Category Archives: Seasons Greetings

December Discourse

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It’s that time of year when I look through the rear view mirror of the year and do a performance review of sorts. Based on that, I look ahead to the new year and accordingly make plans. In the interest of this blog, I shall focus on the garden.

The underlying factor that unquestionably impacted the garden in 2024 was the unpredictable weather. From a very mild winter that coughed up a single snowfall to an early spring that oscillated between cold and wet to mild and dry to a summer that got way too hot and had too much rain to a fall that was long, mild and very dry. We’ve been so dry that we’re under a burn ban of all categories as well as a water restriction warning till Dec 31. Naturally, it followed that leafing out, flowering and fruiting times of many plants were hastened or delayed. I can only imagine how much these uncertain conditions affected all other life forms that coexist with the plants. While most gardeners took it in stride, the writing is on the wall or more appropriately in this case, on the earth. Climate change is well underway.

In order to come to terms with it and be a responsible gardener, I’m giving the matter a great deal of thought and doing a fair amount of research. It can no longer be gardening as usual. New understanding, new attitudes and new ways are in order. Gardens and gardeners must change together with the climate. That is a tall order because change is not easy especially when it requires a lot to happen in a short amount of time. And time, for many things, is no longer unlimited. We must act now even as we adjust and adapt by the seat of our pants. There’s no how-to manual for the situation we’re in. However, gardeners are resilient, resourceful and always ready to learn and do what it takes to serve their piece of Paradise well.

So, come 2025, I intend to share my findings, thoughts and plans on how I intend to garden in this climate challenged world. I hope you too will give the matter your due consideration and communicate back to me. We are stronger together and together we can do our part to nurture our gardens and the world at large. That will be our legacy to the future.

I will not post next week. I will see you in the New Year!

Happy, healthy holidays to all!

Note: Scenes from my home and garden right now –

I am so proud of this wreath! Made entirely from materials from my garden, it is 3 feet in diameter and celebrates itself loud and proud!!
Abutilon blooming in the greenhouse
Amaryllis at home
Growth from past spring’s bulbs had started emerging in early November. Will they bloom next spring? Fingers crossed.
Beauty in senescence.

Seasonal images from elsewhere –

(c) 2024 Shobha Vanchiswar

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December Doings

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2024 feels like it’s been a long year does it not? Then why am I surprised that we’re already in December? It must be because Thanksgiving was so late that we’ve had no transition time to make our way over to the holiday frenzy. Well, never mind. We are here and we’re going to make the most of it.

The part I like best about decorating for the season is using the bounty from the garden. From late summer on, I save interesting leaves, branches, seed pods and anything else that catches my fancy from prunings and such. This year, a giant wreath of preserved magnolia leaves was created and it has been waiting to be commissioned since October. I shall insert in the preserved leaves of the oak-leaf hydrangea, okra and agapanthus seed pods, some allium heads I’d gilded last year and await everyone’s cries of approval. Otherwise, there will be coal in their stockings.

The many amaryllis I started a few weeks ago will begin to bloom in a week or so and matters should look festive for some good fa la la fun.

But first, there’s still the odd garden chore(s) to tend. So, here is the December to-do list:

1. Hurry up and finish any pending plant protecting tasks! Ditto for statuary and other articles left outdoors.

2. Complete mulching all plants.

3. Drain out all outdoor water pipes. Store hoses properly.

4. Keep bird feeders filled.

5. Keep on top of watering plants in greenhouse and house. Stay vigilant for signs of pests or disease.

6. Set aside seed and plant catalogs for making plans for next year’s growing seasons.

7. Archive garden photos taken through this year. They will come in handy when you design for next year.

8. Enjoy paperwhites and amaryllis bulbs blooming indoors.

9. Make use of this down time and relax! Don’t let the Holiday Season wear you down.

Cheers.

Note: Since I haven’t as yet got any decorations actually installed, here are some trees from years past from my home and elsewhere:

(c) 2024 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Gobbling With Grievances And Gratitude

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Thanksgiving is exactly what we need right now. As the holiday that quietly reaffirms us as one nation coming together to count our blessings and give thanks as we break bread with family and friends, we are particularly primed for it this year. As much as such gatherings are invariably fraught with old grudges and grievances, it is, if we are honest, about reconnecting and recognizing the bonds that hold us together.

