Tag Archives: beauty

Just January

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January carries the weight of our collective hopes, resolves and promises. We expect this month to set us up to be and do better. That’s a lot of pressure to put on it!

On my part, I’m planning on spend some time this month honestly examining my performance as a gardener this past year, what worked and what did not, and how I want to move forward this year. We expect so much from our gardens that it behooves us to regularly question our intentions and goals. As I’ve stated often, my abiding tenet is To do no harm. I am privileged to be the custodian of a tiny part of this precious and beautiful Earth and I take the responsibility very seriously. Particularly right now when we are confronting climate change and so many environmental crises.

Rest assured I will be sharing my thoughts and plans in the months ahead. I hope you too will return the favor. After all, we are in this together and together we can make powerful, positive things happen.

Lest one things there isn’t any other work to do this month, here is the list –

Things To Do In January

  1. Survey the garden after every storm or snowfall. If any damage such as broken branches or torn off protection has occurred, try to fix it as soon as possible. Likewise, large icicles hanging from roof edges pose a threat to plants below: shield the plants if the icicles cannot be removed.
  2. Take down holiday decorations. Before disposing off the Christmas tree, cut branches to spread as mulch on flower beds.
  3. Keep bird feeders full. Whenever possible, keep water available for the birds.
  4. Inspect stored tubers, corms and bulbs for signs of mold and rot. Get rid of any that don’t look healthy.
  5. This is a good time to examine the ‘bones’ of the garden. Make notes of what needs developing, changing or improving.
  6. Make icy paths safe by sprinkling sand or grit. Avoid salt and/or toxic de-icing products.
  7. If ground is wet/soggy, take care to protect the sodden areas by not walking on it too much. Better yet, protect it by putting down a temporary path of wood planks.
  8. Take an inventory of garden tools. Get them repaired, replaced or sharpened.
  9. Gather up seed and plant catalogs. Start planning for the coming season.
  10. Begin forcing the bulbs kept cool since late fall. Time to start an indoor spring!
  11. Keep an eye on indoor plants ( in the house or greenhouse). Inspect carefully for signs of pests or disease. Act right away if either is detected. Organic practices only please.
  12. Still on indoor plants: water as needed, rotate for uniform light exposure, fertilize every two to four weeks. Remove dead or yellowing leaves.
  13. Enjoy the respite offered by this cold month.

I’m traveling to India next week as I have to do the necessaries regarding my father’s personal effects and estate. I know it’ll be a time fraught with emotions and memories so I will not be posting anything till February. I so look forward to reconnecting with you.

Here are 12 images (in reverse order) from each month of 2025. 11 from my garden and 1 from vacation –

December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January

(c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Looking Forward

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In 2 days we bid farewell to 2025. In doing so, we look back to the year that was and look ahead to the year we hope it will be. As I examine 2025 from a gardener’s perspective, it is apparent that the garden experienced 2 distinct periods of attention.

For the first 6 months it got by with the bare minimum of care. Thanks to work done the Fall of 2024, the Spring did not suffer too much. The bulbs rallied splendidly and my negligence was somewhat obscured. But neglect I did. Albeit with good reason. The year had started with the untimely loss of 2 dear friends and through the winter my grief distracted me from the routine planning and preparing for the start of the growing season. And then, as I slowly began getting into the rhythm of vernal duties, my beloved father passed away. That hit hard. While I found solace in the garden, doing the necessary work was all I could muster. None of the plans I’d considered months earlier were accomplished. My heart just wasn’t in it.

Then, sometime in July, as I walked around the garden, quite unconsciously, I started making mental notes about things I thought needed improvement, required drastic changes or, more of the same. I returned indoors inspired and excited to get cracking. Suddenly, lists were made, research initiated, plans drawn up – the gardening juices were once again flowing in my veins. Hallelujah.

I’ve spent the rest of the year happily busy and excited in the garden in a manner that reminded me why I love gardening so much. Life in the garden teaches hope, patience, acceptance, understanding, cooperation, coexistence, resilience and forgiveness.

I’m immensely grateful for the lessons.

I am deeply aware of the privilege of having this plot of earth to tend and protect. It is not lost on me that the garden reciprocates in exactly the same way. We encourage each other to keep showing up and we grow together. That’s what life is all about.

Wishing each and everyone of you a very happy, healthy 2026.

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Leaning Into The Light

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It cannot go unaddressed – the spirit of the season is unmistakably uneasy right now. So much discontent, discord and despair everywhere that it would be delusional to say all is well in the world. Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, fearful and frustrated has become our default setting these days. It’s easy to find company in this state of misery. While the commercials urge us to shop our hearts out and party hearty, it’s pretty much impossible to ignore the news and reality of our time.

