INSIDE STORY VEENA JAYASUNDERE
3 January 2022 10:43 am
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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’
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’.
Q HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN A LOVER OF PLANTS?
Yes I have. I inherited this love of plants from my mother who had the most amazing garden in our home in Nawala.
Q DO YOU HAVE A TEAM OF GARDENERS OR ARE YOU HANDS ON?
I have one live in gardener and two professional gardeners who come in twice a month, but I am very much hands on.
Q DID YOU HAve A PROFESSINAL LANDSCAPE ARTIST TO LAY OUT YOUR GARDEN OR DID YOU DO IT YOURSELF?
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.
Q WHERE DO YOU SOURCE YOUR PLANTS FROM?
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.
Q COULD YOU GIVE US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR MOST FAVOURITE PLANTS?
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.
Q DO YOU TALK TO YOUR PLANTS?
Am afraid I don’t.
Q DO YOU THINK THAT PLANTS HAVE FEELINGS AND IF SO ELABORATE AS TO WHY YOU THINK SO?
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.
Q WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF FERTILISER YOU USE?
I hardly use any.
Q DO YOU HAVE A COMPOST PIT IN YOUR GARDEN?
We only use compost. I have three bins and that’s what we use.
Q DO YOU THINK THAT GARDENING IS THERAPEUTIC? WOULD YOU ADVOCATE GARDENING FOR PEOPLE WHO SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION? TODAY ANIMAL THERAPY HAS BECOME VERY POPULAR, DO YOU THINK PLANT THERAPY TOO SHOULD BE ADVOCATED?
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.
Q DID YOU INHERIT YOUR GREEN FINGERS OR IS IT SOMETHING THAT DEVELOPED OVER THE YEARS?
It has developed over the years.
Q NAME SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GARDENS YOU HAVE SEEN?
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.
Q WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM, FOR YOUR GARDEN?
It just comes from within. If you are drawn to something, have a particular affinity for it, well inspiration just bubbles from within.
Q IN YOUR OPINION WHICH IS THE MOST AMAZING PLANT / FLOWER / TREE , YOU HAVE EVER SEEN?
The Bougainvilleas and Temple Flowers to me are unique. They are always in bloom and such a source of joy.
Q IF YOU WERE ASKED TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS ANY ONE, PLANT / FLOWER / TREE – WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Pride of Japan.
Q WHAT WOULD YOUR MESSAGE BE TO WOULD BE GARDENING ENTHUSIASTS?
Keep working at it, maintain it, have patience, you cannot go wrong.
Pix by: Pradeep Dillrukshana