Reflections In The Garden

Posted on December 13, 2016 by pgbundil

In less than three weeks, a new year will be here. Our annual opportunity to do-over, makeover, grow, stretch and overcome. For myself, I welcome this time to reflect as it serves as the perfect foil to the commercial madness that comes with the holiday season. Instead of getting carried away with the media-hype, time spent thinking about what really matters keeps my focus on what is truly important to me. This not only serves to prepare me for the new year with resolve and purpose, it also guides me to give holiday gifts from my heart.

I begin with giving myself a report card of sorts. The different areas/roles/projects in my life are the subjects or courses and I evaluate how I’ve performed in each one of them. Since these ‘grades’ are not for public knowledge, I allow myself to be brutally honest. There’d be no point in this exercise if I glossed over my misdemeanors. Holding the mirror to myself is not easy. All the flaws show up prominently. Knowing how far I fell short of my full potential and how many opportunities I missed can be quite demoralizing. But I’ve learned to not judge, berate or make excuses. I stay on track to acknowledge, accept and determine improvement or change. One must move forward. But how does one get started? In the garden of course.

I don’t know about you, but how I garden is a direct reflection on where I am in my head/day/life. Whatever is happening in my life translates to my actions in the garden. No doubt I can also identify similar traits in my poetry and paintings but those are not as clear to track and interpret because I don’t necessarily write or paint immediately after I’m affected by an event. But the garden needs consistent effort and attention and therefore, my enthusiasm or neglect is apparent and has long term effects. For instance, if I was overly absorbed in a particular project and failed to maintain a balance in the other areas of my responsibilities, then, the garden reveals that in beds overrun with weeds and struggling plants or, my lack of oversight resulted in shriveled plants that ought to have been watered during a particularly dry spell. You see?

My goal is to try to stay balanced. Indeed every now and then there will be events that stir up the waters and toss me for a loop but if I’m adequately prepared, I should be able to get back in balance as soon as possible.

Let me elaborate:

Following the rather dry winter with erratic temperature fluctuations, all but the oak-leaved hydrangea took a beating. That native plants are the most hardy is not news but too often, one forgets that point. So, this fall, I replaced all the non-native hydrangea with a variety of oak-leaved ones. The exiled plants were donated to friends and did not end up on the compost heap.

My personal resolve – stay true to self. That’s how one does best.

In the spring, I planted a slew of native plant plugs in the meadow. The plants would attract the insects and birds. My plan was to have three-seasons of entertainment with native flora and fauna. I could envision this thriving paradise clearly. Well, I got distracted by a couple of other projects and completely failed to take note of the lack of rain. So I did not water the new plugs and when I looked for the plants in summer, hardly any were visible. I feel terrible about this. I not only wasted time and money but, I truly neglected my duty to the plants.

I now have a new order of plants that will be introduced in the meadow next spring and I will be sure to take care of them properly.

My personal resolve – don’t take on too much and always determine that every task or project can be fully attended to.

I had resisted removing a dead apple tree because it was supporting a rose and the whole canopy was a center of avian activity. And I’d planned to provide it with more permanent support. But, before anything could be done, strong winds pushed the tree down. Thankfully, the tree fell in the direction that did no damage to anything.

The rose has been relocated and the space that opened up where the tree used to be is actually going to be a good thing for plants already in place and the newly installed sculpture is owning that area very nicely.

My personal resolve – sometimes, good intentions can block one from seeing the reality. And, change can be good. Also, don’t wait too long to take action.

For the last few years, my irises had not bothered to show up. So this summer, I’d wondered if I ought to get new irises. For reasons I do not recall, I did not order them along with my other bulbs for fall planting. Wouldn’t you know! In October, out of season and character, as if to tell me something, one of the irises shot up and bloomed regally. So, I’m giving these old rhizomes another year. Let’s just wait and see.

My personal resolve – be patient. Don’t give up in haste. Everything needs to be given a fair chance ( or chances). Matters do not have to follow my agenda or schedule; sometimes, a laid back attitude is best.

And so, with my garden guiding me, I make preparations to go forth into 2017 with optimism, confidence and humility.

Don’t forget! The Holiday Art Sale is still on at the ASL! Lots of really good art to be had! Just for one more week.

Hope the images below put a smile on your face:

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Gone With The Wind

Posted on December 6, 2016 by pgbundil

Way back this past September, I wrote about the outdoor sculpture I had commissioned. It has been exciting following its evolution from conception to realization. A few weeks ago, it was installed and I’m so pleased with how it looks.

