March Heatwave: Keep the Passion Burning

Huanxin Celestial

In the past few days, we've focused primarily on cleaning and organizing. Huiyi has been busy with various tasks, including continuing to cut grass, clearing the brush around the lake, and preparing firewood. A significant part of his work has also involved managing the banana grove in the living area. Banana trees are unique in that each plant produces only one bunch of bananas; after the fruit ripens, the plant must be cut down, and new shoots emerge from the base. This requires consistent upkeep, especially when hands are short. Dead leaves and discarded plants need to be cleared promptly to maintain the grove’s appearance. Huiyi has also been transplanting trees to reduce the number of unwanted species, cutting down excess banana trees, and using the fallen branches and leaves as mulch for the fruit trees. The entire living area is gradually being shaped around 10 coconut trees, with other fruit trees interspersed. Huiyi is methodically working towards an ideal landscape.

Guang has been diligently organizing and stacking the wood under the landlord’s house and quietly sweeping and cleaning around the property. He also constructed a compost bin for the banana grove, which is more refined and stable than previous versions. The new bin is well-sealed, with an additional layer of tarpaulin inside to prevent rusting. One side of the bin is designed to open easily for convenient use. After finishing the compost bin, Guang shifted his focus back to the construction of our new home.

My primary role has been to help wherever needed, alongside my daily responsibilities. This includes maintaining the vegetable garden and various flowers and trees, raking leaves, helping to clear the brush around the lake, and assisting with composting in the banana grove.

Currently, our main fruit trees include bananas, pineapples, papayas, avocados, mangoes, jackfruits, coconuts, two lemon trees, several mulberry trees, and other fruit seedlings. The banana trees are the most abundant, with groves on both the hills and in the lowlands. We also have papaya and pineapple gardens, and this year, the pineapples have been particularly fruitful, with many of them already bearing fruit. Some of the jackfruit trees have also started to produce.

With an increasing variety of fruits, thriving vegetables, and blooming flowers, our garden is becoming more vibrant and lush. Our brothers and sisters are looking more radiant and lively as well. The arrival of March has brought about significant climate changes, propelling us into a period of intense activity and excitement. Every day feels like a fiery, passionate adventure, and we hope that our spirits remain as warm and enthusiastic as the weather. Let’s continue to emulate our guide, tapping into endless creativity and vitality.

2022-3-7