Our Return from Hunza

After a mild and quite often a pleasant month of May, we are currently going through a hot and belligerent June. This month, which overlaps the Hindu month of Jeth (Taxila used to be a Hindu dominated agricultural area before the partition of subcontinent and the local population still uses Hindu calendar especially in relation to agriculture) is synonymous with dust storms and howling winds, which cause a lot of small size lychee fruit and ripe Apricot to fall to the ground but this is part of life at the farm. Falling of unhealthy Lychee may not be altogether unwanted as it leads subsequently to a healthier harvest. The dawn breaks these days just after 4 AM and it's extremely pleasant to step out in the open at that time. The wind is cool in the face and one can listen to many a singing birds. The colours generated by the profusely blossoming Casia Nodosa, Panoramio Vine and BeautyVine are quite enchanting and awe inspiring at this time of the year.

         Casia Nodosa Tree                          Casia Nodosa Flowers                           Panoramio Vine

            Beauty Vine

Just as the Apricot season is coming to end, Plum is getting ready. Even though the fruit is still green on most of the trees, it is maturing and changing colour from green to maroonish red. Birds especially the one with long tail (Jungle Crow / Greater Coucal / Common Crow Pheasant) are having a feast time on ripened fruit. This is all very much acceptable as the birds too must have a share in the bounty. A large number of many a kind live at our farm and make our life exceedingly pleasant. Without them it could indeed be stale and boring. we notice the size of Lychee Fruit is enlarging day after day. Even though it is still green, it is quite visible to the naked eye from a distance.

            Green Lychee                               A Bunch of Lychees

The month of June brings a variety of vegetables too!. We began having the first of Peppers (green chillies and pomento) and Okra. Aubergine (Brinjal or Egg Plant) and Tomatoes too are not far behind either.There will be more on them in the next edition of this blog.  

            Green Chillies                                   Okra (Ladies Fingers)                                Pomento