1. My Grandparents' Garden
I vividly recall my first trip to the countryside. I was six years old at the time. Everything seemed so fresh and different. As the car drove through the village, clusters of green bamboo hugged the roofs of houses and pagodas. Upon arrival, my cousins rushed out to greet us. They led the way into the house, which, though not spacious, exuded warmth and coziness. After greeting our grandparents and offering incense, I followed my cousins to explore the garden. The golden sunlight enveloped the garden, with wispy clouds drifting lazily overhead. Despite their modest size, the garden boasted a variety of plants, especially fruit trees. My cousins told me that our grandfather had a fondness for trees; whenever he encountered an interesting specimen, he would bring it home to plant. The most striking feature of the garden was the abundant foliage of the papaya tree. Its lush, dense foliage towered over us children, with leaves that were sturdy, glossy, and evenly shaped. Amidst the verdant canopy, numerous clusters of flowers bloomed. Their pale yellow petals, reminiscent of the color of earth, formed unusually thick blooms, seemingly sculpted by skilled hands. While lacking in vibrant hues, the flowers exuded a delightful fragrance. Along the fence were clusters of ornamental cacti, displaying an array of colors. In one corner stood a towering jackfruit tree, laden with fruit. Its brown trunk oozed white latex in places, while its intertwined branches and large leaves resembled adult hands. The small jackfruits nestled closely together, emitting a tantalizing aroma. As the fruits ripened, they turned a deep green. Nearby, banana plants stood sentinel at the garden's edge. Their large, spreading leaves glistened in the sunlight, with young shoots coiled like tiny elephant trunks. Several flocks of sparrows flitted about the garden, chirping cheerfully. Behind the garden lay the chicken coop, where a mother hen clucked anxiously, calling her chicks back to safety. The chicks scurried back, seeking refuge under their mother's wings. Nearby, hanging from tree branches, were several birdcages. One cage contained a sleek, black myna, its golden beak and nimble legs contrasting with the bamboo bars. My cousins informed me that this myna was particularly clever, adept at mimicking human speech. Adjacent to the garden was a fish pond, stocked with carp, tilapia, and catfish. Despite spending the entire afternoon fishing, I didn't catch a single bite. Meanwhile, my sisters and I wandered through the garden, chatting animatedly about various topics, from school to everyday life. As evening approached, it was time for me to return to Hanoi. Before leaving, my grandparents insisted on packing some countryside delicacies for my mother to take home. Despite her protests, my mother accepted their gifts graciously. I cherished the warmth of my grandparents' home, the tranquility of the rural road, and, above all, the beauty of their garden. I wished fervently for more gardens like theirs in the city.


2. My Grandparents' Little Garden
On a summer break, I had the chance to visit my grandparents in the countryside and enjoy a vibrant sunrise in their beloved little garden!Early in the morning, the air was still chilly. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves, revealing the dewdrops glistening like pearls on a pristine morning. The entire village was veiled in a blanket of morning mist. In the east, the shy sun blushed, casting a rosy hue behind the white clouds and sending countless rays of shimmering sunlight down to the earth. In the sky, clouds drifted lazily, adorned with surreal colors. The gentle breeze carried the essence of a beautiful morning, invigorating all living things. The sun bestowed the gift of life upon the new day, and the grasses and trees eagerly soaked in its rays. At the end of the garden, oranges adorned the trees like golden jewels, plump and juicy. The ripe mangoes and papayas exuded a fragrant aroma that enticed bees and butterflies alike. The graceful roses exuded a sweet fragrance, enough to awaken all creatures. The fledgling birds, nestled among the lush foliage, spread their wings and soared into the vast sky. The entire garden, bursting with flowers and fruits, proudly offered its sweet bounty to humanity! The atmosphere of a early morning was like a lively song, full of joy. I breathed deeply, stretched my arms, and savored the fresh air that perhaps cannot be found in the city! Have you ever tried to listen?… Just listen… To the melodious chirping of birds! The cuckoos sang, heralding the ripening of mangoes on the first day of summer. In the yard, sparrows frolicked and played in the sunshine. In a corner of the garden, my grandparents hung pots of purple orchids. Their elegant purple hue attracted bees and butterflies. Their melodious calls were both familiar and delightful! The white butterflies, with their delicate wings, fluttered in the breeze. The scene was so beautiful, resembling petals dancing in the wind. It was at this moment that I truly appreciated the fragrance of jasmine flowers. The pure white jasmine, despite its purity, exuded a rich, intoxicating scent… Perhaps that's why I love jasmine flowers! Dewdrops still lingered on the leaves. The pure, transparent dewdrops sparkled like crystals, enhancing the lushness of the leaves. The cicadas sang a chorus, welcoming summer, while the buzzing of bees and the flapping of butterflies merged into a symphony! The sun grew brighter, and the birds had flown away long ago. The entire garden seemed to don a colorful coat, overflowing with the fragrance of summer! Perhaps a early morning ended with a cheerful chorus of cicadas:'Cicada… Cicada… Summer has come!' The atmosphere of an early morning awakened all things, filling my heart with joy and vitality to start a wonderful new day!


