Wising Up On Wisteria

Posted on March 4, 2014 by shobha

Is there any sight more stunning than wisteria in bloom? The pendulous racemes in shades of purple or a pearly white never fail to take the viewers breath away. For the rest of the growing season, the composite leaves provide dense, green backdrops for other, less dramatic but more colorful blooms. Even in winter, the wisteria adds keen interest to the barren landscape, The twists and turns of the denuded gray-brown vine bark are pure calligraphy. Its no wonder then that this hardy plant has been a long time resident of gardens everywhere.

Yet, as in all living beings, perfection is a myth. This beautiful vine can be something of a garden bully. Its vigorous growth has been known to push out other plants and has been positively invasive somewhat frequently. As a result, many gardeners have banished it from their properties. Which is a crying shame.

However, I come bearing some heartening news. Go native! Yes, there is an American variety of wisteria – Wisteria frutescens. While its Asian cousins are the ones we know well, the native wisteria has been sadly overlooked. With the clamor for bigger and better, the ‘foreigners’ won out. I think it is time to bring this surprisingly modest, American stalwart to the forefront.

For the most part, Wisteria frutescens is much like its Asian counterparts. The general appearance is the same and it winds around its supports in a clockwise manner. It is however, not invasive, the pre-bloom seed pods are smooth not furry, and, it is not given to overly exuberant, jungle-like growth. So far so good? Its the racemes that don’t compete quite so well. Atypical to the American stereotype, they are only about half the length of the Chinese or Japanese wisteria. Yes, it is not bigger! But, that does not mean it is not better. Given all the other attributes, in my opinion, this is the wisteria to plant in our gardens. And wait, let me sweeten the deal – it blooms twice. Once in late spring ( well after the Asian varieties) and again in summer when it is in full leaf. I love that.

A few years ago, I planted a pair of W. frutescens so they could scramble up the metal gazebo and form a natural canopy. They have faithfully bloomed from year one and are now quite fetchingly sprawled over the gazebo. At this point, I’m not sure if the gazebo is supporting the vine. Looks like its the other way around.
I prefer the late blooming nature of W. frutescens. In early spring there are plenty of bulbs and other early blooming perennials in flower. But, later in the season, just as the big drama is easing up, it is very nice to have this wisteria add extra oomph to the garden.
The Asian variety that I have elsewhere in the garden is cantankerous, far too vigorous and has not bloomed since the first year. I have had horticultural experts look at it and nobody can figure out why it does not reward me with fabulous flowers. Needless to say, its days with me are numbered.
If you have a non-native wisteria and you are well-satisfied with it, keep it!

Wisteria is genuinely one of my favorite vines. It offers something all through the year. A true four season winner. The twisting, rope like vines are strikingly sculptural in winter. In leaf, the wisteria is the answer to a stunning canopy. But of course, the wisteria flowers are the show stoppers. In our climate, wisteria require full sun, strong support and space for good air circulation. Keep protected in windy areas. Young plants need to be well fertilized and watered. Once established, they do not need to be pampered. There are some straightforward pruning techniques that enable good flowering.

How to prune wisteria to make it bloom (keep in mind my own failure with the one delinquent):

In February, select a few strong side shoots to train horizontally and cut all remaining shoots back to two buds from old wood. Repeat this process to extend the spread of wisteria. New side shoots will grow from the horizontal stems and these side shoots should in turn be cut back to two buds in February.
After flowering, side shoots will start growing out and can be cut back close to main stem. Do this two to three times in summer. If you fail to do this, then your work in February will be intimidating! Occasionally, this practice stimulates a second flowering.
Sometimes, failure to flower can be due to the flower buds succumbing to the intense cold. This would then indicate a need for some protection in the future.

Go forth and plant W. frutescens in your garden this year. Just make sure you provide it the sturdy support it needs.
Enjoy the photos of my W. frutescens:

Note: I have added a new page ‘The Vertical Garden’. Do check it out.
(c) 2014 Shobha Vanchiswar
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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

In The Beginning …

Posted on February 18, 2014 by shobha

With the landscape entirely blanketed in white, one can only stare so much at it before the risk of getting snow-blind becomes a distinct possibility. The way it looks right now, it might be eons before the snow melts away and we catch our first glimpse of lovely, sodden, rich brown soil. I can almost smell that earthy aroma – an uplifting fragrance from an improbable mix of humus and nascent leaves. Aaah – the heart remembers.

I turn away to rest my eyes and open my mind to contemplate the creating of a garden. Its a task thats been given to me by a reader who, in making lifestyle changes is ready to become a gardener. I’m particularly taken with this because I cannot recall ever making a conscious decision to become a gardener. It is something I’ve always done. In one form or other. Just like I cannot say when I began speaking each of the languages I’m fluent in. I suspect this is true for most of us. Over the years, we have acquired skills and knowledge along with bad habits and some firmly held superstitions. Suddenly, this looks like an excellent opportunity for everybody to review their gardening philosophies, methods and even their gardens. Whether one is an old hand or a novice at working the soil, it never hurts to periodically examine our intent and how we go about pursuing it.

