Warming Up To April

Posted on April 12, 2016 by pgbundil

Apart from that best forgotten April Fool’s Day of 70 degree weather, thus far this month, the days have been very much like winter. Snow, sleet, bone chilling winds and temperatures below freezing. I was not pleased but did my best to maintain a good attitude. I am chomping at the bit to get going in the garden.

Since it was too cold to bring plants out of the greenhouse or to get the young vegetable plugs into the potager, my focus has been on the three ‘R’s. Repairing, replacing and repositioning. Considering that the winter was relatively mild, there is surprisingly plenty to do to re-establish order. Admittedly, things age and then finally one notices that a structure needs urgent attention. The roping on the ‘fence’ that borders the front of the property had to be replaced and the posts straightened up. Easy enough.
(On the subject of fences, my neighbor’s fence that marks one side of the meadow has totally fallen apart. I’m hoping desperately that it is taken care of very soon. With equanimity and understanding.)

However, the stairs leading to the garden from the side porch were in bad shape. The whole structure had to be replaced. Much more work but this time, we were able to match the wood to the red cedar of the espalier and front fence posts as well as the new pergola in the back. Neither of those existed when the stairs were put in soon after we bought the house. At that time, we knew very little about thinking ahead. The effort to make it all cohesive has been successful – there is nothing to jar the eye and as a result, the plantings can take center stage.
This past weekend, the task got completed. The resident mechanical engineer came through with flying colors. I really am grateful.

There are still other areas to attend. Such as remedy the erosion in the area leading to the meadow. The water runs off here after heavy rainstorms and carries away soil. Similarly, paving stones leading to the greenhouse need to be reset. Water is such a powerful creator and destroyer.

The hold-up in garden work has also permitted me to plan more for the pop-up shop I intend to have on May 7, As this was an idea that came to me only recently, I have plenty of details to work out. But, I’m excited. It’ll be so much fun to share some of my garden inspired creations. Make sure you visit!

Taking advantage of Sunday’s rise in temperature, I got the potager and large pots planted up. It was such an unadulterated pleasure to finally feel the soil in my hands. This week promises to be more seasonal so, I expect to do more clean up, get the peony supports in place, start moving plants out of the greenhouse and generally spruce up the garden.

I have yet to assess how all the perennials have fared through the winter. The delay in warming up has slowed the greening of the garden. But, already it is obvious that four of the espalier trees need to be replaced. Fortunately, three of those were some of last year’s introductions so they are young enough to be easily removed. And, as if to comfort me and keep my spirits up, the ‘minor’ bulbs continue to bravely make their entrance. Taking over from the crocuses, the Muscari and Anemone blanda (grape hyacinths and Grecian windflowers) are now in bloom. The true hyacinths have also started flowering and perfuming the air. Pure heaven. And on Sunday, I spied the first of the early-blooming tulips. Makes me so happy.

With less than a month to Open Day, the pace of getting the chores done is frenzied. I’m keeping fingers tightly crossed that the return to normal April conditions continues and the plants look magnificent. Much rain is predicted this week so those showers had better deliver on the May flowers. Or else ….

Note: This should be fascinating!

Please come to the upcoming Rocky Hills Environmental Lecture by Edwina von Gal

Turning PRFCT: The Evolution and Adventures
of a Rational Naturalist

Wednesday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m.
Chappaqua Library
195 South Greeley Avenue
Chappaqua, NY

Admission free. No registration is required.

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April Foul!

Posted on April 5, 2016 by pgbundil

Like a protracted bad joke, April has unleashed really bizarre weather on us. The thermometer rose to mid-70’s on the 1st and then, by the night of the 2nd, we witnessed thunder, lightening, rain and then a good dose of snow. Presently, it feels a whole lot like winter. My patience is being tested. Enough already!