3. Neighbor's Petite Garden
Ring ring! The alarm clock chimed. As usual, I silenced it and got up immediately after it stopped ringing. But today, I felt like lying in bed a little longer and gazing out the window down to the neighbor's petite garden.From above, the garden appeared to be dominated by a single shade of green. The sky was blue, the clouds were green, and the grass was green. The garden was awash with green. The early morning sky was a clear blue. The sun peeked out from behind the clouds, tinting them pink. The lawn in the garden was lush thanks to regular trimming by the owner.There were many trees in the garden. The orange tree had branches and leaves clustered together, with golden fruits shining like lanterns hanging loosely from the tree. The banana tree had green leaves and green trunks, bearing clusters of green bananas, with a few ripe ones that were very enticing. The grapefruit tree's small branches drooped, with large, round green fruits as 'round-headed, bald-headed children,' as poet Tran Dang Khoa once compared them to.Fruit-bearing trees were adorned in various shades of green, while clusters of flowers were vibrant with color. Bright yellow daisies stood out in a corner of the garden, warming up the entire space. Peach blossoms also flaunted their new pink attire. Meanwhile, roses displayed a rich array of colors, from velvet red to pure white, from golden yellow to orange, each vying for attention and emitting fragrant scents. However, the roses were not planted in clusters but rather scattered around the garden. The most joyous sight was the birds. Yellow sparrows, bulbul birds, finches, nightingales, and magpies... they flew all over the garden, chatting with each other, singing to each other, playing or even teasing each other, creating a bustling scene, while butterfly flocks gently fluttered around the flower clusters.What a beautiful garden! I dream that one day my own home will have a beautiful garden like that.


