Half And Half

Posted on September 22, 2026 by shobha

It’s the Autumnal Equinox today – equal parts summer and fall. That pretty much reflects my current state of mind. I’m half in summer and half in fall. The part that’s in summer wants to linger in the garden savoring the sights, smells and sounds of the season. Still ablaze in hot colors, the goldenrod, asters, nasturtiums, canna and dahlias insist that autumn isn’t upon us. But the drying seedpods of baptisia and amsonia, the green to creamy panicles of Hydrangea ‘limelight’ turning hues of dusty rose to burgundy and, the leaves of several shrubs and trees distinctly taking on the fiery shades of autumn say otherwise. Here I stand seduced by them all.

The weather lately has left me in doubt of which season is winning. In the cool and breezy air, leaves float and swirl from tree limbs to finally carpet my path as I take my morning walk. The hummingbirds have left and I’ve taken down the feeders – they sit clean and dry in anticipation of being called back to duty almost 6 months from now. All my work in the garden is focused on putting the garden to bed.

As I’ve already mentioned, the freestanding greenhouse was thoroughly washed, cleaned and had the insulation panels reinstalled. The propane fueled heater hiccuped when it was checked so that needs due attention.

This past week, I divided the auricula. This is a passion project – I adore auricula but have a lousy record of keeping them alive. I order them (twice), they arrive, get potted up, bloom and then, by midsummer they wilt and die. This year, my third attempt, I was determined to do better. The 6 plants not only bloomed prettily but continued to grow well. Before midsummer arrived, I moved them indoors where they’d enjoy the cooler, lower humidity and light levels. It seemed to work but then suddenly, 3 of them threw in the towel. Bummer. But the remaining 3 have been happy. So much so that I have had the privilege of dividing them – there are now 10 pots of auricula! They’ve been moved into the new greenhouse which is right off the kitchen. That means I get to check on them daily. I so desperately want to succeed in this endeavor. Do wish me luck.

In preparation for overwintering in the greenhouses, I’ve done a lot of trimming, clipping and repotting of plants. The geraniums both scented and fancy leaved have been cut back hard – the hope is that they will not get wild and leggy as they tend to get if merely trimmed.

Other plants such as the boxwood, myrtle, bay and lavender topiaries have all been given a good clipping to maintain their shapes and still other plants have received a severe cut back. It’s important that in their more streamlined state, they will enjoy better air circulation in their somewhat cramped winter quarters. Pots with annuals are being emptied and their entire contents will be added to the compost pile in the woods. Come spring, the mature compost at the bottom of said heap will fill the pots to once again nurture new annuals as well as enrich the veg patch. Recycling at its very basic best.

All the emptied pots as well as those with plants headed to the greenhouse will be ‘power’ washed. The former, once clean and dry, will be safely stored till next season and the latter, so they are as free of hitchhiking pests and other contaminants before entering the greenhouse. In both cases, its about practicing good horticultural hygiene.

With the glut of basil, there was just that much pesto I could make and freeze. So this year, I have also made basil salt – super easy to do. Wash and thoroughly dry the basil leaves. (No stems or blossoms as they tend to be a bit bitter). 4 cups basil leaves + 3 cups kosher salt. Give it a good whiz in the blender. Spread and flatten the mixture to a thin layer on a rimmed cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in preheated oven at 250 degrees for 25 – 30 minutes. It’ll come out really hard. Break it up and put the pieces once again into the blender till its a fine powder. Pour back onto the cookie sheet and let it cool completely. Fill clean, dry jars, label and store. Use to season any dish that could do with a touch of basil flavor.

I now have a few jars to give as gifts to some cooks in my life. Holiday season here I come!

Note: basil blossoms can be pickled with salt and vinegar to use wherever capers are called for in a recipe.

Nasturtium leaves with equal parts parsley make an excellent, peppery pesto. Make it as you would basil pesto but omit the Parmesan. Instead of pine nuts, use cashews.

I guess all of this means we have officially entered Fall. Till next year Summer.

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Tipping Points

Posted on September 15, 2026 by shobha

Ah! Summer is tipping into Fall. The afternoon light has subtly shifted to beaming lower and softer – like a gentle nudge to getting a head start on preparing for perhaps the busiest gardening season. Spring is busy but Fall is much more so.

