Greenery

Living in the desert makes you long for things -- like rain, trees, greenery of any kind.  Last weekend Lisa took a field trip to the local greenhouse operation to get a fix of gardening sights and smells. There were many people there -- some purchasing plants for their homes and gardens, others just enjoying the quiet, clean air that plants can bring.

It was surprising that Lisa recognized many plants and flowers from Canada and/or Kenya. Hibiscus, marigolds, Gerber daisies, gardenia, geranium, orchids, were all there and thriving from tiny plants to market-ready. Lisa also recognized a gardener that resembled her Aunt Joan -- the woman really knows her plants and loves to have her hands in the soil.

Another surprise was that there were not many cacti for sale.  Given a desert, one might have expected cactus..... stereotypes! Instead there was a "twisty" theme to many of the shrubs. Twisty trunks, twisty leaves, twisty trails, decorative twisty work.

The city of Doha also bears the handiwork of the greenhouse. All public spaces are covered with petunias this time of year -- roundabouts, curbsides, parking lot gardens, medians, boulevards.

Each early morning Lisa also sees the gardeners at Education City working to coax some greenery and colour from the dry soil.  It takes lots of time and lots of water, but their efforts pay off with many acres of plants and flowers.