In the tranquil outskirts of a bustling city, where the sun dances through the leaves and the air hums with the songs of nature, Lola Gerlinda’s dream took root. Nestled under the protective canopy of a towering tree next to the garage, a vibrant oasis began to flourish – Lola’s very own orchid garden.

It all started with a simple offer of space. Lola, known for her green thumb and unwavering passion for botanical beauty, was granted a corner of her daughter and son-in-law property to cultivate her floral fantasies. With excitement bubbling in her heart, she eagerly accepted the opportunity, her mind already teeming with visions of delicate petals and lush greenery.

As the first rays of dawn peeked over the horizon, Lola’s garden journey began. A shipment of orchids arrived, each one a testament to nature’s breathtaking diversity. With careful hands and a heart brimming with anticipation, Lola set to work. She arranged bamboo holders, meticulously planning the layout of her budding sanctuary. With each orchid finding its place, Lola felt a sense of fulfillment wash over her – this garden was more than just a collection of flowers; it was a manifestation of her passion and dedication.

But Lola’s vision didn’t stop with orchids alone. As the garden took shape, she welcomed other flora into her fold. Bright blooms and verdant leaves soon found refuge in the sanctuary she had lovingly crafted. Every plant, every petal, was a testament to Lola’s unwavering love for all things botanical.

As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, Lola’s garden blossomed into a kaleidoscope of color and life. The air was filled with the sweet scent of orchids, and the gentle rustle of leaves whispered tales of growth and transformation. Visitors marveled at the beauty that Lola had cultivated, each bloom a testament to her dedication and expertise.

But amidst the beauty and the buzz of admiration, Lola remained humble. For her, the true joy lay not in the praise of others, but in the simple act of nurturing life and witnessing its splendor unfold. Her garden was a sanctuary, a haven where she could escape the chaos of the world and lose herself in the tranquility of nature’s embrace.

And so, Lola Gerlinda’s orchid garden stood as a testament to the power of passion and the beauty of a dream realized. In the gentle sway of petals and the whisper of leaves, it whispered tales of growth, resilience, and the boundless potential of a single seed planted with love.

Since October 2023, we’ve been settled at home in Dauin with our daughter Jenny, her husband Gary, their son Emerson, and our granddaughter Fritzie, who attends college in Dumaguete.

This small studio, which was once the gardener’s accommodation, is currently our home. It is due to be extended this month with more space for us.

Gerlinda has brought her love for flowers and plants with her, though most of her collection remains at our old home in Cagayan de Oro. Here in Dauin, she is gradually expanding the assortment through propagation and new purchases, with plenty of space available for even more.

So long as there is the amihan blowing from northeast, some of the flowers can occupy the dive section, but once the dive season starts, the divers want their space back. Even the place for preparing the barbeques is occoupied by some young plants who needs shelter from the winds.

While larger ones now adorn the extended veranda. A towering tree, preserved when the property wall was built, serves as a makeshift planter for some plants nestled in old car tires filled with soil.

However, our house dogs have made it clear that they prefer their territory flowerbed-free, leading to a few unplanned rearrangements.

Yes, most visitors come from the other side through the gate. For visitiors coming by boat there is a mooring prepared for their entrance from the sea.

This morning started with this sunrise and a calm sea at low tide between us and the diving island Apo in Dauin, Negros Oriental.

One of the monstrous jeepneys on the Dumaguete – Zamboanguita route turns around on the highway.

On our morning walk, the end point as we walk towards Zamboanguita is at this house. The owner has embellished his gate with plants planted on discarded rice cookers.

Gerlinda has spotted hanging flowers and the owner is not far away either. In the end, we make our way back with two hanging flower pots made from recycled plastic bottles as our booty.

After breakfast, we will pay a visit to the Malatapay Market in Zamboanguita, as it was screwed up last Wednesday by the low-pressure system that passed through.

Almost full moon right in front of the house. That was last night.

This morning started with thunder rumbling in the distance, a few small showers over the sea and thick clouds on the mountain side.

So the morning started without a walk, I had my first coffee straight away and Gerlinda got to work in her flower workshop behind the house.

I was then allowed to take a few of the heavy pots to some of the places for a test run.

Finally, some of Gerlinda’s tools from the flower workshop.

It’s Sunday and today, for once, no morning walk. Instead, we had an early breakfast.

As an amusement, the neighbour and his bull did an interlude with a bath in the sea for us, during which I left my breakfast and ran outside with my camera.

Then a few pictures of where Gerlinda left her mark in the garden area through fruit trees, plants and flowers.