As Syria's conflict continues, across the border refugees fleeing the war are laying down roots in Jordan's desert. Around 200 gardens have sprouted up, turning the barren landscape of the world's second most water-scarce country green. Green fingers at the Zaatari camp in northern Jordan. Children living in this refugee camp are gardening in what has become their back yard. For most of the 80,000 residents (79,299 according to UNHCR), Zaatari is a dramatic departure from the urban lifestyle they once lived. Gardens have been created to offer some resemblance of the life the Syrian refugees left behind. Zeyad Al Hoshan built his fountain with the help of his eldest son to offer a sense of normality for him and his family. "I've tried to create something that can always remind me of my home in Syria. Even the bricks we are siting on now, these were like the ones used in the summer gatherings in my house in Syria," says Al Hoshan. For Al Hoshan and his family gardening has become a colourful antidote to the dusty desert plains. Olive trees are not only planted for peace, but also to try and bring a sense of normality back to the lives of refugees - many of whom are longing to return home. Adham Al Khamees fled to Jordan over a year-and-a-half ago with his family of six, and has found gardening very fulfilling. "I think it's that when I plant something and I see it grow, seeing the green come to live in this desert scene, to me that's an achievement. I'm an employee here and when I return home from work, before I drink water I go water the garden I prefer to water the plants, than when I drink water myself. These plants have a soul, just like me and I'm sure they were thirsty too," says Al Khamees. Children here are also getting involved in gardening too. Over a year ago, non-governmental organisation (NGO) Save the Children began special classes as part of their informal education programme. Mohammad Abu Farha, who runs gardening workshops, says planting trees and flowers seems to have had a dramatic impact on the children's behaviour and psychosocial well being. "When the children started participating in this programme, the change was very noticeable, they were much less violent and much less aggressive, they started building new friendships, the positive change was visible. The programme had a positive impact on their lives, and to them it is one of the most effective psychosocial activities," he explains. "The beauty of this programme is that you are building something with your own hands and that is the beauty of gardening, it allows you to see the results right in front of you, this gives the children a new hope for their lives." Syrian refugee Jamal fled the conflict over a year ago. He's been taking part in gardening classes. "Since the day I started gardening at the centre, I realise planting comforts me. I didn't know how to garden till I came here. I went back home with some seeds and also planted an olive tree, then cabbage, coriander, parsley, I felt a big relief and it improved my well-being. Gardening gives you the chance to start over," he says. Caring for these plants does have its challenges and with Jordan being the second most water scarce county in the world, according to the United Nations' Ministry of Water and Irrigation, providing the necessary resources is not always possible. But for now, the gardens of Zaatari represent an oasis in the desert. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/0cc83ee6d55464861645be67c3357066 Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork

• published: 03 Aug 2015
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