Sakila Parvin grew up amid the lovely countryside of Naogaon district, and after moving to the city she has brought that natural beauty back through a rooftop garden. The moments she spent among green plants and nature inspired her to create it, and she has built an enchanting rooftop garden at her current home in Kalyanpur in the capital.

"The surroundings in Naogaon always taught me to stay close to nature. In this urban jungle of brick and timber, my rooftop garden is my link to that nature," she said.

Sakila saw many kinds of vegetables grown in Naogaon. "Remembering those scenes, I started growing vegetables on a small scale on the roof. I have planted chillies, sweet potatoes and aubergines. The feeling of picking vegetables I planted with my own hands reminds me of my days in Naogaon. I get fresh, chemical-free vegetables, which are very healthy," she said.

"Our Naogaon is famous for mangoes, and there are many kinds of fruit trees there, so I have a special weakness for fruit trees. I have planted an orange tree brought from Barishal on the roof. The green leaves and fresh fruit create a pocket of relief amid the city's dust and remind me of my days in Naogaon. Being able to eat fresh fruit is a real joy," she added.

Her rooftop garden also has tulsi (holy basil) and neem. "Herbal plants like these are still seen all around in rural areas, but very rarely in the heart of the city, so I planted them on the roof. Tulsi is good for our respiratory system, and everyone knows the benefits of neem. When I use them regularly, I feel the touch of Naogaon's pure nature," she said.

Charmed by the flowers of Naogaon, Sakila has also planted lilies and marigolds. "The smell of marigolds helps keep mosquitoes away, and the beauty of lilies makes me feel close to nature every day. I have tried to bring the beauty of Naogaon's flowers back to my roof, so I find some peace in busy city life. There are other plants in my rooftop garden too," she said.

She said the owner of the house encourages her to plant more trees on the roof. "The landlord also likes the green surroundings of my plants and has suggested planting more," Sakila said.

On caring for the plants, she said: "Every day I water the plants in the garden, change the soil regularly and apply organic fertiliser when needed."

On the benefits of a rooftop garden, Sakila said: "Being able to live amid a patch of green nature in this city life is a great gift. It is nice to get fresh fruit and vegetables, but above all this garden gives me peace of mind. By planting trees on roofs, we can help protect the balance of the environment at least a little."

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.