I have responded accordingly. A tour around the entire garden led to a comprehensive to-do list of all that needs fixing, replacing, replanted, thinned out, divided, relocated and discarded. And I’ve gotten started!

The free-standing greenhouse in the back got its annual ablution. With all its winter occupants sitting elsewhere in the garden through spring and summer, it first got swept and vacuumed. Then the interior and exterior washing and scrubbing was done. My sore back is testimonial to that effort. It is however rather satisfying to see the greenhouse looking all sparkly clean.

Starting today, the insulation panels will be re-installed so by the time the weekend rolls in, the greenhouse will be very ready to receive the first of its winter residents.

Those aforementioned residents will be trimmed/cut back, thoroughly cleaned (plant and pot), some will need repotting in bigger pots before being moved into the greenhouse. No hitchhiking pests permitted!

It’s also time to replace all the posts of the long Belgian fence espalier as well as the posts of the fence in front. Another big task and will probably need additional muscle power. Note to self – see if nephew living nearby is available.

Similarly, the old wood and chicken-wire frame that hides the A/C compressor and from which pots of herbs are attached has done its time. Building a new one was already started over this past weekend – frame is ready and it awaits staining and chicken wire stretched across. Installation will proceed once herb pots come down and the old fence taken out. The tricky part will be to keep intact the climbing hydrangea that grabs on to the chicken wire as the extrication is done. Fingers crossed.

I’ve mentioned the scourge of the spotted lantern flies and how hard they are to eliminate. I read recently that the common milkweed is toxic to the pests so having these already welcome native plants in the garden is one additional weapon in the fight. To add to the current arsenal, in went 10 Prairie and 2 butterfly milkweed plants in various parts of the garden. Certainly worth a shot.

Unlike the Tree of Heaven which is a spotted lanternfly (SLF) magnet, milkweed does not actually attract the pests. Its just that the Tree of Heaven and the SLF come from the same part of the world so they know each other. Plants native to these parts are unknown to the SLF so they indiscriminately try to feed on the plants they come across. Milkweed is toxic to many critters and the native ones know to stay away from it. Simple right?! Fingers and toes crossed.

Finally, bulb planting is imminent and I sincerely hope your order has already been put in. If, like me, you are partial to the snakes-head fritillaria F. meleagris, remember to site them in damp areas where they will be happy. Mind, damp not waterlogged. These lovelies do not like being dry. I have learned the hard way.

Get to work one and all!

Photos of the things mentioned above :

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Rewilding Or Dewilding?

Posted on September 8, 2026 by shobha

Increasingly, Rewilding is a term we’re reading or hearing about everywhere. It’s a call to get ‘looser’ in our gardens by planting pollinator friendly, mostly native plants in an unstructured style. The idea being that it will encourage not only the pollinators but also other biologically beneficial critters by way of providing both food sources and refuge. Bringing the wild back so to speak.

In principle, this is a sound move towards restoring well-balanced ecosystems, connecting our gardens to the larger landscape by supporting our native flora and fauna, and consequently benefiting the whole environment. From embracing an abundance of non-native/exotic plants that proved to be invasive and/or detrimental to native plants and animals to the use of chemicals to fertilize, fight weeds or fend off pests in the bid to manage immaculate, high maintenance gardens, gardeners have played their part in creating the environmental problem we find ourselves in right now.

Any and all efforts to make right the wrongdoing is good.

But, what exactly does rewilding imply? I’ve heard ‘experts’ cite the urgent need to redo the entire garden by getting rid of all non-native plants as well as elements that make the space too tidy and replacing with only native plants allowing them to grow as they will. Others have recommended we remove the non-native plants and let Nature take over and do as she is wont to do. According to some, even a tiny space can and should be rewilded.

Is rewilding then a matter of simply restoring the hitherto cultivated land to its original wild state?

In that case, I have to ask, then what exactly is the point of a garden at all? By its very definition and function, a garden is a piece of land manipulated by humans to provide food, beauty, solace, joy and certainly refuge from life’s myriad challenges. We might have strayed too far in our pursuit for perfection and oftentimes playing God to fulfill our ambitions for the best and most beautiful but, surely the antidote is not the abandonment of all manner of gardening to erase all evidence of a garden?

The making of a garden itself is a de-wilding of an environment is it not? Removing of existing undesirable plants, clearing and creating space for beds, paths, areas for play and sitting/dining. Gardens are for living – human living. This is true for both private and public gardens.