The forsythia and sweet early bulbs were out brightening the spring landscape. The daffodils had begun trumpeting. All over town the magnolias were in fine, blousy form. The scene was set for the season to unfold. Lo and behold! The villain arrived – unscripted and not in cast. As I look outside, the small jewel-like flowers no longer twinkle. The daffodils appear a tad beat up and frozen in time. But the magnolias are totally done for – the blooms lay strewn like used coffee filters. Only the forsythia, bless their hardy hearts, are valiantly holding the fort.

For a gardener with just about a month to get her garden ready for Open Day, I’m feeling the pressure. This sudden spell of winter has set me back by at least a week. Toss in other non-garden related obligations and you can understand my frustration. For one who generally sees the glass as half-full, I’m trying really hard to stay relaxed. I have to believe that the weather will begin to cooperate, I’ll get my tasks done, the plants will be on their best behavior and all will be right on May 7.

On the up side, at least I didn’t start bringing out plants from the greenhouse. When the weather was warm last week, it was tempting to do so and it would’ve been about the right time. Listening to the weatherman’s warning, all thoughts to get the plugs of cool weather vegetables in their freshly prepared plot were postponed and the young plants were hustled back under cover.

Being more protected, the window-boxes still look cheery. The same combination of pansies and daffodils in urns and pots situated more in the open are putting up a good fight. I think they’ll be just fine. On closer examination, I see that the scillas on the ground have not been defeated. Perhaps the somewhat bedraggled crocuses will also stage a comeback. I would very much like to see the minor bulbs get to play their full part in this spring performance. By Open Day, none of them will be in sight. Late bulbs and other perennials will be in bloom but, I personally derive much inspiration from the diminutive starters. Their courage to show up at a time when the weather is still erratic and risk everything for a brief shot at being center-stage is a lesson in carpe diem.

And there it is! My take home from the ridiculous antics of the weather – stay in the moment. It is all I’ve really got.

Note: If you haven’t already, mark your calender! Open Day is May 7. 10am – 4pm.

When you click on that link, you’ll note that Teatown Lake Reservation’s Wildflower Island opens for the season on that date. There will be a plant sale, music and other vendors to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their Plant Fest. Should be very fun.

I am very proud to be Teatown’s 2016 Wildflower Artist and Poet. Teatown will be printing note cards of my artwork and poem of the 2016 wildflower Helenium autumnale.

At my Open Day, a limited number of those note cards will be available for purchase.

I’m also busy planning a pop-up shop of my botanical themed products. Think Mother’s Day, baby showers, bridal showers, all sorts of celebrations, home decor projects, hostess and teacher gifts!

Enjoy these images of flowers before the cold hit them:

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And The Music Played On …

Posted on May 12, 2015 by shobha

There is a God after all! One who listens to me! How else can I explain Open Day in my garden last Saturday?

First we had that now legendary winter – looooong and harsh. Then, spring showed up kinda confused. It was either too cold or too warm. The plants were flummoxed as they couldn’t tell if it was safe to start growing. Some decided to risk it and others remained cautious. Which left me wondering what on earth would there be for visitors to see. The three days leading up to Open Day felt too much and too soon like summer but they were exactly the push the garden needed to get going. Who knew!

Saturday was perfect. It started out on the cool side. The sky was mildly overcast. The sort of condition that makes the colors pop. Precisely what the flowers required – like models at a photo shoot, they ‘talked’ to the camera. Sports Illustrated, eat your heart out. These beauties dazzled.
Later, it got shyly sunny and comfortably warmer. As the youngest of the three bears would’ve said Just right.

Never mind that the amsonia and camassia designed to bloom in complement to the tulips were yet to open their buds. Or, that the replacements to the espalier trees lost to the rodents two winters ago arrived only the day before and could not be planted in time. The columbines, alliums, frittilaria, comfrey and, countless other flowers were also late. Nobody noticed because the tulips, hellebores, foxgloves, apple and pear blossoms, creeping phlox, daffodils, leucojums, ajuga, mysotis and yes, dandelions blazed bright. The vertical garden had progressed enough in its growth to look like a beautiful work of abstract art. I had absolutely nothing to complain or lament.