This week, I know too many people who are going to their usual Thanksgiving gatherings with a greater than usual degree of trepidation. And I’ve been giving this matter a lot of thought. How can we change this narrative? Naturally, I turned to the wisdom imparted from the garden.

To start, we must accept that we are each responsible for the situation we are in. That is the plain truth. Acknowledge it. It is no different from when we confront a big problem in the garden. Take for instance the fall of a mighty tree that causes some significant and costly damage. Our first instinct is to blame it on the storm that felled the tree down. But the storm didn’t arrive specifically to cause that damage. It has no hidden reason. If we can concede that, then, we must look deeper and find the true cause(s).

So, first, lets consider individual responsibility. If I was the gardener I’d have to ask myself if I had done right by the tree. Was it in the right location? Was the tree suitable to the area and hence accordingly hardy? Had it been pruned and/or braced appropriately? Was it fed and watered regularly? Had I done due diligence in monitoring its health? What had I, if at all, neglected to do? It’s only in clearing my conscience fully can I then look elsewhere to ascertain the cause.

Collective responsibility – did we as gardeners/residents in the neighborhood ignore signs that should’ve raised a few red flags? Or, worse, did any of us choose to keep silent about something we observed “because it was not our business?” “ Not our problem!”? Not speaking up, failing to share information, conveying said information with clarity, lending a helping hand are all matters that concern everybody.

If individually or collectively we are fully absolved of any or all dereliction of duty, then and only then might we say it was singularly the storm that made the tree fall. You see my point? At this time, I’m not going to get started on the human factor in the changing climate resulting in more fierce and frequent storms happening everywhere!

I think I’ve made my case. We are all, directly or indirectly connected and part of a greater whole. We need to focus on how to be better. Do better. If only to keep coming together for Thanksgiving and celebrating this one life we each have been given.

So this year, make that decision to arrive at the holiday table with a resolve to set aside grievances. Avoid all conversation/debate about the elephant in the room if you can! Seriously. Let that matter be until each person has made peace with him/herself. For now, unclench your fist to offer an open hand. Declare a tentative truce. Instead, concentrate on the ties that make you family, shared histories and genes, common interests, play some games that everyone can enjoy ( Charades is my go to). Just maybe, it’ll be a whole lot more fun than you could’ve imagined.

Lets not give up before we even try.

For now, lets clear up the debris, review the state of the damage in the garden and make firm efforts to repair, replace, restore. In time, a new tree will be planted and we shall grow it to be mighty.

From the bottom of my heart I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving.

Enjoy the beauty and majesty of some trees that captivated me this year :

Note the pair of bald eagles

(c) 2024 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Moving Forward Because, We Are Not Going Back!

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My garden is not what it was 20 years ago or even 2 years ago. Neither am I who I was 20 or 2 years ago! Time changes everything. Indeed, it must make change happen. Otherwise, we’d be at a standstill. No growth of any kind within ourselves or in the living world could only portend disaster. Life is about moving forward. Hopefully towards the light.

A garden, by nature, evolves. Plants grow and in time they fill out spaces sidling up to neighbors to form a matrix of colors and textures. Trees grow tall and transform areas from sunny to shady. Weather patterns shift and planting patterns are shaken up. All this without any help from human intervention! But of course, the gardener must do her interfering. New plants, new design ideas and new purchases have to be accommodated fairly often. At the very least I tweak and at the very most I overhaul.

Just this year alone, because of the necessary drainage project, the two front beds had to be dug up and then replanted. Despite saving many old plants, we lost several longstanding members in the process. Replacements plus new additions were put in. And just like that, these beds are no longer how they used to be. With any luck, they will be better. At least that is always the goal isn’t it?

This project was not entirely a surprise. There was always the need and intent to do it but nothing definitive had been penciled in. So I was a bit unprepared for the upheaval it caused in the garden and in my heart. But, having learned from the garden that nothing stays the same, I was, after a spot of feeling grumbling, able to get on board, accept the situation, make new plans for the old beds.

