1. The Orange Tree My Grandfather Planted
My family garden has an abundance of fruit trees: mangoes, jackfruits, guavas, but my absolute favorite is the orange tree my grandfather planted in the heart of the garden.
The tree was brought from the South. It's not very tall, but its branches spread wide, resembling a giant green umbrella from afar. The trunk is thick enough for me to barely wrap my arms around it. Its bark is a dark brown shade. The tree branches into two major limbs right from the ground. The orange leaves are larger than lemon leaves, with each leaf stem carrying a sharp thorn. Just recently, I accidentally brushed against one, and it hurt quite a bit.
The tree has been growing for over four years, and it’s now thriving. Thanks to my grandfather’s attentive care, the tree is strong and healthy. Its trunk, branches, and leaves shine a vibrant green. Tiny clusters of white-orange blossoms, with yellow centers, appear between the leaves. The scent of the tree is particularly noteworthy, filling the air with a sweet fragrance that spreads across the garden. Then came the harvest season, and the fruits began to grow—large, round, and firm oranges formed.
As the oranges mature, they grow as large as small balls, with a deep green color. Each branch bears a few fruits, and I love watching them hang from the branches. The fruit ripens towards the end of the year, and the tree glows bright yellow, overshadowing the green of its leaves. The flavor of the orange is rich and sweet, with juicy segments hidden inside. Oranges are full of vitamins. When they ripen, my mother picks the plump fruits, washes them, offers them to the family on the altar, and we gather together to enjoy their sweet taste.
I absolutely love eating oranges. I’ve promised myself that I will help my grandfather take better care of the tree so it continues to thrive.


2. My Grandfather’s Pomelo Garden
My grandparents' house has a beautiful fruit garden, with many varieties of trees, but my favorite are the pomelo trees. These are the famous Diễn pomelos, known for their delicious flavor. The garden has been around for quite some time since my grandparents have lived in Diễn for many years.
The pomelo trees are a little over a meter tall, with many branches spreading out around them. The trunk is about as thick as my ankle, with a mossy gray color. Its bark is rough and pitted. The roots reach deep into the soil, drawing nutrients to nourish the tree. The branches, strong and sturdy like arms, support the leaves and fruit. The pomelo leaves are large, about the size of an adult’s hand, long with a narrow center, shaped like a traditional wine jug.
In spring, clusters of pure white flowers bloom, their gentle fragrance carried by the wind, peeking through the fresh green leaves. When the wind blows, the white petals gently fall around the base of the tree. We often gather the pomelo flowers to play pretend or place them by our pillows for their lovely scent. By the end of spring, the flowers transform into small pomelo fruits. They grow quickly.
At first, the fruits are as small as marbles, then grow as large as limes, then the size of a grown adult's fist, and before long, they are as big as a ball. Each pomelo tree can have dozens, even hundreds, of fruits, making for a lovely sight. Autumn is the season for ripe pomelos. By then, the fruits weigh down the branches, their yellow color glowing and giving off a sweet fragrance. When you peel the thin skin, you find a creamy white rind and juicy pomelo segments that come off easily, without any mess. The pomelo's segments are plump, firm, and not at all watery.
The pomelo tree not only gives us delicious fruit but also has many other uses. The pomelo tree is used for decoration during Tết, its fruit placed on the five-fruit tray, or given as gifts to family and friends. The leaves and rind are used for hair washing, as an herbal remedy, or even for making a delicious snail broth. The pomelo flowers are used to scent tapioca flour, leaving a subtle, refreshing aroma. Diễn pomelos are truly unique. They are best enjoyed close to the Lunar New Year.
The Diễn pomelo is a local specialty of Diễn. About a month before Tết, my grandmother picks the pomelos, coats their stems with lime, and stores them under the bed or on the floor to keep them fresh. When Tết arrives, that's when Diễn pomelos taste their best. Although they may look shriveled and unattractive, their flavor is incredibly sweet and refreshing. Another special thing about Diễn pomelos is their delightful fragrance, which is very pleasant.
I’m always thrilled when I see little birds chirping around the branches. It seems they also want to enjoy this local delicacy. I will continue to care for the pomelo garden to ensure that the Diễn pomelo variety, the treasure of my hometown, isn't lost with time.


