At Last!

Posted on August 13, 2024 by shobha

At last it’s feeling like a normal August. Warm but not insanely so. Humid but not soupy. After weeks and weeks of awful conditions, I spent this past weekend deliriously happy to be in the garden. Mosquitoes notwithstanding, it was sheer joy to be taking care of a myriad chores.

The weeds had gone to town – clearly they thoroughly appreciated the fact that they could thrived unfettered whilst the gardener took refuge from the high temperatures and/or heavy rains. A good number of hours were spent at this task. Many areas got divested of the opportunists and you could almost hear those spaces breathe with relief. Things are now looking cared for so the Horticultural Social Services will not find reason to take away my custody of this piece of paradise.

I cut back plants both in beds and in pots giving them the chance to rest a bit before putting out fresh growth. They should do well till the fall weather arrives. A few plants will even put out a second flush of flowers.

Some of the younger espaliers were in desperate need of pruning – in order to keep their assigned patterns, all wayward limbs were removed. The persimmon candelabra, quince cordon and magnolia fan look so much better now. Espalier is all about training plants to grow in a specific design and oversight is necessary to train and maintain them accordingly.

After cutting several branches of the magnolia, it seemed too much of a shame to simply toss them on the compost heap. They deserved to be made into a wreath or garland. But I knew the leaves needed a treatment of sorts to keep their fresh look. A quick search online gave me the method to use – Submerge the magnolia leaves in a solution of glycerin and hot water (1:2 ratio) for 4 days, then let them dry off fully before using them. Simple right? Certainly worth a shot.

Our local pharmacies do not carry glycerin so it was ordered online and by weeks end the treatment should be underway. If all goes well, a nice homegrown magnolia wreath will be adorning the front door this holiday season. Fingers crossed.

It wasn’t all work in the garden. Al fresco meals were enjoyed. I observed the hummingbirds jockey for first dibs at the feeder while they also made their rounds of the hibiscus, agapanthus and the charming red trumpets of the cardinal vine. The goldfinches seem to have made claim of the coneflowers growing madly at the base of the Concord grape arbor. In the meadow, the Monarchs have discovered a myriad of treats.

Does this gardener’s heart good to see the garden being graced by them all.

After too long I am at last thoroughly enjoying puttering around the garden. May August make up for the disappointment of June and July.

Sharing more photographs taken by @brosnahan_arts –

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Summer Blast

Posted on August 6, 2024 by shobha

It’s certainly been a particularly hot summer so far but, this week, we expect to get a bit of a break. For at least a few days, temperatures will drop somewhat. However, there’s a chance of rain throughout. Having just returned from powerful monsoon rains in Mumbai, I’m less than pleased. Every cell in my body feels quite water-logged. I crave cool, dry weather.

That said, I’m immensely pleased to be back at home. Seeing that the garden was in good hands in my absence gives me time to simply appreciate what’s blooming while I shed the fatigue of a very long flight and the inevitable impact of jet lag. I have already noted that the mosquitoes missed me dearly. Between getting out of the car, unloading the luggage and making it to the front door, I was greeted very enthusiastically. Every exposed part of my limbs was savagely bitten. What a welcome!

So here we are in August and it is imperative that one makes the most of it. Whatever be the weather. In addition to the August To-Do list, I must prepare for the drainage project that is scheduled to start next Monday. Just when the summer phlox are blooming brightly and the Joe Pye are poised to join in, they, along with several other plants must be uprooted and kept happy and safe. Fingers crossed they will not be too upset.

August To-Do

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

3. Water as required.

4. Mow as usual. Again, do the right thing and keep blades 4 inches high.

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

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.

Note: I’m sharing some beautiful images taken by my nephew and artist @Brosnahan_arts I love his keen eye and artistry. I will share more of his photos next week.

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Anticipation

Posted on July 9, 2024 by shobha

The feeling of anticipation is powerful. Be it for an exam, job interview, party, vacation, message or anything even seemingly important, it is one of a mix of excitement, uncertainty, hope and yearning. We want so badly for the outcome to be as best as it can be that one can hardly stand it.

(Note: I’m not talking about matters like waiting for medical test results or other difficult situations. Those are entirely different as they come with a sense of dread.)

I, and I suspect all gardeners, know the giddy anticipation of the fruits of our labor. Pun intended!