Similarly, setbacks in life have to be handled. In the face of defeat, we cannot keep looking back and yearning for what was and/or what might have been. While sadness, fear and anger are valid emotions to feel and must be acknowledged, we cannot move towards the light until we let go of the darkness. It might take a while but we will get there. One day at a time.

Imagine the world/garden we seek and lets figure out how to make it a reality. We plan, research, acquire required skills, sources and resources, create the right conditions, introduce our ideas/plants, give or get the appropriate support, nurture them all diligently, give time and patience to effect the envisioned change. Then and only then will we have moved forward. Turning back is never an option.

Note: Enjoy these images from the 2024 New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show. It’s fun, joyous, very creative and oh so inspiring!

(c) 2024 Shobha Vanchiswar

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This, That And The Other

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The biggest task got done over this past weekend. ‘The Great Bulbathon’ where over 1000 bulbs got planted. It was all hands on deck. What a relief. I’m indebted to all my under-gardeners – they’re such troopers for always going along with my plans. Hard to believe that until a dozen years ago, I’d do the job myself. But then, after years of suffering the aftermath of aching muscles in parts that I didn’t know existed, I got wise. I recruited help. Highly recommend that!

The lack of rain was evident as the ground was really hard even with the heavy duty drill we employed to make the holes. Let’s hope the drought comes to an end with some decent showers and we experience a more normal winter. I realize we are no longer able to define what normal is with any accuracy. The fact that we are on alert for brush fires is disturbing. Just this morning there was such a fire down county – a mere 25 minutes away.

In other doings, the clean, empty pots were put away, leaves were blown onto the beds to serve as winter mulch and subsequent nutrition for the soil. The greenhouse is full, the vertical garden empty and cut back/clean up done. A few minor chores remain but there’s no rush. The outdoor heater has been re-commissioned as we anticipate some more opportunities for outdoor gatherings and al fresco meals.

Wanting to preserve some of the fall foliage, I’d taken branches and tried the glycerin treatment. Timing is key as once the leaves are past a certain point, they do not respond to the glycerin. Woody stems may or may not suck up the glycerin-water solution. I did crush the stems to help them along. Of the four types of foliage, only an oakleaf hydrangea variety did really well. I dumped the rest. The beautiful burgundy leaved branches will add a lovely touch to the seasonal décor indoors.

Amaryllis were also started last week. This year, I decided to purchase wax coated bulbs to display on an antique stand a friend had recently given me. With any luck they will start growing soon and flower in time for Thanksgiving. One bulb arrived with a head start. I intend to have a second batch started in a couple of weeks for the remaining holiday season. With no potting or other upkeep, I’m looking forward to simplifying my to-do list.

The winding down of the hectic pace in the garden feels good. I fully intend to use the time on other projects both pending as well as new ones. All too soon my gardener soul will stir and I’ll start dreaming of new possibilities in the garden followed quickly by actual plans and purchases.

Happens every year.

The shipment of bulbs
Planting bulbs in front beds
In the meadow
The under-gardeners – best crew ever!
Front beds planted a covered with leaves.
The vertical garden has been tusked to bed
The amaryllis sitting pretty
Preserved leaves

(c) 2024 Shobha Vanchiswar

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November Is Lit!

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This year, the month starts auspiciously with the celebration of Diwali – the festival of lights. The biggest Indian festival that is all about the triumph of good over evil. Lights of all manner illuminate homes, streets, neighborhoods, villages, towns and cities. Sweets of every sort are prepared or purchased, distributed, shared and consumed. New clothes are worn and duly shown off. Fireworks light up the skies all over the country. It is one hugely joyous time.

I myself am getting ready for the Diwali celebration at home albeit in a significantly smaller scale. The house will be sparkling with a significant number of candles. Outdoors, the solar powered lights have been set up. We in the lower Hudson Valley are currently on a red flag alert because of the very dry spell we have been experiencing. So fire pits and other kinds of hazards that could start a forest fire are banned. Should it be lifted by Friday, we plan to enjoy sparklers and light traditional Indian oil lamps. We, a small diverse group of family and friends will make merry and dine in good fun and fellowship.

