There is also a small grove of some other kind of tree in the part of the base where the local Afghans operate their shops on Camp Nathan Smith. I often saw Afghan men sitting together, shoes off, enjoying tea and camaraderie or napping away an afternoon stretched out on a slightly raised platform under those little trees. I never really stopped to look at the grove closely...somehow it felt mildly intrusive, so I made more of a forest perusal in passing than a tree by tree examination. At any rate, the carefully tended gardens on Camp Nathan Smith are quite lovely. Near the Afghan dwellings in the heart of the base, a lush, fragrant and long established rose garden flourishes. The main stocks of the rose bushes are at least 2 inches thick. Color me flabbergasted! The first time I saw it, I had to be literally dragged away. My color and scent starved senses remain thrilled to have found roses blooming in this harsh and inhospitable environment. They insisted I that all future meanderings, whether from office to warehouse, from DFAC to tent, even trips out to the ubiquitous little green house (portolet) be routed via garden or grove.
The roses are wonderful! I think if people want rose gardens it is easier to make their own than wait for somebody to promise them one:)
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