For me personally, it is a struggle to push ahead and plan for festivities with the full knowledge that there are horrible things going on. Rather than succumb to aforementioned external pressures, I unhesitatingly take a step back to regroup my thoughts and intentions. It isn’t easy to be calm and still in the midst of chaos and turbulence. However, we know better don’t we? We are fully aware that there is indeed a time tested remedy to soothe our frazzled nerves, cool our tempers and heal our hearts. Get outside and spend time in Nature.

Never mind the sub-zero temperatures – I bundle up and take a walk. The rhythmic crackle of my feet shattering the crust of snow makes a chatty, comfortable companion. Draped in crystal, the trees along my path dazzle in the sunlight. Encased in ice the floating leaves on the small pond glint like finely enameled jewelry. Such breathtaking beauty!

A flash of red grabs my attention and I observe a pair of cardinals in a hedge. How effortlessly they move through the thickly enmeshed limbs of privet and bramble. I make a mental note to return to this area later in the spring to do some “nesting” – where I can discover the nests of certain birds. Only to observe; never to touch or intrude.

Closer to home, I examine the magnolia buds warmly clad in soft fuzz and their promise of a beautiful spring warms my heart. I know the bulbs I planted in the Fall are resting quietly in the earth, insulated by the snow – they don’t care what’s happening above. For now, they lie patiently and with optimism.

So engrossed in my surroundings, I lose all track of time till I’m made aware of a shift in light. The snow is glowing in hues of pink and lavender. The sun, unfazed by earthy concerns and crises is setting with great flair and aplomb. Bewitching.

Returning home full of joy and inspiration, I’m determined to set my mind on only what truly matters to me, gives me purpose, brings me joy. That resolve will be reaffirmed anew each day with a daily walk and, with the return of Spring, work in the garden.

My covenant with Nature is what will guide me to do my part in making a positive impact in this planet we call Home.

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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December Digest

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Digest : a summation or condensation of a body of information – Merriam-Webster Dictionary

As we wind down the year and reflect on what we’ve learned and how we’ve performed, I offer this poem as a summary of what I’ve learned from the garden, the greatest classroom/workspace of life.

Masterclass In The Garden

Misty morning, heavy air

heat will rise from sun’s hard stare,

Take tools up, begin early

get work done, before moods turn surly.

Remove the weeds, the nasty thugs

check for disease from vicious bugs

Timely action creates breathing space

to grow and thrive in a state of grace.

Mix and match, create diversity

native plants for sustainability

Working together, righting wrong

It’s keeping balance and growing strong.

Climbing tendrils find their footing

reaching, stretching, pushing, pulling

Every journey needs some support

Footholds, hand-holds, gentle escort.

The circle of life holds the reins

Seed to flower and back to grain

Building homes, feeding family

a universal goal, not an anomaly

– Shobha Vanchiswar

Note: I’m not sharing any photos this week. Instead, I ask that you reflect on your own gardens and gardening year. What life lessons have you learned?

(c)2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Doing December

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December is fraught with mixed emotions as one looks back at the year that was and ahead to the one coming up. This month of festivities can be fun as well as frustrating. All of which can be exhausting if we don’t succumb to the pressure we put on ourselves and/or get from societal expectations. For myself, I have finally learned to keep it simple and stick to that which truly brings me joy. Joy of the season and those with whom I choose to share it. To everything and everyone else, I graciously and politely decline. No is a complete sentence.

To that end, I make the house cozy and inviting with flowers, candlelight, fireside comforts on the ready (warm throws, books, board games, puzzles), music and, all the makings for cold weather drinks and nibbles. Small gatherings, special (but simple) dinners, walks in the woods, theater tickets, the occasional binge watching of a streaming series, art gallery hopping, quiet hours spent reading or painting are the simple pleasures that make my December joyful.

And yes, there are some garden chores as well.

Things To Do In December

1. Hurry up and finish any pending plant protecting tasks! Ditto for statuary and other articles left outdoors.

2. Complete mulching all plants.

3. Drain out all outdoor water pipes. Store hoses properly.

4. Keep bird feeders filled.

5. Stay on top of watering plants in greenhouse and house. Be vigilant for signs of pests or disease.

6. Set aside seed and plant catalogs for making plans for next year’s growing seasons.

7. Archive garden photos taken through this year. They will come in handy when you plan and design for next year.

8. Enjoy paperwhites and amaryllis bulbs blooming indoors.

9. Make use of this down time and relax! Don’t let the Holiday Season wear you down.

Lets make it a month we deserve to have.

