Did the title get your attention? Good. Allow me to spend the next few paragraphs making my case.
In trying to understand what we’re facing as a nation, my mind has been working overtime. As always, when faced with a life problem I turned to the garden for counse. The answers were not readily apparent. However, in going about the business of gardening, cogitating on what and how we humans readily behave badly whilst simultaneously declaring our goodness, I started becoming aware of just how explicitly the garden was informing me.
The very work of making and maintaining a garden is about Control. We act as boss and not so much partner with Nature. We apply our plans and designs to create our vision and in doing so, we often operate counter to Nature. What we plant and grow, the practices and methods we employ are for our own purpose – to make a beautiful, bountiful garden.. Even as we ‘welcome’ pollinators and beneficial creatures, we are doing so to our own advantage’.
Weeds? Pull ‘em by the roots and dispose. A plant (native or otherwise) gets thuggish and invades spaces not intended for them? Cut back ruthlessly or remove entirely. We cut, clear, coppice, confine and cage to suit. Train, tie and twist. Stake, suppress, spray. We do what we we want. You see? We’re a pretty bunch of horticultural autocrats!
Are we really this bad? Yes we are if all we focus on is getting our personal agenda fulfilled. The worst kind of gardener is one who uses methods and practices that damage/destroy indiscriminately and without consideration to the surroundings and those who live in it. Such gardeners do indeed exist but I’d like to think that there are more of us who are better than that. We make choices that do the least harm or none at all. On principals of coexistence, conservation and community, we create our gardens to be spaces that allow insects and other animals to visit. Pests are discouraged by encouraging their natural predators, companion plantings or the judicious use of organic applications.
Of course, we still prune, pull weeds and deal with invasives but we also compost to use as both fertilizer and mulch. Grow native and/or ecologically beneficial non-native plants that are resilient, hardy and less demanding of resources like water and labor. We keep in mind that we are but the privileged, temporary custodians of this, our precious piece of land for future generations to enjoy. As in parenting, we provide structure, boundaries and some discipline – with kindness, care, compassion, empathy and most all, with love. Tough love.
In the final analysis, it comes down to who we choose to be and how we choose to act. If we can look into the eyes of our children and grandchildren and justify our choices without reservation or excuse, with the full understanding that they led to better, healthier lives for them, then, and only then can we confirm that we chose right. From deep within our hearts.
There’s a new baby girl in my life. Please meet little Beejal – the Sanskrit word ‘Beeja’ means ‘seed’. The name Beejal is described as symbolizing creativity and adaptability, reflecting an innovative spirit. The connection to the word Beeja suggests themes of growth, potential and, new beginnings. Traditionally it is a name assigned to a male but, I’m applying it to my new baby girl from the Nilgiri Hills in southern India. Beejal is a member of a herd of elephants making its way across the globe and currently marching across the United States.
The Great Elephant Migration is a project with all the hallmarks of a message that transcends all geopolitical differences and unifies the world and all its residents to inform, educate and take positive action towards conservation, coexistence and community. You can read much more about it here.
Here’s a quick account. The Lantana plant, a member of the verbena family, is native to tropical regions of Central and South America. Vibrantly colored flowers attract pollinators, does well in a variety of climates, grows rapidly, drought tolerant and low maintenance, it has long been a garden favorite everywhere. Unfortunately, it has been way too happy in certain swathes of the world where the climate has encouraged it to thrive so well that it has become hugely invasive. To the point that it has completely out-competed other native plants. Lantana has literally taken over entire landscapes. Furthermore, it is completely toxic thus depriving animals of their typical native, nutrient rich plants. This problem cannot be overstated. An animal like the elephant, a keystone species, must consume a vast quantity of vegetation daily is dangerously impacted. Forced to seek food elsewhere, they must venture beyond their traditional terrain and this has often meant cultivated fields and consequently resulted in perilous conflicts with humans.
A story like this covers the importance of growing native plants, monitoring invasive and/or non-native species, the value of living in co-existence with all creatures respecting each others space and needs, conserving resources and, in the final analysis, each living member of this planet is an integral part of the global community.
