1. My Father's White Orchid Basket
My father is passionate about ornamental plants. In front of our house, he has dedicated a corner of the yard to display various potted plants, including pots with red and vibrant green leaves, stacked in layers like the petals of a sea star. Above, attached to the wall, are several baskets of orchids. Among them, I love the white orchid basket the most.
The plant is grown in a clay pot with circular holes, hanging from a frame with a wire handle. The main stem is about the size of two of my fingers, standing taller than my hand, and is a dark green. The orchid leaves are long and symmetrical, sprouting from the stem. The pot has three stems, but only two of them bloom. One stem grows tall, as thick as a chopstick.
Each branch of the plant has five or six flowers, large and small, with petals that spread wide, revealing the pale green pollen inside. The orchid petals are round and tapered at the base, converging at the center around the pistil, which extends outward. The pistil of the orchid is particularly unique, shaped like a sprout of bean sprouts, supported by a tiny, round, dark purple petal, tucked inside the white petals. The buds are incredibly delicate, standing out beautifully in the garden.
Orchids last a long time, and even after two weeks, the flowers remain as fresh as ever. This is thanks to my father's care in watering and fertilizing the plant. The orchids emit a soft fragrance, a mix of honey and pineapple, attracting bees and butterflies. The butterflies flutter gently around the flowers, creating a picturesque scene. The orchids are planted in a pot lined with a layer of coconut fiber and charcoal, and just a little bit of coconut fiber and charcoal is enough to keep the plant healthy.
After work, my father spends time tending to his plants. I often help by watering or handing him tools. With several orchid baskets, the corner of my father’s garden seems to come alive. Watching the flowers brings me a sense of peace and joy. The white orchids add a fresh touch to the garden, and their scent soothes the air, breaking up the dust and staleness of the city. Orchids last for a long time, which is why I adore them so much.


2. The Beauty of the Lotus Flower in the Corner Pond of My Garden
My father is very fond of flowers, so he grows many different kinds. The roses are stunning and elegant. The bougainvilleas bloom vigorously like fireworks... But I find the lotus flowers in the corner pond of our garden the most beautiful and magnificent.
Ah! The lotus flowers are truly beautiful! Early in the spring, small lotus buds rise above the water like arrows. Just after a few days of gentle sunlight and light rain, the lotus leaves unfold like large rice baskets, covering the surface of the pond. Frogs hop around, playfully leaping about. They probably think this is their kingdom. Dew drops like pearls roll off the wide leaves. The wind stirs the lotus leaves, causing them to gently sway on the pond’s surface.
The lotus grows taller. The stem becomes as thick as my finger, rough with tiny brown spines, and green like young rice shoots. By the beginning of summer, the lotus buds grow larger. The buds are like sharp bronze arrows pointing towards the sky. Then, the lotus blooms. The entire pond is filled with the pink of the flowers. The large buds, the size of two of my hands together, tremble in the breeze. The flowers open wide, resembling large saucers. The water’s surface is clear, reflecting the beautiful flowers.
I watched as a tilapia swam around the lotus flower, seemingly enjoying its beauty. A few dragonflies flitted across the water, landing delicately on the lotus petals. The fragrance of the lotus mixed with the sweet scents of betel nut and pomelo blossoms, wafting through the air and spreading throughout our village. When the buds are still tightly closed, they appear shy, but within one night, they bloom magnificently, like the dress of a princess. The smooth, pink petals of the lotus attract bees that come to visit. The large green pistil is dotted with dark green spots, adding to the beauty.
Although the lotus does not have bright, flashy colors, it possesses an alluring and refined beauty. My father picked a few flowers and placed them in a vase on the living room table, making the room look vibrant. The gentle fragrance of the lotus filled the room. The seeds of the lotus, once mature, are edible. Lotus seed soup is delicious. My mother also makes sweet lotus jam, which has a delightful, nutty-sweet flavor, especially during the Lunar New Year. The fragrance of lotus tea is rich and aromatic.
I really love the lotus flower. I think the lotus is not only beautiful but also has many uses. It represents the traditional beauty of my countryside, symbolizing peace and purity.


