In Pakistan—especially in Sindh—we’re only familiar with a few common types of flowers: the rose, jasmine, marigold, and a handful of others. But in Sweden, there are hundreds of flower varieties, readily available in large flower shops.
By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden
Gul ahree tarah pya hawa meen ludan, ko haa pyo kare ko na pyo kare
(Like whispers in the wind, the flowers swayed — some said yes, some said nothing at all.)
Human beings have diverse hobbies. Some find joy in cooking, others in reading. Some are drawn to playing musical instruments, while others love wandering through forests and hills. Then there are those who step out just to catch a glimpse of different birds.
Although the flower business continues throughout the year in Sweden, it reaches its peak as soon as summer arrives.
In Pakistan—especially in Sindh—we’re only familiar with a few common types of flowers: the rose, jasmine, marigold, and a handful of others. But in Sweden, there are hundreds of flower varieties, readily available in large flower shops.
These flower shops are quite massive and offer much more than just flowers. You’ll find all kinds of pots, gardening tools, watering cans and sprays, seeds, and all sorts of accessories for gardening enthusiasts. It’s rare to find a home or apartment that doesn’t have flowers inside or outside.
A quick look at the balconies, adorned with blooming plants, reveals the extent of people’s passion for gardening.
Experts say that growing flowers or plants at home significantly reduces stress.
The whole journey—from planting to blossoming—is captivating. It lifts one’s mood and maintains emotional balance. Not only that but plants and flowers also improve the air quality inside homes. More importantly, they bring us closer to nature—even while indoors.
Most flowers available in Sweden are local or grown within the country, but during the harsh winter months, when extreme cold and snow make it hard for flowers to bloom, the demand is met through imports.
Many flowers are imported from countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, the Netherlands, and parts of South America.
The Netherlands is the largest flower exporter in the world and earns significant revenue through this trade. Globally, the rose still reigns as the most beautiful and fragrant flower—holding the top spot in both love and sales.
In my view, whether grown for personal pleasure or business, the cultivation of flowers and plants is an evergreen pursuit that will never fade.
In Sweden, when people travel or go on vacation, they usually assign someone—like a neighbor or relative—the duty of watering their flowers.
Some flowers are even edible. In South Asia, for instance, we make Gulkand (rose petal jam). But in many other countries, flowers are used in salads, drinks, jellies, soups, and garnishing. They’re also used for dyeing fabrics, producing natural colors, and making medicines.
Different nations even have national flowers. For instance, Pakistan’s national flower is chambeli (jasmine), while Sweden honors the Campanula rotundifolia, although Linnaea borealis is also held in high regard.
A fascinating aspect of history is the concept of “Floriography”—the language of flowers.
It was a secret mode of communication through floral arrangements, used especially in societies where open expression of emotions was frowned upon. Those who understood this floral code could read the message hidden in the choice, color, and arrangement of the flowers.
A few days ago, I visited a large flower store in Sweden to buy some flowers for my home. As I stood there, surrounded by colors and fragrances, a memory of Phool Gali (Flower Street) in Hyderabad suddenly came rushing back. It made me smile.
Standing among so many beautiful blooms, my heart filled with joy. And in that moment, the beautiful verse sung by Mumtaz Lashari echoed in my mind:
Gul ahree tarah pya hawa meen ludan, ko haa pyo kare ko na pyo kare “Like whispers in the wind, the flowers swayed — some said yes, some said nothing at all.”
Closing Note:
In every corner of the world, flowers remain silent messengers of beauty, emotion, and connection. Whether growing in wild meadows, pots on balconies, or memories of old streets, they remind us to stay gentle, bloom in our own time, and add color to the lives of others.
May your days be filled with the soft grace of flowers swaying in the breeze!
Read: Silver Mine: Into the Depths of Time
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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.