If you remember, I had planned for the sculpture to be positioned near the old apple tree heavily draped in Paul’s Himalayan musk rose. Since the tree was really gasping its last breaths, the plan was to have a support structure at the very top of the sculpture that would hold up the canopy of rose limbs. Said structure would be nicely concealed by the thorny mesh of the rose and not take anything away from the sculpture itself.
The rose canopy is a haven for birds and I really couldn’t bear the thought of losing it once the tree completely bought it. While both sculptor and husband were not sold on my desire to save the rose, they agreed to indulge me.

After the sculpture was set in place, the idea was to create the support in situ just after Thanksgiving. Well, if you recall, the weekend before Thanksgiving we experienced four full days of fierce winds. Really fierce. And cold. On the morning of windy day #3, I awoke to see tree and rose lying on the ground. The tree had lost its fight. Totally broke my heart.

We had to wait for the weather to calm down before checking the state of the rose. The main limb had been stressed and twisted so it is hard to say if it can be revived. For now, it has been moved to a location beyond the meadow near a maple which can be a good support should the plant survive. There is more light in the place where the apple tree used to be. And I’m sure there are plants in the meadow that will welcome the expanded breathing space. Still, I worry that I’ve let the birds down. I plan on making amends by planting several shrubs. Given that the neighbor’s rather unattractive chain-link fence is now more visible, the shrubs will do double duty. Conceal and shelter.
I’m hoping to afford mature, native plants so they can get to work ASAP.

Admittedly, without the presence/shade of the tree/rose, the sculpture displays better. Deservedly so. I’m thoroughly enjoying the way the metal surfaces reflect the environment in a wavy, trance-like manner, how the sunlight strikes it at the different hours, the negative space created between and around the shapes and the moods of the weather echoed.
I have a strong suspicion this was divine intervention. My elaborate, well intended bid to save the rose with a complicated support was not deemed worthwhile. It was time to let go. Thankfully, neither husband nor sculptor have said I told you so.

P.S. I’m going to name the sculpture and I’ve whittled my choices down to ‘Wind Song’ or ‘Tango’.
Which one has your vote? I’d love to know!

Note: Don’t forget to check out the much anticipated Annual Holiday Art and Book Sale at the New York Art Students League.

Enjoy the images of my new sculpture! (Sculptor Domenico Belli)

The sculpture when installed.

Wind blown

By itself

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In The Spirit

Posted on November 29, 2016 by pgbundil

“What day is it?” asked Pooh. “It’s today,” squeaked Piglet. “My favorite day,” said Pooh. – A.A. Milne

Thanksgiving has passed and has served us well. With so much conflict and concern about what is happening at home and globally, it gently brought our focus back to what matters most. Kindness, caring, celebrating life and togetherness, family and friends. Back to basics really. If we each should do our part in doing no harm, I am convinced the state of the world would instantly improve.

It has become so easy to get caught up with the social-media driven world. Between the Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) and believing everything one reads without examination or thought, we have succumbed to thinking superficially and speaking in sound bites. Materialism often gains the upper-hand even as we struggle to simplify and live meaningfully.

Enter the power of nature. While we, as a society, embrace our on-line, e-world, we need to get out in the garden even more. By tending a garden, we are reminded to maintain our integrity and honest passion for the natural world. Gardeners remain at all times connected to the rhythms of nature and as a result, have a strong resistance to those not-always-helpful lures of the digital age.

In keeping with the spirit of the holiday season, we want to give attention to gifts of experience versus stuff. Memberships to museums and botanical gardens and/or conservancies, tickets to plays, concerts and other performances, trips to our National Parks and historical sites, or, making good on promises of breaking bread together. There is something for every budget and often, it can be the priceless gift of time – to take walks together, attend a community event, serve at a soup kitchen, share a meal at home, play board games, build something and, even plant a garden. Good for all ages and all personalities.

To get into the right spirit, I have the perfect activity. The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden. Whether you are child or adult, it will delight and inspire. The buildings and other structures made entirely of natural materials are positively awe inspiring. The level of creativity and skill is mighty impressive. Not to be outdone, the plantings around the buildings are just as thoughtful and brilliant. Most of all, it is pure fun.

I have been going to this show from the very first year. It never fails to cheer me. I get into the holiday mood by going to the members preview which is held the Friday before Thanksgiving. Perfect timing.

Get a group of the young and young at heart together and go!

Note: Another fabulous event to attend! The Annual Holiday Art and Book Sale starts Dec 6 at the New York Art Students League. Yes, my work is represented! Please do go – support artists and art. Good place to start or add to an art collection.

