Plans Are Nothing; Planning Is Everything

Posted on June 18, 2013 by shobha

Those title words were said by President Eisenhower. An invaluable outlook in the military no doubt but pretty useful to remember in the garden as well.

It is June. My roses and peonies are at their peak. As are my native wisteria. It is days like these that make all my efforts so worthwhile. Yet, I’m already perusing the bulb catalogs. And drooling all over them. There is something deliciously greedy about basking in the riotous bounty of late spring and coveting all the listed bulbs for next year.

Pleasurable perusing aside, it is the right time to start planning for next year. First and foremost, you are still fresh from how the bulbs looked this year. What worked, what did not, which sort you want more of, how to enhance and extend further the bloom season. Strike while the memory is hot I say!

This is actually a period of respite in the garden. We are right between seasonal obligations. The frenzied pace of early spring is over, everything looks splendid and the demands of summer vigilance are yet to begin. So what better way to while away these hours than to dream up more creative combinations of bulbs?

Finally, the most practical reason to order bulbs early – your chances of getting those that are quickly sold out are greatly improved. Almost guaranteed. Plus, you are charged only when the bulbs are shipped to you at the appropriate time for planting. Once I’ve placed my order, I can go about the summer, take a vacation and not have to think about rushing to buy bulbs on my return. There is plenty to do in the garden in late summer/early fall as it is. When the shipment arrives, that is my cue to complete clearing the beds and rake the leaves so bulb planting can commence. It can be quite costly if you wait till the last minute to purchase bulbs.

Right now, I can take my time to go through the catalogs, comparison shop and make thoughtful selections. After I send off my invariably long list, I still have time to come up with ingenious ways to save up for that inevitably long bill. Most times, I actually do succeed.

I know you have plans to grow more bulbs, so get planning already!

Neither Snow Nor Rain Nor Heat Nor Gloom Of Night …

Posted on June 11, 2013 by shobha

The creed of the United States Postal Service is applicable to many efforts but most particularly to those who make growing living things their vocation or avocation. Farmers and gardeners are undaunted by the vagaries of the weather and the threat of climate anomalies. They persevere.

I understand the determination of the farmer. It is his noble, much depended upon livelihood. After all, he feeds the world. The sheer weight of his responsibility insists that he carry on no matter what. It goes without saying that they have our deepest gratitude but a regular expression of thanks would not be amiss.

The persistence of gardeners however is a whole other matter. It is not essential to the survival of mankind. It is actually something of a luxury. It requires time, physical effort and often, as much money as one can squander. Most gardens remain unnoticed and are created for the personal enjoyment of the gardener and his immediate circle. For the most part, the loss or devastation of a garden is not felt deeply by the population at large. It becomes a more personal loss. Sort of like losing a pet. The gardener will do everything to save or salvage his bit of paradise. A hailstorm in summer, a drought or deluge, a hurricane or tornado, an invasion of disease or locusts, personal mistakes, nothing but nothing will deter the intrepid gardener. That to me is utterly fascinating. We never give up.

We try to grow tulips in deer country, tropicals in Zone 5, alpines in Florida, coddle roses during an attack of Japanese beetles, dutifully pick off red lily beetles early each morning, risk fines by surreptitiously watering our lawns in a drought, keep vigil all night to send slugs to their death and thus saving the vegetables, rush out in a lightening storm to prevent seedlings from being washed away, mourn inexplicably and deeply for anything that dies and, continue with so many other Quixotic efforts. We are obsessed with our plants.

And why is this so, you ask? For the simple, straightforward satisfaction and sheer joy of having created something. You see, anybody can be a gardener. For everything else, we tend to qualify ourselves with credentials. As though one is not legitimate until we can say we have a degree, or have published a book, exhibited a painting or performed somewhere. If you tend to plants then you are a gardener. No questions asked. It is that easy.

Gardens have been called the slowest form of performance art. It is true. They change all the time. Every garden is an honest effort at making something beautiful and even useful. Be it good or bad, it is indeed art. A personal expression of the gardener’s taste and philosophy. A writer might start a book and then relegate it to a drawer when she gets stuck, a painter might have a studio full of incomplete canvases, the same can be said for music compositions and dance choreographies. Unless it a vocation, most artists will take breaks to accommodate what life brings along. But not the earnest gardener.

