What Resolutions?

As I’ve said before, I’m not big on new year resolutions. Improving oneself, doing better, overcoming obstacles is a quotidian endeavor . What we want and hope changes as the years go by and as one’s circumstances change. That said, the birth of a new year does ask for a bit of reflection. It is an opportunity to reaffirm one’s philosophy and review where one is in this journey of life.

I’m no different from anybody – I could certainly eat better, be more active, sleep more effectively and in general, pursue a much healthier lifestyle. But, I also realize that most good habits are easily formed when underlying obstacles are dealt with first. Instead of telling myself to avoid eating junk food when stressed, I must remove the cause of the stress. If I’m cranky and grumpy because I haven’t done anything creative lately, then I must determine why or what is blocking my creativity. Its no good to just say I’ll try to be more agreeable. Without real understanding and specific action, any attempt at a resolution is but Sisyphean. One is then condemned to a life of dissatisfaction, regret and disappointment with oneself. How sad and undeserved is that?

Instead, I’m going to take each day as a new chance to be and do better. I’ve given this matter some thought and it’ll come as no surprise that my garden will be my partner and mentor. I’ve resolved to spend even more time in it! That one factor alone will have me feeling good and therefore being good. But, there is more. In the garden, I’ll do things that create the right mood/circumstances that either eliminate the gremlins that trip me up or point me in the correct direction. Wisdom of the ages has always advised staying connected to Nature. The beauty, health benefits and lessons learned from it are incomparable.

In general, this exercise in self improvement is all about being more aware and present. To be in the moment one must necessarily be calm and focused. The mind cannot be cluttered. By bringing myself to each thing I do, I offer complete attention and an open mind. And I intend to accomplish this by doing things that nourish my spirit . No hardship or sacrifice required. Does the world really need more martyrs?

So here is my plan:

I shall take a photograph every day. I’m a prolific photographer and carry a camera with me all the time. But now, every day, I shall take a more thoughtful, deliberate photograph that is appropriate to my mood and state of mind.

Similarly, I will make and write down a specific and timely observation in the garden. The daily photo and this observation could but not necessarily be about the same thing. Either way, they require focus and insight. I must be still within to see clearly without.

Third, I shall do a daily sketch in the garden. Again, it might be about what I photograph and/or write. It does not have to be an amazing rendition but will still demand of me to be present. Nulla Dies Sine Linea – no day without drawing a line. Are you catching on to my ploy?!

I shall seek to sustain my curiosity by setting up my ‘garden cam’ to take sequential photos of the meadow all through the year. The meadow is where much goes on but is easily neglected. After all, no weeding or mowing goes on here. Its only when flowers are in bloom that it draws any notice at all. I did set up the camera last year but consistently neglected to download or even check to see if the device was working. This year, I be more conscientious about downloading and studying the photos and videos. Curiosity is extremely important because, without this quality, much of life will go unexamined. It needs to be fueled all the time.

Each week, I will make an arrangement from things gathered in the garden. I hesitate to use the word ‘floral’ as I intend to think out of the box and use a variety of materials to create something unexpected. Again, no pressure to come up with something fabulous. This must be fun to do and should guide me to think beyond my comfort zone. One mustn’t stagnate right? Fresh ideas give way to new perspectives. I’ll photograph each arrangement and it’ll be interesting to see a compilation at the end of the year.

Lately, designing healing gardens has been very much on my mind. Making such a space fresh and contemporary and still offering timeless solace is an exciting challenge. I plan to work on this project seriously and shall do it whilst ensconced in my garden which will serve as both muse and laboratory.

The side perks of all this ‘extra’ time in the garden are that, I’m removed from tempting foods, not lolling about lazily on the couch, not distracted by television, phone and other intrusive technology. Doesn’t that sound healthy and wholesome?!

Finally, something that is not going to happen in the garden. I’m not at all sure I should announce it lest concerned parties hold me to it – I will make a dessert a week. To some that might not seem like a big deal at all. And they’re right. It is not hard to do. But, the fact is, I don’t get around to making dessert that often. Yet, when I do, it makes my family immensely happy. I intend to make them more regularly happy. This one item makes me more apprehensive than all the others put together! Perhaps it is because it makes me accountable to others and not just to myself.

Notice that I’m not asking of myself to be different or uncomfortable, do what is difficult or disliked, spend money or reach for the impossible. I’m simply hoping to gently grow myself with understanding and attention. In doing so, I bring to the world that same understanding and attention.

From the depth of my heart, I wish each of you a very happy, love and laughter filled 2014.

Daffodil

Daffodil


Daffodil in watercolor

Daffodil in watercolor


Hellebore

Hellebore


Hellebore in watercolor

Hellebore in watercolor


Echinacea

Echinacea


Echinacea in watercolr

Echinacea in watercolr


(c) 2013 Shobha Vanchiswar

Be Careful What You Wish For!

As a gardener in the Northeast, I’m accustomed to having my seasons well defined. The pattern of the four seasons is comforting and instructs all my activities. Whether it be entertaining dinner guests ( I’d much rather we dined outdoors), taking vacation (summer), staying put (spring), house projects, taking time to focus on future plans (winter), having house guests ( preferably fall), visiting grandparents (winter) and so on. Of course, the garden is the best example of how much is dictated by the seasons.

