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A Garden of Second Chances

SimpleJoy
2 min readJan 9, 2025

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Lessons in growth and resilience from my hibiscus flowers.

Credit: Author.

For the past few days, my tiny garden has looked empty — clean, in the truest sense of the word. The betel nut tree, once its only occupant, was cut down last week. It had become infested with termites, and I knew it was time to let it go. But the tree was more than just a plant; it was a reminder of my ex-husband. Of the past.

After removing the tree, I had the soil paved with blocks to solve an annoying problem: the neighborhood cats, who had turned my yard into their personal litter box.

The result was a clean slate, a barren “garden” that I swept with pride one weekend morning.

That was when I heard the voice of a passing plant seller: “Pot, pot…” Turning, I saw her cart laden with red and yellow hibiscus flowers.

On impulse, I bought three pots: two with flowers and one with a nameless ornamental plant.

The seller, perhaps sensing my inexperience, gave me a crash course in plant care. “Ma’am, don’t forget to water them every day — but not too much. If you see yellow leaves, cut them off.”

I nodded, smiling at her earnest advice, but in my heart, I laughed. If these plants survive three months, it will be a miracle.

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SimpleJoy
SimpleJoy

Written by SimpleJoy

Mother & aid practitioner 🌏 | Exploring cultural bridges 🌐, aid industry insights 🔍, and cherishing life's simple pleasures 🌸

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