 The branches of the Araliya trees that line the pathways of the BMICH gardens in Colombo are strangely bare. The few remaining leaves are twisted and discoloured with disease. These trees are almost as old as the property itself, and have beautified it with their distinctive white flowers for over 25 years. However, now it is uncertain whether these trees will survive, having fallen prey to a pest that is rapidly spreading in different parts of the country – particularly Colombo and its suburbs. Apart from Araliya, other plants such as papaya, guava and other fruit and vegetable cultivations have also been affected.
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In the ’70s, the distinguished architect Geoffrey Bawa threw a big garden party at his sprawling and celebrated home, Lunuganga. Taking his guests on a tour of his home and garden, he made an expansive gesture that seemed to suggest the surrounding countryside was an extension of his own grand property. Indeed, he was lord of his domain and beyond, proprietorial about almost everything in sight, all the way up to the green horizon. He then proudly told his guests about a small correction he had recently made to the view.