Horticultural mistakes are open to public examination, half completed projects or neglected spaces are visible and so, the gardener has good motivation to try hard to do a good job. It certainly works for me. But more than that, there is that inherent human desire to tame one’s surrounding and make of it a place of delight. To nurture something and help it grow is enormously rewarding. If it is enjoyed by others then all the better. There is an intangible value to gardening. Yet, a true gardener gardens because she must. Like all other passions, she cannot help herself. And thank goodness for that. Imagine a world without gardens – private or public. It would be as sad as removing all music from the world.

Gardens are ephemeral. Reason enough to make their time here as significant as possible.
The photos below demonstrate the transience of gardens. They are all of Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers, New York. It is gradually being resurrected to its former glory – but with a contemporary sensibility.Do visit it – free and open to the public. www.untermyergardens.org

Lovely old stairs leading to the aquaduct footpath.

In its time, the view of the Palisades was unobstructed. How the trees have grown!

The temple with a view of the Palisades

Mosaic in need of restoration.

The pool today. Can’t you just imagine how beautiful it used to be?

The amphitheater in the walled garden

Call Of The Cicadas

Posted on June 4, 2013 by shobha

I’m waiting for the cicadas. When they come, it will be an experience to remember. Once in seventeen years is certainly an occasion. From what I understand, there will be quite a crowd. A rather loud crowd. But then, wouldn’t you want to party hard if you were released from underground after all that length of time?

I’ve heard the apprehension and even the horror that some folk have about this cicada invasion. I understand that not everybody is curious or interested. However, I’d like to reassure them that there is nothing to fear. Firstly, cicadas have been thought to be the same as locusts. Not so. True locusts are related to grasshoppers. Cicadas are in a taxonomic class of their own. They are not really harmful or dangerous. They do not bite humans and will not decimate your prize roses or tomatoes. Females lay their eggs by creating little slits in the bark of trees and shrubs but the botanicals themselves are not at risk. They simply acquire a few scars. I believe the media have hyped the situation. You were around seventeen years ago, do you remember it being absolutely horrendous? We wouldn’t react adversely if there was a glut of butterflies. The rather vociferous tree frogs are indulged every summer. So why the anti-cicada stance? Admittedly, cicadas might look threatening but just consider them to be nothing but gentle giants.

I remember how alarmed I was when I noticed nickel sized holes randomly positioned along a side path in my garden. My mind was put at ease by an expert at the New York Botanical Gardens who explained to me about cicadas. That was seventeen years ago. I’ve come a long way since then.

As for the classic cicada noise and the numbers that will be gathering all over, think of it as a huge, cacophonic teenage party. Except, there will be no drinking, no doing drugs nor will anything be broken. There will however be lots of making out – if things go according to plan. But these party creatures will all be adults. So it is entirely above board.

If you are thinking how it will affect your season, take a few deep breaths and shift your attitude. Stop fighting nature particularly when in the big picture, this is so utterly benign. Putting up netting where you will be dining outdoors would allow you to enjoy your meals without being surprised by healthy offerings of raw proteins. In certain parts of the world they are consumed for just that. If need be, a comfortable set of earplugs will cut out the cicada song. At the very worst, you will spend a bit of extra time indoors. But whatever you do, please do not think about using chemicals and such to kill the cicadas. If you do, there will be plenty of other useful critters that will also be eliminated. In addition, the toxin will find its way into the water table. No good will come from taking unnecessary drastic measures. Can we just learn to be more accommodating – the cicadas will not bother you again for another seventeen years.

I suggest we invoke our inner child and spend this cicada season with curiosity and wonder. Take a little time to check out the iridescent colors of their wings. Listen to their sound as you would to new music. Keep an open mind. Before you know it, the cicadas will have gone. Who knows what will be seventeen years from now.

If all this is sounding too cute, consider the following: In Ancient Greece, they represented immortality, In France, cicadas are symbols of good luck. In Japan, they signal reincarnation. In Javanese culture, their song indicates the start of the dry season when non-rice crops can be planted . In China, the periodic moulting of cicadas is seen as the transformation a person must go through to reach enlightenment. And in Mexico, cicadas are known as the ones that sing till they die.

Now, tell me, do you want to mess with your karma and harm such a noble creature?
Live and let live.