From sprouting seeds, elements of design, color combinations, textural pairings and finally the flowering and/or fruiting of the plants, gardening is fraught with the thrill of waiting. The realization of plans, vision and dreams is wonderful in itself but, anticipating it is a whole other joy. Because, in that period of expectancy everything is possible. Defying all odds, things are poised to come true. And that is precisely why it feels so wonderful. Life is full of uncertainties but for this period of awaiting, one can hope for nothing short of perfect. Pests, weather, mistakes, miscalculations, mix-ups be damned. Right?!

This past week, while we’ve been sweltering in the high heat and humidity, the delicious sense of anticipation has held me in good spirits. The promise of good things to come is reassuring at a time when it feels impossible to gather the energy to get tasks done. Apart from weeding a little bit each day and watering ( only the pots) as required, little else is accomplished. Even sitting the shade has been a challenge – it’s too muggy and armies of mosquitoes attack at all times of day and night. This week, when the heat is expected to break, I’m really hoping to get certain espaliered trees pruned and a spot of editing in the meadow where the jewelweed is getting too rambunctious.

In the interim, I’m indulging in the positive signs in the garden and for that, I’m immensely grateful. One just needs to stay calm, stay hydrated and observe ones’ surroundings. And to have faith,

A few things I’m anticipating –

Persimmon – first year it is bearing fruit!

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Sizzling July

Posted on July 2, 2024 by shobha

Ah! The month of pure Summer. Fireworks, fireflies and freedom from routine. Heat, humidity and bad hair days too. It is a time to slow down and savor the season. Simplify the days. I think, if we do summer correctly, we can then keep that sensibility through the other seasons. An ideal recipe for living mindfully. This year, I’m going to give Summer my best shot. Really.

In order to do that, July’s garden chores are whittled down to the essential minimum.

Things To Do In July –

1. Weed, weed, weed! Do a half hour each day and stop. It’ll all add up. Remember, pouring boiling water over bricks and other stonework will kill weeds growing in-between. Hot water from cooking pasta, boiling eggs and such can be used.

2. Deadhead often ( unless you’re going to collect seeds from certain plants). Neatness matters and keeps the garden looking cared for. Deadheading encourages several plants to put out a second round of blooms.

3. Mulch all beds once, fertilize plants in pots weekly, water as necessary ( collect rain water and use that).

4. Mow regularly but keep the mower blade high. Leave grass clippings in place to act as mulch first and then enrich the soil as it breaks down.

5. Watch out for pests and/or disease. Use organic treatments.

6. Plant out vegetable seedlings for fall harvest. Harvest summer vegetables regularly.

7. Keep birdbaths filled with fresh, clean water.

8. Order fall bulbs

9. Take time to watch dragonflies by day and fireflies by night.

Some close ups from the garden –

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Chill In!

Posted on June 18, 2024 by shobha

It’s a heat wave – all week long. We’ve had such a gloriously beautiful and long spring that it’s really hard to switch gears and confront the soaring temperatures with accompanying humidity. I shouldn’t complain but I know I will. Particularly about not spending enough time in the garden. However, it’s best not to fight common sense guidelines on how to cope in a heat wave.

First and foremost, do only the bare minimum in the garden. That really comes down to light weeding, watering as necessary and general deadheading and tidying. Do these chores in the early morning or later in the evening when the heat is somewhat tolerable. If you’re not up to doing anything at all, that’s okay. Your health is priority number one. The garden can wait – plants are resilient. When the heat wave passes, you will tend to the chores.

Lets see what useful things we can accomplish –

A non-negotiable for me are the hummingbird feeders which must be refilled more frequently. The sugar water will begin to ferment when the days are very hot and that can be very harmful to the tiny birds. Under circumstances like the present, I take the feeders down every other day to empty and wash out thoroughly. I replenish with fresh sugar water (1:4 sugar to water ratio) but I do not fill up the whole feeder. Instead, I add only a third of the volume which is about how much the birds typically consume before the next fill-up. That way, I’m not wasting too much of the nectar.

Similarly, the birdbath is kept filled with clean water for other thirsty avian friends. While you’re at it, remember to keep yourself hydrated!