4. Riverside Garden
I don't know since when, but I've always loved being taken by my parents to visit my grandparents' countryside home – the rivers and waters of the Mekong Delta, where there are many beautiful, peaceful, and serene scenes. But perhaps what left the most impression on me is the scenery of the garden in the morning behind my grandparents' house, next to the river. As the sun gradually rises, radiant and 'roundly prosperous like the rich yolk of a plump egg,' the dewdrops on the leaves start to fear disappearing under the morning sunlight. The morning air is extremely cool, gentle, and quite peaceful. Occasionally, the crowing of a rooster can be heard somewhere, flapping its wings. And from that moment, the garden starts bustling with the chirping of birds heralding the new day. There's the red-whiskered bulbul with its black feathers mixed with red on its chest, looking truly impressive. It hops from branch to branch, chirping, which reminds me of a line of poetry my grandmother used to read: 'The bulbul sings while flying.' Equally impressive, the red-billed blue magpie and the bulbul birds flutter their tails gracefully, adding to the lively melody full of vitality. Meanwhile, the sparrows and other small birds diligently pick strands of grass and dry leaves to build their nests on the jackfruit branches, mango branches. Butterflies, gentle creatures, alight on the flowers for a while, then fly away. It's always been like this, bees diligently fly from flower to flower in search of nectar for life. All the images and sounds of these species contribute to the lively, bustling atmosphere in my grandparents' garden. How delightful it is to see the ripe, plump oranges under the sunlight. The coconut palm leaves sway as if combing their hair in the wind, occasionally dropping a few adorable white coconut blossoms. This morning, there's a hint of the scent of ripe jackfruit in the air. Jackfruit is a fruit that I really enjoy... eating. Not only does the garden have fruit-bearing trees, but it also grows many types of flowering plants, such as orchids, lilies, apricot blossoms, water lilies... In the morning, the fragrance of flowers permeates the air, the vibrant colors create an indescribable feeling in people's hearts. The garden has been associated with so many childhood memories for me. The story of climbing trees to collect bird nests seems like it happened just yesterday. But what I remember most is the image of my beloved grandfather. The morning garden is so lively, so interesting. It feels so comfortable, refreshing to immerse oneself in nature, as if all tiredness has disappeared. I hope that the garden will always be fresh and beautiful to provide income for the family and attract birds, butterflies, and bees.


5. My Family's Morning Garden
Growing up in the peaceful countryside, I've always been connected to the serene beauty of nature: the river, the small boats, the green bamboo groves, the ripe rice fields... But perhaps the sight of my family's morning garden is deeply engraved in my memory. Whenever I gaze upon that garden, my heart is filled with indescribable emotions. I often wake up when the sky is still wet with dew, the gentle breeze blowing, the late-rising stars hastily fleeing. The early summer brings a fresh beauty and vitality to the garden. The trees are dense with leaves and a rich fragrance permeates the air. My family's garden is truly beautiful, although not very large, it is planted with a variety of flowers, ornamental plants, green vegetables, and countless fruit trees. The sun has slowly risen, piercing through the clouds to cast its radiant glow upon everything, the morning blush mingling with every branch and leaf, magically transforming the garden. Right at the front of the yard are some meticulously trimmed ornamental plants, looking truly pleasing to the eye. Next are the rows of flowers displaying their vibrant colors and competing to show off their scents. Most beautiful of all are the velvet roses blooming gracefully, each petal adorned with glistening dewdrops like tiny pearls. Still in their dreamy state, numerous butterflies, honeybees, and bumblebees gather here to sip nectar and chase one another. The gentle lady butterflies gracefully depart from their fluttering to find another peaceful spot. Beyond the flower beds are the lush vegetable gardens. The spinach leaves are lush and tidy, the water spinach plump and succulent. The morning glory is tender and green, exuding abundant vitality. After the vegetable plots are the fruit orchards. This is the loquat tree, as old as I am. It was planted by my grandfather when I was born. Gazing at the tree, listening to the birds practicing their songs, the branches rustling, I miss my grandfather dearly. At the far corner of the garden is the lychee tree, the finest variety. When the lychees ripen, the whole tree turns as red as a gac fruit platter. The recent chirping of the mynahs must mean the lychees have ripened. The mynahs' call heralds the ripe lychee season with uncanny accuracy. Their earnest chirping is so affectionate and dear. The sun has risen high, its light flooding the entire space, the breeze still blowing gently, the leaves still rustling. Flocks of birds flock to the garden, hopping from branch to branch, searching for food, chirping cheerfully. The pomelo trees stand solemnly, sheltering their round, bald-headed offspring. Old Grandfather Mít is still fruitful this year, producing so many fruits. The fragrant scent of ripe pomelos wafts through the garden. Walking through the garden, looking up at the coconut trees, hearing the cooing of two love-struck pigeons, how sweet and tender it is. The golden sun pours honey into the garden, the leaves rustle and whisper incessantly. I find it so fascinating and love the garden so much. My family's garden truly captivates and preserves countless memories of my peaceful childhood. In the future, no matter where I go, I will always remember my homeland, where there is a garden that preserves the serene memories of my childhood.