Cicada

Cicada talismans – I have them all over in my home and garden.

Testing One’s Faith

Posted on May 28, 2013 by shobha

The garden was as ready as it could be. Weeding, deadheading, primping, pruning, tidying and prettying were done. Despite the preceding days bringing rains of diluvian proportions accompanied with mighty winds, it looked beautiful. Thus, on Friday night I went to bed hoping for the best.
May 25th, my garden’s Open Day dawned and it was not pretty. Thickly overcast skies, a steady rain, strong wind and, near freezing temperatures were enough to send me back to bed. But, get ready I did. Signs directing visitors to the garden were duly posted. Although a last minute sweep of freshly scattered maple seeds was not possible due to the ground being wet, the rain almost eased up. We set up the welcome table and waited.

Who on earth was going to brave this ugly weather? I thought as I hung around shivering in my sweater and rain coat. It seemed like a perfect day to get a fire going and curl up with a good book and hot cup of tea. Any sane mind would do just that. The clock struck 10:00 am and we were officially open. Ready and waiting to see my little slice of paradise was a couple who had driven all the way from Rochester, NY! I believe I took them by surprise by bestowing upon them giant, grateful hugs. Barely had they got started on their visit, when I found myself welcoming a couple from California – they were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary by motoring around the country with a goal to visiting specific gardens on their list. I was deeply honored that my garden was on that list. Having just these four people with their weather-be-damned attitude, I felt my open day was already a success.

But, it didn’t stop there. More die-hard, brave souls arrived. Interest and enthusiasm abounded. What gardener can get enough of conversations and praise from fellow gardeners? My cup ranneth over. Observant, curious, open minded eyes took in everything I’d hoped they would. Not one complaint about the weather was heard. I made new friends, greeted familiar faces and generally felt as though a party was underway. We exchanged ideas and laughs, I answered questions, discussed projects – some even unrelated to gardening and in the end, I was left with a profound sense of appreciation for this day. I couldn’t possibly have asked for better.

So perhaps the number of visitors was half of what I’ve come to expect on Open Day. But that did not diminish the day in any way. The lessons I learned was that gardeners and garden lovers are undaunted by a bit of bad weather. Nobody visits a garden to be critical or pass judgment – they truly come to be inspired and delighted. Details, both small and large are observed and appreciated. What work I put into my garden is never a waste. Giving my best effort at all times matters and people recognize such things. I was reminded to have faith in humanity. In the final analysis, Nature is the only one in charge and we musts learn to accept and value our own humble roles.

In my present state of gratitude and grace, I’m left with one question – where were you last Saturday and why did you not visit me? Well?

I put our houseguests Charlie and Val to work but ultimately, we had to give up!

A closer look at the wisteria just about to bloom

Put Your Best Game Face On!

Posted on May 21, 2013 by shobha

Just as your face and most particularly, your smile are what contribute significantly to a first impression, so is it the facade of your house and specifically the front garden that informs the world about who the residents are. When reviewing this part of your property, ask yourself if it conveys the right message. If it is, then that must be enormously satisfying I’m sure. If not, how can it be improved? A little tweaking or a complete face-lift? Of course, if you couldn’t care less about the front garden, then stop reading! Because I’m going to discuss exactly that. But wait just a second! Are you saying you don’t even bother to keep this area neat, tidy and presentable? You do, right? Then, ha! You care. Read on.

Man or woman, everybody pays attention to how their face looks (and we also pay close attention to other people’s faces). Some more than others. It all depends on how much time and effort one is willing to expend. Putting it another way, it depends on how important it is to you. Chances are you will be similarly disposed to how you address your front garden. And that is A-okay. The main thing is to have your face or front garden reflect the best you. Just as those of us who cannot stand to wear too much make up and feel uncomfortable if we do, a fussy, high maintenance garden ( yes, such a thing exists) will look incongruous. So lets consider the front of your property.

Get outside onto the street, face the house and take a hard look at what you see. Assess it honestly. Chances are there is room for improvement. Note down everything you think can be done. Make the list in order of priority or urgency. Think simple. The ugly hedge might not require replacing – a proper trimming could be all that needs doing. On the other hand, a sickly tree ought to be removed before it topples over and causes damage. It is a good idea to look at the front area at different times of day and keep in mind the different seasons.

