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I spent most of my childhood with Grandpa, as both my parents worked. Every school day, my mum would send me to Grandpa's home at 7 in the morning and pick me up after school around 7 pm.
Being the only grandson certainly contributed to the closeness between Grandpa and me.
Grandpa lived in a regular single-storey terrace house in Ipoh, with a bit of space in front where he maintained a small garden. At first glance, it looked more like a jungle, with all sorts of plants packed tightly together.
But, true to Grandpa's nature, there was always a reason for everything. His wisdom in gardening and life was profound, though it required time to appreciate, something I was fortunate to have during my seven years living with him.
Every morning, I helped Grandpa water his garden, using the opportunity to ask about the peculiarities I noticed. Why were sunflowers planted in straight lines, facing outward as if guarding the garden? Why did marigolds appear randomly? Why were corn and beans grown together, as were tomatoes and carrots?
Everything seemed random but was meticulously planned by Grandpa. I'll delve into these answers in future stories.
Even in cooking, I observed peculiar practices. Rotten onions and garlic, along with their peels, were soaked overnight. Water from washing rice and eggshells was always saved.
All these kitchen wastes served a purpose in Grandpa's garden, a topic I'll explore in future stories.
Years later, as I prepared to start my own farm, I attended numerous training courses, both locally and abroad. Many of the lessons echoed what I had learned from Grandpa over 20 years ago.
Thank you, Grandpa, for your early guidance in organic natural farming.
Even now, as I look back on those formative years, I realize how much of my character and values were shaped by those days spent in his garden. The patience, attention to detail, and respect for nature that Grandpa instilled in me have become cornerstones of my life philosophy. Every decision I make on my farm today is a tribute to his enduring legacy and the invaluable lessons he imparted.
Image: Nazrul Azam bin Man. A long bean plant in a symbiotic relation with the corn in 3Qs Garden
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