Happening now –

Daffodil Tazetta precooled for the requisite 2 weeks

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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The Spirit Of The Season

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This week officially launches us into the holiday season. The excitement (and in some cases, the trepidation) is palpable as friends and families anticipate the reunions and celebrations. With the lampposts and trees festooned in twinkling lights, the downtown area of my small town is looking mighty festive. The tree lighting and holiday singalong happens this Friday – an annual signal to shop local and give back to the community.

With the garden pretty much put to bed, I’m more than ready to get into the spirit of the season. It is, for me, a time to gather with loved ones, be grateful for all my blessings, give back as well as give to those whose needs are greater than my own.

In getting the house ready for house guests, friends dropping by and also my own winter cocooning, I focus on bringing in elements of nature. It begins with stocking up on firewood – there’s nothing like the sight, sound and smell of a roaring fire to bring everyone together for conversation and commiseration or, quiet contemplation in blissful solitude.

With paperwhites and amaryllis placed all through the house, a sense of anticipation pulses. As the green leaves and buds emerge and rise, so does the eagerness to see the flowers in bloom. All in good time. With some luck, the jasmine will put out flowers to perfume the air just as the paperwhites get done.

Holiday trees, garlands and wreaths don’t simply adorn. They are proof that we humans need Nature.

And in this cozy, comforting embrace of home, I will start by expressing thanks for everything I have been given. From the small (but no less important) like the friendly wave and smile the garbage truck driver unfailingly gives me to the big as when my entire family traveled from great distances to gather for my beloved fathers funeral. And then, there’s everything in-between.

The list is long and deserves time and attention. Well worth it.

I now shift my focus to giving back or to and here again, the list is long. But that is by no means costly because, it is not about stuff. Instead, I give my time (company to the lonely/recuperating, a listening ear, a handwritten note), my skills to help with a project/event or pitch in for someone who is unable to do something due to injury or illness and finally, invite folks over for a meal or drop off food. I also pot up paperwhites and/or amaryllis to give away – recipients are invariably thrilled. I think an evening with neighbors for board games or some rowdy rounds of Charades along with something as simple as pizza is always a hit and fosters community. I give promissory notes to help get a garden project started in the spring, a monthly walk and talk, you get the idea.

Where I actually give money is to organizations with missions I believe in. From those that work on environmental issues like nature conservation, preservation, coexistence, sustainability etc,. to supporting the arts and sciences, women’s health, homelessness, climate change – all efforts in dire need of funding. Locally, nationally and globally one cannot give enough. I give what I can and of course, while that might not feel adequate, remember, as long as we are doing our best, it is always more than enough.

Happy, blessed Thanksgiving wishes to each and every one of you.

Some inspiration –

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Winding Down

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With most of the major tasks done, it’s been all about the little stuff. Seemingly unimportant but quite necessary. Like the unsteady garden stand – divested of the seasonal pots, it looks totally fine and therefore, it’s very easy to forget how annoying it was through the entire summer to have it wobble each time I watered or deadheaded the plants on it. A simple straightening of the rear right leg has fixed the problem.

On that vein, I’ve replenished the supply of surgical gloves which are super useful when handling anything unsanitary (dead mouse anyone?) or yucky. I also like putting them on before wearing my regular garden gloves when a fresh manicure needs protection. A girl has to do stuff like that.

A touch of paint here, a dose of WD-40 there. Getting tools sharpened, restocking the twine, replacing lost stakes (where do they go?).You get the idea. It’s those details that truly help make things so much better/easier/efficient. I can’t speak for others but for myself, by taking care of them in this period of lull, the prospect of getting started in spring feels positively exciting.

One can dive straight into the business of gardening – prepared and determined.

Now, I’m off to gather up garden catalogs, garden magazines, folders (for those inspiring pages torn from aforementioned magazines), books on gardening, notebook, highlighter and pens into my trusty trug by the fireplace. Big dreams and noble visions await.

Some of my artworks that represent this moment-

Ready And Waiting

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Winter Ready?

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Whew! The slew of fall chores are mostly done. I say mostly because is one ever fully done working in the garden? At least the big stuff has been dealt with. Cut back, removal of debris and annuals, pruning, moving myriad plants to greenhouse, mulching, putting away vulnerable furniture and/or garden elements, fallen leaves management and then the biggest task of all in my garden – planting the huge number of bulbs (1300 to be precise).

