Exploring the Intersection of Gardens and Grief: An Interview with Anuradha Roy

The Inspiration Behind the Book

Q: How did this book come about?
The lockdown left us all in a state of uncertainty. My publisher urged me to write about the flowers of the Himalaya, providing a virtual escape for those confined at home. Despite my hesitations—I am not a botanist—I began documenting various plants. However, I quickly realized that the flora was intertwined with the people and animals around it. Thus, the book transformed into a narrative of my entire environment, not solely focused on flowers. Alongside writing, I was also painting, capturing the essence of my experiences.

Gardening as a Lifelong Passion

Q: Gardening has been at the core of your being.
In one of the chapters, I reflect on my father, a dedicated gardener. As a geologist, he frequently relocated our family, but he always created gardens, no matter where we settled. He would return from field surveys with natural treasures, and in every new home, he cultivated thriving gardens teeming with life. Even during my university days, I was the one with plants in my room, while others opted for posters. When we moved to the mountains, I finally had a piece of land rather than just pots on a balcony—this marked the true beginning of my gardening journey.

The Challenge of Nurturing Life

Q: There’s a gentleness and a tremendous sense of peace.
Upon arriving at our new home, I encountered a patch of land choked with garbage and debris. The area was deemed unsuitable for growth due to its north-facing orientation and the towering deodar trees casting a shadow over it. Despite repeated failures and frustrations in my attempts to cultivate the soil, I discovered the therapeutic benefits of gardening. Engaging with the earth released chemicals that fostered feelings of peace and contentment, encouraging me to persevere in my pursuits as both a gardener and a potter.

The Healing Power of Gardening

Q: I love the way you narrate the belief in yourself and the determination to overcome obstacles.
In the book, I reference Anna Pavord, a renowned gardening author, who described her own healing journey through soil. After enduring intense medical treatments, she felt an overwhelming urge to touch the earth, connecting her emotionally to life and renewal. This sentiment resonates deeply with my experiences during the pandemic, where loss and longing were universally felt.

Memory Embedded in Nature

Q: You started writing this book amidst the collective grief of COVID and reminiscences of your father.
For years, I’ve contemplated how to articulate the interaction of people and gardens—not just physically, but in spirit. Each plant I cherish holds memories of individuals from my life. Although I grieve the absence of loved ones, their essence lives on through the gardens we cultivated together—a personal photo album of memories that only I fully understand.

Lessons of Growth and Resilience

Q: Everything happens in its own time.
A neighbor once expressed skepticism about my gardening efforts, predicting failure. It’s fascinating how, often, people anticipate defeat at the onset of a journey. Gardening serves as a profound teacher, helping us adapt and appreciate the beauty of resilience. It encourages us to embrace loss and celebrate our achievements. It’s not solely my triumph; it’s a collaboration with nature, sunlight, water, and the soil, highlighting our interconnectedness within an ecosystem.

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