Moving from sun-drenched streets of Madurai to the historic bustle of Boston was more than just a change of scenery, it was like being replanted in entirely different soil. Back home we always had plants especially – Hibiscus, crotons and colorful Roses to name a few. In Boston I discovered that every plant has its own character, almost like a personality. For instance, hibiscus is a perennial back home, here it must be grown indoors or plant it outdoors as an annual. My first plant I grew indoor was Curry leaves (Murraya Koenigii) in a pot. YES! In a pot in my kitchen window from 2012 to 2021. Though I lost my plant, in 2021 I got my own Compost bin and raised bed garden in my backyard which was built by my husband.
Roses Challenge
My mother grew roses with such effortless grace that I was thrilled to plant my own in the yard. Oh Boy! I found myself battling caterpillars, outsmarting chipmunks. I realized instead of fighting with nature, I decided to grow plants native to Boston zone 4 – Tulip, Peony, Iris and Hydrangea.
My mother always had roses in our yard or porch though we moved 4 different towns. I still remember, my cousin and I had to take turns to get a rose each week (My sister was a baby then to be a part of the barter LOL!). Now my sister is the reason the Coriander Chef blog exists. We are here to share simple, practical tips that make growing plants and cooking effortless!