At 63 years old, Roela Koroimarama embodies the enduring beauty and resilience of the flowers she loves.

Originally from Namosi Village in Namosi, Roela is married and settled in Narata village in Nadroga and resides in the agricultural haven of Nakavika settlement.

Her passion for flowers is a hobby and a way of life that has become an integral part of her identity.

"I love planting flowers very much, they bring beauty and joy to my life, and the flowers we plant around our homes beautify our compounds," she said.

Every Saturday, Roela can be found at the bustling market in Sigatoka, where she sells various vegetables and root crops. However, her vibrant collection of flowers truly captivates the market-goers.

Roela carries a basket filled with flowers, each priced at three to five dollars.

“I am also a market vendor and I sell my crops and vegetables from the farm. This is also an opportune time for me to sell my flowers, and it sells. The combination of fresh produce and vibrant flowers always draws customers in."

The money collected from the sale of these flowers is usually given to the church collection, a testament to her unwavering faith and generosity.

Roela's journey with flowers began with a simple desire to beautify her surroundings.

Whenever she visited her village in Namosi, she would ask for flowers from the front of houses. These flowers, collected from various homes in Namosi Koro, would then find a new home in her garden.

Despite the challenges posed by the intense heat, which sometimes causes her flowers to wither or die, Roela remains undeterred.

"I never get discouraged and replace the wilted and dying flowers with new ones," she says with determination.

Her daily routine involves waking up early and walking around her flowers, complimenting them on their beauty. When she has to travel far, she even bids farewell to her flowers, asking them to wait for her return.

However, Roela's journey has not been without its share of heartache. Her cherished potted plants, including orchids and anthuriums, have been stolen on several occasions.

"When my pots are stolen, it hurts me. But I always hope the stolen flowers thrive well," she added.

Despite these setbacks, Roela continues to love flowers and sells them at the market. Roela's passion extends beyond her garden. She has future plans to encourage the women of Nakavika to plant more flowers around their homes and along the roadsides.

"Having flowers in front of a home is sometimes seen as a sign of care and attention, but not everyone may have the space, time, or interest to plant them," she says, emphasizing the importance of beautifying one's surroundings.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways recently held a flower arrangement training for floriculture farmers in the Nadroga/Navosa province and this further fueled Roela's passion.

She dreams of establishing a nursery with various types of flowers, a future plan that she is diligently working towards.

"The two days floriculture training that was held on the 11th and 12th of February and the field visit to My Nursery encourages me to plant more flowers," she says, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.

Her advice to women is simple yet profound.

"If you don't plant anything, especially flowers, you are missing a source of income. You can learn how to arrange flowers, making your home look beautiful, neat, and well-maintained."

Her story is one of perseverance, passion, and the transformative power of nature. Through her love for flowers, she not only beautifies her surroundings but also inspires others to find joy and purpose in the simple act of planting.

-ENDS-

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