This is a good time to do some simple propagation and it can be done indoors or in the shade. Lavender, rosemary, dianthus and such are prime candidates. Take 2-3 inch cuttings of non-flowering shoots from the parent plant. Strip away all lower leaves and poke the stems around the edge of a pot of gritty compost. Water and place in sheltered but still bright area. Monitor. When you can see strong, new growth, gently lift and check for good root development. Transplant each new ‘baby’ to its own appropriately sized pot.

Begonia, African violets and succulents can be multiplied from just a leaf. Stick a healthy leaf of the plant into a pot of free-draining compost or sphagnum moss. Water well. Create a greenhouse for each pot by placing it in a sealable, clear plastic bag. Close the seal properly. In a few weeks, new growth will emerge. At that time, cut off the original leaf and repot the new plant.

In the cool of the indoors, examine your wish list of plants for fall planting. Source them. Preferably from your local nurseries. Otherwise, place your orders online. Schedule delivery in time for planting.

On a similar vein, start selecting your bulbs for fall planting. It’s not too early! Popular choices get sold out fast. The orders get shipped out only at the right time for planting in your temperature zone. You also get charged only at that time. I find it hugely freeing to place my bulb order well ahead. Then I can go about the business of enjoying the season, go on vacation, harvest flowers and fruit without worrying about the likelihood of forgetting the bulb order or missing out on my favorite selections.

The heat wave is by no means a blessing but one can certainly find the silver lining in the thick of it.

Here’s what‘s doing in the garden right now –

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Making Scents Of The Garden

Posted on June 11, 2024 by shobha

Gardens appeal to all the senses. The visual is obvious. There are many plants that beg to be touched and/or tasted – who hasn’t instinctively reached out to caress the soft, furry leaves of Lamb’s Ears or picked a tomato straight off the vine for the first true taste of summer? Nibbled on a mint leaf whilst surveying the garden lately?

And then there are the smells that elevate the garden to become more than just an experience. Smells, more than the other senses, bring forth remembrances. Our memories are most easily evoked by smell. And the month of June seems suffused in fragrance.

In my own garden, June starts off with the climbing hydrangea in bloom. The tendrils of its heady perfume climb up into the house and spread out reminding me of the week spent at a dear friend’s lake house many years ago. It was my first time in a log house and also where I was first introduced to the climbing hydrangea. The friend has since passed away but her spirit remains in my heart and whenever I inhale the gift from the climbing hydrangea, I think of Kate and how much she meant to me.

As I weed in the north perennial bed in the front garden, the subtle fragrance of purple Siberian irises remind me to be strong and fearless like the one who gave them to me. Hedda was decades ahead of her time and paid no mind to nay sayers. She lived boldly, truthfully and with deep consideration of the earth and all its residents. That gentle, olfactory nudge was so timely as I’d been feeling a bit discouraged about something at that moment. Hedda might not be around any more but she communicates to me through her irises. Mostly to tell me to trust my instincts.

Whilst deadheading the scented geraniums (pelargoniums really), I’m transported to the time when I introduced my then two year daughter to the different smells of the leaves of assorted geraniums – attar of rose, lemon-rose, citronella and mint-chocolate. She expressed delight at sniffing the first two, crinkled up her nose at the third and positively lit up with the last one. Many subsequent tea parties with her stuffed animals had mint-chocolate ‘cookies’ in abundance. Such fond memories.

The perfume of the night blooming jasmine embraces me as I settle into bed and takes me back to my own childhood in India. The night air thick with the same aroma lulling me to sleep. Likewise, during the day, the powerful bouquet of the gardenia’s creamy flowers evoke images of my mother helping me tuck a bloom in my braided hair. These days, I’m more inclined to place it on my desk or bedside. A single gardenia flower perfumes the entire house.

Lavender invariably takes me to Provence – a place very dear to my heart and one I return to as often as possible. I inhale the crushed leaves or flowers in my garden and right away, I can feel the hot Provencal sun on my skin and the steady thrum of the bees accompanied by the rise and fall of the call of the cicadas. And suddenly, a sense of peace comes over me.

Rosemary, basil, mint, sage, thyme, cilantro, bay all recall so many memorable meals and recipes shared with families and friends. I’m motivated to recreate a dish or two, invite a couple of friends and voila, a summer party happens. New memory created.