So here we are in winter, the ground is frozen and covered in snow, fireplaces are blazing, heavy coats and winter gear are being put to good use and, my gardening self welcomes the respite from chores. However, the long, chilly months loom ahead and one begins to feel envious of those who live in warmer climes. While the snow and ice create spectacular visions, one can only spend so much time outside. Much better viewed from the confines of warm, cozy interiors. Thus, I start dreaming of beaches, rain forests, lakeside cabins and all places warm and sunny. Where the midday heat brings out the scent of roses and oregano. I crave the feel of grass between bare toes, the thrum of bees and even miss the discomfort of soil under my fingernails. Then, I wake up to reality and actually feel much better.

While I’m sitting with my feet propped up, dreaming of perfect gardens and catching up on my reading, my fellow gardeners in those sizzling locales are still working in the garden. They do not get a break. Achy backs and arms, rough hands, insect bites and dirty nails are theirs to have year round. Thats the penalty for all that mild weather. Plus, the spring bulbs and several perennials that are so utterly mandatory in my garden, are not genetically designed for the tropics. They demand a good, rollicking round of winter with snow and breath freezing cold. So there.

I’m happy to be exactly where I am and will contentedly pass these frigid days with grace and patience. And plenty of rest. It is awfully comfy right here, right now. The grass might literally be greener on the other side, but, only for the moment. Our turn cometh. All good things come to those who wait.

January

January


March

March


Still March

Still March


May

May


Still May

Still May


August

August


Still august

Still august


November

November


Still November

Still November


(c) 2013 Shobha Vanchiswar

From Darkness To Light – Dies Natalis

Of the two solstices and two equinoxes that we on earth are graced with each year, the winter solstice is most meaningful to me. It occurs full of promise and hope at precisely the right time. Just when we, in the Northern Hemisphere become aware that we are in for the long, cold, dark haul, the shortest day comes along. The sun is at its lowest elevation in the sky. That only means that from now on, the only way is up! One more minute of daylight added on each day. Now, that demands a celebration.

From time immemorial, mankind has observed this hibernal solstice with rituals and ceremony. Ancient cultures have passed on to us festivals and holidays. What a beautiful thread of human connection through the ages. As modern as we think of ourselves today, these passages of the sun still mark our seasons, determine when we sow our crops and how we live. All of life moves in concert with the sun.

The renewal of light and the approach of the new year fuels our human need to stay optimistic. The Romans referred to this solstice as Dies Natalis – the birth day of the sun. A birthday calls for a party. I like that. I, for one, will honor our humanity and rejoice in my humanness. My link to all those who came before me and my responsibility to those who are yet to arrive. On this sacred occasion, I reaffirm my pact to do right by nature and all who live here.

Bring on the feast, start the music, invite the world as together we light up a million candles and brighten the hearts of all.

December 21 is this Saturday. Celebrate!

Witness the majesty of the Sun:
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The first five photos are credited to my friend and photographer Eleanor Oyen.
(c) 2013 Shobha Vanchiswar

Frantic Festive Fever Frenzy

December can be peculiar. It is seemingly about the holidays and the happy preparations for the celebrations but in reality, the month is fraught with stress and anxiety. The long, dark hours, the expectations, presents, decorations, cards, parties, weight worries, recitals, year end project completions, performance reviews, tips, cooking, teacher gifts, charitable giving, travel obligations/house guests, weather related problems … its so easy to be overwhelmed. Thankfully, the garden is not clamoring for attention. It is safely tucked in for the season.

Stop! Take a deep breath. Ask yourself why you have allowed yourself to get to this point. Yes, I said ‘allowed yourself’. Has the garden taught you nothing? The life lessons imparted all through the seasons? Permit me to remind you. Get yourself something warm and soothing to drink and read on.