3. The Magnolia Tree My Grandfather Planted
In the corner of our garden stands a magnolia tree that my grandfather planted over forty years ago. He planted it to celebrate the birth of his beloved daughter. Since then, this magnolia has been closely tied to the lives of several generations of our family.
The magnolia tree has a thick trunk, with its main roots deeply embedded in the earth, and a network of smaller roots that spread out around it, anchoring the tree firmly. Its tall branches stretch far above the rest of the garden, and the large leaves, about the size of my hand, are veined and vibrant green. The young shoots of the tree are a beautiful light green, providing a refreshing sight. Sunbirds delicately build dozens of tiny nests among the tree’s branches, making it their year-round home. Every day, the cheerful sound of their singing fills the garden when the sun rises.
In the summer, the magnolia begins to bloom. The buds swell rapidly and, when they open, reveal soft ivory petals. The fragrance of the blossoms spreads far in the breeze. Especially at night, in the cool, quiet air, the scent of the magnolia is even more intoxicating. Like the lotus, the magnolia is a noble flower, revered for its purity. On full moon nights or during religious festivals, local women often bring magnolia flowers to temples, offering them to the gods with sincere prayers for blessings.
Each magnolia flower is like a delicate finger, cool and dewy with the morning mist. My grandmother would often pin a fresh bloom in my hair. The familiar fragrance of magnolia would fill the fresh morning air, making me feel as though it was a part of me. Our family holds this tree dear because it has witnessed and shared the joys and sorrows of many generations. Whenever I am away from home, I miss the tree like a close friend, and I always feel as if the scent of magnolia is lingering nearby.


4. The Sunflower
Spring arrives, and flowers compete in vibrant colors. The streets are bustling with people and traffic. People are busy shopping for clothes, preparing for the new year. Dad’s sunflower pot is in full bloom, with three large, golden, magnificent flowers.
The sunflower pot stands about seventy centimeters tall. The stem is as thick as an adult's thumb. Its leaves are as large as my two hands, shaped like an oval near the base, tapering to a point at the top, resembling the leaves of a philodendron. The leaves are a cool green, rough-textured rather than smooth. The sunflower blooms are a masterpiece of nature’s design: the buds, about the size of a tea saucer, have slender, bright yellow petals surrounding a round, small center that resembles the sun itself.
The pistils form a perfect circle in the center, evenly spaced or arranged like a grid of alternating yellow and brown sections. Unlike other flowers where the pistil is hidden, the sunflower displays its pistil proudly. The petals are long, similar to those of a daisy but larger, layered in such a way that each layer slightly shifts from the one beneath it. Each sunflower resembles a small sun.
The sunflower always turns toward the sun (hence its name, “sunflower”). Its thick stem, about the size of my finger, holds the flower steady against the cold winds of the approaching Tet holiday. The sunflower’s tall, sturdy stature gives it a strong, resilient appearance. It blooms for a long time. Even after the New Year’s Day celebrations, the sunflower still stands proudly, welcoming the spring sunshine. By the middle of the first lunar month, it is still blooming, bringing a joyful atmosphere to the yard.
The sunflower also gives us delicious seeds to eat. Additionally, the seeds are pressed to extract oil, which is fragrant and free of harmful substances, making it healthier for the heart than regular oil. My dad, who enjoys growing flowers, despite his busy schedule, always takes the time to plant flowers so that the family can enjoy them and brighten up the home.


