Bro Green

I have never tied a rakhi to any "brother" in my life! (until this year)

Yes, strange fact. I dont have brothers, but plenty of cousins(first, second and multiple generations out). Nope, still havent. And with the recent commercialisation of the festival, I am also not the kind that produced rakhis in a jiffy at unsuspecting males. But when I heard about this some years ago, it remained in my mind and was waiting for a chance to be able to do the same. It totally made sense to me- the concept of making a tree one's brother. Asking for shelter and protection from trees, for a greener environment. Yes, I believe in it and I can do this, I thought to myself.

So this year, having moved in my new home, I realised this was the right year, the right moment. And tie a rakhi, I did, to the dogwood tree in my backyard.

And I asked for shelter during hot summers, under its cool branches. I asked that my plants grow and thrive and disprove the theory that I have a black thumb ;). Alright, I know, selfish motive here. But that IS the real deal.

For some weeks now, my kind neighbors and friends have been very supportive and generously donating saplings, bulbs, cuttings of various plants from their own yard. Well, they dont know about my Hannibalistic tendencies when it comes to plants. So I ask for some good fortune and a "miracle" or two maybe (I will even intensify my belief in "miraclegro", if it helps). But yes, I need the shelter, support and mercy from my brother trees, shrubs and plants. My bit for a greener backyard!

So I've planted an assortment of flowering plants- ranging from chrysanthemums, tulip and daffodil bulbs, assorted colors of hibiscus.

Next spring, watch out for this space. Either I will have a ravaged backyard or a blooming garden. Its all in the hands of my dogwood bhai!