The visitors, both friends and those about to become my friends, arrived in a steady stream. A pace that is just right for me to have time to talk with anybody who has questions, comments or simply engage in conversation. It is the most enjoyable activity for me. To see my garden through another’s eyes is so fun.

If you can believe it, the day got even better. Musician friends dropped by to see the garden and they arrived carrying their instruments. Oh joy! Up they climbed to the tree house and gave a sweet concert. Just like that, the garden event turned sublime.
Only after they had entertained the all too appreciative crowd, did the minstrels tour the garden. Now that’s real service.

The garden closed to the public at the appointed hour but friends lingered on and soon the outdoor brick oven was fired up, wine poured, gourmet pizzas and tandoori chicken made and consumed, desserts brought by our chef extraordinaire friend completely demolished and still we all stayed on and basked in the magic of the moment.

This day had been offered to us with unconditional generosity and I think we accepted it with the grace it deserved. I could neither plan it nor recreate it just so again.

My gratitude to every person, plant, garden creature and weather gods who gave me this day is boundless. Thank you.

Pretty maids all in a row

Can you see the violist in the tree house?

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Waiting For Spring

Posted on April 28, 2015 by shobha

In ten days and some hours, my garden opens to the public. That’s May 9 from 10 am to 4 pm. But where is Spring in all her regalia? There is a vague warm up act going on but I’m beginning to wonder if the star acts have fallen asleep backstage. They are well overdue.

There have been years when it has seemed that spring was in a hurry and I’ve been concerned about flowers blooming too early. Not this year. As a friend mentioned recently, I might have to consider putting heaters outdoors to get the plants going. Mind you, given the pressure of getting visitor ready, I didn’t think that suggestion was as funny as intended. My sense of humor is being seriously tested.

I have absolutely no idea what will be in flower on Open Day. I can only hope that between today and that Saturday deadline, the weather will coax many of the bulbs and other perennials to display themselves in full glory. And then, bless us all with perfect garden-visiting weather for after all, what good will it do to have a somewhat wet or chilly climate on that day? The event will be held rain or shine but we all know that visitors like shine. I’d like shine too for if I must await the friendly crowd, I’d like to do so when everything sparkles. When the flowers are the main attraction, my other transgressions in the garden will be happily overlooked.

Like an events planner, I’m working at a madcap pace. Winters overextended stay delayed all garden work by weeks. That is a major handicap. Big tasks, minor to-dos, difference making details, have me constantly reviewing my endless list of chores. I don’t want to drop the ball on anything. A couple of items cannot be accomplished in this time crunch and must wait till after open day – I hope no one will notice. And I’m not telling because then you will notice!

Instead, I’m going to put my intentions and wishes out into the Universe and have faith that I will be heard. It shouldn’t be hard to do because gardening in itself is an act of pure faith.
However, as extra insurance, I ask that you help me out by asking the weather gods to be kind and most importantly, I’d like to see you in my garden on Open Day. Please come.

For details, click here.

While you’re marking your calender (for my Open Day of course), do make note of this other event. I’d love to see you there:

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On Plantsmanship

Posted on April 21, 2015 by shobha

These past seven days of glorious weather was the sort of gift every gardener covets. Much got accomplished in my garden. Getting my hands in the earth is enormously life affirming. This is where all life begins!

With my garden Open Day less than three weeks away, it has been necessary to amp up the pace of action. The winter that dragged on and on has set us back on many time sensitive tasks. From pruning to seed sowing to getting the compost turned, has been a matter of maintaining grace under fire. It is no fun to focus on chores and miss out on what’s blooming and who is doing what in the garden.

The pruning got done and it has been noted that much of the David Austin ‘Heritage’ rose suffered from the harsh winter. The New Dawn on the two arches, Paul’s Himalayan musk, Bonica and Leda roses have come through all right. With the fruit tree prunings done just a week ago, the espalier is looking neater and the buds are forming nicely. The grapevine prunings are now camouflaging the peony supports. It is best to set up stakes before plants grow too full to manage.

