The Deliberate Garden

Posted on February 25, 2014 by shobha

At this time of looking towards spring and planning our gardens, we must examine precisely how we want to garden. I’ve often mentioned that just as we make our homes reflect our personalities and philosophies, the gardens we create ought to do the same. The very act of gardening is a matter of exercising control over nature. Even the most natural looking garden has been contrived to look just so. It follows then to be conscious of the kind of control we use. What exactly do we want our gardens to say about ourselves? Are our ethics and ideals expressed? Is the garden an honest statement of who we are? Does the design of the garden and its plantings clearly demonstrate ones appreciation and respect for the environment?

These questions are relevant. The environment, left just as is, informs and instructs no matter what. Designing our surroundings with deliberation and purpose puts out the message that has meaning to us and enriches all who come into this space. Instead of leaving things to chance, here is the rare opportunity to get your say in a larger, more substantial way. If each of us gardened to state our values, the world would be in much better shape. Every one has the power to make a lasting impact on the environment. Lets make sure we make it a positive one.

With that in mind, here is my run down of what to take into account when gardening with presence and purpose.
Core values and abiding philosophies in protecting the environment – organic practices, native plantings outnumbering the non-native, shelters for wild life, compost bins, small lawn size and large areas of plantings.
User friendly and approachable – paths comfortable to walk on, places to sit, to play. Herbs and vegetables within easy reach so the cook does not have to make a trek to get the produce. Access to different areas should not require special effort or feel dangerous.
Easily connecting to nature by offering seasonal views, inviting birds, bees and other creatures.
A sense of humor – add elements of fun with sculpture, paths that create mystery, water features a cool tree house, plants that arouse curiosity, add color or look odd. The idea is to not take oneself too seriously.
Add interest – mix flowers and vegetables. Make a vertical wall garden. Convert a lawn into a meadow or a labyrinth. Create an orchard of espaliered fruit trees. Start a collection of specific plants.
Beauty and harmony – include trees, shrubs and flowering plants that are known for their stunning forms, shapes, variegated foliage and/or colors. Blend colors that please and complement. Strike the right balance so the garden is neither over nor under planted. Good hardscaping is very important but the plants should be the stars.
Flexibility – as you evolve, allow for the garden to evolve. When trees reach maturity and create more shade, change the plantings in its shadow accordingly. If health precludes certain chores, simplify those needs in the garden. Life is not static.

How a garden created with thought, passion and intelligence affects the world cannot be quantified. It is not tangible. Yet, it colors our thoughts, influences our habits, guides our choices and determines our wellbeing.
The deliberate garden reminds us that it is an honor and privilege to be alive.

Rain barrel to conserve water

Herbs on a 'fence' to conceal airconditioning as well staying handy for the chef.

Herbs on a ‘fence’ to conceal airconditioning as well as staying handy for the chef.

Tree house in the meadow

Stone books

Walkway

Meadow with spring bulbs in bloom

Checkerboard garden

Close-up of allium

Close-up of tree peony

Love Will Keep Us Together

Posted on February 11, 2014 by shobha

Even amongst those of us too jaded to get caught up in the much hyped Valentines Day observance, one cannot help being a little disarmed by the expression of a genuine ‘I love you‘. Am I right? I believe the positive response to any source of affection is integral to every living being.To love and be loved makes one secure and happy. No doubt all sorts of good compounds are generated in the biological systems and the result is an individual who functions better. One observes this clearly between humans, humans and their pets, amongst animals. Matters are not as obvious in the plant kingdom.

Love among plants? Sounds a bit far-fetched for you? That plants compete with each other for space, light and other resources is well known. The fittest (often the thug) survive. But, we don’t consider that perhaps, plants have a way to cooperate with each other that is yet to be fully understood by man. Empirical evidence of this abounds. Consider the fact that wherever grows poison ivy, there grows jewelweed. Now, that cannot be for human benefit can it? The fact that the nasty, itchy inflammation caused by poison ivy is effectively counteracted by the juice from the stem of jewelweed is incidental. I present to you instead – jewelweed attracts bees, hummingbirds and other such pollinators. While the birds are around they get to feast on the drupe-like fruit of the nearby poison ivy. Seeds of the ivy pass through the digestive tracts and and find themselves dispersed wherever the birds travel. Poison ivy flowers are inconspicuous and could not on their own attract the birds. In turn, the poison ivy keeps humans at a distance thus keeping the jewelweed safe and intact. It is win-win for the plants in question. Mind you, I have not found any research that has come up with an explanation for why these two plants live near each other. My own reasoning brings me ample satisfaction.