Enjoy the photos from my visit to this year’s NYBG Train Show:

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To Have And To Hold

Posted on November 22, 2016 by pgbundil

This week, all across our country, families and friends will gather to celebrate my favorite holiday – Thanksgiving. To come together to express gratitude for all the blessings we have received is perhaps the highest, most noble reason to celebrate. In giving thanks, we acknowledge not just the blessings but we essentially own our responsibilities and purpose. Because, with receiving comes accountability.

When we sit at the Thanksgiving table and speak of our thankfulness for the much loved people in our lives, we are at the same time recommitting ourselves to those relationships and our roles in them. To be the best parent/spouse/sibling/friend/child and in doing so, we will not take it all for granted. If we are fortunate enough to have homes, jobs and/or lifestyles that we cherish, then we are depended upon to reciprocate with the necessary attention and diligence.

I gave this essay the title To Have And To Hold. The phrase is not reserved for just marriage vows. Every contract we enter into demands that we uphold that promise. To Have is to accept without any reservation the gifts given to us. To Hold is the pledge to value, protect, hold dear and rejoice in the gifts. These covenants are sacred. As we cherish, we must honor. This is what gives our lives meaning and significance.

My garden is high on my gratitude list. It offers me so much that I can only hope to return the favor to the best of my all too human abilities.
My piece of paradise keeps me humble and awed as it teaches me life lessons in patience, tolerance and crisis management. It is my muse for my art and writing. Its beauty inspires and enchants and in caring for it, it provides me much needed physical and psychological therapy. The garden comforts and cheers, puts life in perspective and still manages to entertain no matter what is happening with the weather, political climate or my private life.

In turn, I pledge anew to do right by my garden. To care for it to the best of my ability. Applying organic methods and a do no harm policy, I vow to protect, sustain and watch over it with love and good cheer.
After all, our health and happiness depend on each of us fulfilling our parts.

I wish each of you a Thanksgiving abundant in blessings.

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Better Home-makers And Gardeners

Posted on November 15, 2016 by pgbundil

The garden was put to bed last weekend. There is enormous comfort and satisfaction in bringing things to a close in a timely, attentive manner.

All tender perennials are safely ensconced in the greenhouse or let to go dormant in the basement.

The hundreds of bulbs got planted carefully and one at a time amidst the herbaceous perennials and previously established bulbs.

New native perennials were added so more beneficial insects and birds will inhabit the garden next growing season.

Plants were cut back and tidied. Dead wood was removed from shrubs and climbers. Roses and wisteria were pruned and secured. Creating breathing room and getting rid of anything that might encourage disease is so important.

A light application of compost and additional mulch of tree bark on the perennial beds should get them through the winter and in good shape to re-emerge nicely in spring.

The vast amounts of fallen leaves have been raked, gathered and added to the compost heap in the woods. Contrary to the advice of some ‘green’ experts, I do not let the leaves remain on my small lawn or in the meadow as they tend to kill the grass, smother other plants and possibly encourage snow mold which is a type of fungal disease. If I had a leaf chopper, then I’d use the chopped up matter to mulch and feed the plants.

All pots have been emptied and cleaned and put away. The very large ones stay outside well wrapped in plastic and burlap.

Likewise, outdoor furniture has been cleaned and put away.

Water hoses lie empty and coiled till required once again when the hot weather returns. The rain barrel too is given a hibernation pass.

Soon, I will get garden tools like secateurs and push mower professionally cleaned, sharpened and/or serviced. They will be eager and ready to serve as soon as the need arises.

Sundries like garden gloves, stakes, markers, hats and, supplies such as organic sprays like seaweed/fish emulsion, dormant oil will be replaced or replenished.

Fulfilling the seasonal responsibilities got me thinking about how hard we gardeners work to dream, plan, make better gardens. Although we aspire to create those better gardens, we should really be putting more effort in becoming better gardeners. The way I see it, to accomplish that takes a resolve similar to one we undertake to be better parents.

Consider how we prepare our home for our children. Clean, hygienic, tidy and welcoming.

There is room to grow and thrive. We provide the best, healthiest food our wallets can offer. Due diligence and protection is necessary so our young do not come to harm and yet have opportunities to be happy, healthy, independent and strong. When a child is unwell or in distress, we respond with alacrity and minister to their needs. With unconditional love, patience and undivided attention, we listen to what our children are saying and/or doing so we can take the appropriate measures to give them the best, most wholesome life possible. We encourage diversity, tolerance and mutual respect so our young can become vital, productive members of society.