The Great Elephant Migration was conceived to visually illustrate this overarching problem to the world, Using lantana stems, artisans of the indigenous people of the Nilgiris create sculptures of the elephants amongst whom they live. Each lantana elephant is created in the likeness of a real one. A herd of a 100 such pachyderms has been tasked with spreading this important message to the human world. All the monies raised goes not only towards paying the artisans but is also shared by numerous conservation organizations worldwide.
I first learned of this wonderful project about a year and a half ago. It is one that resonates with me deeply and at so many levels. And there’s one additional fact that strikes me very personally, right into my heart – my father grew up in the Nilgiris. The need to attach myself to this amazing effort was unquestionable. I’ve spent my whole life getting involved in many important causes but the pull of this particular one was as strong as well, a herd of elephants! I therefore made the decision to ‘adopt’ a baby elephant. Knowing the proceeds will achieve so much good gives me immense joy. Plus, I have myself one irresistible and adorably rotund baby elephant in my garden.
Win-win-win all around.
P.S. I hope you will be moved to support this wonderful cause in any way you can.
Right on time the roses, peonies, irises, geraniums, native wisteria and so much else are blooming wildly. Utterly thrilling when things go as anticipated. In these times when the weather is so erratic and flowers are often blooming too early or late, it is particularly nice to see June has arrived and the garden is festooned correctly.
Here’s the What To Do In June list –
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 products.
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 in place 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 great garden is the perfect nexus between science and art. The science dictates the way one gardens – choice of native/ecologically beneficial plants, sound organic practices, soil amendment, water management, planting sites, pruning, propagation etc,. The arts guide the use of color, shapes, size, textures, elements of visual interest like pattern of paths/stonework, sculptures, overall design and so on. Together, a definitively pleasing garden is born. As both a scientist as well as an artist myself, I strive to apply my skills and knowledge to create a well balanced garden. It’s an eternal work in progress which is what keeps the effort of gardening challenging, interesting, exciting and deeply rewarding.
How a visitor to a garden views it is usually indicative of their mindset. While, in general, all respond positively to a beautiful garden, there is often a telling bias towards art or science. There’s no right or wrong – like in everything, we come with our preconceptions, prior knowledge and experiences. I, personally enjoy listening to the diverse comments and feedback from visitors to my little garden. Over the years, I’ve gained much in remaining open to opinions. Seeing my garden through the eyes of others is something I thoroughly enjoy. While I garden according to my own sensibilities, I love the chance nugget of information or insight that comes my way.
For some years now, my garden has played muse to artists. They come from everywhere bringing with them their unique style and ideas. This past Saturday, a group of NYC contemporary water-colorists held their annual workshop here – it’s become quite a tradition and one I look forward to. While several of them have painted here many times over the years, some were first timers. One artist who resides in Panama, plans her annual trip to the US to coincide with this workshop in my garden. That, to me, is hugely gratifying and humbling.
In any case, it is such fun to see where and what each artist chooses to paint. And how they interpret it on paper! Some make repeat paintings of the same view while others move around.
The workshop concludes with a grand showing of everyone’s output and a super-helpful critique from artist and instructor Naomi Campbell ( not the famous model). I’m invariably blown away by all the work on ‘display’.
When everybody has left, I walk around the garden with a renewed appreciation and outlook of my horticultural creation. And I’m eager and inspired to get back to my own paints, paper and easel.
Later this week, a tree expert is stopping by to see the espaliered trees. The scientist eye and word is eagerly awaited!
Well in the grips of winter, sleeping cozy under a quilt of snow, the garden is not waking up anytime soon. But this gardener’s spirit is very much yearning to be immersed in all things Nature. Soil, water, seeds, plants, flowers, heck even weeds! After all, the garden is classroom, sacred space and comforting escape all rolled into one. So, while the garden is hibernating, lets look beyond its borders, boundaries, walls and fences to consider the larger landscape.
Without mincing any words, there is at present, so much chaos, confusion, despair and dismay regarding what’s happening at various federal agencies, organizations and departments that one is hard pressed to feel optimistic and hopeful. It’s all too overwhelming. If there is anyone out there who is untouched by all the happenings, then perhaps they are happy living under a rock. They have my envy.
There is a great deal at risk right now.