3. Lychee tree laden with fruit
In my family's garden, we grow various fruit trees such as lychees, longans, guavas, soursops, and jackfruit. However, the lychee tree has been here for generations, planted by my grandfather, and it continues to bear a bountiful harvest that I adore.
The lychee tree towers over our house, with its sprawling branches providing shade during the summer. Despite its height, the branches are not thick but are flexible and durable enough that I can climb it without fear of breaking. The trunk is rough to the touch, giving a coarse and bumpy feel. I can easily wrap my arms around its trunk as it’s not very wide. The roots aren’t large or invasive, only a few sprouting at the ground's surface.
The leaves of the lychee tree are a deep green, similar to those of the longan tree. In the autumn, the leaves start to change color, and by winter, they dry up and fall off. With the arrival of spring, new leaves sprout, and the tree bursts into lush greenery by summer. The tree’s tiny white flowers cluster together and are hidden beneath the foliage.
As the wind blows, these delicate petals drift to the ground, and when pollination occurs, tiny fruits begin to form. Over time, the lychees grow larger. The skin of the fruit is not smooth but slightly rough to the touch. Lychee, a quintessential summer fruit, feels warm compared to other fruits. Yet, its irresistible fragrance and sweet, thick flesh make it a favorite for many.
Every year, our family harvests a large crop of lychees, with clusters hanging heavy from the branches. Sometimes, my father ties the branches to prevent them from breaking under the weight. Everyone in our family loves lychees, and when the fruit ripens, my mother picks the largest, roundest bunches to place on the ancestral altar, honoring the care and love my grandfather put into cultivating the tree. Each time I gaze at the lychee tree, it brings back fond memories of him.


4. The Custard Apple Tree by the Pond
My garden is home to many fruit trees, including custard apple, mango, guava, and jackfruit. But among them, my favorite is the custard apple tree by the pond.
This tree grows right next to the pond, thriving in the moist environment. Its branches are lush and provide a generous shade over a corner of the garden. The leaves are shaped like an egg, about the width of three of my fingers, light green, thin, and grow alternately. The trunk of the tree is as thick as an adult's calf, and the branches are brown and slightly thicker than my arm. After the gentle spring rains, the tree begins to sprout new buds.
The buds give rise to small, pea-like flowers that bloom in early March, just as spring sunlight fills the garden. The flowers are a soft green, with five petals surrounding a long stem, resembling dragon claw or magnolia flowers, though simpler and more modest. The scent is subtle, not as strong as magnolia, but soft and delicate, like the fragrance of betel nut or grapefruit. This gentle aroma attracts bees and butterflies to the tree.
By April and May, the tree begins to bear fruit. The custard apples grow larger each day, with the first ones being the older fruits and the smaller ones the younger ones. The fruit has a bumpy green skin that resembles a turtle shell. The branches are heavy with these fruits, which continue to grow under the warm sun and light rain of late spring and early summer.
By early July, the fruits ripen, and the bumps on the skin become more pronounced. My grandmother calls this stage "open-eyed custard apples." The ripe fruits emit a light, sweet fragrance that fills the house. My mother always selects the largest fruits to give to my grandmother, who always saves one for me. When we cut the fruit open, the white flesh is tender, like young jackfruit, with thick, sweet layers surrounding the dark seeds. The taste is a sharp, sugary sweetness, much like rock candy.
I love this tree because it brings delicious and nutritious fruits to everyone. I will continue to take care of it with great care.