Why does one garden at all? These days, the only reason ( the one that I believe that matters the most) to make a garden oneself is because there is a compelling desire to do so. Following a trend, protecting the pocket-book, trying to prove something are never adequate reasons – like anything else, if the heart is not in it then it will not be sustained or successful. Gardening is the happy nexus of science and art and is bloody hard work. Physical work that gets one sweaty and stained. It can thoroughly consume your time and bank balance if you let it. Non-gardeners will summarily dismiss the gravitas and value in gardening. The weather will play havoc with your efforts whenever it can. So, are you still interested?

Having established that garden we must, how we garden changes over time. Our needs, tastes, physical abilities and financial status changes over time and pretty much determine the evolution of the garden. The important factor here is – Know Thy Self. Know your tastes and preferences, understand your budget as gardening can be very costly if you don’t pay attention, be realistic about how much time you actually have to pursue it, acknowledge your limitations – gardens must be created according to what and how much one can do and finally, be very certain that this is what you really want to do. Half-hearted attempts will yield gardens with no style or spirit.

The best advice I can give is to keep it simple. To be creative requires dreaming big but ruthless editing. Creative ideas need room to grow and breathe.
Be practical and realistic. Plan and prepare thoroughly for maintenance well into the future. Think it through. Visit as many gardens as you can – for this, we are very fortunate to have the garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program to take advantage of. Plan your visits – https://www.gardenconservancy.org/opendays. Talk to the gardeners, take notes and photographs. As much as you will be inspired, you will also learn what you do not like or should not do. In the end, have fun and take pride – in the doing, the learning and the end results.

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

On Your Mark, Get Set …

Posted on February 4, 2014 by shobha

Its February and we’ve just crossed the halfway mark through winter. Hurray! It has been a particularly brutal season and although it still feels like we’re in Antartica, spring will be here in some weeks. And when it does, we’re going to be ready. Right?

Okay, lets get organized. Gather your garden journal, laptop/tablet, paper and pen, garden photos from last year, seed and plant catalogs, the telephone and your drink of choice. Get cracking! Review, revise, make lists, draw plans, place orders, chart out schedules. Have a vision and act accordingly. Time spent planning and preparing is never a waste.

As I’d mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I’m planting a shadblow tree this spring. I will order it from my local nursery now so they can get it for me as early as possible. Likewise, all the plants I intend to get into the garden this year. I have the pressure of getting my garden ready for its Open Day (May 10)!Seeds will be started soon – vegetables and annuals. In addition to the usual seed flats started in the greenhouse, I’m going to try out the method suggested here: http://www.gardendesign.com/seed-sowing-snow
Go on, experiment along with me. Lets see what we learn.

Sorting through photos and notes, I’ll consider what worked and what did not. Successes and failures are great teachers. I’ll revise plans and see what improvements and additions are required. Each task will be prioritized and scheduled. This includes repairs and rearrangements. Tools will be sharpened, cleaned or replaced as necessary. Supplies such as stakes, ties, Epsom salts, dormant oil, fish and seaweed emulsion etc., will be restocked. The big calender will be filled with all the chores – daily, weekly, monthly etc., Vacation weeks will be factored in. As precise as all of this sounds, I always keep it flexible as weather and life have a way of messing up plans. After all, this exercise in preparation is meant to make gardening pleasurable. Lets keep it that way.

To help with tracking what needs to be done when, do refer to the Things To Do page on this website. Depending on your location and type of property and specific garden design, you can add or alter as per your needs. Whilst we go about gardening in relative solitude, there is a deep comfort in knowing one is part of a like-minded tribe of caretakers of this beautiful, generous Earth.

A friend sent me this link and I think it has great potential. Do check it out:
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/01/16/technology/personaltech/review-parrot-flower-power-plant-sensor.html
I’d love to get feedback from those who try this.

With so much to do, February will seem shorter than it is! Soon after that, the snowdrops will be awakening. Will you be ready?

Some good news: My photo of a milkweed seed pod opening to release seeds made it into the BBC ‘Your Pictures’! Check out link below. I’m very kicked! < http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/in-pictures-25942841 >

Garden journals and notebooks

Ready to be transplanted!

Root cuttings of hydrangea, myrtles and scented geraniums

Making raised beds

Popular gourd in India but exotic here!

Patty-pans for the gourmet

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

What Resolutions?