The pact you make with Nature when you start the process of taming it to create your garden, involves:
Do No Harm – That holds for both garden and gardener. So, take on only that which is good for both. Organic, environmentally sound, Fair Trade, low carbon footprints are key words here. And, don’t take on more than you can handle. You’ll only make yourself sick and unhappy.
Think It Through – Don’t be impulsive, follow current trends or emulate others as you’ll have regrets. Just the way you do ( you do don’t you?) your homework before selecting and planting a tree, you must apply that same process to everything else.
Keep It Simple – Take on only what you can do for sure. Be realistic. Simple is clean, pure and elegant. Leave the bows, swags and fireworks to others.
Get Organized – By planning properly, a lot more will get accomplished and you would have allocated time to enjoy the season. Recall those times when the weeding and watering got done and you still had the time to read in the hammock amidst the hum of bees and chattering of finches. Channel that into your frenetic life.
Be True To Yourself – express your true self. Your taste, preferences and style are what makes you YOU. You plant the flowers and vegetables you like, you choose colors that sing to you, you got rid of whatever you didn’t like. Well, apply that to your life in general. You don’t have to throw a party, get a tree, send out cards and such. The party can wait for a time when there is less to do. Instead of a tree, promise that expense to a charity, send out thoughtful notes all through the year. Trust me, the people who really matter will understand and appreciate. Make no apologies for who or how you are. If you accept yourself, others will too.
Let It Go – Free yourself of your own and other people’s expectations. Reread Be True To Yourself above. Keep in kind that you do not have control over very much. So why burden yourself with what is beyond you?
Be Bold – Get out of that comfort zone and try something you’ve always wanted to do but were too hesitant/ shy/afraid to do. Think about how liberating it was when you ripped up the formal flower beds and made a cottage garden instead. Others were horrified but the slightly messy, blowsy look makes you endlessly happy. Whatever doesn’t work out can be remedied, redone, repaired or removed. The world will not end. Actually, the world will not notice.
Pay It Forward – You plant trees for future generations, use organic methods so all living things are safe, sow heirloom seeds so diversity and history are respected. Similarly, when giving gifts think about each individual and give them something that also benefits a larger population – membership to museums and botanical gardens, subscriptions to concerts, gift certificates to local nurseries and other local businesses. Low on money? There is no shame in that. Offer services like a home-cooked meal in January, pet/baby-sitting, helping with weeding in the spring, teaching a skill, fixing a problem like a leaky faucet or creaky door.
Be In The Moment – It is all you really have. Show up for it. Smell the rose when it blooms. Pick and savor the peach when it is ripe and warm from the embrace of the sun. Watch the fireflies every night of summer. This present moment will not come back. Live it well and it will nourish you forever. No regrets. You reap only what you sow.

Now, tell me, are you ready to change your mind about this holiday season? Exhale. Tone it down. Simplify. Own it. End this year on your own terms.

P.S. Give thanks to the garden for its constant guidance and solace.
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(c) 2013 Shobha Vanchiswar

A World Unto Its Own

There is something about small scale replicas that fascinate the human mind. Perhaps it is the accessibility of compact things or the fact that one can easily take care of them or that they connote a simplicity in an otherwise complicated world. Doll houses, miniature train/car sets, tree houses, furniture, cookware, even miniature dogs are sought after and enjoyed by all ages. I’ve seen plenty of men have insane fun with train sets purported for their sons and lets face it, women get positively carried away with furnishing their little girls’ doll houses ( I speak from personal experience). I do believe it is also a matter of control – we can manage these things. While so much else overwhelms, Lilliputian items give us a sense of being in control.

Hence, it is no wonder that tiny gardens are so delightful. Easy to care for, can be observed in detail and, look elegant. Enter the realm of terrariums. I’ve always found them charming. A few years ago, perusing through Tovah Martin’s book on the subject revived my interest and had me purchase several Wardian cases. Understandably, planting up such ‘containers’ is not permanent. But then, what garden is? I’ve planted up my cases in ferns, in orchids, still life arrangements of found objects, whatever caught my imagination. But most recently, they lay empty and I wanted to try something different. The timing was perfect. My friend Pam had just started her terrarium business aptly named Terraria and it made complete sense that I ought to have her furnish my Wardian cases. It is not difficult to make your own terrariums but a fresh eye is always a good thing. An expert knows about suitable plants and conditions. Most importantly, they have access to the right sources.

Pam Wright is a talented gardener and her skills at making terrariums are impressive. Not given to doing anything in half measure, she is very knowledgeable about all the plants she uses, the care required and applies a seriously aesthetic eye on her creations. I’ve been fortunate to know Pam for years and feel very confident in promoting her. I recognize quality and authenticity. I don’t mean to gush and shall not say more. The photographs below will serve as testimonials. However, I do want to share a story. The smallest of the mini-Wardian cases I had given to Pam had the glass missing on one side. Very cleverly, Pam placed a small single Venus Fly Trap in it. It not only looks just perfect but the open side can, with any luck, permit entry to bugs that will be much appreciated by the carnivorous plant! To contact Pam – pam_wright@yahoo.com or call her at (914)260-9799.

Terrariums are diminutive horticultural worlds. Best of all, unlike gardening outdoors, you get to control things like light, humidity and temperature. What plants you select will dictate those factors and you create a whole new microcosm. Unless one is all for collecting rare or unusual plants, it is not a big investment and experimenting is rather fun. Making terrariums permits one to be child as well as creator. Yes, there is indeed a bit of ‘playing God’. But not in an arrogant way! The key word here is “play”. If anything, it is a reminder to not take oneself too seriously. Just give in to your botanical imagination and see where it’ll take you.

During the dark, cold, bleak winter months when we crave lush, green surroundings, having a terrarium or two to gaze upon can be positively therapeutic. As you go about trying to come up with interesting, beautiful gifts for family and friends this holiday season, do consider giving a terrarium. Get one for yourself as well. They make very good company – beautiful, interesting, low maintenance and very quiet.

Get motivated with these images: All by Pam Wright
Terrarium 1
Terrarium 2
Terrarium 3

My newly planted Wardian case

My newly planted Wardian case

 

The Wardian case with the top on

The Wardian case with the top on

I have more information on making your own terrariums and I plan to put them into a how-to page on this site. Stay tuned!
(c) 2013 Shobha Vanchiswar