Perhaps over the years, as surrounding trees and shrubs grew, what was once a sunny area is now shady and the plants are no longer thriving. Time to replace the plantings with those more suitable. Similarly, if trees were lost due to age or storms, a shady area is now more exposed to the sun. While it might feel a bit daunting to rethink a whole area, these are actually the ‘perks’ of a gardening life. Something to challenge us, shake uu out of our humdrum ways. If you really are at a loss on how to go about making big changes, ask fellow gardeners or even get a garden designer’s advice.

Assuming the exterior of your house is in good shape, lets start on the area that leads one up to it.
Literally. How does the walkway to the house look? Does it need repair, repaving or replacing? You are going for attractive but sensible. Paved pebbled or gravel paths are not kind to feet ( especially when in high heels) and the former can get slippery when wet or iced over. Too narrow or too wide might need some correction. Likewise, look at other hardscaping such as walls. They should be in good repair and preferably softened with greenery. Remember, you are going for an appearance that appeals to others but must primarily make you very pleased to see your home every single time.

Look at matters of practical maintenance. Is the front garden easy enough to keep routinely tidy? Watering should be convenient. All parts of the area should be accessible for cleaning, weeding, pruning etc., Otherwise, it’ll be prone to neglect.

Check the boundaries. In a formal set up, these delineations are attractive elements themselves. Hedges are kept very neat and clipped. In less formal gardens, the boundaries can be blurred with some creative planting. Stone walls are lovely but need the hardness reduced with plants that either front them or scramble on them. Likewise, other types of fences must serve the dual purposes of marking off the property as well as participating in the general garden design.In any case, some thought needs to be put in.

Lighting is an item that is often overlooked. If your walkway is long, a single light by the front door is inadequate. Think of additional sources of light for the dark hours but keep them discrete. Also, if there is a beautiful specimen tree or special sculpture, you might want to highlight it with a bit of muted illumination. Be sure none of the lights shine into neighboring homes.

If you have the means, redesign your space so parked cars are not the most visible items seen when viewing your home from the front.

Don’t overlook what is known as ‘front door impact’. Plants that are striking such as topiaries or standards. Large pots with interesting, exuberant plants. Something that says one has arrived at a special place and can anticipate more of the same beyond the front door.

Finally, we approach the most fun part of the garden – the plantings. If all there exists is an expanse of lawn and some foundation plantings, you can do much better than that! Unless huge lawns are required for regular rounds of croquet, they ought to be reduced and made more interesting by creating additional flower beds or planting attractive small or mid-size trees. Beef up the foundation plantings with plants that provide color, cheer and visual interest through the seasons. Have fun with your choices and select what you personally enjoy. The garden should say something about you remember?

If you wish, extend the garden right up to the house with creative combinations of plants in hanging pots or window boxes. Add drama at the gate or entrance to the walkway with a collection of pots ( larger the better). Think outside the box and change ho-hum to oh! My!

In my case, I want my front garden to say open, friendly, optimistic, creative, interesting and thoughtful people live here. Rather ambitious you say? That’s where the optimism helps.What do you want your front garden to say?

Note: You have the opportunity to see if I’ve succeeded in my mission by coming to my garden on Open Garden Day this Saturday May 25. Click on ‘Happenings’ page to get details.

Perennial Bed

The walkway

View from the street

Window box – changed seasonally

Other perennial bed

Democracy Rules – Except In The Garden

Posted on May 14, 2013 by shobha

I am all for democracy. I support peaceful efforts to achieve it in other parts of the world. I take my right to vote very seriously. That we each have equal rights and are to be treated as such has my wholehearted endorsement. I believe every living creature deserves respect and kindness. Heck, I could be the poster child for democracy. Except in my garden.

It has occurred to me that in the confines of my little garden, democracy does not exist. Autocracy rules. I assume complete authority. It is rather scary how closely my behavior in the garden resembles descriptions of Mussolini , Quaddafi and others. Please tell me I’m not alone in this personality transformation!