5. The Gorgeous Bougainvillea Blooming Radiantly by the Window
Outside my classroom window, there is a beautiful bougainvillea tree that my mother planted, and I love it dearly.
From a distance, the tree looks like a pink ribbon. It’s only as tall as my waist. Its trunk is a deep brown, about the size of my wrist. The branches are reddish-brown, with small sharp thorns. On these branches, numerous peach-colored blossoms are scattered. The leaves are oval, with slightly pointed tips and a fresh light green color, arranged alternately along the stems.
The veins on the leaves are dark green, fine like threads. Surrounding the tiny flowers are special bracts, which are light pink, round, and as thin as paper. Within these bracts are small white flowers. The calyx is a soft pink, supporting the tiny white blossoms, and the pistil is golden yellow, hidden behind the smooth white petals.
What makes bougainvillea unique among other flowers? It blooms all year long and remains vibrant for a long time. The hotter the sun, the more vibrant the flowers become. The bougainvillea adds beauty to our home, and passersby often stop to admire it, saying, “Wow, whose bougainvillea is this? It’s so stunning!” Whenever I feel stressed while studying, I look out the window at the flowers, and it’s so relaxing. I will take good care of it to ensure it stays lush and the flowers keep blooming beautifully.


6. The Majestic Apricot Tree of Tet
As spring arrives, flowers bloom in a riot of colors. Every flower is beautiful, every tree is lush, but the most graceful of them all is the apricot tree, known as the ‘Mai Tứ Quý’.
The leaves of the apricot tree are sharp, similar to tea leaves. In late winter, the leaves turn yellow and fall off, leaving only a few stubborn ones hanging on, reluctant to part with the tree. Before Tet, the apricot tree is left with bare, twiggy branches. Yet, the trunk remains strong and sturdy, its form bending in a graceful curve. As the leaves fall, I feel a deep sadness—could it be that the old leaves are making way for the new, sprouting leaves, welcoming the spring?
When Tet comes, along with the changing season, the golden apricot blossoms bloom. These bright yellow flowers, radiant in the morning sunlight, exude warmth and life. The soft petals arrange themselves neatly around the tiny golden pistils. Beneath these blossoms, greenish-blue calyces wrap around the flowers, both protecting and supporting them. As the apricot blossoms flourish, new leaves begin to grow stronger and reach towards the sky. Although small and delicate, the leaves cling tightly to the branches.
The apricot tree is truly beautiful, noble, and full of spirit. It is a symbol of the traditional Tet celebrations, infused with the fragrance and colors of the new year. The couplets and well wishes attached to its branches hold deep meaning. As the spring sun casts its warm light on the flowers, the apricot tree grows even more beautiful. Bees buzz around the blossoms, and butterflies flutter among the fresh green leaves, all adding to the beauty of the tree. It seems as though nature itself is stirred by the vibrant spring, by the apricot tree’s golden hues during Tet.
The apricot tree is simple yet magnificent, humble yet grand. It can be found in both the countryside and cities during Tet. It proudly stands at the entrance of homes or is placed in living rooms to celebrate the arrival of the new year. The apricot tree brings joy and happiness to people. As Tet passes, the tree bears fruit—small clusters of fruit that are just as charming. The ripe fruits shine with a glossy black color, like tiny beads.
The clusters of fruit on the tree create a lush and abundant display, symbolizing prosperity and well-being for the family in the new year. The image of the apricot tree during Tet fills me with love for my home, gratitude for my ancestors, and a sense of closeness to family and friends. With each blooming season, I remind myself that I have grown another year older. With the new year comes a new age, and I must work hard to be good, study well, and contribute to my family and society.


