ones. Some of the plants which were shriveling and wilting have now bounced back and spread greenery all over.

 

Who needs flowers was a thought that passed through my mind today. The garden can say it all with leaves. They come in different shapes and sizes, tints and colours, shades, and hues. Some are green and some variegated. Some are shiny and some with a mat finish. Their shades range in the complete green spectrum. A sight to watch and absorb. They do not let you miss the flowers.

 

As I went up to the rooftop to check on the water lilies, a cluster of water lily leaves caught my attention. Rainy season is the time when these plants flower and grow. This one lily tub had lost all leaves during the winters. In spring, a few small leaves appeared and look at it now. It has burst into a leafy frenzy like a canopy of sorts. One was just floored by its majesty.

 

I am not sure if it will flower and if it does what colour of the water lily would emerge. It doesn’t matter, till the time this plant is healthy and happy. The olive-green leaves look so vibrant and fresh at this moment.

 

This gave me an idea to capture some leaves which are spreading happiness and colour in the Ellis’ Garden. It need not be a riot of colours to enjoy which comes with the flowers but it could be the leaves which can be as resplendent and dazzling.

 

It reminded me of a Gazal written by Khamosh Gazipuri, sung by Jagjit Singh in his melodious voice called “Umr Jalvon mein basar ho, ye zaroori to nahi…….” (Audio attached in the clip from YouTube)

 

Here are some splendid leaves spreading their aura in our garden. Does one need flowers? I wonder!!!!!!!

 

🇮🇳 JAI HIND 🇮🇳

© ® NOEL ELLIS




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