Category Archives: All Gods Creatures

Rewilding Or Dewilding?

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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 –

(c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Pest Control, Border Patrol

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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!

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(c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Acceptance

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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 –

(c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Hot, Humid And Horrid

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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.

Leaning Into The Light

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It cannot go unaddressed – the spirit of the season is unmistakably uneasy right now. So much discontent, discord and despair everywhere that it would be delusional to say all is well in the world. Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, fearful and frustrated has become our default setting these days. It’s easy to find company in this state of misery. While the commercials urge us to shop our hearts out and party hearty, it’s pretty much impossible to ignore the news and reality of our time.

For me personally, it is a struggle to push ahead and plan for festivities with the full knowledge that there are horrible things going on. Rather than succumb to aforementioned external pressures, I unhesitatingly take a step back to regroup my thoughts and intentions. It isn’t easy to be calm and still in the midst of chaos and turbulence. However, we know better don’t we? We are fully aware that there is indeed a time tested remedy to soothe our frazzled nerves, cool our tempers and heal our hearts. Get outside and spend time in Nature.

Never mind the sub-zero temperatures – I bundle up and take a walk. The rhythmic crackle of my feet shattering the crust of snow makes a chatty, comfortable companion. Draped in crystal, the trees along my path dazzle in the sunlight. Encased in ice the floating leaves on the small pond glint like finely enameled jewelry. Such breathtaking beauty!

A flash of red grabs my attention and I observe a pair of cardinals in a hedge. How effortlessly they move through the thickly enmeshed limbs of privet and bramble. I make a mental note to return to this area later in the spring to do some “nesting” – where I can discover the nests of certain birds. Only to observe; never to touch or intrude.

Closer to home, I examine the magnolia buds warmly clad in soft fuzz and their promise of a beautiful spring warms my heart. I know the bulbs I planted in the Fall are resting quietly in the earth, insulated by the snow – they don’t care what’s happening above. For now, they lie patiently and with optimism.

So engrossed in my surroundings, I lose all track of time till I’m made aware of a shift in light. The snow is glowing in hues of pink and lavender. The sun, unfazed by earthy concerns and crises is setting with great flair and aplomb. Bewitching.

Returning home full of joy and inspiration, I’m determined to set my mind on only what truly matters to me, gives me purpose, brings me joy. That resolve will be reaffirmed anew each day with a daily walk and, with the return of Spring, work in the garden.

My covenant with Nature is what will guide me to do my part in making a positive impact in this planet we call Home.

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Gardening With The Changing Climate

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As promised last week, I’m sharing my thoughts on the changes we must consider making to keep pace with climate change. As gardeners, we see the impact of even the slight shifts in weather patterns – when plants emerge, when they bloom, quantity and quality of bloom, availability of pollinators, numbers of pollinators/pests, fruit production etc., We have front row seats in the climate change arena. So what are we going to do about it?

For starters, we accept that this is real. Not a one off or happenstance. There is enough scientific data to prove it if one is still skeptical despite the evidence we see in our individual gardens. Then, and only then, can any positive, productive action follow.

Given that our winters are milder and springs arriving earlier, sowing times have to be changed. At this point, it is about experimenting. For certain plants that get directly sown, when/how early must needs be determined. Can sowing in the Fall even be a possibility? For seeds started indoors, we can undoubtedly begin earlier. But how early?

Similarly, the timings of other tasks such as pruning, cutting back, harvesting, dividing, planting for spring, summer flowers and, fall bulb planting must also be adjusted. I’ve already penciled in mid-November for bulb planting. That’s a good 4 weeks later than when I used to do that job just 10 years ago. The last couple of years it was done the first weekend in November. But, last year, it was so mild well into December that some bulbs started pushing up their green snouts by Christmas.

Pest control will be a very urgent matter I predict. Along with old pests there will be new ones. This year, my neck of the woods has seen a significant increase in the numbers of the Spotted Lantern Fly. It’s been horrid. At present we haven’t any effective methods against them. There’s talk of introducing some new wasp that can combat the pest but then, will this newcomer endanger other desirable insects and/or plants?

Known problems like powdery mildew, aphids and other diseases may well be exacerbated. Yikes!

The significant reduction in the bird and insect populations has alarm bells ringing. Filling our gardens with as many host plants is imperative. Which brings us to the next matter.

What we plant will also need consideration. Some old favorites are going to struggle in the new climate conditions. Decisions must be made as to what we replace them with. Which plants we call native to our parts is going to change!

The learning curve will be steep but, we are a resilient bunch. We will learn and adapt. There is no choice in this matter.