5. The Banana Tree
Spring has arrived, bringing the gentle spring rain. The banana leaves joyfully raise their green hands to the sky, welcoming the misty rain.
The banana leaves shimmer with a jade-like glow. In my grandmother's garden by the fish pond, my uncle Chiêm planted many banana trees, most of which are short bananas. The mother banana, the baby bananas, the older ones, and the younger ones all grow together, protecting and sheltering one another as they greet the rain and sun.
The banana stems are round, with layers of sheaths tightly coiled around them. The outer layers are dark and either blackish or pale green. The leaves grow evenly at the top of the tree, each one varying in size and shape, like dark silk or vibrant green fabric swaying in the wind. The new banana bud rolls up into a giant green brush, constantly swaying as though painting the sky.
Small banana plants nestle beside the mother plant, with deep purple leaves always seeming to listen to the chatter of a pair of birds. The garden blooms with flowers in deep purple or bright red, peeking from the top of the tree, either pointed or fully open. Small, light yellow banana clusters begin to appear. Whenever I visit the garden, I see bees and butterflies flying around, collecting nectar from the flowers.
Some of the banana trees are so bent under the weight of their clusters of bananas, with dozens of bunches hanging down, each fruit the size of a young child’s wrist. The older banana leaves fold down like a mother’s hands, shielding her young. My grandmother relies on her garden for food, especially the banana trees. She cooks with green bananas to make noodle soups and serves ripe bananas on the family altar. The ripe bunches are saved for her grandchildren.
Every year, she harvests dozens of banana bunches, selling hundreds of ripe bananas. The humble banana tree has repaid the loving care my grandmother has given it. As I lie in bed at night, I often listen to the whispers of the banana garden.


6. The Lychee Tree of My Homeland
I adore my hometown, with its rows of lush lychee trees.
In my village, lychees grow in gardens, in front of houses, behind them, and along both sides of the road. As spring arrives, with gentle rain falling, everything seems to awaken, and the lychee tree is no different. It happily sheds the last of its winter leaves with the breeze, drinking in the spring rain, unfurling new, soft, green shoots. Once it has soaked up the rain, the tree begins to flower. The fragrant flowers bloom in clusters, attracting swarms of bees buzzing around.
As time passes, the flowers fall around the base, but on the branches, small lychees begin to form. Initially, the fruit and the flesh are indistinguishable, all a pure white. Gradually, the seed and flesh separate, and the seed darkens. By mid-summer, the lychees ripen, with clusters of sweet, juicy fruits. The children, including myself, eagerly enjoy the sweet taste of the lychees.
Come, experience the taste of the lychees. But as you savor their deliciousness, remember that it is the lychee tree that provides this gift. The tree works diligently, quietly offering its essence to the world. Lychees can be used as medicine, and their seeds can be turned into alcohol. The tree doesn’t require fertile soil or abundant water; it can sprout and remain green even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Oh lychee tree, I hold you in great affection. I admire your strength, your carefree spirit.


7. The Peach Plum Tree (also known as the 'Roi' Tree)
In my garden, I have many fruit trees, but the one I love most is the peach plum tree, or 'roi' tree, which my grandmother planted when I was in first grade.
The tree stands about six to seven meters tall, with a thick canopy that provides shade over a wide patch of land. Its roots dig deep into the soil, drawing nutrients to nourish the tree. The trunk is dark brown, thick and round like my father's calf. The bark feels rough in places and cracked in others. The main trunk splits into two large branches, from which many smaller branches spread out, covered in lush green leaves.
The leaves are oval-shaped, with new leaves having a glossy brown hue that shimmers like silk, nestled among the dark green canopy, creating a dense and vibrant appearance. Hidden among the leaves are clusters of plum flowers. The white blossoms, with their long pistils, are quite beautiful. I enjoy watching the clusters of plums growing in pairs, threes, and fours. The plums are bell-shaped, initially green, then turning a ripe, enticing pink-red when fully mature!
Perhaps that's why they are called 'peach plums.' The plums on my tree have small seeds and thick flesh, with a taste that is both sweet and crisp. My family loves the tree, not just for its delicious fruit, but also because it provides shade for our garden. Occasionally, I go to the tree’s base, pick up the fallen leaves, and savor the unforgettable sweetness of the peach plums.