All of those points hold true in the garden. And while I’m cognizant of them and try to apply the same parental guidelines, I know I can always do and be better. The kicker is this – it is much easier and far less guilt-inducing to be a good gardener than it is to be a good parent. After all, one’s failure in the garden can always be blamed on the weather.

Some seasonal images:

Getting ready to plant bulbs

The vertical garden

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Choosing My Candidates

Posted on November 8, 2016 by pgbundil

I cannot pretend that this day is like any normal Tuesday. It is Election Day 2016! And this year, it cannot have arrived too soon. Yes, I know, I don’t need to explain further.

In seeking to escape the election insanity, I’ve predictably hung around the garden more than usual. Despite the demands of seasonal chores, I’ve spent time pondering over my own opinions, biases and beliefs. What conclusion I’ve arrived at explains much about how I generally operate. It appears that the criteria by which I select plants to include in my garden is pretty much how I vote in the elections. Let me explain what I look for.

Form and function. A plant must look appealing. That does not necessarily mean that it’s flowers be gorgeous. In fact, the blooms might be insignificant but other parts have attractive properties such as foliage shapes and color. From lamb’s ears to sanguisorbas to maple trees, I covet them for the beauty of their leaves. Similarly, the stems of the plant might be striking. Like the dogwood shrub ‘Red Twig’ in winter. Or the deep burgundy stems of penstemon ‘Husker Red’. The general shape, how it holds itself and what it brings to the overall appearance of a garden bears consideration. If it has stunning flowers to boot, well then, that is even better. Along with the form, function is equally relevant. Either the plant provides food for humans or supports the local fauna. If not food, perhaps the plants brings perfume to the garden and home. In other words, I need more than superficial traits.

Maintenance. No picky, fussy plants. I have neither the time, tolerance or interest in high maintenance applicants.

Cohesiveness. Plants in a bed must work together. While certain plants take center stage and others have supporting roles, all together they should grow well and let each one thrive. No bullies or thugs allowed. Ever.

Reciprocity or living up to expectations. When I select a plant, I am accepting my responsibility to give it the attention and care it requires. In other words, I’m prepared to do my duty. In return, I expect the plant to do its job well. To respond appropriately to the conditions provided and thrive. When we each understand and accept our roles, it benefits not only each of us but the entire garden. This covenant is sacred.
The corollary to this is that should either one of us fail to fulfill our promise, then the relationship is terminated. This arrangement is implicit.

Authenticity. A plant selected for it’s unique or specific qualities must run true to them. Or else, eviction notice is given. Veracity and trust are the cornerstones of a relationship.

Sense of humor. I know you’re wondering how a plant could possibly have that trait. When a plant does not take itself too seriously, it gets on well with its neighbors. When a rose permits a promiscuous clematis to use it for support, a beautiful friendship develops. When columbines playfully self-seed, they bring a certain relaxed quality to the garden and I appreciate that jokey reminder to ease up some. Nobody appreciates control freaks.

So there you have it. See how these specifications can serve well in the polling booth? Now, go forth and vote!

The images below have nothing to do with the elections. I just love their seasonality:

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Double Vision

Posted on October 31, 2016 by pgbundil

I have two gardens. The one in my mind’s eye is perfect and exactly how I wish it. The other is here on earth, around my house, fodder for pests and vulnerable to the vagaries of weather. Striving to get the real garden reach the ideal of the one I dream about is an eternal quest. The saving grace is that most gardeners share my struggle. No matter where we garden and what size of land we command, the yearning is the same.

Starting in the fall when planting for the next growing season is going full throttle, we are motivated by the vision where all our plans succeed. Through the winter months we plot and plan for the perfect garden. It’s what gets us through the dreary, cold days. The real problem arises if we dwell too much in fantasy land and get carried away. Practicality, patience and common sense must moderate those ambitions. Sometimes, in the eagerness to achieve beauty and form, it is easy to forget about function and balance.

A garden can look beautiful but in truth, it should also provide. It must delight, inspire, feed, comfort, educate and most importantly, do no harm to the environment. This sounds like a tall order but in simply following that last dictum, the rest will happen easily. There is nothing more fundamental to us than to create an attractive, productive, safe haven.

By choosing the right plants for the right location, selecting mostly natives that in turn will attract and support native fauna, employing organic practices, judicious use of precious resources like water and energy consuming tools and in giving diligent care, any spot of land can shine. Truly.