We gardeners must recognize ourselves as civilian scientists. As custodians of our personal parcels of land, it behooves us to take our responsibilities seriously and with optimism. Together, we can not only continue to enjoy our gardens but importantly, we get to ensure that future generations inherit a better, healthier world.

Note: I’m taking the month of September off! Going off the grid! I shall see you back here in October. Here’s the list of garden chores for September –

Things To Do In September

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! Preferably, let leaves remain in place wherever possible.

6. Similarly, keep bulb planting stuff 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. Stir compost heap thoroughly.

9. Plant in cool weather vegetables.

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

11. Inspect garden for pests or disease. Take prompt organic action if detected.

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

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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August Surprise

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After a mostly brutal July, August has entered the building. A very uncharacteristically agreeable entrance at that. The weekend weather was nothing short of stellar. With a temperature high of just mid-70s, lows in the mid-60s, humidity that was barely perceptible and light breezes gently stirring up the air, it was exactly what was needed. I stayed out in the garden the entire time. Some work got done but honestly, I spent most of my time simply basking in the deliciousness of it all.

This week doesn’t look half bad either. Dare we expect this month to redefine our summer?

But before I put up the hammock and indulge in my tall stack of summer reads, there’s the monthly list of chores to consider. And consider I shall.

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.

2. Keep weeding. Even when 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. Let the clippings be as very soon they will disappear into the soil and enrich it.

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.

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 and keep an eye on things.

8. Prune wisteria and anything that is overgrown.

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

10. Keep birdbaths filled with fresh water.

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

If you haven’t as yet ordered your bulbs for fall planting, do it now!

Monarch butterfly on the milkweed
Harvesting hydrangea
Spotted Lantern Fly nymphs. Ugh
Hummingbird gracing the Agapanthus

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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A Case For Autocracy Or Tough Love?

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Did the title get your attention? Good. Allow me to spend the next few paragraphs making my case.

In trying to understand what we’re facing as a nation, my mind has been working overtime. As always, when faced with a life problem I turned to the garden for counse. The answers were not readily apparent. However, in going about the business of gardening, cogitating on what and how we humans readily behave badly whilst simultaneously declaring our goodness, I started becoming aware of just how explicitly the garden was informing me.

The very work of making and maintaining a garden is about Control. We act as boss and not so much partner with Nature. We apply our plans and designs to create our vision and in doing so, we often operate counter to Nature. What we plant and grow, the practices and methods we employ are for our own purpose – to make a beautiful, bountiful garden.. Even as we ‘welcome’ pollinators and beneficial creatures, we are doing so to our own advantage’.

Weeds? Pull ‘em by the roots and dispose. A plant (native or otherwise) gets thuggish and invades spaces not intended for them? Cut back ruthlessly or remove entirely. We cut, clear, coppice, confine and cage to suit. Train, tie and twist. Stake, suppress, spray. We do what we we want. You see? We’re a pretty bunch of horticultural autocrats!

Are we really this bad? Yes we are if all we focus on is getting our personal agenda fulfilled. The worst kind of gardener is one who uses methods and practices that damage/destroy indiscriminately and without consideration to the surroundings and those who live in it. Such gardeners do indeed exist but I’d like to think that there are more of us who are better than that. We make choices that do the least harm or none at all. On principals of coexistence, conservation and community, we create our gardens to be spaces that allow insects and other animals to visit. Pests are discouraged by encouraging their natural predators, companion plantings or the judicious use of organic applications.

Of course, we still prune, pull weeds and deal with invasives but we also compost to use as both fertilizer and mulch. Grow native and/or ecologically beneficial non-native plants that are resilient, hardy and less demanding of resources like water and labor. We keep in mind that we are but the privileged, temporary custodians of this, our precious piece of land for future generations to enjoy. As in parenting, we provide structure, boundaries and some discipline – with kindness, care, compassion, empathy and most all, with love. Tough love.

In the final analysis, it comes down to who we choose to be and how we choose to act. If we can look into the eyes of our children and grandchildren and justify our choices without reservation or excuse, with the full understanding that they led to better, healthier lives for them, then, and only then can we confirm that we chose right. From deep within our hearts.

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Pachyderms Pacing Purposefully

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There’s a new baby girl in my life. Please meet little Beejal – the Sanskrit word ‘Beeja’ means ‘seed’. The name Beejal is described as symbolizing creativity and adaptability, reflecting an innovative spirit. The connection to the word Beeja suggests themes of growth, potential and, new beginnings. Traditionally it is a name assigned to a male but, I’m applying it to my new baby girl from the Nilgiri Hills in southern India. Beejal is a member of a herd of elephants making its way across the globe and currently marching across the United States.

The Great Elephant Migration is a project with all the hallmarks of a message that transcends all geopolitical differences and unifies the world and all its residents to inform, educate and take positive action towards conservation, coexistence and community. You can read much more about it here.