When I want to spend time in relatively untamed spaces, I go bird-watching in the woods, hiking on mountain trails, exploring the countryside. Even in all those natural places, I need the clarity of well-trodden paths to keep me from getting lost.

My own garden abuts a small woods. When we purchased it, the property had been quite neglected for over a year as the previous owner had relocated for his job. In that time, the woods had quietly and naturally advanced considerably into the untended garden. We had to use the surveyors map to determine what was legally ours. Much clearing and cutting had to happen before we could begin making our garden.

I mention this because it demonstrates that Nature is always ready to take over from us what was rightfully hers in the first place. Though mind you, many of the trees we had to remove were actually weeds left unchecked for so long that they had grown to become proper weed trees. So it isn’t as though important or ecologically valuable plants show up first. In rewilding, we must not only plant what we deem important but also manage them so they are not overrun by the opportunistic members of the plant world. To manage these lands is but another term for gardening – an activity invented by humans.

There is of course middle ground to be found. In simple terms we move away from overly controlling every bit of our outdoor spaces and allow in some other non-human players to express themselves. No more traditional lawns. Instead, diminish their size by creating more and/or larger beds of at least 70% native plants, planting more trees and, unconditionally surrender the pristine, green expanses of monoculture that guzzle fertilizer, water and pesticides to far more interesting and exciting blends of indigenous plants – they being hardy and resilient, require far less upkeep or intervention.

Let our gardens reflect how we live today – casual, comfortable, free of airs and graces. We’re also smart, modern, creative and friendly are we not? There you go – our gardens need no longer be formal, stuffy and anchored in trends and traditions that no longer serves us. Much like my “meadow”, lets go for fun, joyful, life affirming garden areas of controlled chaos.It’s liberating to go wild. Within limits of course!

This is actually a wonderful opportunity for each of us to get creative and express our individual styles and still collectively support the greater mission to reset the ecological balance whilst looking towards climate-change resilience and help bring back the earth and all her plant and animal inhabitants to good health.

From my own version of a rewilded garden –

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September Reset

Posted on September 1, 2026 by shobha

With summer winding down, vacations over and schools starting up once again, September gently nudges us to forgive ourselves for our negligence to stay on top of garden tasks and begin anew. A fresh opportunity to redeem ourselves.

Between the (often) horrid weather, going away on vacation and wanting to simply sit and enjoy the garden whenever the weather condescended to be good, I just about managed to get the requisite minimum done – weeding, the albeit inconsistent attempts at trimming plants to rmaintain some semblance of order and a spot of futile pest control of the spotted lantern flies.

Those beautiful beasts are thriving just about everywhere one looks. Gardens, car parks, streets … walls of buildings. Ugh. Nothing seems to eliminate them permanently. Our best bet are the birds but they’re rather slow in recognizing these critters as a a new source of protein.

This week I’m pressing reset – enough lolling about, procrastinating and indulging myself in yet another impromptu social gathering. I’m ready to get back to work in the garden. So here’s the order of pertinent chores.

September To-Do List –

1. Continue weeding.

2. Deadhead. Cut back anything that looks ragged or done for.

3. Mow the lawn less frequently.

4. Water judiciously.

5. Get leaf rakes, leaf bags and keep ready. Fall cometh!

6. Similarly, keep bulb planting necessaries like dibbler, bulb food, trowel, spade, etc., handy.

7. Continue harvesting vegetables. Remove plants that have given their all and toss on the compost heap.

8. Earmark plants whose seeds you want to save.

9. Stir compost thoroughly.

10. Plant in cool weather vegetables.

11. Take cuttings of plants you want to propagate and pot them up.

12. Check if fall blooming plants such as asters and chrysanthemums need staking.

13. Inspect garden for pests or disease. Take prompt action if detected. Organic practices only!

14. As days get shorter, make it a point to enjoy the garden as much as possible

Note: Last week I had the pleasure and privilege of visiting the studio of my friend artist Sourabh Gupta. From paper, clay and metal he creates exquisite botanicals that are amazingly lifelike. His work has adorned showstopping Met Gala garments, been featured a couple of times in the New York Times and other publications, installed in public spaces and hugely sought after by private collectors. I’m sharing some images of Sourabh’s work –

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Pest Control, Border Patrol

Posted on August 25, 2026 by shobha

All through the ages, gardeners and farmers have been contending with pests both big and small. What we choose to call a pest falls in two broad categories. The first corrals those insects and microbes that are typically not indigenous and destroy our native vegetation. Think Dutch Elm disease caused by a fungus and spread by elm bark beetles native to Asia. Or the emerald ash borer that feeds on ash species. In their own native habitats, both pests are kept in check by other bugs but here, with no such threat they multiply exponentially and cause rampant devastation.To this I venture to add invasive species of plants that have been introduced from elsewhere as they too decimate native plant populations.