Santolina, that I often dry in bunches and hang to repel moths in closets where out of season garments and other linens are stored, has the same memory for my daughter as I have about naphthalene balls from my childhood. Familiar, comforting even but, not necessarily pleasurable.

So many memories raised by a mere whiff from the garden. So powerful and yet, so underrated.

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Tune Into June

Posted on June 4, 2024 by shobha

June

June of roses, summer wine

Vows of love, firefly time

Sunny dreams of sandy waters

Plans for camp, temporary quarters.

– Shobha Vanchiswar

And while we’re happily easing into the slow pace of summer, let’s not forget that the garden still needs tending!

Here’s the list:

Things To Do This Month –

1. Weed, weed, weed! Do it regularly and you’ll be less inundated.

2. Continue deadheading flowers after they’re done blooming. Let those that you want to go to seed remain.

3. As many plants take off this month, keep the garden looking tidy by staking and tying back.

4. Water only as needed. As summer heat and humidity increases, too much watering will encourage the proliferation of fungal diseases.

5. Keep close vigil for pests and disease. Take prompt action. Use only organic methods.

6. Fertilize the vegetable beds and plants in pots every two weeks or so. Comfrey tea, Epsom salts and compost are my go to fertilizers.

7. Mow lawns regularly but keep the blades at a height of 4 inches. The slightly longer grass will retain moisture better. Leave clippings to enrich the soil.

8. Prune back lilacs by one-third their height. Do the same for other spring blooming plants – once flowers are done of course.

9. Net soft fruits to keep away the birds.

10. With the threat of frost over, plant out tender plants.

11. Harvest vegetables regularly.

12. Each evening, make a point of sitting still in the garden and observing the fireflies do their silent dance. Smell the roses. Gather peonies to bring indoors. This, is why you garden.

A few glimpses of what’s doing in the garden right now –

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May Daze

Posted on May 28, 2024 by shobha

At this point of the month, it hardly ever feels like it is still Spring. As if on cue, when the unofficial start of summer is declared on Memorial Weekend, the temperatures will rise, humidity will arrive and there will be a very summer-like thundershower. I deeply resent this annual phenomenon. Summer needs to stop muscling into Spring. After all, the season of rebirth and renewal still has at least three more weeks if not a month to go. And I would like to savor it fully.

Instead, Summer bullies her way in, puts paid to the late spring flowers just as they’re coming into their own. Case(s) in point – the alliums were standing tall and resplendent in their purple pompoms before the unwelcome heat and humidity quickly faded them out . They look like allium ghosts now.

The peonies in my garden start revealing their exotic beauty unfailingly at the approach of Memorial Day. And just as unfailingly, the temperatures get uncomfortable high and a heavy downpour will follow. The heat hastens the blooming and the rain madly tears out the petals leaving behind a sorry, sodden browning mess to clean up. I’ve learned to run out just before the shower and gather as many peonies to enjoy indoors. But we know well it’s just not the same. Cut peonies do not last as long and the plants outdoors look bereft. Truly sad.

The pair of native wisteria scrambling over the pergola bloom later than their Asian cousins. This is a trait I value because early Spring has so much to offer that waiting for the wisteria makes late spring more comparable. But, my joy at basking under the flower laden pergola or gazing swooningly at them from the rooms above, is short lived. The cruel heat rapidly toasts the racemes to a shade of gray causing petal fall that closely resembles the sorry, week old remnants of a ticker tape parade.

Indeed, resentful I am. But, having vented, I feel better. A tiny bit.

Note: Late May in my garden –

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Universe! You Did Hear Me!

Posted on May 14, 2024 by shobha

What a weekend it was – packed to the gills with events, I’m finally coming up for air. Friday and Saturday was the PlantFest at Teatown Lake Reservation where for some years now, I’ve participated as a vendor to sell my soft home furnishings. 100% of the profits are donated to deserving causes and that’s my strong motivation to do what I do – using my art to create beautiful, useful products in order to raise funds for projects I believe in. This year, the ACLU and Doctors Without Borders are my chosen causes. If anyone is interested in my products or in supporting the two causes, please use the link provided above and make your purchases on-line.