For the purposes of this space that is typically dedicated to gardens, gardening and all things related to our natural world, I’d like to share my thoughts and doings accordingly. Even in this specific area I don’t know where to start. But here I go –
Lets consider the big reduction in the number of personnel in the National Parks Services (NPS). This means the mission of the service to protect, preserve and enhance our national parks is in peril. I cannot overstate the risk the current changes have created to what are our most valuable and cherished spaces in the country. All manner of life is threatened – the fragile balance must be maintained for flora and fauna to flourish. An understaffed park cannot keep up with the many different areas of oversight and necessary work. Forest husbandry and wildlife management require knowledge, skill, training and experience. Love and respect of Nature too. Our rangers are just as priceless as are our national parks.
This reduction in the NPS workforce is not about money as we are led to believe. The following which I came across this very morning confirms that –
In 2023, National Parks created 415,000 jobs – jobs in largely rural regions, supporting entire communities, and creating $55 billion in economic output. For every $1 of federal funding given to NPS, they generate $10.
The National Parks Foundationis the official congressionally chartered charitable partner of the NPS. They are paying careful attention to the present situation. They will be informing its membership as matters proceed on how we might support the NPS mission by way of donations and whatever else is deemed imperative.
Who knows, Volunteer Ranger Assistants might be called for!
If you are not as yet a member of the National Parks Foundation, now would be the time to remedy that. Your support is vital. We gardeners and garden lovers know fully well just how critical it is. Right?
Note: Nature heals, comforts, teaches, nourishes and elevates us to be better versions of ourselves. Here are some of my watercolors inspired from going beyond my borders:
‘Fever’? you ask? It’s been one fiercely frigid month after all. Snow storms every few days, ice, some hail, rain leading to more ice, powerful winds. It has been a very busy couple of weeks with more of the same expected this week. It’s become rather tiresome as most outdoor activity has been unpleasant if not impossible. We need options to warm up our spirits. Fear not. I have a few suggestions.
Last Friday, I went to the member’s preview of the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Gardens. This might well be my favorite one thus far. While it’s always fun to see a mad array of colorful flowers in the middle of winter, I’ve never found myself as motivated and inspired as I was by this one. Taking its cue from the designs of Mexican modernist architect Luis Barragán, the show transports you to Mexico where you feel the warmth, the vibrant colors and rhythmic music lift your mood. The orchids are arranged and grouped brilliantly – coordinated and curated colors that sing in harmony. Juxtaposed with walls in vivid hues, sculptural cacti and traditional pots, it is tasteful and artful. Indeed cacti and orchids require different conditions to thrive but there are design lessons to be learned nevertheless. I love this show and plan to visit it again soon. Do go see for yourself. At the very least, it’ll serve as a welcoming, warm respite.
The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days directory arrived over the weekend. Thumbing through it is jolly exciting – so many interesting and beautiful gardens to visit. I know I won’t have the time to visit them all but it’s gloriously fun to consider the possibility. The final list will be shorter of course. Now is the time to make plans, schedule them into the calendar and make reservations in a timely manner. It’s the best way to ensure I get to see new gardens and revisit old favorites all of which will no doubt keep me enthused all through the gardening season. February affords one the time to peruse and plan at leisure. Take full advantage. Note: My garden has it’s Open Day on May 10. Come on over!
Finally, starting this coming Sunday, February 23, there’s a new show on NBC. The Grosse Point Garden Society is described as an “American drama television series set in a wealthy suburb where everything appears to be perfect on the surface. Four members of the local garden club get entangled in a scandalous murder… with mysteries, drama and deceit growing like weeds …!”. I learned of it quite by chance – it caught my attention right away! Since I adore both gardening and murder mysteries, I’m eager to check it out. If anything, it’ll be fun to see how hoticulturally accurate or inaccurate it will be!
Ah February! The shortest month but the most temperamental. If you know you know. We’re just 4 days into it and in my corner we’ve had freezing rain, bright sunshine, overcast skies, an inch of snow and at present, temperature in the high 40s. This spike has me eagerly considering the spring garden however, experience is placing her sure hand on my impatience. We are only half way through winter. But, we’re officially in the second half!
Time passes quickly when we’re busy so here’s What To Do this month –
(Much of the items in the January list are applicable too. Do check that list)
Stay on top of effects of snow and storms. Take quick action.
Keep bird feeders full. Whenever possible provide water.
Get garden plans and designs ready.