The second category of pests are those that naturally eat certain plants that are important for their own survival. We consider them pests because they can ruin our gardens by chomping on leaves, consuming fruit before we can harvest them – generally competing with humans for the same food. The gardener is more likely to tolerate these pests. Up to a point of course. Squirrels and birds tend to get my apples and Concord grapes – I’m not happy when that happens but I understand. Similarly, one never gets upset when the milkweed looks ratty once the caterpillars of the Monarch butterfly start feasting on it. In fact, we tend to regard the beat up plants as a badge of honor and feel rather chuffed about supporting the wildlife.

So it’s really that first category of pests that we should well and truly be worried about. As is the case with most problems, prevention is far better than the cure. But, here we are grappling with Japanese stilt grass. Kudzu, Japanese beetles, stink bugs, ash borers, spotted lantern flies and myriad lethal microbes carried by insect vectors from other parts of the globe.

While we cannot put the genie back in the bottle, we can definitively do a reset. Firstly, in a bid to be different, jump on a trend and/or be cool, we’ve really got to stop hankering after the exotic and rare plants. At the very least lets not unleash these plants to the public until they have first been studied and trialed thoroughly. Introduced plants must do no harm. No exceptions.

Note: In any case, exotics can be a drain to the environment as well as your wallet. Think carefully before capitulating!.

Lets start encouraging and supporting family owned nurseries and shop exclusively from them. There are of course going to be specialty growers from whom we can mail order. Just make sure that they are for the most part within the United States. I realize that at this time the majority of the bulb growers are from the Netherlands (I myself get my annual order from there) because they provide the largest varieties and are the recognized bulb experts. But, they too are now contending with climate change and in recent years have had to stop cultivating several long time favorites because the severe heat waves have put paid to them. Meanwhile, there is a small number of American growers cultivating bulbs. It would do us well to start supporting them. Admittedly the choices and prices may not be ideal but, with growing demand, better selections and prices will follow.

It gets much trickier when it comes to insect and microbial pests. They hitch hike not only on shipments of plants being imported but also on the wooden palettes upon which other non-plant products are shipped. Ditto with packing material like straw, wood shavings, husk and other organic materials. From port of entry those shipments get distributed all over the country. Free rides for all pests.

A couple of weeks ago, I went with a friend to the local Home Depot. She urgently needed a few plants for an event and the local nurseries were closed. The entire place was heavily infested with spotted lantern flies! Given that this store is situated in the middle of a big parking lot and unloading area and well away from any natural greenery of any kind, these bugs could’ve only arrived with the shipment(s) of plants. They were crawling everywhere and flew onto the people. I was swatting them off my hair and clothes! We fled the place but first we inspected each other thoroughly for any bug before getting into the car.

Anyone buying plants from such a place would do well to deposit their purchases in an isolated area, douse them right away with Neem oil and let them remain in quarantine for a few days. And give a thorough once over before bringing the plants into the garden.

Given that entire agricultural crops can be lost, it behooves us to take this threat very seriously. It might be impossible to stop commerce and trade but surely we can do something with all shipments before they get loaded and then again after unloading on the docks at point of arrival. Obviously a visual/physical inspection is inadequate but depending on whats in the shipment, high heat/very cold/UV/organic pesticide treatments can be administered followed by a period of quarantine.

I know, I know. All action comes at a cost – financial, labor as well as time. I don’t have immediately suitable solutions. It will take more experienced and knowledgeable minds than mine. But I am offering some food for thought for all of us. We have to start somewhere.

Instead of photos of plants, this week I’m sharing a video of a bobcat in my neighbors garden yesterday morning!

