KOLLAM: The Kanikonna flowers at the prayer room of Balachandran's house at Pathanapuram is a feast to the eyes. Balachandran, who does gardening under the name 'Puzhayoram', planted a golden shower(kanikonna) tree ten years ago to grow as a bonsai. The manure applied includes cow dung and coir pith and pruning of the branches resulted in its maintenance.

It first bloomed during the last Vishu season when it was one and a half feet tall. Announcing the arrival of Vishu, it started flowering earlier this year. The garden has bonsai trees including peepal, flour, tamarind and water apple trees. Balachandran was a fire and safety teacher in Kottarakkara and is currently working in the field of landscaping. Wife, retired teacher Geethakumari and their children Krishnendu and Pournami are happy with the blossoming. On the day of before Vishu, the pot will be are shifted to the prayer room and then kanni is arranged.

"I did not expect so many flowers to bloom in this bonsai konna. More seedlings will be planted.", said K.Balachandran