Consider these factors and maybe, just maybe, you will recognize yourself:
I happily discriminate amongst the plants. Selecting only certain ones and dismissing others as weak or unimpressive. I’m even known to cruelly put down specific plants.
Plants that do not perform as expected are ruthlessly eliminated.
My vision is the only vision. If a plant attempts to change the design by creeping into forbidden places then off with its head! Barricades are placed to deter just such dissension or defection.
When anybody admires the garden, I take all the credit with no consideration to the contributions of my hardworking botanical subjects.
I aim for absolute control and expect total obedience. Dissenters are not treated well. At all.

Any of the above sound familiar? I was shocked when I realized this about myself. Pushy, bossy, aggressive are traits I have confessed to. But autocratic? Would never have thought myself capable of it. Yet, where is my shame or guilt? I worry that this says something about what each of us is capable of when the right ( okay, wrong) circumstances come along. It bears some close examination.

But then, how else can one create a garden? The very idea of a garden opposes the wild behavior of plants. We attempt to tame nature.In a way, it mimics what humans do to ourselves. We attempt to be civilized instead of giving in to baser tendencies. And it is hard to do without being minded. We’ve even put in place policing agencies. The fact is, without the watchful eyes of others in society many would disregard what is good for the whole and simply do as they please for themselves. Mayhem and murder would ensue. I suppose then, it comes down to how we govern ourselves. Democracy, communism, dictatorship, military rule, monarchy – the world is still working it all out.

So, back to the garden. Looking at the big picture, I no longer feel alarmed about my authoritative influence. I think I’m really a benevolent parent. Strict, demanding the best, willing to express tough love but at the same time guiding the plants to realize their highest potential.

Yes, that’s more like it. I can live with that. It is all in the perspective one chooses to employ. So, what rule exists in your garden – parental, anarchy, democracy, oligarchy or dictatorship?
Take a look at some examples that dare to defy me:

Creeping Jenny and mazus compete to take over the path.

Squatters

New Dawn roses running riot

The fig (in pot) that refuses to stand straight

The wisteria that resists taming

Forget-me-nots that self-seed with no restraint.

Don’t forget that my garden is open this May 25! Check ‘Happenings’ page for details.
(c) 2013 Shobha Vanchiswar

Boundaries

Posted on May 8, 2013 by shobha

I’m knee deep in compost and soil as the pressure is on to get the garden ready for my Open Day on Saturday May 25 ( mark your calenerds please). So this week, I’m offering some food for thought by way of a short poem and approprite images.Enjoy.

Boundaries

Gardens are full of boundaries
Flower beds have flowing borders
Lawns have clean edges
Plants are trimmed and pruned to stay within limits
And then there are fences and hedges.

Is this all about control?
The need to exercise power
Maybe have something to rule
To civilize what tends to stray or run wild
Is taming nature the work of fools?

Check ‘Happenings’ page for Open Day details

Meditate On This!

Posted on April 30, 2013 by shobha

Hello, my name is Shobha and I meditate.
Meditation is very in these days. As ancient and as worldwide a practice as it might be, currently, we are hearing more about it as a mainstream activity. This, in my opinion is a very good thing. The mental, physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of meditation are now in the annals of science. These weighty findings have finally given it the heft of credibility and people everywhere can publicly declare without fear of being mocked that they are meditators.

I have meditated off and on over many years but have been practicing it more consistently of late. I cannot say exactly how it helps me except that on the days I skip my meditation, I don’t feel so great. I’m more cranky and not as productive. For some reason, it is not so easy to make the time. Especially since it is best to get it done first thing in the morning. I think it helps to set a positive tone to the day. However, if one has overslept, has not slept well or, has an early morning appointment, the meditation is unhesitatingly skipped. For myself, any other time of day does not quite lend itself to meditation. I am just too distracted. Clearly, I have a long way to go to be able to meditate anytime and anywhere. Gives me something to aspire to. Sort of like the quest to achieving true enlightenment.

Until such time, I have developed alternatives to the traditional way to meditate. You guessed it, it all happens in the garden. In truth, this can be done anywhere but being outside in nature is restorative in itself. How much time you spend on this is up to you. You must be satisfied with your effort and feel like you’ve taken an uplifting break from the day’s obligations.