But that doesn’t mean it precludes indulging in dreams. If I didn’t envision a riot of spring color, I wouldn’t be torturing my body by planting hundreds of bulbs each fall. If you hanker for plants that thrive in a different climate and/or are invasive, reasonable alternatives are usually available and will satisfy your vision. Native honeysuckle instead of the Japanese variety, Rose of Sharon can be pruned to grow single or multi-trunked shrubs and are lovely substitutes for crape myrtles. (Select a sterile type so you are not burdened with digging up seedlings all the time.) Russian sage or nepeta are excellent stand-ins for lavender.

If you adore roses but cannot grow them or would like their ‘look’ throughout the growing season, I recommend ranunculus, peonies, camellias, double begonias and dahlias. Native wisteria is better behaved than the Asian types. A myriad choices of native grasses are excellent alternatives to exotic ones. There really is a way to make garden dreams come true. Within reason. You’re on your own if you insist on making your north-east garden into a tropical paradise.

Having said all this, I still dream big. Lush, impossibly wonderful dream gardens. From those wild fantasies come ideas more realizable, creative and applicable in my true, earth-bound garden. Several features that have become hallmarks in my garden came from dreaming. While I’ve learned to temper my reveries with budget constraints, physical and/or time limitations to make my real garden, I give free rein to my imagination. After all, it was Albert Einstein who said – Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination encircles the world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.
And look what he managed to contribute.

See below for some real features that came from my imaginary garden:

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The Imposter In Our Midst

Posted on October 4, 2016 by pgbundil

Can you imagine an American garden without the likes of lilacs, peonies, forsythia, mop-head/pompom/snowball hydrangea, common roses, boxwood, azaleas, rhododendrons, common foxgloves, camellias, hollyhocks, chrysanthemums, crape myrtles or even a patch of green lawn?
How about going without some fruits such as apples, peaches or citrus fruits?

Hard to think of life without any of the above right? All are very much part of our landscape and in our collective consciousness. Several states have taken the rose as their representative flower. Crape myrtles and camellias define southern pride. Georgia, the peach state is chock full of streets and sites with names starting with Peachtree. The Orange state anybody? Or the Rose Bowl? No roses perfuming June! No forsythia serenading spring. Mothers’ Day sans lilacs wouldn’t be the same.
Breakfast without OJ or a half of pink grapefruit, no mom’s apple pie or a southern meal without peach cobbler is positively horrifying! What would the Big Apple become without the apple?!

See, none of those plants are true American natives. But they are as good as. Getting rid of them and other similar stalwarts is unthinkable. We need them to feel whole and healthy. These ‘aliens’ have integrated themselves into the American landscape. In doing so, we are all enriched.

Recently, the honey-bee was placed on the United States list of endangered species. That this highly industrious and valuable creature is on this list is a tragedy in itself. It is a call to arms – we must do whatever we can to save the honey-bee. Our own health, both physical and economical, depends on it. But, here is the kicker – the honey-bee is not an American native. Wrap your mind around that.

In an example of reaching across borders, resistant root stock of grapevine from California helped to revitalize the French wine industry following the Great French Wine Blight in the 19th century. However what is usually omitted from mention is that the blight was caused by an American aphid in the first place. Puts matters in perspective right?

What it all means is that while we are taking steps to ensure the vitality of our land and safeguard all its inhabitants, we cannot have a black or white mentality. We should be mindful of the range of voices we listen to. Just as we cannot include harmful or invasive newcomers that threaten our biological balance, we cannot afford to view our own as one homogeneous, harmless population. We are but a part of the bigger world and cannot afford to be ignorant, broadly exclusionist or isolated. Lets not forget that within the great, all-American mix also exists that scourge Periplaneta americana. The American cockroach.
Not everything non-native is bad and not everything native is good.

Here are some of the non-natives I’m thrilled to have in my garden:

Double azalea

Roses

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Finding A Balance

Posted on September 27, 2016 by pgbundil

Ah! The pleasures of autumn! What a difference a week can make. Since this past Saturday, it feels distinctly like fall. Crisp. That word defines the essence of the season. The air is crisp and cool. Crisp apples. Crunchy, crisp leaves underfoot. Even the light has a crisp clarity. I love it all.