Okay, so ‘love’ might be too strong a word but there is definitely a detectable level of affection n’est pas? They seem to know how to thrive if they stay together. There are other examples of plants having mutually beneficial relationships. It was by studying such conditions that gave man the idea of companion planting. Case in point – the three ‘sisters’ of America. Corn grows well in sunshine but needs the ground weed free and mulched which is handsomely addressed by squash that contentedly scrambles all over the ground under the shade of the corn. Meanwhile, pole beans climb up the sturdy corn plants whilst fixing nitrogen in the soil.

Any natural woodland contains a vast assortment of plants. The upper-story and under-story specimens provide conditions that sustain each other. The same occurs in meadows and prairies. Together with the wildlife, there is more to be found growing together in nature than anything we could ever recreate on our own.

The point is, in nature, polyculture which is a more cerebral term for companion planting, is the norm. Diversity is key. It allows for a symbiotic relationship between plants, insects, wildlife, and ultimately our palates. Natural combinations of plants fend off pests and disease, make the best use of space, protects the soil, increase flower and fruit production and generally make a space more beautiful and interesting. This very same method works when applied in our own gardens. It works in vegetable, fruit and, flower gardens. In truth, we have yet to fully understand the entire science of how plants ‘know’ who their friends are and how to create the healthiest horticultural neighborhood.

For now, in my opinion, we know enough to extend that cooperative living to our own society. A little kindness and help, some closeness and yet enough space will be good for all. We’ll grow well, fend off enemies, celebrate differences, use our strengths, compensate for weaknesses, support each other and live in peace. Isn’t that what love is all about?

Happy Valentines Day everybody! May every day be filled with love.

(c) 2014 Shobha Vanchiswar

Masterclass For Mankind

Posted on January 28, 2014 by shobha

If you’ve been following my writings at all, you know I am an ardent disciple of nature. I learn all sorts of things by observing and working in the garden, hiking our preserves and generally enjoying the outdoors. Life lessons, science lessons, art lessons. My muse for painting, poetry and other worthwhile pursuits. So, I’m always interested in how others have absorbed and interpreted their understanding in nature. Boy! Have we learned plenty! Without the guidance from Nature, I doubt we’d have come this far.

From the beginning of time, humans have improved their lot by observing their natural surroundings. From eating plants and fruits sought by other animals to keeping warm by covering themselves with what inherently served the animal, man has been an avid student of nature. Early instruments of surgery were fashioned after different beaks of birds – emulating the specific function of the avian proboscis. Our ancestors studied plants and learned to use them for building shelter, water transportation, ammunition, clothing, medicine, cosmetics to name just a few applications. Water sources could be discovered by noting which types of plants grew near water. Not surprisingly, we are still acquiring valuable information and inventing lifesaving/life prolonging/ life enhancing products from the environment. Humans are like the 3M ad – “We didn’t invent ——, we just make it better”.

Consider the Fibonacci numbers or sequence that is applied amongst other things in computer algorithms. In mathematics, Fibonacci numbers, the Golden Ratio and Golden Spiral are commonplace. But, these occur all over the place in nature. It is Nature’s numbering system that makes plants grow efficiently. How leaves are arranged conforms to Fibonacci arrangement and it enables them to maximize their exposure to light. Similarly, seed patterns on sunflowers, pine cones, nautilus shells, our own inner ear spiral are all in Fibonacci patterns. Imagine how much humans have learned to design more efficiently and effectively from just this one mathematical factor!