Once you have entered the garden and visibly begun to calm down and breathe evenly, take a few deep breaths to send a message to the brain that it is in for a treat. Bring your attention to any object in the garden. Say it is a pear. Consider how you would describe a pear. Green, tear drop shaped, smooth skin, sweet in taste, you get the idea. Then, think about tinier details such as the speckled pattern on the skin, the subtly varied shades of the color green, the asymmetry of the shape, the aroma etc., Now you’re really honed into the exercise. Finally, up it a notch. Begin describing the humble pear all over again – this time, as you would to a blind person. Somebody who has never had the sense of sight and does not know this fruit. Tear drop shaped? What is that? How would you describe the color green? You see? It is a challenge. The description can no longer be in comparison to something else. The pear acquires an explanation that is unique to itself. Give it a try.

Like most things, one gets better at this exercise by doing it regularly. It is not so simple and at the same time, it is not really difficult. Anybody of any age can try it. After all, only you are privy to how well you do. No grades and criticisms are given. But right from the start it unfailingly takes you out of yourself and gives you a purposeful diversion. The bonus is that you will find yourself looking more closely at everything. Everyday objects start appearing more beautiful and interesting. In essence, you become more mindful of the moment. And isn’t that what meditation is all about?

I have learned to describe colors as feelings, smells as textures or tastes and generally expanded my descriptive abilities in words as well as in paint. Primarily, I’ve become better at looking at something for what it is. And I accept all of it: the good and the not so good. Because everything is important in making a spider a spider or a rose a rose. I aspire to graduate very soon to doing the same with humans.

Now that meditating has gained wide acceptance and approval, I’m fervently hoping the same happens for naps.

Meditate on these images!

Cobweb in the rain

Milkweed seed pod

Pears

David Austin’s Heritage rose

Bright pink echinacea ‘Gum Drop’

Aconitum – monkshood

Forewarned Is Forearmed

Posted on April 23, 2013 by shobha

As gardeners, we often take it as a personal failure when a plant succumbs to disease or dies in spite of our best efforts. There is always the question of what more could one have done that nags us in those quiet hours of the night. Okay, so they hound the likes of me and other plant obsessed people.

As frequent as it might be sheer negligence or excessive nurturing that kills a plant, there are in actuality more universal, insidious reasons at work. Pests like the long horned borer, fungi that kill Impatiens, the red lily beetle are all devastating and none are the direct result of an individual gardener. Some of these ‘criminals’ are stowaways from foreign lands – ensconced in the wood of crates and other packing material. Still others are brought in surreptitiously by gardeners keen to have an exotic in their garden. Cuttings, seeds, bulbs and entire plants have all been smuggled by those not ever intending to cause any harm. But, much harm has indeed been done.

Often, bugs from elsewhere have no natural predators in their adopted country. Hence, they can be unstoppable till humans come up with a choice poison. The pests can go undetected for several years. Then, when weather conditions support their growth, we suddenly notice a dreadful disease affecting a specific plant specimen. Thus, we see that there are actually two factors at work here. The murderous bug as well as the climate.

It is all too obvious our climate has changed. According to experts, we will be seeing more of the likes of hurricanes Irene and Sandy. The USDA plant hardiness zones have all been ‘upgraded’. So, if you are in Zone 5, you can probably now consider yourself in Zone 6. Pretty incredible right? I personally find it a bit disconcerting that one day my treasured agapanthus that grow in pots and spend the winters cosseted in the greenhouse, will one day, in the not so distant future, be a happily thriving clump in a sunny corner of the garden all year round.

But, coming to the immediate, at the Rocky Hills talk given by the highly respected plant pathologist Margery Daughtery this past Thursday, the audience was confronted with the problems of both boxwood blight ( Calonectria pseudonaviculata) and Impatiens afflicted by powdery mildew ( Plasmopara obducens ). In each of these cases, the epidemic is a result of the climate providing the best conditions for the pests. For the time being, these diseases are here to stay. It is safe to assume that scientists are busy trying to find ways to counteract the problems. But until such time, Daughtery advices that we refrain from planting new boxwoods and impatiens. Something else to know, the ubiquitous pachysandra is in the boxwood family and susceptible to the same blight.

Instead of boxwood, she suggests finding alternatives that could work just as well. Who knew that Lonicera, our native honeysuckle, can be trimmed to give similar shape, structure and function! I’m itching to try this and will do so as soon as I decide on a good location in the garden.

The familiar bedding staple that is Impatiens walleriana, is for the time being, a lost cause. Daughtery’s alternatives are New Guinea impatiens or begonias. Simple enough right?

