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

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

Seeds of Design

by Shobha Vanchiswar

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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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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