Now that the greenhouse is winter-ready, the plants are slowly being moved in. Trimming, picking off dead limbs, washing plant and pot is time consuming. But there is a certain comfort in the ritual as it helps the mind adjust to the inevitability of impending winter. Preparing the plants for that season also prepares me. Inside the house, I’m getting out the shawls and throws, setting up the fireplace with kindling, logs and matches, placing fresh candles, pulling out cool weather recipes, putting away summer linens and stocking up on ingredients for mulled drinks and thick, smooth cocoas. Summer’s bounty is being stored as pesto in the freezer, large canning jars of thick, roasted tomato sauce and pickled cucumbers in the pantry, loaves of zucchini bread also filling the freezer, dried herbs refreshing the spice rack and surplus fruits twinkling in jam pots.

As I trim the plants, I indulge in memories of the recent summer. These are what keep me going when the winter gets unbearably long and severe. And when I’m full of such appreciation, the chores at hand don’t seem so tedious. Sometimes, life is all about tricking the mind. A shift in attitude can make all the difference between whining and celebrating.

I’m also adding plants in the garden – this is a great time to get mature plants into the ground. They’ll settle in nicely and be ready to start growing when spring comes around. I’m expecting my rather large order of bulbs in mid-October and so, I’d like to get all the other chores done before the bulb-planting marathon.

When the weather feels so perfect with just the right combination of sun and temperature, it is hard to get work done. It seems a shame to keep plugging away instead of hanging out with family and friends on the terrace. So, I’m determined to keep a balance. All garden work must cease by Sunday noon so we can sit back under the pergola with the sunlight filtering through the yellowing leaves of the wisteria, get the outdoor oven fired up and while away the rest of the day with gourmet pizza, drink and conversation. What a civilized way to get ready for the work week ahead don’t you think?

Here are a few images of things I’ve enjoyed this past summer:

How many tiger swallowtails can you count?!

The titan-arum

Love this façade in down-town NYC

Edible window-boxes. Beautiful too.

Roasted tomatoes.

One of several memorable farm to table meals

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Falling Into Place

Posted on September 20, 2016 by pgbundil

Having been away a whole month, I confronted the garden with trepidation. I did have someone checking on things but as we all know, nobody can tend to one’s garden as oneself. What I see is that the garden does not look as awful as I feared but neither does it look as good as I’d like. So it’s been a matter of getting down to basic tasks like weeding, staking, cutting back and general tidying.

Those fundamental chores alone have got the place looking more attractive. But with autumn officially starting in two days, I’m also addressing seasonal work. The summer plantings in pots and window-boxes while still looking kinda okay were on the wane so they’ve been swapped out with fall plants. The fresh appearance has quite transformed the atmosphere – instead of seeming like it is desperately clinging to summer, it feels more ready for autumnal pleasures. My own reluctance to let go of summer has shifted to welcoming fall.

In the potager, cool weather greens such as Swiss chard were replanted. The collards, kale and arugula are still going strong so we can expect delicious, fresh garden produce well into late November/early December. Assuming of course we don’t get unexpected storms or blizzards. These days, who knows!

Just ahead of the much needed rain yesterday, the ‘lawn’ in front was raked, aerated and reseeded. This ought to have the grass up and growing before I need to tread on it to get the fall bulbs planted in the perennial beds in late October/early November.

It is too late to stake some of the plants and there are some bald areas in the perennial beds. Not the best sight for this street facing part of the garden but it can’t be helped. The drought like conditions and string of heat waves have slammed down some plants. I have no idea if they have it in them to return next year. I need to examine which plants still look good and plant more of them instead. I fear the climate shift is here to stay.

In readiness for cool weather, the greenhouse has been washed and cleaned. Starting next weekend, the tender perennials will be pruned, washed and moved into their winter quarters. While it might still feel like summer, the arrival of a severe frost in early October is not unheard of.

And so it will go as the weeks lead up to bulb planting and getting winter-ready. Lots to do. But, the quiet days of winter await. And once again, while we rest our bodies, our minds will be plotting the next growing season.

[ I apologize in advance for the photos being on their side to those of you who read my article on your phone or on Facebook. It happens when I take the photos on my phone instead of my usual camera and I cannot seem to fix the problem. Any advice?]

Note: This coming Sunday September 25, at the Concert Across America to End Gun Violence event at the FCC in Chappaqua NY. I will be reading one of my topical poems.It is at 4:00 pm and admission is free. Please come.

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Seeds of Design

by Shobha Vanchiswar

Category Archives: Deep thoughts

Reflections In The Garden

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Gone With The Wind

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In The Spirit

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To Have And To Hold

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Better Home-makers And Gardeners

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Choosing My Candidates

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Double Vision

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The Imposter In Our Midst

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Finding A Balance

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Falling Into Place

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