Check garden supplies. Does the hose need repair or replacing? Is there enough soil, twine, stakes etc.,? Make a list and do what is needed.
Towards the end of the month, prune roses, wisteria, grape vines and fruit trees.
Cut back ivy on walls and fences before birds start nesting. Brightly colored stems of Salix and Cornus should be cut back to about 6 to 10 inches from ground. This will encourage brighter color next spring.
Prepare for seed sowing. Get seed flats clean and ready. Check if there’s enough seed growing medium.
Order seeds. Once seeds arrive, write labels and keep handy. This saves time later when there is so much else to do.
If there is not much snow, cut back old leaves on Hellebores. New growth and flowers will be emerging. Cut back other perennials that were skipped in autumn.
Attend to indoor plants.
The New York Botanical Garden’s annual orchid show opens in March. Do reserve your tickets and go! It’ll banish winter blues and get you motivated.
Mark your calendar –The Lyndhurst In Bloom Flower Show is on April 5 and 6, 2025. Tickets go on sale soon and they sell out fast! Do not miss this event! I’m so excited to be participating again (Servants Dining Room).
Renew ( or join) your membership to the Garden Conservancy. Place your order for the Open Days directory and related coupons. Once you receive it you can start scheduling visits to beautiful gardens near and far. Inspiration is only a garden visit away! Take note – my garden will be open May 10.
Months assigned to celebrate and highlight long marginalized groups are my cue to learn more about people, explore and understand their contributions and achievements. Like any great garden, large or small, America thrives, grows and excels because of diversity. As February is Black History Month, I’m looking forward to getting my hands on the book “InThe Shadow of Slavery – Africa’s Botanic Legacy In The AtlanticWorld” By Judith A. Carney and Richard Nicholas Rosomoff.
Then, my friend Jen brought my attention to Belle Da Costa Greene, the American librarian who managed and developed the personal library of J. P. Morgan. She was Black but passed for white which allowed her to earn well and support her family. I’ll be heading to the Morgan Library in NYC for the current exhibit on her. I’ve visited this amazing institution innumerable times and had never known about Belle. Can’t wait to remedy that!
Note: Because of the snow there isn’t much to share from the garden. Instead, here are a few more of my black and white paintings that I’ll be displaying at the Lyndhurst In Bloom Show –
It’s a quiet time in my garden – under a thick blanket of snow everyone is asleep. I’m almost envious because my own mind is filled with all sorts of things, many of which are keeping me restless if not awake at night. Amongst my garden dreams of how I want this upcoming growing season to unfold, what new coveted plants to introduce to the current residents when they awaken, schedule the myriad chores, get tools, supplies and seeds ready, other projects to plan and prepare for like art shows and the annual Lyndhurst Flower Show in April (I’m ‘doing’ the Servants Dining Room this year!), a big house project (still in the envisioning stage), all of which are exciting, it is the news both national and international that has me worried, angry, frustrated and saddened. It is extremely overwhelming to say the least. I suspect I’m not alone in feeling this way.
I’ll admit that some days have been rough, others more normal and a few where I’ve been blissfully transported to a world of joy and laughter. Clearly, I need more of the last kind. On examining the different sort of days and how I specifically felt, I came to some obvious facts. The rough days were when I read or watched too much news. Subconsciously all the information found its way to my muscles and tensed them, it saturated my thoughts so I was unable to focus on what I wanted to do or create. Without that creative work, I became irritable, agitated and absolutely no fun to be around with. At the end of such a day I was left quite annoyed with myself and also exhausted. And sleep was elusive.
The normal days were the ones where I followed my to-do list for the day. Purposefully attending to each item – working out, reading, creating by way of painting, designing, writing or developing a project, getting in a walk to catch some sun and enjoy nature, catching up with the news at days end, some kind of movie or show and keeping regular sleep hours.
The best days were those where I completely tuned off the news and instead, I connected with people. Creative as well as mundane but necessary work still got done. Workouts and walks happened. Reading was given due time. But, instead of scrolling on Instagram or checking my news feed, I chatted with friends who lived far away and caught up with what they’d been up to and shared my own doings. Unfailingly, such conversations left me uplifted and motivated to get on with my own work on hand, Often, I scheduled a walk with a friend and we discussed what we were reading, planned on reading, shows we’d watched, goings on in our town, our families and our work, brainstormed ideas if either one of us needed it – stuff only friends can help with. Or, I met up with a group to try out a new restaurant for dinner or see a movie at an actual theater and then discuss it over drinks.