8. A Description of the Starfruit Tree in My House
When spring arrived, my father brought home a small starfruit tree, barely reaching my shoulder. He said: “It would be perfect to plant a starfruit tree this spring.” That’s why I was so eager to welcome the new “member” of our family.
The starfruit variety my father bought is sweet and was purchased from Nam Dinh. In Nam Dinh, all trees are delicious and produce a lot of fruit. At first, the starfruit tree looked thin and had no branches or leaves. Everyone doubted if it could survive. But my father planted it in a corner of the garden and tended to it every day. My father said: “When I was young, I was weak too, but my parents took good care of me. This starfruit tree should be no problem.” Encouraged by this, my father and I decided to nurture the tree into a healthy one.
Every morning and evening, I would water the tree, while my father would occasionally fertilize it, remove pests, and trim its branches. Before long, the tree started sprouting tiny new buds. Initially, these were small, but soon they grew into branches, which began to sprout leaves. Eventually, one branch gave rise to many new shoots. After more than five months of care, the starfruit tree had grown taller than my father, its branches swaying gracefully in the wind, looking wonderful. Large clusters of small, purple-pink flowers began to bloom. After a few months, fruits started to appear, and we could harvest them after around three months of growth. The starfruits, plump and golden, looked incredibly inviting.
The starfruit from our tree tastes sweet and refreshing, unlike the ones bought from the market. That’s why my family only eats the fruits from our tree. Even though the tree has grown, my father still takes care of it. Every few months, he fertilizes and applies lime to the base of the tree to prevent pests. On hot afternoons, sitting under the tree’s shade, watching its leaves dance in the breeze while enjoying the sweet starfruit is simply delightful.


9. An essay describing the coconut tree
Every time I return to my hometown, from a distance, I can already spot the sight of tall coconut trees swaying gently in the breeze. Seeing this always moves me deeply.
The coconut trees are planted along the riverbank, guiding the way into the village. The trees are towering, taller than any other foliage in the village. The large coconut fronds spread out with many long, narrow leaves, resembling the lush hair of a young maiden in her prime. The coconuts hang beneath the leaves, containing sweet, refreshing water—a thirst-quenching drink that the children eagerly desire more than any sugary beverage.
The coconut tree is deeply embedded in the daily life of the villagers, who take great care to use every part of the tree. The coconut water, pulp, and flesh are enjoyed as is, and they can be used to make delicious treats like coconut jam, coconut candy, or even cooked with meat. The leaves are used to color sweets, wrap food, or dry the entire frond to thatch roofs. Even the trunk, husk, and dried leaves are used as firewood. The children play joyfully under the shade of the tree, racing to climb to its top and happily gazing at the world beyond the village.
I hold the coconut tree in great affection. To me, it is like a cherished companion. No matter where I go, I will always remember its tall and serene presence.


10. An essay describing the pineapple plant
In my garden, there are two rows of vibrant green pineapples. This is a fruit I absolutely love, so my mother took the time to plant and care for them herself.
The pineapple plant grows in clusters. Its roots are small but densely packed in large bunches, anchoring the plant firmly in the ground and allowing it to absorb plenty of nutrients. From the base, a main stem grows. What’s unique is that the pineapple leaves emerge directly from the stem near the base, making it look like they grow from the root itself. The leaves resemble banana leaves, measuring about 30 to 50 cm in length and only about two to three finger-widths wide. They have a gentle curve but are actually quite thick and sturdy. The edges of the leaves are serrated and sharp, which can cause cuts if you brush against them. The central vein is very strong, making it difficult to break the leaves.
The pineapple’s stem continues to grow longer as the plant develops, with more leaves sprouting along the stem to cover it. This growth slows when the plant starts to produce fruit. The pineapple, also known as the 'sweet fruit' or 'soursop' in some areas, grows at the very top of the plant. By this stage, the plant usually reaches about knee-height. The pineapple has a rough, unattractive skin covered in sharp eyes, much like its leaves. The crown of leaves atop the fruit resembles a small crown. A pineapple plant typically bears only one fruit at a time. Once the fruit reaches the size of a teapot and turns golden, it is ready to be harvested, and the plant is uprooted. The crown from the top of the fruit is used to grow a new plant. As for the taste, pineapple is wonderfully tangy, subtly sweet, and very easy to eat without ever getting tired of it.
To me, pineapple is the best fruit. The process of growing and caring for them is simple, and I plan to learn from my mother how to tend to our family’s pineapple patch.


