Filipinos in the UAE have stepped up their horticultural skills as many have had more time during the quarantine to take care of their mini-gardens that they’ve cultivated over the years.
The Filipino Times shares the experiences of some of these Filipinos who have transformed their simple homes with Mother Nature’s touch.
Multi-talented UAE artist Danabelle Gutierrez originally had only 5-7 plants in her previous apartment. But her love for growing and caring for these plants grew especially when she moved to a new room.
“My first few plants that’s been with me for about 3 or 4 years now is my schefflera, it was about 10 inches when I got it, now it’s about 2ft tall; my snake plant that’s also grown, and a peace lily, that has seen better days, pero lumalaban parin sya sa life nya. Now I have about 70-something plants,” shares Gutierrez whose plant collection can be found at @labellejungle.
She shared that tending to her garden at home has taught her both patience and a sense of responsibility as she saw each plant grow through the years.
“I feel that for me, they’ve kept me grounded and connected to the universe, reminding me that we are of this earth, that from dust we came and to dust we return,” said Gutierrez.
Gutierrez also believes in doing more research to help grow your plants, instead of relying on your green thumb: “Hindi totoo ang green thumb… Assess your lighting conditions, do your research and look up care guides for the plants that you have or are thinking of buying. And be patient.”
Mini Bahay Kubo
Abu Dhabi-based OFW Jessie Intendencia, who has been in the UAE for over 10 years as an events coordinator, began with growing Filipino favourite vegetables such as Malunggay, Kamote and Papaya in his backyard. Fast forward many years later, he now literally reaps the fruits of his labour.
“Hobby ko na po talaga ang magpatubo ng halaman simula pagkabata. Nung dumating ako sa UAE, sinubukan kong magtanim. Sabi ng mga kaibigan ko mahirap daw magpatubo dahil sa init ng panahon pero laking pasasalamat ko po na sa aking pagpupursigi na alagaan ay napapakinabangan ko na po ang mga alaga kong halaman,” said Intendencia.
He added that those who wish to grow their own greens should do their research to learn which outdoor and indoor plant fits their homes.
“Ang tips ko na mabibigay is tignan muna nila ang halaman kong akma ba xa sa pang outdoor or indoor plant at i-enjoy lang nila ang pag aalaga nito,” said Intendencia.
Reciprocated love
Jelicka Vasquez-Montezon, a Marketing & PR Coordinator based in Dubai, believes that she inherited her mom’s green thumb behind her love and fascination for nature.
“I’ve always wanted to have plants in my room, Yung tipong pagka gising mo bago ka sumabak sa trabaho, makikita mo ung natural beauty dahil it connects you to nature. I explored more into indoor plants, pinag aralan ko silang lahat, kung saan sila nag originate at pano ung growth pattern nila, sa ganoon kasi malalaman kung kaya mo ba sila ihandle o hindi eh, namatayan nadin ako ng halaman, minsan kasi hindi mo maiiwasan yun lalo sa weather condition natin dito sa Gitnang Silangan. ” said Vasquez-Montezon.
From starting out simple with five succulents and cacti, her garden has now grown to over 50 different plant varieties. She shares that her secrets to growing a beautiful garden are doing research, collaborating with fellow plantitos and plantitas, as well as cultivating all of her plants with love and patience.
“Mas mamahalin ka ng halaman kung maramdaman nilang inaalagaan mo sya. Planting takes tons of patience, so kung sa tingin mong pasok ka sa criteria na ito, welcome to the club Kabayan!”
Finding Happiness
Jahra Sevidal, a senior financial accountant and analyst in Dubai, said that she resorted to cultivating plants as it reminded her of fond childhood memories in her home in the Philippines.
“I started gardening and surround myself with plants to help me survive in this city. Mahilig din talaga ako sa halaman ever since bata pa ako. May malaki din akong garden sa bahay so ginawa kong garden ang apartment ko para feeling ko nasa bahay ako,” said Sevidal.
Sevidal continued to nurture her plants over the years, the oldest of which is her fiddle leaf fig since 2016. She shares that planting isn’t just about watering nor giving it enough sun, it’s about giving your time and care for each plant that you own.
“Dapat talaga willing ka mag alaga ng plant kasi para kang nag aalaga ng baby niyan. Dapat tama ang dilig, tamang araw at chinicheck sila. Dapat mag allot ka ng time. Tsaka praktis lang lalo na pag first timet or di sanay,” said Sevidal.
Inner Fortitude
Dubai-based OFW Ruffa Joy Navarro, who works as a shipping coordinator for over six years, found that caring for her plants at home gave her inner fortitude to help manage her stress levels.
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What made Navarro get into cultivating her garden of over 84 different species is that it has become a healthy hobby for her instead of heading out to other leisure destinations.
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More than mere decorations
From starting out with a simple Jade plant, Nurse and UAE frontliner Kae Shane Cabiladas has managed to grow over 112 indoor plants within her home. She shares that among the plants she has in her home, she finds Snake plants as the easiest to take care of and recommends it especially for those who are just starting out their gardens in the UAE.
“Maliwanag man o hindi sa loob ng bahay, nabubuhay sila. Makapal yung leaves ng Sansevieria or mas kilala sa pangalang snake plants kasi they store water in it. Kaya rin madali silang alagaan because they require less watering cycle. Maliban sa madali silang alagaan, madami din silang they different shapes and sizes kaya mas nagiging interesting ang Sansevierias,” said Cabiladas.
She said that she sees each plant more than mere decors that make her home look good, it soothes her senses and calms her especially since her work entails so much stress, especially during the these times.
“Plants are naturally beautiful at napapaganda nila lalo yung spaces sa bahay natin. Pero they are more than just making our space look good. They help purify the air from toxic pollutants sa loob ng bahay and they are also good humidifiers. Nagbibigay din sila ng calming effect because they add greenery sa space. Also, in terms of interacting with plants, they give a positive effect sa psychological stress ng mga tao,” said Cabiladas.