Nurseries will not be carrying Impatiens until an all clear is announced. Most will also be cautious with selling boxwood. Instead of lamenting the loss, we gardeners must stand in solidarity and do our part. First and foremost, no sneaking in plants or seeds from foreign countries. Maintain good garden hygiene and strict organic practices. This includes composting kitchen and garden waste, mulching thoroughly, watering only as necessary and getting rid of all diseased material in tightly closed garbage bags with the regular trash. We need to fill our gardens with plants appropriate to our climate, preferably native to our country and with due consideration to genetic diversity.

Boxwood blight and the powdery mildew should be seen as the serious signals that they are. We’ve been warned.

Red Lily Beetle

Healthy boxwood hedge trimmed to shape.

Spring Awakening

Posted on April 16, 2013 by shobha

After what seemed to be an interminably long, harsh winter, it is finally spring. Hallelujah! Yet now, I feel as though I can’t quite keep up with the accelerated pace of this much awaited season. While I’m inclined to linger and delight in seeing the various signs of the emerging spring, I’m acutely cognizant of the tasks that await my attention in the garden. Each day reveals how rapidly the garden is coming alive. It is as though I’m watching the progress of a large scale painting in a time-compressed film.

While the garden is on fast forward, I get the sense that I’m being left behind. It is a bit overwhelming and tremendously annoying. After all, I’m the one who waited with great anticipation and joy for the arrival of this beautiful, highly popular friend. I made all the arrangements and plans to give her a proper welcome. Now that she has arrived, I’m barely given any of her time. The friend is off mingling and being the center of worldly attention while I’m left holding the trowel. So utterly unfair.

I cannot bear feeling this way. Thus, true to my nature, I decide to get a grip. I am not going to deprive myself of reveling in the season. Nor am I going to let myself be overcome by the rather daunting list of chores to be addressed. I’m a seasoned gardener I remind myself. So garden already!

I sit down to write my famed master list. Although the number of tasks are many and some quite physically demanding, I know they will get done. It is the fact that the garden must be visitor-ready for the Open Day on May 25th that makes it a matter of some urgency. In the process of getting organized, I find the list I made last year. The date on it indicates I am a whole month behind this year. The tediously long winter has set me back considerably. With a deficit of four weeks, it is no wonder I’m feeling the pressure! Just then I look out the window to see a cardinal perched on the sugar maple that is fast putting out its own red tinted plumage. I can sense my muscles begin to relax.

Ah, so it is not my fault but the hand of nature – this realization is a relief and empowering in a way. It always feels good to have something or somebody else to blame don’t you agree? List completed, I assign the items to days on the calender. Taking into consideration the time required, availability of help ( in my case my family) and other non-horticultural obligations, I put every chore down. When I’m done scribbling all over the calender, I’m pleasantly surprised to note that in spite of all that busyness, I have time every single day to luxuriate in the season. Some days offer up only a few minutes and some give much more. It is all up to me to avail of this gift. No matter the quantity of time, the benefits of letting nature nurture me will go a long way in my well being. I remind myself that I must never let anything get in the way.

If you are reading this, I know you feel as I do. So, make yourself a promise to partake of natures bountiful wonders on a daily basis. Observe what is in bloom, what smells good, what sounds you hear. This focus will be a meditation of sorts. I promise, you will feel wonderful. Together we will approach the rest of our busy schedules with equanimity and can-do-ness.

Remember, there will always be chores but the crocus will bloom but once each year.

Signs Of Spring:

Cornelian cherry – one of the first to awaken.

Crocus breaking through last years leaves.

A doves nest with 2 perfect eggs

Star magnolia in bud

Pear blossoms

Daffodil

Hellebores

Seeds of Design

by Shobha Vanchiswar

Plans Are Nothing; Planning Is Everything

Like this:

Neither Snow Nor Rain Nor Heat Nor Gloom Of Night …

Like this:

Call Of The Cicadas

Like this:

Testing One’s Faith

Like this:

Put Your Best Game Face On!

Like this:

Democracy Rules – Except In The Garden

Like this:

Boundaries

Like this:

Meditate On This!

Like this:

Forewarned Is Forearmed

Like this:

Spring Awakening

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: