Gardener of Souls

Aromatic sweet peas in Spring

Gardening is somewhat like teaching, I discovered.

Every plant is different and has specific needs. Whether it is an annual or a perennial, a native or a non-native; its preference for full sun or shade, moist or well-drained soil, alkaline or acidic soil, which are its better companions etc (the list goes on), the experienced and knowledgeable gardener understands the plant's needs, knows where to place the plant in the garden and how to care for it such that it will flourish. It is both an art and a science.

Similarly, every student is unique and has to be mentored in a way that helps him or her fulfil his/her greatest potential.

The human potential is limitless but unfortunately, the school systems designed by man can only do so much. Moreover, it is an impossible task to give personal attention to every individual student with the normal class size of 30 or more students.

A beautiful garden thrives with diversity. If a single type of plant is grown in the same plot year after year, the yields will decrease as the same nutrients in the soil are slowly depleted. However, when the gardener changes the plant type, adding good companion plants as well, soil health is improved and the new plants will regain their vigour.