One of my most favorite things is game night – playing Charades, board games or anything else that involves getting silly and/or friendly competition invariably generates lots of laughter and camaraderie. It’s often cross-generational. For the full duration of such an evening, all the gravitas of the world is forgotten. The spirits are buoyed so much that the good effects last well beyond that single night.
Now, I might wear several hats but I am ultimately a gardener at heart. So in winter when my garden is in repose, I still crave to be amidst plants. A bit of time spent in the greenhouse is lovely but space is at a premium in there – one cannot hang out beyond an hour. The temperature that feels cozy when one steps in from outside quickly reminds me that the it is set at a number that keeps the plants alive but not conducive for humans lolling about.
I fix this need by indulging in some floral therapy. I buy myself orchids, fresh flowers and pots of hyacinths and other bulbs. Often the bulbs are ones I’ve had cooling for many weeks and are ready for forcing. But, I’m also a sucker for those temptations at the grocery store – right about now there are pots and pots of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and such waiting for me to show up. I cannot express how happy it makes me to have them at various locations in my home. The hyacinths send their perfume out simply to seduce me – I will give them company and close attention till I suddenly become aware of what I should be doing instead. Like finishing this article or a garden design for a client, making progress on a painting or getting dinner going. What a wonderful distraction!
Between engaging with community and plants, the most enjoyable days are to be had. Less Facebook (maybe none) and more face-to-face time. Less gossip, more games. By no means should we ignore the news but, lets partake of it judiciously. Then, do something about it – communicate thoughts and requests to our senators and representatives in Congress, sign-up to volunteer/support/donate as needed. Lets use our voices, our skills, our positions to make a difference to effect the change we’d like. Lend a hand to the vulnerable and be a force in our respective communities. This is empowering to ourselves as well as each other. Sitting around whining and complaining will achieve nothing. Instead, in the words of the late, great John Lewis, “lets make good trouble”. Get involved. Be useful.
So, take frequent deep breaths and be fully engaged. We are all community and stronger together. And be sure to sniff a flower or two.
It’s become a frequent topic of conversation these days and one often fraught with defensive/aggressive/heated words but, even worse indifference. That last noun to me is one I find unacceptable simply because it implies a total lack of personal responsibility. I’m talking about the matter of dealing with autumn’s fallen leaves. For years, it was considered de rigeur to rake, collect and bag the leaves. It symbolized tidy, cared-for properties of which the owners took immense pride.
Then, composting became a thing and everyone was encouraged to put all the collected leaves into their compost heap which of course assumes one had such a feature. In some cases, towns had begun collecting the bagged (large brown paper sacks) leaves and composting the lot to eventually offer free compost to its residents. At first, building or buying a personal compost bin was also met with resistance. Would it smell (no), attract critters like raccoons and skunks (also no). A proper composter composed of the correct ratio of green and brown organic waste from both kitchen and garden should not have any strong or bad odor. Nor are creatures drawn to it because that sort of material is available in plenty in nature. It’s the stuff we put out in our garbage cans they’re after.
Occasionally, animals such as opossums and mice that already live in the area, might get into the lower depths of the heap because they seek warmth – as the bio-materials break down, heat is generated which makes for cozy quarters in the depth of winter. By the time springs rolls around, they’ve usually left. No harm done.
In any case, folks eventually came around to seeing the value of composting. Some started it in their own properties and others happily handed them over to the town. But everyone learned the benefits of composting – using the mature compost to enrich their soils and appreciating how well it performed as a mulch to suppress weeds and hold in moisture.
Fun fact –when I started on my garden 30 years ago, I decided I would apply only organic methods and also set up both a rain barrel and composter. The latter being exclusively for kitchen scraps while the larger quantity of garden waste was relegated to the woods. For this, I was called “quaint and old fashioned”. Now, I’m simply a gardener ahead of her time which is laughable considering how very ancient those practices are. I’ll happily take old fashioned and quaint. Only in the realm of gardening mind you. Just to be clear!