My father's small garden
At first, the entire garden only had one orchid tree.


My small garden
In the garden, the scent is intoxicating, swirling through the air.


The garden intertwined with childhood memories
'Homeland is like a bunch of sweet loquats
For me to climb and pick every day.
Homeland is the path to school,
Coming back, covered in golden butterflies.'
'Homeland', those two words have become familiar to me I don't know since when. The image of the homeland always associates with the red tile-roofed houses, the small and lovely gardens, and the ripe golden rice fields where the storks fly straight… But perhaps the scene of the front garden in the morning has always been deeply ingrained in my memory. Every time I look at the garden of my childhood, I am filled with emotion. In the afternoon, I often follow my mother to the garden to pick vegetables and cut flowers. I feel very comfortable because of the fresh air and the sound of the birds performing here. In the morning, I usually follow my father's footsteps into the garden to water the plants, trim leaves, catch pests, or weed. At that time, the garden suddenly became very new and strange to me. Morning is the time when all activities are most lively and bustling. After a long night's rest, the sun gradually opens its eyes to look down on the world. Slowly rising high, when reaching the top of the bamboo, it stops. It starts to spread its pale yellow arms all around, gently piercing through the leaves, penetrating down to the ground. The clouds in the sky move faster. The wind also starts to work, sneaking into the garden, waking up the trees and green sprouts. The familiar guest of the garden is the nightingale singer, singing loudly. Not only the nightingale but also many other female singers come here to make up, preparing for a music party with many soft and melodious voices… Under the grass, the worker ants are still working vigorously. The bees and butterflies fly more, fluttering on the flowers as if wanting to show off their beauty together. Mother and her chicken go to the garden to find food. Every time they find food, the chicks compete with each other eagerly. Several dogs and cats are allowed to play in the garden, so they are very obedient. A cat chases after a butterfly, almost running into mother's vegetable patch. In the morning, my father usually catches pests and trims leaves for plants. Father is dedicated, meticulously taking care of each and every plant. The plants cared for by my father are very happy and grateful. They bend and play with each other, with the clouds, with the sky, with the wind,… The fruit trees are full of joy, playing with the children, their long arms stretching out. This is the loquat tree that is the same age as me. It was planted by my grandfather when I was born. Looking at the tree, listening to the birds sing, passing on the branches whispering, I miss my grandfather so much... In the corner of the garden, there is a guava tree, the type of guava that I like the most. When the guava season comes, the whole tree turns red like a gac fruit tray. These days, the calls of the tu hú bird are loud, the guava season must have arrived. The call of the tu hú bird is so sincere and dear, who knows how much it is. On the other side of the garden, the tía tô and kenaf are talking and laughing. Above, my father builds a trellis to grow bottle gourds, it looks like a mother's arms protecting her children below from the sky's anger. The trellis with its large leaves, long bottle gourds hanging down, swaying as if someone tied them up. In the morning, dew drops on the leaves are beautiful like pearls from the sky. Against the green background of the bottle gourd leaves are interspersed with the white color of the gourd flowers sparkling like bright spots in the sunlight. The trellis looks like a smooth green velvet adorned with white silk dots, mysterious under the yellow sunlight. Walking towards the other side of the garden, the flower sisters are racing to show off their figure with the most beautiful being the elegant velvet rose buds are blooming. The whole garden is filled with colors, sounds, and flavors. The garden has become the stage of a music concert, with performers, and spectators, and my father and I are the most enthusiastic spectators, enjoying the beauty of the garden. My father trims leaves while telling stories. I stand by and feel overwhelmed with happiness when living in such a fresh natural space… The garden is the cradle nurturing the childhood soul of mine. It is cool and sweet like mother's milk. It preserves many memories of my childhood there.


