Paper flowers

In the past, among all the flowers, bougainvillea was like a “Cinderella”; its stem was rough, its thorns were sharp, and it had no scent, so few people paid attention to it. People planted it mainly to make fences, to protect small gardens. However, bougainvillea has the advantage of being very easy to grow! It does not need to be fertilized, just stick it in the ground and it will take root, and when exposed to sunlight, it will grow strongly, as if it was born to live in the harsh sun and wind of the Central region.

Báo Phú Yên•13/04/2025

Paper flowers. Photo: YEN LAN

Then, somehow, bougainvillea suddenly “upgraded” in a spectacular way. About ten years ago, imported bougainvillea varieties with a variety of brilliant colors began to appear. From gentle pink, fiery orange, faithful purple... to pure white like the first snow of the season, bougainvillea suddenly became the “star” of gardens and fences. People began to cherish, care for it, trim it into unique shapes, turning it into vivid works of art.

From the gates of townhouses, the walls of offices to the luxurious resorts, bougainvillea appears everywhere, as if it has just “acquired” a new dress and is showing off its beauty. The delicate flower clusters, layered like tissue paper, gently sway in the wind, making anyone who sees them flutter.

For me, bougainvillea is also associated with childhood memories. My house used to have a bougainvillea trellis that grew so fast that my father had to build a sturdy trellis for it to have a place to “climb”. So, that bougainvillea trellis not only provided shade but also became the “cultural center” of the neighborhood. Neighbors often gathered under the trellis in the late afternoon, sipping tea and chatting about all sorts of things. As for kids like me, we took advantage of the afternoon nap under the flower canopy, on an old stone bench made from a collapsed wall. The hot summer afternoons, the cheerful laughter, the rustling of leaves, and the falling petals like a rain of color… all became an unforgettable part of my childhood.

Nowadays, bougainvillea has even “invaded” social networks. Colorful bougainvillea walls have become ideal “virtual living” check-in spots for young people. From small, idyllic alleys to romantic cafes, bougainvillea appears everywhere, as if it were telling the world: “I am no longer Cinderella, I am the queen of the streets!”

Bougainvillea, from a simple plant, has now become a symbol of simplicity and vitality. It does not need a strong fragrance, nor does it need elaborate care, just a little sunlight, a little water is enough to bloom. Looking at the brilliant bougainvillea trellis, I suddenly realized that sometimes true beauty does not need to be ostentatious, but just quietly shines in its own way...

Source: https://baophuyen.vn/van-nghe/202504/hoa-giay-59d3ee6/