00:34

bobcat

4 weeks ago•

2views

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Acceptance

Posted on August 18, 2026 by shobha

Last week, I expounded on the climate crisis we’re facing. It struck a chord with many readers and the question of how to keep our gardens thriving after all the work we’ve put into them was expressed . The answer of course is complex and still evolving.

While the new normal is yet to be known, what is to be done right now? How do we keep our gardens going as we always have? We don’t. Because continuing to do as we have always done is not working anymore. Simply carrying on as usual and demanding the garden produce the expected results is futile. What we must do first and foremost is accept that change is already happening.

This is a tough ask because change is never easy. And this particular change carries with it great uncertainty. Who knows how long its all going to take to get to that new normal?!

To begin with, stop fighting the battle of expectations. Accept that the roses will bloom (or not) according to the weather pattern. Accept that the heat waves have put paid to some plants. The grass cannot be expected to be green when there is a sad lack of rainfall – are we really going to stubbornly water and feed it and force it to be lush and verdant? Why? At any given point that’s a wasteful effort but right now, it is singularly foolish.

Instead, lets accept that it is what it is. We are waiting and watching to see what unfolds. We’ve got to let go of old expectations and habits – they no longer serve us. If we are to move forward in a positive, hopeful way, then, each one of us must change our own attitudes.

We can do this. Look around – see all the beautifully exuberant pollinator gardens? That did not happen so easily – there was a fair degree of reluctance on the part of many. Giving up neat and tidy gardens full of gorgeous non-native/exotic plants and switch to (mostly) native flora that supports native fauna and loosen up the overall design was not met with immediate enthusiasm. When I set up compost piles and a rain barrel 3 decades ago, I was mocked and called “quaint and old fashioned“. But here we are now – nobody blinks an eye about that these days.

Heck, we even come around to accepting the fact that low-rise jeans flatter absolutely no human body! See?

While we’re n the process of making sense of everything, we can appreciate the many examples of resilience in our gardens. There are plenty of plants thriving. Most are the native ones and/or ecologically beneficial non-natives that have, over the years, naturalized in our gardens. That’s already a positive thing is it not? Despite the data showing a significant reduction in numbers and varieties of birds and beneficial insects, if I can count even one swallowtail butterfly or a Monarch caterpillar, it means there is potential for more. The take home is that I’m doing something right and I need to do more.

Solutions follow only with acceptance.

Yes, I came up with that profound line because that’s what I believe. It’s possible greater minds than mine have said the same thing but I don’t know any of them so I’m taking the credit. So there.

Here are some images of what’s keeping me in good spirits –

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Hot, Humid And Horrid

Posted on August 11, 2026 by shobha

It’s been a long horrible week of high heat and even higher humidity. This week doesn’t look any better. Getting even a minimal of garden chores done is quite a challenge for me as I wilt like a petunia in such circumstances. Add the explosion of ravenous biting bugs and I’m ready to throw in the trowel.

As if that’s not enough, the dreaded Spotted Lantern Flies have made their presence known. I’d been hoping the harsh winter would’ve destroyed the lot of them but alas, that was wishful thinking. I guess the winter did not stay that cold long enough. Ugh.

More than complain of which I’m doing plenty, I’m deeply, deeply concerned about how we can cope with the volatility of the changing climate. Plants are certainly more resilient than we are but they too need time to adapt to change – they must be experiencing horticultural whiplash with all the extreme fluctuations they’re being subjected to. Likewise the fauna that has co-evolved with the plants. Add human disturbance (and destruction) to this situation and we have a genuine crisis on our hands. I exaggerate not. The data and evidence prove it.

Trying to determine the long term approaches to gardening in a changing climate is tough – are we looking at conditions of drought or excess rain? Our Hardiness Zones are shifting significantly so many of the plants we acknowledge as specifically native to our zones are not going to remain as such. Do we make our own predictions and act accordingly or do we simply wait and see? If the latter, for how long do we wait and what and how should we garden in the interim? How do we help both flora and fauna?

There are far more questions than answers at this time. Scientists and experts in climate/environment/plant/animal/horticulture/geology/meteorology/agriculture/hydrology/health and every related subject are working to understand and figure out how to cope and resolve this urgent problem. BUT there is currently a severe paucity in both funding and manpower to properly address it. Enough said. IYKYK.

Meanwhile, what can each member of the gardening community do right now? How can we cope?