Currently, the discussion of how to handle those fallen leaves has shifted somewhat. While the leaves are still good to compost, letting them remain where they have fallen is encouraged. It makes senses that the leaves will provide hideaways for small creatures through the winter and eventually degrade into the soil putting back nutrients for next years demands. What type of creatures you ask? Bumblebees, some moths and butterflies, their eggs, caterpillars, pupae, beetles, woodlice and more which are integral to the food webs. When we remove the leaves, we are disposing off them too.
The general problem many have with this is that it makes the garden look messy. Neglected. It is a matter of aesthetics. Which as we know changes all the time. If everyone left the leaves alone, then the same ‘messy’ look wouldn’t stick out. As it stands now, the variations in a neighborhood actually point out the gardeners who think caring for the environment is more important to them..By no means does that mean the rest do not care but, its the optics that make some folk pass judgment. There are a few ‘tricks’ to letting folk know you aren’t a lazy, negligent or unconcerned gardener – for instance, keep the front edge of the plant beds clean with an application of a layer of (preferably homegrown!) compost and let the fallen leaves cover the rest of bed beyond. Or, edge the beds with attractive material like bricks or prettily patterned metal edgers. Juxtapose messy with tidy.
The other valid concern is about how a thick mat of leaves can easily smother a lawn. (I’m happy to revisit the whole lawn situation at another time and I will). If this is something that is indeed a problem, by all means remove those leaves but, distribute them around plants in the beds and borders. Compost any excess that remains. At the same time, I gently nudge you to reflect on whether you really need as much lawn.
There is no disagreement that as the leaf litter degrades, it becomes humus which is a highly rich layer, but also, in removing the leaves, we are depriving the garden of what is considered an ecologically prized zone, one that is an invaluable habitat for the critters that gardeners need to help out the plants they grow. In nature, when trees and other plants shed their foliage, it’s not to merely dispose of them. They are setting up their own cyclical system of supplying themselves with the nutrients as well as the useful creatures they will require in the following growing season. So when we, in our gardens go about gathering up all the leaves, we are depriving the plants of their natural food, Think about all the fertilizer that is applied annually – unnecessary, costly and unhealthy when it gets into the water table or as run-off into bodies of water nearby.
In my own garden, I let the fallen leaves remain in place except over the tiny front lawn (if one can call it that) that does get smothered easily as well as the path through the meadow that leads to the woods beyond. The leaves from these areas get blown onto the beds/areas close by. Far less work than raking and gathering!
It really isn’t an all or nothing situation. First and foremost, as gardeners, we are on the same side so lets not fight. Together, we garden to create beauty and care responsibly for the piece of Earth of which we are so very privileged to be custodians. That is our covenant.
In the final analysis, we want to leave behind a better world. Surely, we can all agree on that.
Leaves left in the meadowPlants push through the leaves in springMetal edgers
I had planned on writing about something specific to gardening but my mind and heart have been filled with what’s happening in LA. It’s nothing short of devastating. When all is lost it is hard to see even a sliver of light at the end of what seems to be a very long, dark tunnel. For now, while we witness this reality unfolding, I submit to you 2 poems that I hope will give some food for thought and then some hopeful comfort. Most importantly and urgently, each of us must do whatever we can to help and assist those impacted.
Climate Change
Kangaroo floods leap across miles
Yankee storms hit with power
Aztec earthquakes sacrifice young lives
Norse volcanoes conjure blinding smoke.
Pacific winds fan relentless fires
Sumatran tsunamis wash countless souls
Bantu droughts parch migrating throats
Peking skies mark mankind’s limit
Polar icebergs diminish penguin turf.
Climate change at full throttle.
– Shobha Vanchiswar
Dark And Light
The light of day
sparkles honest
Cobwebs shimmer
rewards promised
Hope soars
confidence shines
Courage accompanies
mountains to climb
Sunrises occasion
plans anew
Clarity surfaces
Beliefs ring true
Nightfall arrives
slow and sure
Shadows lurk
luring fear
Darkness imposes
time to remember
Review, regret
call to surrender
Sunsets precede
hidden dreads
Anxiety reigns
awake in bed
Reality lies
in plain sight
There’s nothing in the dark
that’s not in the light.
-Shobha Vanchiswar
Some of my watercolors depicting snowscapes – a sense of serenity that we could all use right now. –
