Colours of Summer

Its peak summer time and temperatures hover around 44-46 degree Celsius. Hot winds from the northwest direction (called ‘loo’ in the local parlance) are in full flow. Working outdoors is exhausting, as the heat tends to sap the energy out besides dehydrating the body. Looking at the brighter side- the weather cannot get any worse! Time to sit back and enjoy the colors in my garden and wait patiently for the arrival of ‘monsoon’ (southwest winds laden with moisture which bring heavy rains in late June and July). Sunflowers, so appropriately named! Withstanding the heat and staring the scorching sun in face, can only be named a ‘sunflower’. The background appears blue. I don’t know if it was a quirk of the camera or the light conditions conspired to produce this effect, but as it looked beautiful I decided to persist with. The freshly emerging leaf of ‘Canna-lily’, unfolds gradually to welcome the rays of the sun. Celosia or the Cockscomb plant with its beautiful leaves awaits the first flower, but with leaves so colorful who cares for the flower! The Ball lily, in a riot of red looks so gorgeous and glamorous. The ‘Kochia’ magnificent in green, not really a ball yet possessed with that plump ball like look akin ball lily. A favorite of the butterflies, who brave the heat to enjoy the flower, Zinnia iholds the place of pride in my summer garden. Pilea, or the watermelon plant, providing comfort to thirsty eyes. ‘Amaltas’ ,so aptly named Golden Shower tree is a ubiquitous presence on Indian roads. The tree is not from my garden but several of them are planted nearby adding beauty to the summer landscape with their endearing yellow flowers.