To start, lets recognize that we are a sizable part of the population. We can make a difference. First and foremost, every single of us must be seriously worried about what is obviously happening and we can get loud in expressing our concern to friends, family, neighbors, community, coworkers and any and everyone who will listen. Elect and support leaders at every level (town, city, state and national) who will do what it takes to save and protect all our natural resources. We cannot, must not hesitate to make good trouble. Too much is at stake.

In managing our own gardens, lets go as local as possible. Populate your garden with native plants. They are most resilient and hardy and best equipped to survive the climate changes happening right now. Choose them to be the main residents of every garden. There are several non-natives, first introduced a long time ago, that have naturalized very well in the landscape, serving pollinators admirably. So much so, many people would be surprised to learn they are not indigenous plants. They too can be included in the garden but in smaller numbers.

Purchase plants grown locally. I realize that small, family owned farms and nurseries with a good selection of plants are few and far between these days but they do exist so find them and give them your business. Our support is the only way to ensure their continued existence.

If you really do not have a source of locally bred plants, widen your search to neighboring counties. Finally, go online and identify small growers of native plants who will direct ship to customers. There are many of them and I’ve only had experiences with them.

Avoid the big sellers who obtain their plants indiscriminately from anywhere and everywhere.

Instead of pointlessly, painstakingly pursuing perfect, pristine lawns, and overly neat borders, liberate yourself by bringing shabby chic style to said lawns and borders instead. No more mono-cultured lawns or tightly controlled plant beds. Let plants express themselves which by no means precludes trimming or staking. Just let them spill out a little, gently lean or weave into a neighbor. Shrink lawns down drastically. They are costly to maintain – demanding time, money, water, energy and often toxic products to be perfect. Plant native trees and shrubs instead. They will nurture more beneficial insects and other wildlife than one can imagine. With what lawn remains, let in other ‘greens’ like common blue violets, lance selfheal (Prunella vulgaris ssp lanceolata). Even yellow woodsorrel.

Mulch with tree bark nuggets and native groundcover plants to suppress/inhibit weeds as well as retain moisture so the soil doesn’t dry out quickly. I typically place layers of newspaper or cardboard around the various plants first and then top off with smallish nuggets of tree bark.

Seriously consider installing rain barrels. As we face increasingly long spells of drought interspersed with rainstorms that dump large quantities of water in quick bursts resulting in mostly run off and very little being absorbed into the ground, collecting rainwater makes perfect sense.

It goes without saying but I’ll say it anyway – use only organic products for feeding plants, preventing and/or combating pests.

Do away with gas powered appliances – mowers, blowers and such. Perfectly effective electric or battery powered ones are available.

If we continue to have the level of humidity we’ve had lately, allowing plenty of space between plants for good airflow is going to be imperative. Otherwise, mold and fungal growth will surge and threaten the health of all the plants. I’m already planning to ruthlessly thin out some areas as soon as the heat lets up this weekend. Being proactive is easier than damage control.

All of this might sound like a lot but in reality, it will actually be easier to implement. The hardest part is to get rid of old mindsets and adopt the current recommendations. We know better so lets do better. Together.

NOTE: I’m not sharing any photos this week. Instead, I humbly ask you to spend a few minutes imagining what a world lacking in the familiar beauty and joy of our gardens, parks, woodlands and meadows would look like. How does that make you feel?

I thought so. Lets not let that happen. Please.

Ah August!

Posted on August 4, 2026 by shobha

We still have a good bit of summer to enjoy. And enjoy we must. Weather and other happenings are proving rather challenging so its all the more imperative that we find the glimmers to keep our spirits up and our hearts full of joy. To that end, time in nature (gardens, parks, woods, lakes, seaside) fulfills admirably. So get outside and get busy. Tend to the garden, take walks, play in the park, swim, kayak, simply sit and breathe the fresh air. Lets fully savor summer.

Speaking of tending to the garden, here;s this month’s To-Do list.

What To-Do In August –

1. Harvest the vegetable patch regularly. If you’re overwhelmed with the bounty, offer them to food kitchens, friends and neighbors. Also, consider canning vegetables and fruit. They are mighty handy to have on those days in winter when you crave summer fare. Not to mention the crazy times when cooking is simply not possible.

Note: I’ve been pickling veggies this year. Makes for tasty hors d’oeuvres, picnic fare, accompaniments to burgers and grilled fish and chicken. So easy to do!