The great bulb planting marathon is scheduled for this weekend. And they will light up the spring garden. I can already see it in my mind’s eye. Bulb planting is all about having faith in the future – that it will be better.

The elephant in the room or should I say in the month is of course the elections. Exactly a week away. To say I am totally stressed out is an understatement. Which is why this year, both Diwali and bulb planting have taken on a larger significance. My most sincere hope is for this nation to unite and preserve our democracy. A nation that values integrity, honesty, kindness, compassion, empathy, diversity, equality and inclusivity – traits that are the hallmark of our humanity and a great civilization.

So be sure to make your voice heard with your vote. Vote with your conscience and your heart.

And now, here is the to-do list for November –

1. First and foremost, put away all Halloween decorations. Set up Thanksgiving display – gourds, pumpkins, ornamental kales and cabbages, chrysanthemums and asters.

2. Having cut back plants and cleared debris, mulch all plant beds.

3. Hurry up and finish all pending tasks from last month!

4. Finish planting spring flowering bulbs.

5. Protect pots to be left outdoors, vulnerable plants such as boxwood, certain roses, and garden statuary.

6. Fill bird feeders.

7. Be prepared for snow and ice. Keep snow shovels, grit or sand, firewood stocked and handy.

8. In case of power outage, have candles, flashlights, matches and batteries on the ready. A radio too.

9. Finish raking leaves. But, as far as possible let fallen leaves remain as is to mulch, provide shelter to small critters and subsequently enrich the soil as they naturally decay. I only clear the tiny front front lawn and walking paths. Those leaves get blown into the beds. The leaves in the meadow are not touched.

10. Clean and store tools. Get appropriate ones sharpened.

11. Start setting aside seed and plant catalogs. Soon you will be planning for next year!

12. While the weather is pleasant enough, keep on weed watch!

13. In the greenhouse, be sure the heater is doing its job. Ventilation is also important to keep plants healthy.

14. Start a routine for regular watering of plants indoors. Keep vigil for early signs of pests or disease.

15. Start growing amaryllis and paperwhites for seasonal cheer. Similarly, put bulbs such as hyacinths, muscari , crocus and tulips in for cooling. (I use my refrigerator). In about fourteen to eighteen weeks, you can start forcing them and pretend it is spring!

16. Enjoy a beautiful Thanksgiving.

Glipses from Diwali 2023
@023 bulbs for planting
Bulbs lighting up the 2024 garden

(c) 2024 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Worried About Weird

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October – the month of strange and spooky sights culminating in the grand finale that is Halloween. But this year, the weather has decided to go all in and turned positively weird. And I’m a bit rattled. The month began typically enough with temperatures dipping as the days got distinctly shorter. That signaled to me to get cracking with the Fall chores in the garden. Having been away a while, I was behind in tasks like getting the greenhouse cleaned and its winter residents prepared for the move in. So I hustled. A few plants were already showing some stress from having been kept outdoors a tad too long. Finally, this past weekend the whole project got done. Whew!

However, by aforementioned weekend, the temperature had climbed to suggest we were back to summer. Sunny and warm felt great personally but not for this time of October in the garden. Positively unsettling. While most plants are retiring for the season and many have gone to seed, some, emboldened by the weather, have begun reblooming completely out of turn. It’s a confused state of affairs alright.

Meanwhile, weirdly, there was no sign of the shipment of bulbs that usually arrives by early October and I was getting a wee bit concerned. What a relief when it was finally delivered late Saturday evening. But now, we were looking ahead at a whole week of daytime temperatures in the 70s going down to late 50s at night. Way too warm! For bulb planting, the soil temperature needs to be below 55 degrees. I’m hoping to plant over the first weekend in November. All my under-gardeners (okay family) have been told to be ready. I hate to consider postponing the great planting marathon. It’s a quandary that might be a foretelling of future gardening practices as the climate changes.

