Every year on the 22nd of April, ‘World Earth Day’ is celebrated. The mission is to broaden and circulate it as an effective way to build a healthy and sustainable environment. It also addresses the climate change and protects the earth for future generations. This year, the theme is “Planting Trees” and the goal is already set to plant 7.8 billion trees over the next five years. To commemorate the world earth day, Weekender decided to spend time at an awe-inspiring garden of Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Ahmed which spreads across 4000 Sq.mts at Jurdab. Mobile phones, iPod, and tablets have already become an inevitable tool for our modern lives. But it was not that long ago when a shovel, bag of seeds, and hedge trimmer gave us the satisfaction of having time well-spent in a productive day. For Dr. Ahmed, gardening becomes an impertinent part of his life. It was an interesting interaction as he shed light on his passion and many of the reasons for which he gets to the ground to work the soil.
Inspiration
When he bought the space, it was quite a large blank space which was suitable for gardening. “Since, gardening was my passion; I bought soil from outside and started to set-up this land. There are two ways that one can develop a garden – either hire people and ask them to do all the plantation work or engage with them in the plantation work. I chose the second one because I wanted to learn the techniques so that in the future, I would very well be able to take care of everything myself.”
About the Garden
Everything we looked at, had been developed through the past 35 years. “A garden cannot stay the same through its life. It undergoes regular changes and transformations according to the seasonal changes of the plants. The most important thing that I take care of when it comes to my garden is the irrigation system. It is automatic, and I have set strict intervals for irrigation. I have chosen those types of plants and trees which can survive the Bahraini climate. To give an additional look to my garden I have placed sculptures all around it.” The sculptures are made up of steel bars and have been created by Dr.Ahmed himself. There are many types of plants and trees in the garden such as, bougainvillea, Palm tree (phoenix), Sun Flower, Ficus Tree and Washingtonia robusta
A Member of the Bahrain Garden Club
“I joined the club in 1980 and it gave me a major boost as a gardening enthusiast. I learned more and more and became proficient in gardening. The members are very active. They have continous classes and lectures on gardening and at times we even get to visit other gardens and nurseries. For people with a competitive élan, gardening is a favorable way to display their skills. Garden clubs regularly have the best flowers grown by local gardeners. In February 2016, my garden won first prize in the category ‘Large-Gardens’.”
Importance of Earth Day
Speaking on the importance of Earth day, and planting trees, Dr. Ahmed said: “We should start encouraging youngsters and motivate them to plant trees. We should also give them an opportunity to start gardening as a hobby, and let them take time to do that. I would say that, there should be nurseries where we can buy the seeds and plants on discounted rates. Trees are the main shelter of man; it serves as the habitat for us. I suggest that we should plant trees as many as possible. I advise the young generation to utilize the nature without disturbing the principles of it.”
One should encourage themselves and find a reason to become a gardener. There’s no such thing as not having the time; it’s about getting immersed into the passion of green habitats and playing our part in making it making our earth sustainable for future generations.
