অমরাবতির অন্যতম সদস্য লন্ডনের বার্নেট (Barnet) এলাকার বাসিন্দা চ্যার্টাড একাউন্টটেন্ট মোঃশাহরিয়ার হোসেন। পেশায় একজন একাউন্টেট হলেও নেশায় একজন বাগান বিলাসী ও বৃক্ষ প্রেমিক। গার্ডেন করার সময় ও সুযোগ কম থাকলে ও সবুজায়নের প্রতি যে দূর্বলতা রয়েছে তার প্রমাণ পাওয়া যায় মোঃ শাহরিয়ারের বাসায় ইন্ডোর প্ল্যান্ট এমনকি বাংলাদেশের বাসা বাড়ীর বাগানথেকে। ছোট বেলা থেকেই তিনি বৃক্ষ ভালো বাসেন মূলতঃ পারিবারিক ঐতিহ্যের ধারাবাহিকতার অংশ বিশেষ হিসেবে।তবে অনেকটা সেই প্রক্রিয়ার ধারাবাহিকতায় নিজ বাসার সবুজায়নের জন্য বাগান পরিচর্যার দীক্ষা দিচ্ছেন নিজ স্ত্রী ও ছেলে মেয়েদের। আর কথা নয়, চলুন দেখে আছি কি রয়েছে একাউন্টেট মোঃ শাহরিয়ার হোসেনের গল্পে।
I am writing from the perspective of an inexperienced plant enthusiast, primarily focused on indoor plants. Unlike my parents, I do not possess a natural affinity for outdoor gardening. However, as I reflect on my childhood, I realise that my parents’ passion for gardening may have unconsciously planted the seeds of interest within me. In my own small way, I feel that I am honouring their memory, especially when tending to the spider plant that they once cared for. This resilient spider plant, now in its old age, continues to thrive and has given rise to offspring that have found homes both locally and back in Bangladesh.
My fascination with indoor plants began gradually, starting with a few modest houseplants. Given my family connection, I have developed a particular fondness for orchids, becoming somewhat of an orchidophile. As the world retreated into lockdown and I found myself spending more time indoors, I began to devote closer attention to my green companions. Nurturing them has become a sanctuary, providing stability amidst uncertainty. Today, I have several plants scattered throughout my home. Watering and feeding them has become a ritual—a gesture of nurturing and sustenance. I am constantly aware of the divine signs revealed through their growth and existence.
Along the way, I have welcomed numerous plants into my life, some of which have thrived while others have departed. However, I have finally discovered methods to sustain them. This primarily involves providing adequate light, using distilled water whenever possible, and practicing bottom-watering, which has given me a better understanding of their hydration needs. I am particularly drawn to plants with striking leaves and intriguing behaviours like sleep-movements (nyctinasty), as seen in plants like oxalis or prayer plants. Additionally, witnessing a plant develop from a cutting brings me great joy. Despite my enthusiasm, the limitation of space is an ongoing challenge in indoor gardening.
Within the gentle embrace of indoor gardening, we find solace, inspiration, and a profound connection to the natural world. In this journey, we are not alone. In 2021, I joined Omoraboti, a global forum for plant lovers, and I have witnessed first-hand how this group has flourished. Initially, it served as a space where members motivated and inspired one another through sharing photos and stories about their gardens. However, fuelled by the passion and vision of its founder, Omoraboti has evolved into something much greater. It is now actively spreading a message of green conservation in educational institutions across Bangladesh. Then, in 2022, when a natural disaster struck parts of Bangladesh, the organization swiftly utilized its extensive network and resources to provide rapid response aid to those affected. This demonstrates the clear message that our efforts should extend beyond the immediate beauty of our surroundings, encompassing the well-being of our entire planet and its citizens. Let us continue to plant trees, nurture life, and ultimately safeguard our precious planet.
Shahryer Hussain