Posted on December 31, 2013 by shobha

As I’ve said before, I’m not big on new year resolutions. Improving oneself, doing better, overcoming obstacles is a quotidian endeavor . What we want and hope changes as the years go by and as one’s circumstances change. That said, the birth of a new year does ask for a bit of reflection. It is an opportunity to reaffirm one’s philosophy and review where one is in this journey of life.

I’m no different from anybody – I could certainly eat better, be more active, sleep more effectively and in general, pursue a much healthier lifestyle. But, I also realize that most good habits are easily formed when underlying obstacles are dealt with first. Instead of telling myself to avoid eating junk food when stressed, I must remove the cause of the stress. If I’m cranky and grumpy because I haven’t done anything creative lately, then I must determine why or what is blocking my creativity. Its no good to just say I’ll try to be more agreeable. Without real understanding and specific action, any attempt at a resolution is but Sisyphean. One is then condemned to a life of dissatisfaction, regret and disappointment with oneself. How sad and undeserved is that?

Instead, I’m going to take each day as a new chance to be and do better. I’ve given this matter some thought and it’ll come as no surprise that my garden will be my partner and mentor. I’ve resolved to spend even more time in it! That one factor alone will have me feeling good and therefore being good. But, there is more. In the garden, I’ll do things that create the right mood/circumstances that either eliminate the gremlins that trip me up or point me in the correct direction. Wisdom of the ages has always advised staying connected to Nature. The beauty, health benefits and lessons learned from it are incomparable.

In general, this exercise in self improvement is all about being more aware and present. To be in the moment one must necessarily be calm and focused. The mind cannot be cluttered. By bringing myself to each thing I do, I offer complete attention and an open mind. And I intend to accomplish this by doing things that nourish my spirit . No hardship or sacrifice required. Does the world really need more martyrs?

So here is my plan:

I shall take a photograph every day. I’m a prolific photographer and carry a camera with me all the time. But now, every day, I shall take a more thoughtful, deliberate photograph that is appropriate to my mood and state of mind.

Similarly, I will make and write down a specific and timely observation in the garden. The daily photo and this observation could but not necessarily be about the same thing. Either way, they require focus and insight. I must be still within to see clearly without.

Third, I shall do a daily sketch in the garden. Again, it might be about what I photograph and/or write. It does not have to be an amazing rendition but will still demand of me to be present. Nulla Dies Sine Linea – no day without drawing a line. Are you catching on to my ploy?!

I shall seek to sustain my curiosity by setting up my ‘garden cam’ to take sequential photos of the meadow all through the year. The meadow is where much goes on but is easily neglected. After all, no weeding or mowing goes on here. Its only when flowers are in bloom that it draws any notice at all. I did set up the camera last year but consistently neglected to download or even check to see if the device was working. This year, I be more conscientious about downloading and studying the photos and videos. Curiosity is extremely important because, without this quality, much of life will go unexamined. It needs to be fueled all the time.

Each week, I will make an arrangement from things gathered in the garden. I hesitate to use the word ‘floral’ as I intend to think out of the box and use a variety of materials to create something unexpected. Again, no pressure to come up with something fabulous. This must be fun to do and should guide me to think beyond my comfort zone. One mustn’t stagnate right? Fresh ideas give way to new perspectives. I’ll photograph each arrangement and it’ll be interesting to see a compilation at the end of the year.

Lately, designing healing gardens has been very much on my mind. Making such a space fresh and contemporary and still offering timeless solace is an exciting challenge. I plan to work on this project seriously and shall do it whilst ensconced in my garden which will serve as both muse and laboratory.

The side perks of all this ‘extra’ time in the garden are that, I’m removed from tempting foods, not lolling about lazily on the couch, not distracted by television, phone and other intrusive technology. Doesn’t that sound healthy and wholesome?!

Finally, something that is not going to happen in the garden. I’m not at all sure I should announce it lest concerned parties hold me to it – I will make a dessert a week. To some that might not seem like a big deal at all. And they’re right. It is not hard to do. But, the fact is, I don’t get around to making dessert that often. Yet, when I do, it makes my family immensely happy. I intend to make them more regularly happy. This one item makes me more apprehensive than all the others put together! Perhaps it is because it makes me accountable to others and not just to myself.

Notice that I’m not asking of myself to be different or uncomfortable, do what is difficult or disliked, spend money or reach for the impossible. I’m simply hoping to gently grow myself with understanding and attention. In doing so, I bring to the world that same understanding and attention.

From the depth of my heart, I wish each of you a very happy, love and laughter filled 2014.

Daffodil

Daffodil in watercolor

Hellebore

Hellebore in watercolor

Echinacea

Echinacea in watercolr

Seeds of Design

by Shobha Vanchiswar

Wising Up On Wisteria

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The Deliberate Garden

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In The Beginning …

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Love Will Keep Us Together

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On Your Mark, Get Set …

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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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What Resolutions?

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