A layer of newspaper, a good two inches thick, has been placed down in the beds and then topped with compost and cedar mulch. The paper works wonders suppressing the weeds and seeds of unwanted self-sowers. It also holds the moisture well and eventually decomposes to further enrich the soil. An excellent and ecologically sound re-purposing of paper. Mulching is crucial to the health of the plants so, it too is best started early in the season.

The composter is now open for the season. It was very satisfying giving it its first turn over of the season. Compost is both mulch and health food. If you doesn’t already make compost, then I strongly encourage you to start doing so this year. It is totally doable and contrary to common belief, do not attract skunks, deer, coyotes or raccoons. A regular application of compost will guarantee the health of the plants and lawn. No other fertilizers needed. Composting is easy, organic and economical. By making your own compost, you will be certain of what it contains and hence you’ll be feeding your plants only the best. As in our own nutrition, home-made is better.

On the subject of food, a comfrey tea is a fabulous elixir for plants. I make this later on in the season when the comfrey plants are done blooming the first time around. I cut back the plant and put the cuttings in a large bin, cover it with water and close it tightly. Placed in a remote location like the woods, I forget about it for a few weeks. The steeping plant renders the water super-rich with all sorts of healthy contents. It also smells very foul – hence the remote location. Filter the water and feed the plants in the garden. They will thank you profusely.

I re-planted the entire checker-board garden. It was looking ragged as the old plants had been there a while. As much as perennials come back every year, many do not remain robust and need to be replaced every four to five years. So, a whole new batch of creeping phlox was planted. Its youthful beauty is disarming. This area will be radiating a pale mauve when the buds open in a few days.

Likewise, the espalier has been under-planted with lavender. Not only will they look pretty but I’m hoping to attract lots more pollinators. The dwarf blueberry I purchased recently has been given a home right next to some roses and across from the pear section in the espalier. I’m already dreaming of blueberry muffins and lavender infused lemonade.

The hellebores, crocus, scillas, iris reticulatas, forsythias and hyacinths are in bloom. The daffodils are popping open daily. The meadow is coming to life.

Still more needs to be accomplished but I’m determined to be fully present in the garden. Yesterday, as I repotted plants, I noticed it was Open House at the bluebird house. No bluebirds came looking but chickadees and sparrows were the prospectives I saw. I shooed away the sparrows.

I also observed that some butterflies had determined that the weather was right for them. There were a few adventurous cabbage whites and admirals flitting around taking advantage of the early blooms.

While we are enthusiastically going about gardening, I thought I’d include the latest list of prohibited and regulated plants in New York state. Check here:

http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/isprohibitedplants2.pdf

As in medicine, every gardeners first tenet should be to Do No Harm. Plant wisely.

Do check out the ‘Shop’ page for my note cards and fabric pattern. Prints of my art work are also available – I’m currently working on the Gallery page. Stay tuned!

Please also check the Happenings page to get information about my art show all of May with reception and poetry reading on May 2 and, my garden Open Day on May 9. Mark your calender and come! I look forward to seeing you at all the events.

Setting up the planting pattern in the checkerboard garden

Phlox all planted! Don’t miss the diagonal pattern.

Up close to a daffodil

Crocus

Grapevine prunings on peony supports

My red glove temporarily in the opening of the bluebird house – to ward off sparrows

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Afterglow

Posted on May 13, 2014 by shobha

So Open Day has come and gone. Stepping down from the frenzied work pace feels a bit strange. Can it be that I am really able to afford to just sit in the garden?! Unbelievable but, I catch on fast. Spent a delightful Sunday simply sitting and taking in the garden’s glory. It had been a pretty good open day. A steady pace of very nice visitors – many friends stopped by and lots of others left as new friends. To all, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for not just coming but for the appreciation, support and kindness you expressed. Thank you. It was additionally satisfying to note that many of you had purchased my botanical notecards and bought up all the plants I had for sale. Merci encore mes amies.

It never ceases to amaze me that people come to see my humble garden. That I’m worthy of such an honor is always a wonder and for which I’m deeply gratified. In truth, to my own biased eyes, the garden looked its best. Judging from the number of visitors taking pictures galore, I do believe others approved as well. The long, severe winter has kept many perennials behind in bloom time but instead, the tulips were at their peak. Really spectacular. With the rest of the bulbs such as alliums and camassias and the baptisia, amsonia and columbines to follow, there is still much to look forward to in the unfolding of spring.

It feels rather luxurious to bask in the successful completion of the chores and the event itself. And I’m making sure I stay properly present in the moment. All too often, I am guilty of either dismissing a job well done and rushing on to the next pressing project. Not this time. I’m determined to enjoy the garden for what it is and give myself some kudos.

But you know what? This is mighty hard. It is all too easy to think of what comes next. The native wisteria, climbing hydrangea, lilacs, peonies, irises and roses are yet to make a splash. I’ve begun planning a soirée just so I can have friends over to enjoy the splendor of their blooms.

The more pressing and rather serious projects are already trying to sabotage my sense of satisfaction. Chiefly the espaliered trees. They are in need of urgent attention. About four trees have failed all together. The mice must have decimated the roots. They will need to be replaced. Still other trees might succumb to the summer heat – I have to discover if these too must be replaced or whether bridge-grafting will be the best and most viable option. To do all of this, I need to have discussions with tree experts and nurserymen very soon. Followed by recommended action. I am however looking forward to the learning. It is not just plants that need to grow.

There are some other plants that are also revealing that they have not survived the winter. I must decide if they will be replaced by the same type of plant or by something even more hardy. Who knows what future winters will be like.

There is evidence of real estate seeking birds eying the chandelier above the table in the terrace. Twigs are scattered all over its surface with a few sticking out of the chandelier ‘basket’. I’m conflicted – do I thwart the birds and prevent any nest building or do I let the birds take up residence and sacrifice all al fresco meals until the babies have flown away? That could be several weeks and also affect above mentioned soirée.. I hate such conundrums.

However, not right now. Not this minute. Everything can wait just a wee bit longer. For now, I’m going to linger in the afterglow. With a deep sense of gratitude.

In the meadow

See that chandelier? Prime avian real estate.

No Pressure, No Diamonds

Posted on May 6, 2014 by shobha

Thomas Carlyle said those title words. I repeat them to myself every time I’m faced with deadlines, burgeoning schedules or demanding responsibilities. Right now, I’m feeling the pressure of my impending Open Day. Its the final stretch and I’m hoping to deliver a diamond.

Nothing like getting galvanized into action when you know visitors are expected. I’m pretty sure that at some point everybody has scrambled to get the house looking decent before the arrival of guests. A less than presentable space is probably the number two reason why the unexpected knock on the door is not appreciated. Number one being a less than presentable self.

Unlike the house where clutter can be cleared and hidden in a closet or bedroom, there is no place to hide in a garden. Particularly a garden that will be thoroughly examined. For gardeners, as in every creative endeavor, it is exciting to be able to show their work. Like a parent, we have that burning need for our “child” to dazzle and amaze. A garden that impresses translates to a gardener who is brilliant. Who doesn’t want to be perceived as such?

Thankfully, all the tasks that need doing are those that would get done anyway. It is merely that instead of a pace like a long-distance run, one is now sprinting. So I’m working fast. I’m not saying I’m doing it better. Just faster. The upside to all this is that I will have some well earned leisure time later. Something that gardeners often do not get to indulge in.

The daffodils are almost done and the tulips are coming into their prime. A very disarming sight. Other bulbs are waiting in the wings. I am hoping they are in bloom for open day. The Amelanchier and the pears are in frothy white. Plenty of other perennials are getting ready to put on a show. I absolutely adore this moment in the garden. The thrill of anticipation gives me such a high.

Of course, preparing for a public opening involves some additional things but after several years of experience, one takes it in stride. The main factor to contend with is the weather. What the winter did to the garden, if the days leading to the open day are favorable for gardening and finally of course hoping for fair conditions on the big day itself. Weather is the double-edged knife that keeps the gardener company and the gardener has absolutely no influence on it. The relationship is completely one-sided.