11. Essay about describing a dragon fruit plant
My grandfather has a large dragon fruit plant in the corner of the garden. Every year, the plant produces a lot of fruit.
The dragon fruit plant has a very unique structure, completely different from other fruit trees. It only has a single stem, with no branches or twigs. The stem looks like a cactus, cylindrical with four angular sides running along its entire length. From the base, the stem grows long and straight like a pipe. The entire stem is green, but the base is darker than the top. Interestingly, the stem can grow as thick as an adult's arm. My grandfather built a sturdy cement post, about 2 meters high, and planted five dragon fruit plants around the base. He used steel wires to guide the plants to grow vertically along the post. The upper parts of the plant are left to grow freely, swaying as they wish. When I was little, I used to think that the dragon fruit plant had a spread-out canopy like a coconut tree.
The stem of the dragon fruit plant has indentations along its angular sides. At these points, small spines grow. These spots are where dragon fruit flowers will bloom and fruit will develop. However, not every indentation on the stem will produce flowers.
The dragon fruit flower is similar to a queen of the night flower. The large white blossom looks like a cup, with many thick white petals stacked on top of each other. The flower's stem has several thin gray-white tendrils. When the flower fades, a small green dragon fruit appears at the base. As the fruit matures, spines start to grow around the fruit. When the skin of the dragon fruit turns pink, it means the fruit is ready for harvest.
I really love my grandfather's dragon fruit plant. Every time I visit his house, I go out to check on the plant and water it with him. When I grow up, I'll ask him for a cutting to plant in my garden.


12. Essay about describing a milk fruit tree
When I was in second grade, my father planted a milk fruit tree near the entrance of our house. Two years later, the tree bore its first crop of delicious, sweet fruit. This year, as the autumn breeze arrived, the milk fruit tree swayed with its round, green fruit shimmering in the wind.
The milk fruit tree stands more than four meters tall, with a wide canopy that provides shade over a corner of the yard. Its trunk is as thick as an adult's thigh. Higher up, the trunk narrows, and branches stretch outward, the bark dark brown and rough, cracked like dry, hardened mud.
The milk fruit branches are brittle and break easily, so when any branch carries too much fruit, my father uses a support pole to prop them up. The fruit, smooth and round, dangles from the branches like hundreds of small white-green balls, slowly turning ivory. The tree is so abundant with fruit that it sways in the breeze, its 'milk' pods looking visually appealing. The leaves of the milk fruit tree are a bit tough, with different colors on each side. The top is glossy and dark green, while the bottom has a reddish-brown hue. When you break a leaf, its sap can cause a painful burn. The sap is sticky like glue.
The milk fruit must ripen on the tree before it can be harvested. Unlike other fruits that can be picked when they're nearly ripe, milk fruit must be fully ripe on the tree because if harvested early, the fruit is full of sap and inedible. To check if it’s ripe, gently press the fruit until it feels slightly soft before cutting it off. The fruit's flesh is distinct, with a firm, fibrous interior surrounding a dark seed, and an outer layer that is soft, thick, and sweet. Milk fruit is known to be hot in nature, so it’s best not to eat too much at once, even though it tastes so good.
With just one milk fruit tree, our family enjoys fresh fruit that we offer to our ancestors and share with neighbors and relatives. My father takes care of the tree, fertilizing it with potassium and watering it regularly, ensuring it bears large, sweet, and beautiful fruit. In the evening, I stand at the porch, admiring the tree with its full, round fruits hanging from the branches.
I love the milk fruit tree my father planted, especially when it’s laden with fruit. Helping my father water the tree is a joy for me. He is also happy when we work together to care for the tree. Not only does the milk fruit tree provide delicious fruit, but it also shades the yard. The wind blows through the tree, its leaves rustling as if they’re conversing, and the whole scene brings a peaceful, rural tranquility.