Here’s a quick account. The Lantana plant, a member of the verbena family, is native to tropical regions of Central and South America. Vibrantly colored flowers attract pollinators, does well in a variety of climates, grows rapidly, drought tolerant and low maintenance, it has long been a garden favorite everywhere. Unfortunately, it has been way too happy in certain swathes of the world where the climate has encouraged it to thrive so well that it has become hugely invasive. To the point that it has completely out-competed other native plants. Lantana has literally taken over entire landscapes. Furthermore, it is completely toxic thus depriving animals of their typical native, nutrient rich plants. This problem cannot be overstated. An animal like the elephant, a keystone species, must consume a vast quantity of vegetation daily is dangerously impacted. Forced to seek food elsewhere, they must venture beyond their traditional terrain and this has often meant cultivated fields and consequently resulted in perilous conflicts with humans.

A story like this covers the importance of growing native plants, monitoring invasive and/or non-native species, the value of living in co-existence with all creatures respecting each others space and needs, conserving resources and, in the final analysis, each living member of this planet is an integral part of the global community.

The Great Elephant Migration was conceived to visually illustrate this overarching problem to the world, Using lantana stems, artisans of the indigenous people of the Nilgiris create sculptures of the elephants amongst whom they live. Each lantana elephant is created in the likeness of a real one. A herd of a 100 such pachyderms has been tasked with spreading this important message to the human world. All the monies raised goes not only towards paying the artisans but is also shared by numerous conservation organizations worldwide.

I first learned of this wonderful project about a year and a half ago. It is one that resonates with me deeply and at so many levels. And there’s one additional fact that strikes me very personally, right into my heart – my father grew up in the Nilgiris. The need to attach myself to this amazing effort was unquestionable. I’ve spent my whole life getting involved in many important causes but the pull of this particular one was as strong as well, a herd of elephants! I therefore made the decision to ‘adopt’ a baby elephant. Knowing the proceeds will achieve so much good gives me immense joy. Plus, I have myself one irresistible and adorably rotund baby elephant in my garden.

Win-win-win all around.

P.S. I hope you will be moved to support this wonderful cause in any way you can.

Introducing Beejal! –

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Beyond Borders And Boundaries

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Well in the grips of winter, sleeping cozy under a quilt of snow, the garden is not waking up anytime soon. But this gardener’s spirit is very much yearning to be immersed in all things Nature. Soil, water, seeds, plants, flowers, heck even weeds! After all, the garden is classroom, sacred space and comforting escape all rolled into one. So, while the garden is hibernating, lets look beyond its borders, boundaries, walls and fences to consider the larger landscape.

Without mincing any words, there is at present, so much chaos, confusion, despair and dismay regarding what’s happening at various federal agencies, organizations and departments that one is hard pressed to feel optimistic and hopeful. It’s all too overwhelming. If there is anyone out there who is untouched by all the happenings, then perhaps they are happy living under a rock. They have my envy.

There is a great deal at risk right now.

For the purposes of this space that is typically dedicated to gardens, gardening and all things related to our natural world, I’d like to share my thoughts and doings accordingly. Even in this specific area I don’t know where to start. But here I go –

Lets consider the big reduction in the number of personnel in the National Parks Services (NPS). This means the mission of the service to protect, preserve and enhance our national parks is in peril. I cannot overstate the risk the current changes have created to what are our most valuable and cherished spaces in the country. All manner of life is threatened – the fragile balance must be maintained for flora and fauna to flourish. An understaffed park cannot keep up with the many different areas of oversight and necessary work. Forest husbandry and wildlife management require knowledge, skill, training and experience. Love and respect of Nature too. Our rangers are just as priceless as are our national parks.

This reduction in the NPS workforce is not about money as we are led to believe. The following which I came across this very morning confirms that –

In 2023, National Parks created 415,000 jobs – jobs in largely rural regions, supporting entire communities, and creating $55 billion in economic output. For every $1 of federal funding given to NPS, they generate $10.

The National Parks Foundationis the official congressionally chartered charitable partner of the NPS. They are paying careful attention to the present situation. They will be informing its membership as matters proceed on how we might support the NPS mission by way of donations and whatever else is deemed imperative.

Who knows, Volunteer Ranger Assistants might be called for!

If you are not as yet a member of the National Parks Foundation, now would be the time to remedy that. Your support is vital. We gardeners and garden lovers know fully well just how critical it is. Right?

Note: Nature heals, comforts, teaches, nourishes and elevates us to be better versions of ourselves. Here are some of my watercolors inspired from going beyond my borders:

Between Ithaca and Binghamton

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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