Given good weather, I thoroughly enjoy open day. It is so much fun to meet friends who come to show support and wander around comfortably. New friendships get forged here as well. Questions are asked, discussions ensue, experiences are shared and before one knows it, kindred spirits are recognized and embraced. In general, those who visit gardens are doing so for pleasure and inspiration. They do not come with intent to criticize or look down. That said, it does behoove the gardener to do her part to have her garden look its best.

And so, back to the garden I go. A diamond in the rough will simply not do.

I’m not adding any photos this week because I want you to come and see my garden for yourself!

Addendum – Just in time for Mothers Day, graduation, summer party invites, hostess gifts, notes to campers … Notecards of my botanical watercolors will be for sale.
I might even have some young plants available.
The New Castle Chamber of Commerce is getting in on the day and several local businesses are offering special deals to those who visit my garden. Such fun!
Do please come!

For directions and other information go to www.gardenconservancy.org/opendays

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Perfectly Imperfect

Posted on April 29, 2014 by shobha

As I get my garden ready for my Open Day (May 10!), the drive is to show its beauty. I’m not running around plonking down new plants just for appearance. I’m acutely aware that as much as being drawn by the flowers in bloom, it is the design and plan of the garden that must shine. The juxtaposition of unlikely materials such as brick against slate, the unusual solution to a common problem, the provision for outdoor celebrations, applying sustainable gardening practices, being creative and so on. In essence, a garden must teach as much as it must impress. Personally, I want my visitors to leave enriched and inspired in a way that empowers them to approach their own gardens with fresh ideas and a can-do attitude.

With the thought to instruct, it is incumbent then to be honest about what goes on. While the garden gets tidied up and the mess put away, there is no pretending that it is more than what it is. For example, given the longer than usual winter, the emergence of certain plants is slow and it makes no sense to replace it with a new, more mature versions just to create a lush effect. To try and fool a visitor would also be insulting their intelligence. The very quality of the visit is diminished.

On the same vein, the gardener too must be honest with herself. No illusions of grandeur unless of course your garden is in Versailles. Similarly, a vast formal garden should not be declared to be humble or modest. Lets just keep it real. I recall having some neighbors taking offense when I called my home a cottage. Somehow, that implied it was less than good and by extrapolation, they were jostling with the not so affluent. But in truth, my home is indeed of modest proportions and is quite accurately a cottage. It is exactly what suits me and my family. Nothing more nothing less.

A formal garden to this house would be equally pretentious. No matter that copious amounts of time, money and energy go into creating and maintaining its informal style.

The biggest stumbling block for most gardeners is the unrealistic goal for perfection. To them and to everybody caring to listen, I say – allow for imperfection. Its okay. There will always be flaws in everything. You won’t get all the weeds, bugs will find a way to make holes in the leaves of roses, organically grown fruit will have blemishes, the dry shade under the trees will always be a problem area and will never look lush, where the dog likes to hangout will forever look like where the dog likes to hangout. Its all right – it shows that life happens here.

So do your very best to clean, tidy, care for and create beauty in your garden. But at the same time don’t obsess. Think about those gorgeous Persian carpets that all have a mistake deliberately woven in. Because after all, only God can achieve perfection.

I invite you to come to my imperfect but charming garden on May 10. www.gardenconservancy.org/opendays

The cottage and part of the front garden

Bulbs in bloom

Herb garden and terrace

Wood burning oven and checkerboard garden

The ‘meadow’ and treehouse

Hickory Dickory Dock

Posted on April 8, 2014 by shobha

(The clock ticks, the mice play, the gardener copes …)

Its been a very productive week in the garden. The weather took away any excuse to stay on the couch. With gardening juices flowing freely in my veins, I went at the list of chores enthusiastically. Come July, that same energy will be mighty scarce. At this point, the clock is ticking as Open Day approaches and I use it as impetus to get everything done. If you don’t have a public opening as an excuse, just set a date and send out invites to a garden party. Then see how you charge around accomplishing all the necessary to-do items on that long list. Amazingly effective.

