Category Archives: Your Garden and the Globe

Summer Wine, Whine, Vine

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July started so hot and humid that very little got done in the garden. Watering the plants that looked parched and miserable, cleaning and filling the hummingbird feeders with fresh sugar solution and topping the birdbath with fresh, cool water has been the extent of my labor. Even that limited time in the garden was enough to be devoured by greedy, vicious mosquitoes no doubt lying in wait for my forays.

BUT, the long weekend was simply gorgeous. The Fourth ushered in lower temperatures and even lower humidity. Hallelujah! A morning hike in a preserve nearby was glorious. Birds and bird songs abounded. After spending so much time in the cool of the indoors, it was liberating to move around. Feeling the gentle breeze, hearing the birds, inhaling the earthy smells of the lofty, green pillared cathedral was nothing short of being in a sacred space, My spirits soared. A reminder of how much we need to be in Nature.

Back home, it was pure bliss to simply sit in my garden and enjoy the sight of all the flowers that had been undaunted by the preceding days of heat. I delighted in watching the hummingbirds at the feeders, butterflies dancing in what appeared distinctly flirtatious and, a myriad happy pollinators in action. The Echinacea was a particular draw.

Later that evening, I was privileged to sit in a friend’s garden sipping wine, observing the brilliant sunset before the main attraction – fireworks of course! A very satisfactory day indeed.

Saturday was just as lovely. Between neighbors dropping in to see the garden and us driving over to friends for a garden party, I did exert myself to get a spot of weeding done.

At the aforementioned garden party, there was a brief period of grumbling about the pest du jour – the reviled spotted lanternfly. With no real control available, folks are resorting to neem oil. A good general, organic treatment but, not only must it be reapplied after every rainfall, it is important to remember that the good insects are also impacted by any general products. My own response is to crush the pests whenever I see them. The nymphs are more elusive. My Concord grapevine is a lanternfly favorite so, I’m watching the developing clusters of grapes with trepidation.

Sunday started out beautifully and I made the most of it by lingering outdoors but by noon the humidity rose as did the mercury. Sigh. Another week fraught with heat, humidity and thunder showers is forecast.

Why oh why must all good things come to end? And so quickly too.

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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July Works

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Ah July! The promise of summer laze and leisure. The garden thinks otherwise – get to work it says. But even in the course of doing the chores, there is time to appreciate the joyful scenes everywhere one looks.

I’m particularly thrilled about the magnolia in bloom right now. I planted it four years ago and have trained it in a fan-shaped espalier. It seems to like the location and has been doing well. Every year since it has been supplying me with its gorgeous leaves for holiday decorating. However, the tree’s attempts at blooming have been consistently thwarted by the weather. Promising looking buds have emerged every spring only to be ambushed by a heatwave leaving me to stare at frizzled nubs. So disappointing.

This year too, just as the buds got bigger and plumped up along with my increasingly eager anticipation, a heat wave descended. Temperatures hit 100 degrees. I opened up the sun umbrella to protect them from the harshest impact of the sun. And I telepathically beseeched the tree to stay strong and on course. Well, one cannot say for sure if that worked but we now have large, creamy white beauties. I’m absolutely delighted.

Here is July’s To-Do list –

1. Weed, weed, weed! Remember, pouring boiling water over bricks and other stonework will kill  weeds growing in-between. A good re-purposing of the water after cooking pasta, boiling eggs and such!

2. Deadhead often. Neatness matters.

3. Mulch, fertilize (organic only please), water as required.

4. Mow when needed but keep the mower blade high.

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

6. Plant out vegetable seedlings for fall harvest.

7. Keep birdbaths filled with fresh, clean water.

8. Order fall bulbs,

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

Happy Fourth one and all!

Magnolia!
Hibiscus
The Wall
Echinacea
First Dahlia
Butterfly lavender
Veronicastrum
Oakleaf hydrangea
White Agapanthus
Beejal overseeing the garden
The path full of volunteers
Lamium
Painted fern
More Magnolia!

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Farewell June, Well Met

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I’m saying goodbye to June with some trepidation. This month has been confusing. Concerning even. It has vacillated from positively chilly temperatures to the current heat wave of unprecedented highs. Sunny, bone dry days to dark, relentlessly rain drenched ones. High winds to calm conditions. June has given us the full range. So, with summer’s official arrival, I wonder what is in store.

Taking care of routine garden chores has been less than pleasant. I can barely keep up with the weeds – with all the copious rain they seem to emerge anew even as I pull them up. And then, with the heat, I myself wilt to mirror the plants.

Thankfully, the necessary pruning of the espaliers got done in time. It’s really important to refrain from doing anything that can add to the stress when plants are already challenged by the heat. Similarly, do not feed the plants during a heat wave because it will stimulate new growth which not only adds to the strain on the plants but will also struggle to sustain itself. It’s tempting to water more frequently but instead, try to exercise constraint. Check if the top inch of soil is truly dry before you turn on the hose. And when you do, give a thorough soak. By being judicious with the water, not only are the plants hydrated correctly but it also helps to mitigate the development of conditions that lead to mildew and disease. Excess humidity is a scourge.

It is best to get the chores done in the early hours of the morning or towards the end of day when the temperatures are not quite so high. It doesn’t help to have the gardener succumbs to the heat does it now.

In preparation for the heat, I’ve pinched back the dahlias, deadheaded everywhere (no need for the plants to expending energy making seeds), severely cut back pansies with the hope they will revive in time for fall blooms etc.,. The hummingbird feeders are cleaned and refreshed daily on these very hot days – the sugar solution can ferment easily and/or develop microbial growth which can be deadly to the tiny birds. I fill the feeders only a fourth of the capacity each day – enough to feed the birds well for a day. Any more would be wasteful. The birdbath is monitored several times during the day – being appropriately shallow the water evaporates easily even on humid days.

Despite the weather, the heightened ‘bugginess’ and general lethargy that sets in, I’m enjoying the plants that are blooming their hearts out. The agapanthus, astilbe, acanthus and ornithogallum are having their moment and I’m here for it.

Being present is after all, the order of the day,

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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A Case For Autocracy Or Tough Love?

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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.

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Pachyderms Pacing Purposefully

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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.

Introducing Beejal! –

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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In Tune With June

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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!

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Nexus

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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!

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Beyond Borders And Boundaries

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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:

Between Ithaca and Binghamton

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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February Fever

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‘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!

And in less than 2 weeks, March would’ve arrived.

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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February Feels

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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) 

  1. Stay on top of effects of snow and storms. Take quick action.
  2. Keep bird feeders full. Whenever possible provide water.
  3. Get garden plans and designs ready.
  4. 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.
  5. Towards the end of the month, prune roses, wisteria, grape vines and fruit trees.
  6. 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.
  7. Prepare for seed sowing. Get seed flats clean and ready. Check if there’s enough seed growing medium.
  8. Order seeds. Once seeds arrive, write labels and keep handy. This saves time later when there is so much else to do.
  9. 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.
  10. Attend to indoor plants.
  11. 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.
  12. 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).
  13. 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.
  14. 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 “In The Shadow of Slavery – Africa’s Botanic Legacy In The AtlanticWorld” By Judith A. Carney and Richard Nicholas Rosomoff.
  15. 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 –

Beach Rose
Calla Lily
Trillium
Dogwood
Daffodil
Cimicifuga

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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