2. Keep weeding. Even though it is hot, hot, hot, weeds continue to thrive. Early hours of the morning are most enjoyable – cooler and fewer biting bugs.

3. Water as required.

4. Mow as usual. Again, do the right thing and keep blades at 3 1/2 to 4 inches high.

5. Continue to deadhead and trim back. This keeps the garden tidy. Seeds that you wish to harvest can be left on the plants till they are ripe and ready to save.

6. Take cuttings of plants for rooting. Doing it now will provide enough time for growth before planting in the fall or bringing indoors in winter.

7. If you’re going away, arrange to have someone water the garden, harvest vegetables and keep an eye on things.

8. Prune wisteria and anything that is overgrown.

9. Watch for pests and/or disease. Use organic treatments when needed.

10. Keep birdbaths filled with fresh water.

11. With the garden at its peak right now, any gaps in the plantings can be readily noted and duly filled. Note: Nurseries often have summer sales at this time in order to make space for fall-planting shipments.

12. Spend as much time as possible in the garden – autumn approaches! Eat, read, snooze, throw parties, paint, write, meditate, pay bills, enjoy the garden.

In My Garden Right Now –

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Summer Days

Posted on July 28, 2026 by shobha

After that horrendous heatwave earlier this month followed by the unhealthy impact of the wildfires in Canada plus last week’s deluge, we’ve finally been given some fine summer weather. I’m taking full advantage of it by first, limiting garden chores to the strictly necessary ( weeding, watering pots as needed and keeping the hummingbird feeders clean and full) and secondly, prioritizing summer pleasures like reading as many hours as I want to, indulging in frequent dips in the lake/pool/ocean, taking long walks in the early morning when its just me and the birds greeting the sun, catching up with friends I haven’t seen or spoken to in a while, endlessly watching feathered friends in the garden and, eating ice-cream as often as possible. Guilt-free.

The slowing down of the pace of living feels to me like the ultimate luxury. It brings about an awareness of ones surroundings that I can only describe as delicious. As though each of the senses is awakened anew simply by giving oneself the time and space to pay attention. I think that’s exactly why we have summer – an annual reset of mind, body and soul to live with intent and full out joy. Summer asks of us to live out loud and without reservation. To be fully present and engaged in the moment.

Much like the garden where the plants are growing with abandon, the birds and insects plundering the spoils of the season, I am throwing caution to the wind and embracing this summer on my own terms.

Savoring it slowly and gratefully.

My summer so far –

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Gardening Hearts Beat Alike

Posted on July 21, 2026 by shobha

Unsurprisingly, everywhere I go, I look for signs of gardening well beyond the obvious public gardens. Without exception, how and what people do in new-to-me places and countries tells me how we are more alike than unalike. Our cultures, languages, foods and histories might be vastly different but when it comes to how we connect to the natural world, we are the same. The gardens we make are both unique and universal at the same time.

I particularly appreciate the seemingly small but hugely endearing efforts at ‘greening’ up whatever space one has. Human beings need nature and so we seek to fulfill that necessity by nurturing plants wherever we find ourselves. There is something deeply sacred about this connection.

During my recent travels, by sheer chance I came upon a street garden in Marseilles, France that neighbors made during the months of Covid lockdown. I got to meet the man who started this project – he was watering some pots when I wandered into this verdant street and I struck up a conversation with him. Who knew this was his brain child! Damien Berthier explained that all he had wanted to do, in some small way, was give his neighbors something comforting and life affirming during those challenging weeks. The neighbors took it from there -each adding his/her touch to the mix. And it has kept going ever since. It is as eclectic and joyous a garden as any I’ve seen.

In both Tangier and Chefchaouen (the Blue City), Morocco I was seduced by so many ‘front gardens’ adorning the crowded facades of homes by way of free standing pots, window-boxes and walls displaying simple but effective plant selections. I couldn’t stop taking pictures!

Even the lavender and sunflower fields around towns in Provence, France lend a pastoral beauty that commuters, walkers and holidaymakers could enjoy. I was fortunate to watch a farmer harvesting lavender, the fragrance of which permeated the air around the vicinity for quite a while. Heavenly.

The man was simply going about his work but what a gift he was offering to his town in doing so.

Gardens bring people together. Gardeners make that happen.

Do enjoy this sampling of photos –

IFrom Morocco –