The major task was the clean up. However diligently the garden was cutback, tidied and organized in autumn, winter manages to big mess of it. As though it had a rollicking old party where everybody proceeded to go crazy. Removing the winter debris and detritus must be how the cleaning crew feel after Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Its a good thing that once this work is done, it shows. Unlike weeding which nobody notices until you neglect to do it, clean up is hard to miss.

The ‘meadow’ in particular responds well to a good scrubbing. Twigs are picked up as in a game of pickup-sticks, leaves are carefully raked, blown and gathered so as not to disturb or damage the hundreds of emerging bulbs. The early, small bulbs such as snowdrops and crocus are already in bloom and dotting the meadow. They positively sparkle after the clean up. Relieved of the smothering effect of the fallen leaves, its as though they are breathing freely at last.

Something I finally took to task this year was the ivy. Many years ago, I had planted English ivy along one side of the back garden with the intent of quickly covering up the neighbor’s chain-link fence. This worked in some parts but over time, the ivy has been making inroads in the meadow and checkerboard garden. The plant is invasive and knowing what I know now but didn’t all those years ago, I’d never plant it again. The creeper has been ruthlessly removed from any part for which it was never intended. For the time being, it is left on the fence and will be strictly monitored so it is not permitted to stray. I do intend to replace it entirely in the not too distant future.

The front lawn has been cleared of thatch build up, reseeded and given a good layer of compost to mulch and fertilize. Already I can see that the new grass has begun to sprout.

Other assorted jobs like pruning the roses, straightening the fence posts in front, redoing the rustic fence at the far back, tidying flower beds, preparing and planting up the vegetable plot with cool weather greens have also been completed. For instant gratification, urns and window-boxes are bursting with daffodils, pansies and primroses purchased from the nursery. Makes me so happy.

Much still needs doing but at least a good start has been made. I’m loving waking up everyday to see what else is in bloom. The iris reticulata are shyly joining the hellebores, crocus and snowdrops. I see the tight scilla buds waiting in the wings. The daffodils up close to the greenhouse will open any day now. One by one the plants awaken. Soon, there will be a profusion of flowers and I’ll be in my element. This is what I live for.

Update on the mice attack on the espalier: some of the Creeping Jenny planted along the side path, had gone rogue and crept on to the ground beneath the espalier. I was well aware that there should be nothing planted beneath the fruit trees but the chartreuse creeper looked so darn charming scampering over the river-rocks that I’d let it be. Well, no more. All undergrowth has been removed. Plantings in such places, translates to havens for moles and voles.

Only once the hot weather arrives will we know which trees have been decimated by the mice. Due to reserve nutrients, they will look fine and even flower in spring. I have yet to do a little digging around to see if the mice have been nibbling at the roots. I’m still screwing up the courage to do this investigation. It is heartbreaking to see any tree suffer. For now, the espalier will be fed a root fertilizer and as a further effort to direct all energy to healing, I intend to remove all fruit buds after the flowering. This year, the espalier will be in an infirmary of sorts. Trees that are at major risk will be ‘nursed’ with a bridge-graft – something I’m only just learning about. It is apparently very effective in saving fruit trees but not at all fun or easy to do. I see this crisis as I try to see all things in life. They arrive because there is something I must learn from them.
I’m learning, I’m learning.

Reminder: My garden is open on May 10 from 10 am – 4 pm. Rocky Hills from 2 pm – 4 pm. www.gardenconservancy.org/opendays

Creeping Jenny on sidepath and beneath espalier

So charming right? Well, all that pretty on the rocks had to go.

All clear of undergrowth.

Early, small bulbs in the meadow.

Daffodils by the greenhouse.

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Of Mice And Me

Posted on April 1, 2014 by shobha

This past Sunday, I made the first trip of the year to my favorite nursery. The sights and smells of the plants, the benign conversations with horticultural experts/plant lovers did something magical to my mood. I was enervated, optimistic and boy, did I have energy to take on the many tasks on my to-do list. Yes, thats what being amidst all things plant related does for me. This state of elevated spirits beats the ‘induced’ kind any day. It leads to creativity and productivity, spreads good will, no hangover follows and best of all, one remembers everything.