13. The jackfruit tree in my grandparents' garden
Last summer, I went to visit my maternal grandparents and saw the jackfruit tree they planted long ago. It had started to bear a heavy load of fruit, making the tree look very appealing and attractive.
I stood still, admiring the tree. Its trunk was quite large, about the size of my outstretched arms, with a dark brown color that made me feel small standing next to it. The branches were full of leaves, spreading out wide and casting a cool shadow over one corner of the garden. Beneath the tree, my grandfather had placed a small swing, just for my sibling and me. On those hot summer days, sitting under the tree provided a welcome sense of relief, and we felt at ease.
The jackfruit leaves were large, thick, and deep green. The front side was shiny, while the back side was a lighter green. From the trunk, small green jackfruits started to grow. At first, they were tiny, about the size of a cup, and gradually grew larger until they reached the size of my grandmother's teapot. When ripe, the skin changed to a darker shade. Despite the rough, spiky exterior, the inside was incredibly fragrant and delicious.
When the jackfruit ripened, its sweet fragrance spread across the entire garden. The scent filled the house, and I eagerly urged my grandfather to go check the tree. With a warm smile, he went to the tree, gently cut the fruit, and cradled it in his arms. He was so pleased that the tree he had planted years ago was now providing fruit for his grandchildren. When he cut the fruit open, the golden flesh, interspersed with strands of fiber, looked incredibly inviting. The aroma grew even stronger as the fruit was opened.
Our whole family gathered on the porch, eating jackfruit and chatting together. The sweet and fragrant flesh of the fruit made everyone praise its delicious taste. The seeds of the jackfruit could be boiled or roasted, and they tasted rich and wonderful.
On those hot summer afternoons, I loved lying under the jackfruit tree, listening to my grandmother's stories while watching my grandfather trim the branches. The broad canopy provided shade and comfort, making it a perfect place to relax. I hope that every year, I will have the chance to return to my grandparents' home and enjoy harvesting fruits from their garden with them.


14. The guava tree at the end of the garden
Our garden has many kinds of plants, but my favorite is the guava tree at the far end of the garden.
From a distance, the guava tree looks like a giant umbrella. The trunk is thick, strong, and grows upright. The base of the tree is larger than the trunk and has a rough texture. The tree’s roots stretch deep into the soil like worms, absorbing nutrients and sending them upward to nourish the tree. The leaves are large, smooth, and have prominent veins. The guava tree’s leaves are a soft, refreshing green in spring, but turn dark green as winter approaches. When the wind blows through, the rustling leaves seem to whisper something to me.
The guava fruits are round, large, and grow in clusters. The seeds are small and gathered in the center of the fruit. The guavas have a sweet fragrance, and when you bite into them, they taste delicious and are packed with vitamins. Occasionally, a few larks come to catch worms and sing happily. The guava tree not only provides us with shade to play under, but also gives us fruits to enjoy.
I love the guava tree so much, and every day I make sure to take good care of it. The guava tree is my dearest friend, and when I grow up, I will always remember the memories of it.


15. The mango tree in our garden
Our garden has a variety of fruit trees, each with its own unique features and uses. But my favorite is the mango tree because it holds the most memories for me.
The mango tree in our garden is very tall. The trunk is as wide as my arms can reach, and the branches are full of lush green leaves that form a cool, leafy umbrella. The mango leaves are sturdy, large, and longer than a remote control, staying green throughout the year. In the summer, the tree begins to flower and bear fruit. The flowers are small, ivory white, and grow in long clusters, similar to the flowers of the sea almond tree. The young mangoes resemble tiny jade marbles.
As time passes, the mangoes grow larger and look as playful as a group of chicks. The fruits grow in clusters, starting with tender green stems that turn yellow when ripe. Ripe mangoes are so delicious! Their juices are abundant, sweet, and irresistible. The first mangoes of the season always bring excitement to everyone.
I often find myself daydreaming about the day the mangoes ripen. There’s nothing better than enjoying the fruits of the tree that my family and I have nurtured together.
I always hope that the tree remains healthy and that it produces many delicious fruits each year for our family to enjoy. I love our mango tree!


