Inside Story is a series that commences today and is one that is most appropriate for these pandemic times. Apart from all of us having to spend a good deal of our time inside / indoors, we have had to deal with so many problems and diverse situations as a result of being confined to a limited space. In some cases, the pandemic has opened new doors and opportunities and for some, despair and hardship.

 

INSIDE STORY will deal with every aspect of ‘INSIDE’, whether it be your garden, your home, your head, your thoughts, your handbag, your library, your study, your kitchen, your workplace, your briefcase, your diet, your fitness regime…

 

We commence the series with a garden that is the cynosure of all who behold it. Veena Jayasundere, the proud custodian of this beautiful oasis in the heart of Colombo talks of her love for gardening and the plants she cherishes most and emphasizes the fact that a garden is indeed ‘a thing of beauty and wonder’.

 

Yes, I have. I inherited this love of plants from my mother who had the most amazing garden in our home in Nawala.

 

I have one live-in gardener and two professional gardeners who come in twice a month, but I am very much hands-on.

 

I planned it all by myself. My garden is something that is very personal to me and it gives me a lot of joy and satisfaction to see it bloom and flourish.

 

No particular place whenever I come across something that takes my fancy I buy it. If I see something I like in a friend’s garden, I ask them for a cutting.

 

The purple Bougainvillea which has been in my garden for over 45 years and is a focal point, is a plant that I hold very dear. The Pride of Japan too which I have had for over 20 years and is constantly in bloom is also very special to me. The Temple Flowers too are part and parcel of this garden and have a long history, and I cannot imagine my garden without them.

 

I'm afraid I don’t.

 

I guess they do as they are always growing just like humans and adapting to new environments and circumstances, so yes they must have feelings.

 

I hardly use any.

 

We only use compost. I have three bins and that’s what we use.

 

Yes indeed, very much so. The first thing I do when I wake up is look at my garden. A garden gives one so much joy and satisfaction. You see it grow and evolve in front of you. Yes, indeed plant / garden therapy could be hugely beneficial. I find it immensely relaxing and satisfying and so does anyone who has a garden.

 

It has developed over the years.

 

Australia has some amazing gardens, while the garden shows in Australia are also fabulous. Holland too has spectacular gardens and parks, while in the UK, – Leatherhead is I think quite magical.

 

It just comes from within. If you are drawn to something, have a particular affinity for it, well inspiration just bubbles from within.

 

The Bougainvilleas and Temple Flowers to me are unique. They are always in bloom and such a source of joy.

 

Pride of Japan.

 

Keep working at it, maintain it, have patience, you cannot go wrong.