Jean Bosco worked in rural development in Rwanda – before the war that tore the country apart. As the strife between Tutsis and Hutus was occurring, he was representing his government here in Germany. As a member of both ethnic groups, it was impossible for him to return home.

For the past four weeks, Jean Bosco has been trying to grow “lenga lenga”, a spinach-like plant native to his homeland of Rwanda in his plot at the International Garden. There is grows like a weed, but in Germany, snails, slugs and dry soil are making things tough for this otherwise robust plant.

For Jean, working in the garden is a way to keep a connection to his roots, and to his parents, who were lost in the war.

Report: Kateri Jochum