People would often look for different amenities when it comes to transient accommodation; a garden is the least that they would look for.

“You never forget the first time,” as they say. I never did. It was the usual freezing night in Baguio when I first visited the Leonie Lodge’s garden.

At first glance, the garden looks small because of the plants surrounding it. It also only has one table with two benches that fit four people. Two extra cushioned chairs were also added to fit more people in the garden, but it only made the space smaller. During the night, it has only one working dim light.

As a person who lives in a hot province, it is my first time seeing some of the plants surrounding the Leonie Lodge’s garden. I also noticed how plants are in their perfect vibrant colors without withering due to extreme heat.

Despite the plants making the space look smaller, when you sit on one of the benches of the garden, you will be able to breathe the air these plants are radiating. Moreover, it will give you a feeling that you are part of them; a part of a tranquil tiny sanctuary amidst the busy city.

A single table with two benches in the center of the garden could barely fit a group of people. However, that is what makes it beautiful.

Since my first visit, I often come back to Leonie Lodge’s garden with my eight friends. The table holds our food, drinks, laptops, bags, among other things. While the table is fully occupied with our belongings, there am I and my friends trying to fit ourselves in the two benches connected to the table.

A single table and two cold benches are what kept us closer, literally. But being physically close in the little space that me and my friends shared made our relationship more intimate and made us connect deeper.

But why are my friends and I trying to fit ourselves in two benches when there are two extra cushioned chairs?

The two red and orange cushioned chairs give the garden a pop of color. It is where I first sat when I visited the garden. It is way more comfortable than sitting on a bench as it is soft and has a backrest.

Therefore, in our friend group, the two colorful cushioned chairs are reserved for people who need extra comfort and warmth. These chairs hold people in its delicate soft nature providing relaxing support.

As we often visit the garden at night, we have to settle in one working dim light. Even if we feel energetic, the dim light often makes us feel sleepy. Despite having a little source of light, one dim light provides us warmth and a cozy feeling of being home that causes us to feel relaxed as we stay in the garden.

But regardless of the space, light, weather, or number of plants, this little garden gives a warm welcoming embrace and serves as a safe haven for anyone.

Leonie Lodge’s garden has seen through me. I took the same breath the plants radiate, pulled an all-nighter sitting on the cold white bench, sat in the comfort cushioned chair, and battled my drowsiness from the dim light.

Most importantly, it did not only serve as a safe space for me. It brought me solace; a genuine loving friendship from the people I stepped in with in this garden.

I may not know a lot about plants for me to love this garden. But one thing is for sure, this little sanctuary has brought me solace that no other garden can ever give. For more contents like this, visit Hello Mnl.