Until a few years ago, I planted bulbs in early October. That has been slowly delayed into November. To think of doing the job closer to Thanksgiving and beyond is weird. And there is also concern about the winter itself. Many bulbs require weeks of solid cold to bloom in Spring. Will we have that? And for how long? Worrisome for sure.

Other Fall chores like emptying, cleaning and putting away pots, winter-pruning hedges and shrubs, cutting back certain plants, draining and shutting off outdoor taps were also accomplished. Felt mighty odd to be doing the work in summer like weather. It’s been very dry here so the lack of rain is an additional bummer. What on earth is going on?!

But one thing I’m certain of – we gardeners are resilient and will figure out how to pivot and learn what needs to be changed, adjusted and adapted. Till then, we shall commiserate, complain and carry on gardening.

Scenes from the garden today – senescence, renaissance in the nonce!

(c) 2024 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Fruits Of Our Labor

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Fall is so much busier than spring. Following winter, all the work is focused on getting the garden going. In autumn however, in addition to the myriad chores of putting the garden to bed, there is the urgency of reaping all the obvious and not so obvious benefits that come along.

In the last two weeks, the perennials to replace the ones that had been lost in the big drainage project have been planted. Some new ones were added as well – how could I not exploit the opportunity! Also, a friend’s generous gift of some native plants have found their home in the meadow. That about is all the planting that’s happening this season. Apart from the great big bulb planting in early November of course.

I’m behind in getting the greenhouse cleaned and readied to receive the winter guests. The guests meanwhile need to be spruced up with some cutting and trimming and then given a vigorous shower to rid them of dirt, debris and any pesky stowaways. It’s a process that requires some care and time. With temperatures dropping this week, I’m feeling the pressure to get it all done quickly. The greenhouse was attended to over the weekend and yesterday I began on the plants that will go into it. Clipping and shaping each one can be meditative so I quite enjoy the task. Not so much removing all the weeds that love to grow at the base of the plants. It always surprises me how easily weeds show up in pots. Power washing to clean both pots and plants can be fun on a mild day but I’m not guaranteed that this week. Fingers crossed that by weeks end this project will be completed.

In the midst of all the work, I’ve also been busy getting the larder stocked, creating some holiday decorations and setting aside inspiration for future watercolor paintings. As I removed the annual under-plantings from pots, I set aside the nasturtium plants – the leaves of which were collected and along with the last of the parsley turned into a delicious pesto. A couple of jars now dwell in the freezer – taste of summer for cozy winter meals.

Leaves from the trimmings of the rose-geraniums will be used for a most tasty drink – rose-geranium cordial with a splash of champagne or bubbly water makes for a fun and festive drink.

Bay leaves from the freshly coiffed bay standards have been set aside. I pretty much give them all away to friends who enjoy flavoring their culinary creations with them. I simply pluck them fresh as needed. This year, I’m saving a few sprigs to paint gold and insert them into the magnolia wreath.

Note: Earlier in summer, I’d trimmed the magnolia espalier, The surfeit of the beautiful leaves were preserved with glycerin and then used to make a rather lovely wreath. The gilded bay leaves will be inserted into this wreath and should make a nice counterpoint to the magnolia.

Finally, I cut the okra plants with the dried pods still on them. The pods look striking and will be models for my ongoing watercolor seedpod series. Once I’ve finished painting, they too might go on that magnolia wreath.

Separately, hydrangeas harvested last week are drying nicely and will adorn the mantel.

Such a satisfying thrill to be decorating for the holidays with gifts from my garden.

And now, back to the work of putting the garden to bed. Much needs to be done before the large shipment of bulbs arrive in time for planting. See how much busier it is in the Fall garden?

Rosemary clippings.
Some of the rose-geranium for cordial making
Okra seedpods. So gorgeous!
Final harvest of Prasley
Nasturtium leaves for pesto
Cardinal vine still going strong
Summer’s last

(c) 2024 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Fall Fever

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The leaves are finally turning color and some are making slow pirouettes down where they lay scattered like tired confetti. Even as my mind turns to pre-winter chores on hand, my focus is clearly on post-winter dreams.