9. The Most Beautiful Garden in the Morning
Since the day my grandfather passed away, my parents have had the responsibility of taking care of the garden. The garden is not very large but is planted with many different types of trees. According to me, perhaps the most beautiful garden is in the morning. Because I have to study, I cannot follow my parents to the garden. But today is Sunday, so I accompany my parents to visit the garden and help them with gardening. I was the first to open the garden gate that day. The morning air was fresh and cool, the landscape was still immersed in the night mist, the sky was high and clear. There were also white clouds drifting by. Dew drops glistened on the leaves like diamonds. The rows of trees were swaying in the wind as if chatting with each other. The birds chirped cheerfully, calling each other. All of this created a beautiful and lively natural picture. As soon as I entered the garden, I heard the barking of the golden-furred dog wagging its tail and sniffing its nose. It must be happy to see its owner again after a week apart. My parents planted many different types of fruit trees, such as mangoes, pears, and durians... The durian tree is the tallest. I don't know when it was planted, but it's so tall. Durian flowers bloom in clusters and they have a sweet fragrance throughout the garden. The durian tree is in season, with the fruits hanging like hedgehogs on the branches. They grow bigger every day. Along the garden are rows of jackfruit trees. Their sturdy and tall trunks are like garden guards. Jackfruits have started to bear fruit. From a distance, the jackfruit looks like cute little piglets hanging on the branches. At the end of the garden, my parents planted banana trees. The trunk of the banana tree is not very large, but the leaves are lush and green, covering each other and full of dew. When the fruit is unripe, it emits a green color. But when ripe, the fruit turns round and wears a purple coat. Holding it in your hand, you can tell how many segments it has. Around the house are papaya trees, with slender trunks but sumptuous fruits. The papaya fruit is long and yellow, swaying on the branches. I like eating papaya the most. The higher the sun rises, the more the birds compete in singing. The bulbul chirps softly as if welcoming a morning sunrise. All of this creates a bustling sound of our garden. The morning sun in our garden is truly beautiful, leaving me with unforgettable impressions. I will take care of the garden to keep it always beautiful.


10. The Lush Orchard
Six years ago, after retiring, my grandfather started to renovate the abandoned piece of land behind the house, turning it into a lush orchard. Regardless of the season, the garden not only provides daily material benefits but also brings immense pride and joy to our family. From early morning, my grandfather and I went to the orchard. He fondly admired the rows of trees still wet with dew. Over a dozen Hoa Loc mango trees had borne fruit, each bunch heavy with ripeness. Two rows of lychee trees were about to bloom. The yellow lychee flowers exuded a sweet fragrance, enticing honeybees to come and sip nectar. My grandfather said with the favorable weather like this, this year's lychee crop would surely be bountiful. In addition to the trees considered as an additional source of income for the family, my grandfather also planted a few trees of each kind to have fruits all year round, such as papaya, milk fruit, plum, grapefruit, and jackfruit. The papaya trees with their ripe fruits hanging looked truly delightful. Four jackfruit trees at the four corners of the garden, with large and small fruits protruding from the trunk and branches, some bunches bearing nearly ten fruits. The milk fruit tree stood alone with its tall trunk and wide canopy. During the fruiting season, my grandfather used a special-headed pole with an attached basket to pick them. The sweet fragrance of the milk fruit was irresistible and unforgettable. Every season, my family enjoyed all the flavors of the orchard fruits. The sun had risen. The sparkling sunlight made the garden radiant with vibrant green. The chirping of birds, the buzzing of bees, the gentle clucking of mother hens calling their chicks, along with the chirping of newly hatched chicks, their golden feathers shimmering like silk... all formed the familiar sounds of peaceful rural life. Like my grandparents, parents, I also love our garden. Every day, during leisure time, I join my grandfather in caring for the garden, watering, and controlling pests, making the garden flourish more and more each day.