Bringing matters to current times, there is now a new and better type of bicycle helmet on the market. It is made of intricately engineered paper. Yes, paper. Invented in the UK, it was inspired by the woodpecker. This bird pecks about ten times per second and each peck sustains the same amount of force as us crashing at 50 mph. How then does the woodpecker avoid concussion and further brain injury? Studies showed that there is soft, corrugated cartilage to absorb all the impact. The paper helmet mimics the woodpecker’s crumple zone. It improves upon the more common polystyrene helmets. Very cool right?

The latest and most waterproof material ever made to date was inspired by studying nasturtium leaves. Until recently, the lotus leaf was the gold standard. But upon observing the heightened waterproof character of nasturtium leaves, it was understood that the veins are what make it so additionally effective. Similarly, the Morpho butterfly has ridges on its wings. So, adding ridges to a silicone surface led to this state of the art material. It was invented here in the US and can be used in anoraks, wind turbines and aircraft engines.

Bioplastics from beetles, ink from insects and even bees being trained for cancer detection are all in the works. Apparently, it takes just 20 minutes to train the bees! The mind boggles at all the potential still waiting to be tapped in our great outdoors.

All of this just goes to show that it is incumbent on each of us to fiercely protect our forests, prairies, rivers and lakes. The very air we breathe depends on us doing right by it. At a personal level, we must safeguard our gardens by not only making them beautiful, but rich in natural flora and fauna. Where the soil is free of chemicals, where fruits and vegetables can be consumed directly from the garden, where flowers provide their pollinators only the purest of nectar. A garden where birds, bees, butterflies, bats and other beneficial creatures thrive, is a garden where mankind will thrive.

Don’t forget– my garden is open on May 10 this year!

Rose – petals are in Golden Spiral!

Echinacea – Fibonacci patterns again!

Nasturtium – inspiring scientists.

Lets invite the birds

And the toads

And the butterflies

And native plants

Returning To The Fold

Posted on January 21, 2014 by shobha

I have the opportunity to plant a tree this spring and it has me hugely excited. I’m going native. It will replace an old apple tree that is rotten to the core!

For the longest while I’ve been eager to plant a Shadblow tree. Aren’t you just charmed by the name? So much more endearing than its official nomenclature – Amelanchier. Shadblow has a certain homeyness to it – I wonder if the colloquial word came about because the falling flower petals resemble the shad as they navigate the waters during their spawning runs. Also known as Juneberry, serviceberry, chuckleberry or shadbush, this is, in my opinion, an ideal small tree that is remarkably underused in our gardens. I suppose as more exotic trees became available, the shadblow was pushed aside. Too familiar and commonplace. Well, it is time to bring this lovely American back into our midst.

Amelanchier is a four season tree. It is deciduous and depending on the variety, can grow to about twenty-four feet in height. There are several that are shorter. There are species of Amelanchier that grow all over the North American continent. No matter where you live there is a variety of this tree for you.

White, mildly scented flowers in loose racemes are produced in early spring. In June and July, the tree bears sweet, edible, dark purple-red fruit known as pomes. In the fall, the leaves turn colors in the full spectrum of autumnal shades. Red, yellow, orange and gold, the shadblow makes a stunning sight. And finally, in winter, the fastigate tree morphs into a sculptural presence. To think, this arboreal gem was always there and gardeners were looking further afield.

Easy to maintain, naturally suited to our climes, this is a no-brainer kind of selection. If I haven’t made an apostate of you as yet, this very tree was also highly recommended by the likes of no less than horticultural giant Marco Polo Stufano. The fact that when I asked him, he unhesitatingly came up with exactly the same tree as I did, made me feel as though I had not only been told that I was brilliant but that I’d been personally blessed by the Pope of Horticulture. Now are you a convert?

Photo credit: ‘Free images of Amelanchier’from Google Search
(c) 2014 Shobha Vanchiswar

The Healing Gardener

Posted on January 14, 2014 by shobha

Last week, I expounded on Healing gardens. The discussion moves a natural step further – the responsibility that we have towards our gardens.

Although man has been gardening from time immemorial, often, it has been done to the detriment of the land. With the focus being on benefiting humans, the impact on the environment has been rather easily neglected. To create gardens abundant with the exotic and rare, lush lawns, orchards heavy with fruit and potagers putting forth vegetables from distant shores, a high price was payed.