7. The Peach Blossom Tree during Tet
With Tet approaching, the air becomes more lively. Peach, apricot, and kumquat trees all compete to show off their vibrant colors, lighting up the entire spring season. While every tree is stunning and full of life, my heart belongs to the peach tree in my grandmother's garden.
This tree was planted by my grandfather years ago. It's tall and has a majestic beauty. The trunk was shaped by him into a dragon soaring upwards, greeting the new year. The branches surrounding the trunk are full of flowers—some as thick as a knife handle, others thin like chopsticks. Everything blends harmoniously, creating a beautiful sight. The remaining leaves on the tree are slender like fingers, deep green in color with finely serrated edges.
The peach tree is even more striking during Tet, with its vibrant flowers, fresh new buds at the tips of the branches, and green shoots full of vitality. The buds are delicate, as green as the wings of a dragonfly, gently swaying in the breeze. The flower buds, shy and small, just barely show their pink hue. With the spring rains, the peach blossoms start to unfold, revealing bright red flowers. Every branch is adorned with clusters of blooms. Each flower has multiple layers of petals, forming a circle of unity and warmth.
The petals are soft and delicate, resembling little pink pieces of paper. At the heart of each flower is a golden stamen, attracting bees and butterflies to play around. The stamen, initially golden, darkens as the flower starts to fade. During Tet, peach trees are often planted in beautiful porcelain pots, further adorned with strings of colorful lights. Red envelopes with cheerful designs hang from the branches, adding to the festive atmosphere of the room.
The peach tree brings joy to everyone, offering both an elegant pastime and a source of income for those who cultivate it. Whenever the red flowers bloom, it feels as if spring has truly arrived. The new year begins with the arrival of spring, and the peach blossoms are the familiar signs reminding me that another year has passed. Even as I grow older, I will never forget the image of the peach tree during Tet in my hometown.


8. Describing the Wind Tràm Tree in Bloom
Everyone has their own favorite tree or flower. Some of my friends adore the elegant rose, others are enchanted by the vibrant yellow apricot blossoms, but for some reason, I have a deep affection for the Tràm tree.
The Tràm tree is not as visually striking as the sapodilla tree, nor does it boast the tender green leaves of the banyan tree during springtime. It is simple and humble, with dark green foliage that stays lush throughout the year. I remember, back in elementary school, there were many trees around my school, but the Tràm trees were the most abundant. The Tràm tree has a straight, rough trunk, with fragile branches that intertwine easily and break with a slight touch. Its leaves are small, curved like a crescent moon, and grow densely together, forming a thick canopy that provides ample shade beneath the tree. The leaves were the greenest towards the end of spring, signaling the arrival of summer. We children would gather under its shade during every break, engaging in various activities: some would read stories, others would play traditional games like ô ăn quan, while I would chase the thousands of tiny sunspots scattered across the ground.
In autumn, when school resumed, the Tràm tree would greet us with its intoxicating fragrance. The tiny flowers, simple yet radiant, tucked beneath the leaves, would still shine with a golden hue like the autumn sun, and their sweet scent was impossible to hide. My school, set amidst vast fields, was filled with sunshine and wind. During the Tràm flower season, the classroom would be suffused with the floral scent, blending with the teacher's voice, making every lesson feel as gentle and soothing as the fragrance itself.
Now that I am older, having moved on from elementary school and made new memories at other schools, the Tràm trees and their rustling leaves in the sunlight still linger in my heart. The fragrance of the blossoms continues to faintly appear in my mind. I am sure that one day I will return to those trees and reminisce about the beautiful memories of my childhood.


9. Describing the White Chrysanthemum
With the arrival of spring, flowers bloom in a vibrant display. In my small garden, the variety of flowers blossoms in the warm sunlight: roses, everlasting flowers, peach blossoms, dahlias... each one is equally beautiful. But my favorite remains the white chrysanthemum bush in the center of the garden.
Many are familiar with the golden hues of chrysanthemums in autumn, but the chrysanthemum in my garden is white—pure and unblemished, blooming right as spring arrives. Like the golden chrysanthemum, its beauty is just as striking, but with an added air of innocence and grace. Its long, soft petals, pure white, encircle the delicate stamen, releasing a subtle fragrance that is gentle and demure, like a young maiden.
The chrysanthemums grow in clusters, their stems tightly packed together, leaning against one another, creating a sense of strength and stability. The stems are soft, while the leaves and flowers are heavy. The leaves of the chrysanthemum grow in clusters, spreading out like a child’s tiny hand, arranged alternately. The leaves are a soft dark green, calming and serene. These flowers bloom for a long time, each bloom lasting nearly half a month. As the petals begin to fade, new buds emerge, taking their place, so the plant always seems to have flowers in bloom. Whether under the summer sun or in the midst of a rainstorm, the white chrysanthemums proudly stand, exhaling their fragrance into the world, inviting butterflies and bees to visit.
The white chrysanthemum doesn’t evoke the autumn back-to-school memories like the yellow chrysanthemums or marigolds. My mother calls the white chrysanthemum a “flower of the four seasons,” always adding beauty and joy to life. Perhaps that’s why I love this flower even more.


10. The Rose Bush in Grandma's Garden
In my grandmother's garden, she has planted many types of flowers. Right at the entrance to the garden, there is a bush of bright red roses, filling the air with their vibrant beauty. This is my favorite flower in the entire garden.
Grandma has lovingly planted the rose bush right along the path so everyone can see it as they pass by. Roses are often called the queens of all flowers. The rose plant has slender green stems that branch into several offshoots. The leaves are dark green with jagged edges, giving the plant a strong yet delicate look. The thorns of the rose are the most notable feature, and if you get pricked by one, it stings quite a bit.
At the tip of each branch, small buds bloom, looking like little candles wrapped in green sepals. The petals are soft like silk, velvety, and a deep, rich red. Each layer of petals surrounds the golden stamen in the center. The roses have a gentle fragrance that I could inhale for hours.
The roses attract many bees and butterflies, drawn to their sweet nectar. The rose bush stands proudly like a princess of the garden, especially early in the morning. I love watching the roses at dawn, when the dew drops glitter on the petals, making the flowers even more elegant.
Many people say that “roses symbolize love” because of their delicate yet majestic beauty. To me, roses represent the love my grandmother has for her plants. The petals she picks to decorate our home make the house feel so much more beautiful. I love roses and often help Grandma water the plants.


11. My Mother's Rose Pot
In front of our house, my mother has several rose pots. She bought these roses about a month ago, and now they have bloomed, showing off their deep red velvet petals.
Thanks to my mother's care, the rose plants are thriving. The stems are not tall, but the branches are thick and spread out of the pots. The leaves are broad, dark green, with jagged edges and pointed tips, becoming smaller toward the ends of the branches. The rose petals are small but surprisingly sturdy. The plants are also covered in sharp thorns, standing guard like soldiers protecting the roses.
On the largest branch, rising from the center of the plant, a beautiful rose has bloomed. A slender stem extends from the branch, holding the flower's green sepals. On these sepals, the delicate petals overlap in layers. In the early morning, the petals haven't fully opened yet, still tightly wrapped around the pistil to shield it from the dew and the cold wind. And yet, even in this state, the rose exudes a strong, sweet fragrance.
Against the deep red color of the petals, small droplets of dew sparkle under the first rays of the sun. The rose is both beautiful and fragrant. As the sun rises higher, the petals unfurl more widely, and the flower becomes a delicate disc, as if carved from jade. The scent of the flower also intensifies. Eventually, the petals start to fade and fall away.
My mother carefully cuts the flower, leaving space for a new bud, plump like a ripe plum, ready to bloom in a few days. Our house doesn't have a large garden, and my mother doesn't have much money to buy many flowers. Yet, despite having only a few small rose plants, it seems that these flowers bring so much beauty and joy to our home.


12. Golden Chrysanthemums of Autumn
If spring is the season for blooming flowers, then autumn belongs to the chrysanthemums.
Chrysanthemums don't grow individually, but rather in thick clusters, naturally forming bushes. The stems appear delicate and frail, yet they are surprisingly strong, capable of supporting a dense carpet of blossoms. The branches spread out in all directions, interwoven, soft yet sturdy. The leaves are evenly distributed along the stem, each one resembling a tiny hand waving in the morning sunlight.
The chrysanthemums patiently gather the summer's warmth, waiting for autumn to arrive and burst into golden blooms. At first, a few tiny buds begin to open, then, as if in harmony, they all bloom together, creating a stunning golden blanket of chrysanthemums. Each flower has multiple layers of petals, tightly packed around the center. The fragrance of each bloom fills the air, wafting through the classrooms, reaching every desk and every lesson.
I love chrysanthemums not only because of their beauty but also because they symbolize autumn—the season of our back-to-school days.