And joyfully thus, my gardening season is underway. For instant gratification, I picked up flats of primroses and pansies that will go into assorted urns, pots and window boxes. Now, mind you, as exciting as it is, there are challenges. My garden Open Day is fast approaching ( May 10) and given the severity and length of this past winter, time is short for getting the garden ready and spectacular. But that is not the most serious problem.

Of grave concern is the fact that orchard mice have attacked several of the apple trees in the espalier fence. How much damage has been wrought is yet to be determined. I can only hope that for the most part, the trees can heal themselves nicely. To replace any tree will not be easy. To remove a tree from within such an espalier arrangement and replant with a healthy tree of appropriate maturity requires some effort. There might well be more than one damaged tree. Oy vay.

When I first noticed the tell tale signs of orchard mice activity, I was immediately inclined to panic. I had this strong urge to pour poison and decimate the rodents. But thankfully, that feeling lasted just a minute. Okay, five minutes. I breathed deep and let myself relax. Strangely, my next thought was to consider how hard the winter must have been for the mice. The apple trees had not been touched all these years so, they must have been under a fair amount of stress to turn to my precious trees. I even envisioned that some of them were fiercely protective mothers doing whatever they had to for the wellbeing of their young ones. Sigh. How could I remain outraged?

Looking at it from another creature’s point of view helped adjust my own perspective. As much of an effort and expense it might be to remedy the problem, the fact is, the situation can still be fixed. Its not the end of the world. Am I happy then? No, my time, energy and pocketbook are not limitless but I’m not unhappy or upset either. I have forgiven the mice, accepted the problem and will now try to correct it the best I can. I will be discussing the matter with an expert so I can find out more about how to deal with it properly. Any insight gained shall of course be shared with all. If anybody has had a similar experience, I’d love to hear about it.

This is once again a reminder that we humans are not in charge. Nature is. And I must defer to her.

So, with the espalier problem on one hand, I look around the garden to counter-balance the status. The bulbs are piercing through the earth. Snowdrops and hellebores are blooming. The boxwoods look a bit winter weary but otherwise seem to have fared okay. And most excitingly, the Amelanchier I said I was going to plant, was purchased and ensconced in its rightful home yesterday. It is A. canadensis ‘Glennform’ – a shrubby type that is full of buds. I cannot wait to see it in bloom. It will lead the eye nicely across the meadow when viewed from the terrace. Once it was in the ground, I welcomed it to my garden, wished it well and promised that I would do right by it. I renewed my covenant with Nature.

Many, many chores remain and the garden is yet to reveal fully what plants could not take the winter. This is particularly true of the vertical garden. It is a vulnerable area and we are still learning what works and is needed. Ferns are slow in emerging so it’ll be cutting it very close to May 10 to determine anything. The suspense is killing!

As I dive into the season and begin my work, I’m just so excited and grateful to have my own piece of paradise. At the same time, I’m apprehensive about how to make it shine for the visitors in May. I know the ones who are gardeners themselves will understand about those aspects that simply cannot be helped and are due to the vagaries of the weather. But, I also want to please those who do not garden and rightfully come expecting to be delighted and impressed. Their opinions matter as much and I enjoy their comments equally. I’ll just have to work very hard and do my best won’t I? In the end however, whilst looking beautiful, a good garden must also teach. I hope all the visitors leave my garden suitably impressed and a little bit more knowledgeable and enriched.

Too often we forget that to have a garden to tend is to be truly blessed. We never really own it. We are but the caretakers and must share it with grace. Let the gardening begin!
Have I mentioned that my garden is open this May 1 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm?! Do come, I really would like to meet everybody and share with you this piece of my heart.www.gardenconservancy.org/opendays

Orchard mice damage

Removing the old, apple tree.

The new resident.
A. canadensis ‘Glenform’

Hellebores in bloom

Seeds of Design

by Shobha Vanchiswar

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