Meanwhile, large tracts of land have been given over to urban development. Gradually, our forests and prairies have shrunk. Combine the loss of natural vegetation, introduction of alien species, use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, indiscriminate use of water, liberal employment of gas driven machines and there we have our badly, wounded earth. Our bid for the impossibly perfect has only succeeded in exposing our own failures.

Dealing with the likes of powdery mildew that has decimated the impatiens, boxwood blight, Asian long horned beetle and so many others, one can be of the opinion that we have just alien pests to contend. But, in truth, our careless habits have also increased the populations of our own native pests. You see, when we reduce native plants, we also reduce the native ‘good’ bugs which keep the natural pests in check.

I will not go into more detail about all the negative actions and impacts. It is all known. As guardians of our land, we must move ahead with a resolve to make amends. It is not too late – this much we must believe. Otherwise, what is the point?

While we seek to be healed by gardens, we must first heal our gardens. Only then can we be better served. After all, what goes around comes around.

It is my fervent hope that we will each honor our covenant to nurture our gardens and green spaces to good, robust health. Here are a few guidelines:

Plant more native species. Banish all invasive alien specimens.
Adopt only sound, organic practices.
Use water judiciously. Collect and use rain water.
Support the presence of birds, butterflies, bees, bats, toads and other helpful critters. Grow plants that attract them. Provide ‘homes’ and water sources.
Compost all kitchen and garden waste. Use the compost instead of buying mulch or fertilizer.
Weed, prune, cut back and keep the garden nicely maintained.
Spend time daily in the garden. Absorb the good energy while giving it yours.

The growing season is yet to start in the garden but the time is ripe to get ourselves ready to do it right.

P.S.Save the date!:My garden will be open through the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program on May 10, 2014. Mark your calenders and do make plans to visit!

My ‘meadow’ – replaces replaces a lawn and supports lots of bees, butterflies and toads.

Organically maintained espalier heavy with fruit.

The salad bar

Hungry mouths in the espalier

A frequent visitor

A surprise visitor in the meadow

Healing Gardens

Posted on January 7, 2014 by shobha

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about and, working on the how and what that makes a true healing garden. Gardens, like all of Nature, inherently have healing, restorative powers. Even a few minutes spent amidst trees and flowers lifts the spirits. The fresh air, bird song and horticultural beauty collectively work on improving our state of being. Research has demonstrated the benefits of gardens but honestly, this has been accepted wisdom through the ages and in every corner of the globe. Long before words like stress, blood pressure, body conditioning were known, humans still understood the value of spending time in gardens and planted spaces. Gardens heal in active as well as passive ways. Like art and music therapy, horticultural therapy is applied in many areas of health care.

The act of gardening is excellent for all sorts of conditions. Simply focusing the mind on a task outside of oneself is therapeutic. Nurturing and caring for plants results in being more confident and satisfied. The physical demands of keeping a garden get the body moving and exercised. Moods are improved, tempers cooled, attitudes adjusted and energy restored – what else can do all of these so effectively? And who in today’s world cannot do with some healing?

In a gentle, quiet manner, the garden keeps loneliness at bay. Sit in a garden for some time and as you still your mind, let the wind and birds speak to you. Fill your eyes with what the plants show you of their splendor. Suddenly, you are connected to the surroundings and no longer lonely. Nature has a way of filling up the empty spaces within.

When we hear about healing gardens, we immediately think of medicinal plants. However, that is actually, a physic garden – a garden that grows the plants to be used to treat various ailments. Very common in days before modern medical practices took over, today, we are more likely to keep herb gardens that find their use in mostly culinary efforts.

A healing garden can and may include such medicinal plants but it is much more than that. This garden is designed so any person who visits is positively influenced by it. It is not only beautiful and calm but contains elements and structures that allow for reflection and repose. To contemplate, meditate, observe and walk in such a garden, is to soothe the broken heart and calm the agitated mind. A well designed healing garden will do its work without calling any attention. Like the loving, beneficent hand of a mother, it caresses the soul and heals the spirit. One is transformed. Repeatedly spending time in such a place can only lead to inner and outer peace. Perhaps our world leaders ought to meet in healing gardens.

