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Kiddist Cowans grows her home garden - Plant enthusiast reaping the fruits of her labour

Published:Friday | November 13, 2020 | 12:14 AM
Kiddist Cowans tends to her orchid.
Kiddist Cowans tends to her orchid.
The famed home sweet home sign welcomes visitors to Cowans’ garden.
The famed home sweet home sign welcomes visitors to Cowans’ garden.
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A ‘home sweet home’ sign is perfectly perched in the garden of Kiddist Cowans, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

The plant enthusiast grew up seeing her grandparents carrying out this therapeutic activity at home. “Our yard was filled with plants, from ornamental to fruit trees, including a grape harbour. Whenever my grandfather had to travel overseas, I was left in charge of the garden,” she told Living.

It comes as no surprise, then, to anyone who knows her that she would embark on this gardening journey for herself. And the ideal time came when she acquired a new residence.

When she moved into her new house a year ago and discovered the extra space in the yard, the wife and mother of one made it her mission to transform her surroundings. “It became a hobby to just plant what I liked, from flowers to vegetation,” she added.

During the lockdown, being homebound with not much to do, Cowans spent a lot of her time in the garden. On her busier days, she credits her mother-in-law for lending a helping hand whenever she needed it.

Reaping Rewards

So far, the garden has produced watermelon, sweet pepper, tomato, sorrel, pineapple, zinnias and duranta, among others. If you’re wondering what her favourite part of the planting process is, the answer is simple: reaping the fruits of her labour. “I’m looking forward to reaping gungo peas for Christmas, and more sorrel and pumpkin if I can stave off the insects. I’m into succulents right now, and I got some new babies recently, so I can’t wait to see them grow,” she revealed.

If you have the desire to create a home garden, this entrepreneur is encouraging aspiring plant growers to start with what you have and work your way up from there.

“Don’t wait to have a huge space. Container gardening is becoming more and more popular, and as we move towards food security, that is one of the easier ways to grow what we eat and eat what we grow,” she said confidently.

She also advises that once you have begun this new journey, try to store or harvest rainwater for times of drought.

“Be vigilant and look out for pests. If you plant something and don’t succeed on the first try, try again. Because you never know the success that awaits you on the other side of trial and error.”

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com