The recent drainage project that literally dug up my front perennial beds gave me the opportunity to add certain plants I’d long wanted. A few weeks ago, the beds were fully replanted with several of the old members and a whole host of new ones. In my mind’s eye, I can see them thriving and performing exactly as expected. Time will tell.

Soon, the bulb shipment will arrive and with all hands on deck, the rather large order will be planted. All the while, visions of a splendid spring will be dancing in my head.

As it gets cooler, I can feel the pressure to move the tender perennials into the the greenhouse. But before that, the greenhouse itself must be cleaned and prepared for its winter residents. So much to do!

The poem below says it all. I wrote it in 2008.

Autumn List

Make haste

No time to waste

Lawn to reseed

Composter to feed

Plants to behead

To put garden to bed

Bulbs to place

In hollowed space

Rake the leaves

Haul wood to cleave

Pick remaining produce

Debris to reduce

Soil to turn

Calories will burn

Mulch to protect

Weeds to reject

STOP!

Now, pause awhile

Breathe and smile

Cast your gaze

On trees ablaze

Enjoy autumn’s beauty

Amidst garden duty

Have some fun

As chores get done.

  • Shobha Vanchiswar

Note: Seasonal images from my neighborhood as well as from Ithaca, NY where I was over the weekend –

(c) 2024 Shobha Vanchiswar

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October Rising

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October Rising

Fall is well and truly here. Daylight arrives late as one who decided to sleep in a tad longer. The garden still abundant in blooms appears to have acquired distinctly autumnal colors. I step out to commune with the plants and the honed air slices through my linen shirt sending me hurrying inside to grab a shawl. Having only recently returned from vacation, there hasn’t been time to swap out the seasonal closet. But now, I’m taking my cues from the turning leaves and scheduling the retiring of lighter clothes and reemploying warmer wear. My heart however, has yet to let go of summer.

The myriad chores of the season await but first, I want to savor the days remaining when one can still linger outside basking in sparkling sunlight and boisterous beauty. Because Fall is, if nothing, lusty and lovely.

Things To Do In October

1. Yes, weeding continues!

2. Time to plant perennials and trees. Give a good dose of compost to each. Water regularly. Perennials already in place can be divided and re-planted as well.

3. Cut back all spent plants except what is needed for seasonal interest and what you’re saving for the birds.

4. Collect seeds. Store in labeled envelopes in a cool, dry space.

5. Last call to root cuttings of geraniums, coleus, rosemary etc.,

6. Get all pots of tender perennials into clean greenhouse or other winter shelters. Wash plants and pots thoroughly first – minimizes pest infestation.

7. Plant bulbs as weather gets consistently cooler. Bulbs can be planted until the soil freezes solid.

8. Rake leaves. Add to compost pile or deposit in woods. I leave a good part as is to protect the earth, provide winter refuge to critters and eventually nourish the soil when the leaves will naturally break down.

9. Give the compost heap a good stir.

10 Clean out vegetable garden except for cool weather plants that are still producing. Apply several inches of compost on cleared beds. Plant green manure to enrich the soil – optional.

11. Clean and put away (or cover) outdoor furniture.

12. Check what needs repairing, repainting, replacing and get to it!

15 Clean all equipment and tools. Store neatly.

16. As temperatures plummet, protect tender shrubs and immovable  frost sensitive pots and statuary. I cover the former with burlap and for the latter, I first cover with sturdy plastic and then use burlap so it looks halfway decent.

17. Remove suckers from ornamental and fruit trees. Prune roses and wisteria. Remove dead and decaying limbs from all plants.

18. Fill up bird feeders. Keep them filled through the winter. Put up nest boxes for the spring.

19. Get into the autumnal spirit – fill window boxes and urns with seasonal plants and produce.

13. Lift tender bulbs, corms and tubers such as dahlias and canna. Store in dry, frost-free place. As I grow mine in pots, I merely cut the plants down and move the pots into the basement where they will spend the winter in dormancy.

14. Drain and close all outdoor water faucets. Empty rain barrel and hoses. Store.

My terrace and meadow right now –

(c) 2024 Shobha Vanchiswar

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