This garden does not need to be large or elaborate. Actually, the simpler the better. Good plantings preferably with a tree or two, a place to sit, the sound of water and, if possible, a path to walk are the basic elements. Come to such a garden and surrender yourself. Let the healing begin.

(c) 2014 Shobha Vanchiswar

Be Careful What You Wish For!

Posted on December 24, 2013 by shobha

As a gardener in the Northeast, I’m accustomed to having my seasons well defined. The pattern of the four seasons is comforting and instructs all my activities. Whether it be entertaining dinner guests ( I’d much rather we dined outdoors), taking vacation (summer), staying put (spring), house projects, taking time to focus on future plans (winter), having house guests ( preferably fall), visiting grandparents (winter) and so on. Of course, the garden is the best example of how much is dictated by the seasons.

So here we are in winter, the ground is frozen and covered in snow, fireplaces are blazing, heavy coats and winter gear are being put to good use and, my gardening self welcomes the respite from chores. However, the long, chilly months loom ahead and one begins to feel envious of those who live in warmer climes. While the snow and ice create spectacular visions, one can only spend so much time outside. Much better viewed from the confines of warm, cozy interiors. Thus, I start dreaming of beaches, rain forests, lakeside cabins and all places warm and sunny. Where the midday heat brings out the scent of roses and oregano. I crave the feel of grass between bare toes, the thrum of bees and even miss the discomfort of soil under my fingernails. Then, I wake up to reality and actually feel much better.

While I’m sitting with my feet propped up, dreaming of perfect gardens and catching up on my reading, my fellow gardeners in those sizzling locales are still working in the garden. They do not get a break. Achy backs and arms, rough hands, insect bites and dirty nails are theirs to have year round. Thats the penalty for all that mild weather. Plus, the spring bulbs and several perennials that are so utterly mandatory in my garden, are not genetically designed for the tropics. They demand a good, rollicking round of winter with snow and breath freezing cold. So there.

I’m happy to be exactly where I am and will contentedly pass these frigid days with grace and patience. And plenty of rest. It is awfully comfy right here, right now. The grass might literally be greener on the other side, but, only for the moment. Our turn cometh. All good things come to those who wait.

January

March

Still March

May

Still May

August

Still august

November

Still November

From Darkness To Light – Dies Natalis

Posted on December 17, 2013 by shobha

Of the two solstices and two equinoxes that we on earth are graced with each year, the winter solstice is most meaningful to me. It occurs full of promise and hope at precisely the right time. Just when we, in the Northern Hemisphere become aware that we are in for the long, cold, dark haul, the shortest day comes along. The sun is at its lowest elevation in the sky. That only means that from now on, the only way is up! One more minute of daylight added on each day. Now, that demands a celebration.

From time immemorial, mankind has observed this hibernal solstice with rituals and ceremony. Ancient cultures have passed on to us festivals and holidays. What a beautiful thread of human connection through the ages. As modern as we think of ourselves today, these passages of the sun still mark our seasons, determine when we sow our crops and how we live. All of life moves in concert with the sun.

The renewal of light and the approach of the new year fuels our human need to stay optimistic. The Romans referred to this solstice as Dies Natalis – the birth day of the sun. A birthday calls for a party. I like that. I, for one, will honor our humanity and rejoice in my humanness. My link to all those who came before me and my responsibility to those who are yet to arrive. On this sacred occasion, I reaffirm my pact to do right by nature and all who live here.

Bring on the feast, start the music, invite the world as together we light up a million candles and brighten the hearts of all.

December 21 is this Saturday. Celebrate!

Witness the majesty of the Sun:

The first five photos are credited to my friend and photographer Eleanor Oyen.
(c) 2013 Shobha Vanchiswar

Frantic Festive Fever Frenzy

Posted on December 10, 2013 by shobha

December can be peculiar. It is seemingly about the holidays and the happy preparations for the celebrations but in reality, the month is fraught with stress and anxiety. The long, dark hours, the expectations, presents, decorations, cards, parties, weight worries, recitals, year end project completions, performance reviews, tips, cooking, teacher gifts, charitable giving, travel obligations/house guests, weather related problems … its so easy to be overwhelmed. Thankfully, the garden is not clamoring for attention. It is safely tucked in for the season.

