An Amaltas in the front yard!
I have a very special amaltas/kanni konna story! Over our main gate was an arch that was covered with the very charming Madhumalati creeper. It was a wrought iron gate, big enough for a car and a half and had two pillars on either side. On the left was a neem tree and on the right side a bougainvillea in a fabulous orange shade, that I have rarely come across later. Over the years the arch slowly became irreparable. The madhumalati shifted to a pergola inside the garden. Then Papa wanted a flowering tree in the front yard, near the gate, such that he could see it from the verandah! Our verandah provided a tiny sitting area with a swing and two garden chairs and was a favourite with everyone! The gul mohur was a bit further in and seen much better when one was outdoors. What a dilemma! I suggested the amaltas! I was always fond of the golden yellow flowers that looked like jhumkas, chandelier earrings that looked so pretty! So, we went to the local nursery and got a sapling! ...