Now, at PlantFest, folks primarily come to make a beeline to the plethora of plants available from some pretty amazing growers. So to purchase anything else is not a priority. I participate because Teatown itself is a very special place of nature and deserves to be supported. PlantFest is an important fund raiser. As an opportunity to sell my products, it is less than ideal. But, every item sold helps the big purpose. I did okay. What is gratifying are the people who return every year to buy Mother’s Day gifts. That is definitive endorsement and I sure feel good about it.

On Friday, it was tough – cold and rainy weather had everybody wishing for time to fly. The thought of a hot shower tantalized relentlessly. Finally, at 7:00 pm we were able to go home. But that hot shower had to wait.

Last minute garden work awaited – that final effort to get the garden as ready as it could be for Open Day on Saturday.

So, in the drizzle and cold, I deadheaded, weeded and neatened up the garden for another hour and a half. Satisfied, I finally went in for shower, sustenance and sleep. I couldn’t dare to consider the weather for Saturday.

Well, the Universe heard my pleas – Open Day could not have asked for better weather. Sunshine! Blue skies! Warmer temperature! Not too warm but perfectly comfortable. Hallelujah! While I anticipated the visitors I reveled in the sunshine. It felt heavenly.

And the garden truly rose to the occasion. It looked so beautiful even if I say so myself. As all gardeners know, all we can do is our best and the rest is up to Nature. Over a 100 visitors came and time passed quickly. I so enjoyed meeting everybody. It never ceases to impress me that they take the trouble to come to my little garden. Some had visited a few years prior and had liked it so much to return – that cannot but touch my gardener heart. Meeting new people is invariably fun as friendships get forged this way. And boy did we gossip about plants, gardens and gardening! And maybe about certain gardeners! All in all, a perfect Open Day. Thank you all for visiting – my deepest gratitude.

The day ended with our traditional pizza party with close friends arriving after Open Day hours to get their own private viewing and to linger on into the night eating, drinking and being merry. Sublime.

Note: The baby robins in the nest above the dining table on the terrace had grown and flown in time! So we could use the table guilt-free!

Sunday was Mother’s Day. And the rain had returned but not for the entire day. While it was not really busy or hectic, it was delightfully eventful. I feel extremely blessed.

I’ve given myself a well earned break this week. No gardening. Except for the planting of seedlings. Maybe a bit of routine weeding. Keep up the deadheading. The edgers of the beds in the herb garden could use some straightening. A little re-potting. The tiny front lawn will need mowing. The lilacs look done so maybe get the pruning over with? Ha! What am I thinking? There’s simply no rest for the wicked and the good don’t need any do they?!

Note: Some pictures from Teaown’s PlantFest and my Open Day –

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Opening The Garden

Posted on May 7, 2024 by shobha

It’s the final stretch – Open Day is this Saturday! All the last minute frenzy is happening. Fussing and faffing, mowing and moving, planting and panting. Since the weather forecast has a chance of rain for Wednesday through Friday ( fingers crossed for Saturday), the deadline to get ready is really sunset today. Madness!

I know it’ll all get done but there’s always that final push and panic. The adrenaline is high and truthfully, I’m super excited to welcome the visitors so we can gossip and commiserate on all things garden. I hope you are planning on dropping by?

If the race to get the chores for May haven’t been addressed as yet, here is the list –

Weed regularly if you want to keep the thugs in check.
Put stakes in place so as plants grow it’ll be easy to secure them.
Deadhead spent blooms for a neat look. Some plants will reward you with a second wave of blooms. Of course, if you want to collect seeds, do not deadhead.
Water as necessary. Add a splash of compost tea to fertilize – about every 3 weeks.
Plant in summer vegetables, summer bulbs and tubers and, annuals.
Keep bird baths filled with clean water. Use mosquito ‘dunks’ to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. The same goes for fountains.
Start mowing lawns but do the right thing by keeping the mower blade high at about four inches. Leave clippings in place to replenish the soil.
Make sure all beds, shrubs and trees are mulched to retain moisture and keep weeds from proliferating.
To take care of weeds in areas that are paved or bricked, pour boiling hot water over them. The weeds will be killed and no chemicals were used!
Stay vigilant for pests or disease. The earlier you catch a problem, the easier it is to treat them. Always employ organic methods.
Stir the compost heap regularly. Keep adding in kitchen and garden waste.
Take time every day to simply enjoy the garden.
Visit other gardens through the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program. You will be vastly instructed and inspired. Www.gardenconservancy.org/opendays