Stop! Take a deep breath. Ask yourself why you have allowed yourself to get to this point. Yes, I said ‘allowed yourself’. Has the garden taught you nothing? The life lessons imparted all through the seasons? Permit me to remind you. Get yourself something warm and soothing to drink and read on.

The pact you make with Nature when you start the process of taming it to create your garden, involves:
Do No Harm – That holds for both garden and gardener. So, take on only that which is good for both. Organic, environmentally sound, Fair Trade, low carbon footprints are key words here. And, don’t take on more than you can handle. You’ll only make yourself sick and unhappy.
Think It Through – Don’t be impulsive, follow current trends or emulate others as you’ll have regrets. Just the way you do ( you do don’t you?) your homework before selecting and planting a tree, you must apply that same process to everything else.
Keep It Simple – Take on only what you can do for sure. Be realistic. Simple is clean, pure and elegant. Leave the bows, swags and fireworks to others.
Get Organized – By planning properly, a lot more will get accomplished and you would have allocated time to enjoy the season. Recall those times when the weeding and watering got done and you still had the time to read in the hammock amidst the hum of bees and chattering of finches. Channel that into your frenetic life.
Be True To Yourself – express your true self. Your taste, preferences and style are what makes you YOU. You plant the flowers and vegetables you like, you choose colors that sing to you, you got rid of whatever you didn’t like. Well, apply that to your life in general. You don’t have to throw a party, get a tree, send out cards and such. The party can wait for a time when there is less to do. Instead of a tree, promise that expense to a charity, send out thoughtful notes all through the year. Trust me, the people who really matter will understand and appreciate. Make no apologies for who or how you are. If you accept yourself, others will too.
Let It Go – Free yourself of your own and other people’s expectations. Reread Be True To Yourself above. Keep in kind that you do not have control over very much. So why burden yourself with what is beyond you?
Be Bold – Get out of that comfort zone and try something you’ve always wanted to do but were too hesitant/ shy/afraid to do. Think about how liberating it was when you ripped up the formal flower beds and made a cottage garden instead. Others were horrified but the slightly messy, blowsy look makes you endlessly happy. Whatever doesn’t work out can be remedied, redone, repaired or removed. The world will not end. Actually, the world will not notice.
Pay It Forward – You plant trees for future generations, use organic methods so all living things are safe, sow heirloom seeds so diversity and history are respected. Similarly, when giving gifts think about each individual and give them something that also benefits a larger population – membership to museums and botanical gardens, subscriptions to concerts, gift certificates to local nurseries and other local businesses. Low on money? There is no shame in that. Offer services like a home-cooked meal in January, pet/baby-sitting, helping with weeding in the spring, teaching a skill, fixing a problem like a leaky faucet or creaky door.
Be In The Moment – It is all you really have. Show up for it. Smell the rose when it blooms. Pick and savor the peach when it is ripe and warm from the embrace of the sun. Watch the fireflies every night of summer. This present moment will not come back. Live it well and it will nourish you forever. No regrets. You reap only what you sow.

Now, tell me, are you ready to change your mind about this holiday season? Exhale. Tone it down. Simplify. Own it. End this year on your own terms.

P.S. Give thanks to the garden for its constant guidance and solace.

(c) 2013 Shobha Vanchiswar

Report card

Posted on November 19, 2013 by shobha

We are judged on almost everything we do in life. Think about it. You bake something and a verdict is passed. You paint, write, sing, sculpt, build, invent, teach, sell or parent and there is a panel that is on the ready to make a pronouncement. Our culture enjoys a certain comfort in deeming things pass/fail, right/wrong, beautiful/ugly, amateur/professional, successful/unsuccessful, crude/sophisticated. This makes being true to oneself rather difficult.

We are afraid to call ourselves an artist if we have not shown in an exhibit or a writer if a book has never been published. You might be an engineer with the correct schooling and degrees but you can be a sculptor as well. Even if what you sculpt is done at night and your art is seen only inside your home. But how hesitant we are to declare it in public! Too timid to question the system that denies one one’s many faceted, undeniably special persona.

Who are these social pundits and what exactly are their qualifications to be so judgmental? A certain degree of parameters make sense. For instance, rules of the road are very relevant. The same goes for how we conduct ourselves in society. They serve as guidelines, standard markers that make civilization thrive. One learns how to reach higher and do better. Peaceful, cooperative societies must have general rules and acceptable limits. This works fine but all too often, we are left somewhat paralyzed by fear of censure in our day to day lives. Because of this, we follow the pack and surrender our individuality. Look around. Our dress, our literature and cinema, our music, the architecture and appearance of residential streets, cars, hairstyles, even our food choices are all dictated by trends set mostly by those who in truth, know no better than anybody else.

We listen to the words of celebrities as though they are the modern day Oracle or are the select few in custody of the Rosetta Stone of Everything. If a person is indeed an expert or legitimate authority, then, they are obligated to teach, help the rest of us. Not deride, mock or judge. Most of us never pause to question if any of this feels right or is suitable at all. To follow our own ideas and thoughts is to be bold and courageous. If you are not breaking the law or harming anybody, then take a big, deep breath and be bold and courageous. Be you.

The easiest place to express yourself is the garden. Society regards the garden like an afterthought. Unless your front garden is a complete jungle or radically different, no one will notice or care. It is as though to spend time gardening means we are not pursuing more important, pressing causes. And if you don’t garden, well who will chide you because after all “who has the time?”.

On the one hand, it is universally accepted that it is vital to have access to nature and we tend to buy as large a property as possible. But on the other, not enough is done to acknowledge and appreciate those who create and care for such green spaces. We can use this attitude to advantage!

Typically, I see it as a means to create whatever garden I like. True, going berserk and making a thirty foot waterfall on a standard suburban plot would be asking for complaints from neighbors and zoning/architectural review boards. But in general, a great deal of leeway exists. Go with your heart and abilities. Convert the whole garden into a vegetable plot. Make it a paradise of peonies. Fill it with all your favorite plants. Gaudy colors, all white beds, minimalist modern, serious native plant collections – go for it. As long as you adhere to what your geographical zone will allow to grow and you do no harm. The latter tenet means not harming people, animals or the environment. Honor the earth. Plain and simple.

So what if none of the neighbors grow vegetables in the front of the house. If that is the most suitable location for a potager, then by all means make the most productive, most beautiful vegetable garden there. Long for a riot of roses? Make it happen! Personally, I’d much rather see a joyous melange of flowers favored by the owner’s unique style than yet another ho-hum, run of the mill suburban property. After all, where is the individual personality of the owner to be found?

The thing is, in gardening, there is no pass or fail. Everything is a learning experience. Your garden is one big open air classroom. Nature is the teacher – she gives no tests, no grades and does not single you out for punishment. Your own talents and interests are nurtured. You join this school at any age, work at your own pace, drop out if you need to, return after a hiatus. Mistakes are permitted! You get rewarded for just showing up. All along, you discover your strengths, overcome difficulties and get empowered for what lies outside the garden walls. You learn to be yourself. No pressure other than what you put on yourself. As it should be. Before long, you will step out of the boundaries of the garden and venture into other realms to make your own personal mark.

If you are hesitant to express your style or state your opinion lest you are chided, get yourself to the garden. Learn, grow strong. You endeavor to garden, so you are a Gardener. The garden gives out no report cards.

Enjoy these images of unique spaces. Be empowered!

(c) 2013 Shobha Vanchiswar

Seeds of Design

by Shobha Vanchiswar

Category Archives: Your Garden and the Globe

The Deliberate Garden

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Love Will Keep Us Together

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Masterclass For Mankind

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Returning To The Fold

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The Healing Gardener

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Healing Gardens

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Be Careful What You Wish For!

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From Darkness To Light – Dies Natalis

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Frantic Festive Fever Frenzy

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Report card

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