A word on how I deal with my leaves. In the front garden, most of the leaves are raked and gathered from the tiny lawn and deposited on the compost pile in the woods. If left in place, they form a dense mat that literally smothers the grass to death.

Then, remaining leaves are blown on to the perennial beds in front as well as the vegetable-herb beds to provide winter protection.

Finally, in the ‘meadow’, the windfall from the surrounding trees are left in place.

One thing I never do is collect leaves in the stipulated large brown paper sacks for town pick-up.

The big pots are sitting pretty in their burlap over plastic wrappings – like brown paper packages tied up in string.

I’m exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. It’s lovely to look forward to some down time, prepare the home for winter months and more immediately, get ready for the holiday season. Thanksgiving is fast approaching!

To that point, paperwhites and amaryllis have been started – the former should start blooming by Thanksgiving and the latter in time for the December festivities. Window lights and candles have also been recommissioned – there’s no such thing as too much light in winter.

I’m enjoying the anticipation of the respite because I know myself well. By mid-January I will start poring through nursery catalogs, salivate over all the possibilities and get impatient to have my hands in the soil once more. Spring arrives early in my head.

On the ready for bulb planting
Bulb planting crew
Leaves removed from the lawn
Leaves in place

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Nuanced November

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November is definitely full of nuances. Within what appears to be Fall are the hints of Winter. The temperature that dips sharply at night, the light that shifts from bright to dim as though a faulty dial cannot stay fixed, the night that comes early and seems endless, the sounds of leaves being raked or blown being replaced by wood being chopped and, air swirling with aromas of decaying vegetation and wood smoke. It is a month fraught with subtle meanings. Even as we reluctantly bid adieu to warm weather pleasures, November takes us gently towards congenial gatherings around tables laden with comforting foods, cozy conversations by a blazing fireplace and invigorating walks in the woods. Everywhere one looks November reminds us of what is truly important. Connections – to nature, to family, to friends, to each other.

It’s the final push of garden chores before the December holiday season takes over.

Here’s the November To-Do list –

1. First and foremost, put away all Halloween decorations. Set up Thanksgiving display – gourds, pumpkins, ornamental kales and cabbages, chrysanthemums and asters.

2. Having cut back plants and cleared debris, mulch all plant beds.

3. Hurry up and finish all pending tasks from last month!

4. Finish planting spring flowering bulbs.

5. Protect pots to be left outdoors, vulnerable plants such as boxwood, certain roses, and garden statuary.

6. Fill bird feeders.

7. Be prepared for snow and ice. Keep snow shovels, grit or sand, firewood stocked and handy.

8. In case of power outage, have candles, flashlights, matches and batteries on the ready. A radio too – I have one that gets powered by manually cranking it up.

9. Finish dealing with fallen leaves. Leave in place, spread as mulch to protect garden beds, add to compost pile.

10. Clean and store tools. Get appropriate ones sharpened.

11. Start setting aside seed and plant catalogs. Soon you will be planning for next year!

12. As long as the weather is mild, keep on weed watch!

13. In the greenhouse, be sure the heater is doing its job. Ventilation is also important to keep plants healthy.

14. Start a routine for regular watering of plants indoors. Keep vigil for early signs of pests or disease.

15. Start forcing amaryllis and paperwhites for seasonal cheer. Similarly, put bulbs such as hyacinths, muscari , crocus and tulips in for cooling. (I use my refrigerator). In about fourteen to eighteen weeks, you can start forcing them and pretend it is spring!

16. Enjoy a beautiful Thanksgiving.

Images of Fall just outside my home –

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Adios October

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Is it just me or has October whizzed by? Perhaps it’s because I’ve been overly busy. That’s what happens when one takes off for 3 weeks – you hit the road running on returning home.

It’s been a game pf playing catch up in all areas of my life. Work, home (the kitchen renovation is moving along but my goodness, it’s painfully slow), news both national and international ( I had chosen to leave my phone at home and judiciously avoided all news and social media– highly recommend!) and then, of course the garden.

Typically, I begin tackling fall chores in the garden around the time of the autumnal equinox. Since I only returned in the first week of October, I was a full 3 weeks behind. As any gardener knows that’s a lot. I got cracking right away. At first it didn’t feel too bad. I had it all worked out. Then we got alerted of a freeze watch. That put me into high gear in a tearing hurry. Myriad pots, mostly large and heavy with tender perennials/citrus/tropicals had to be trimmed, cleaned up and ‘power washed’ to remove pesky stowaways before being moved into the greenhouse which is rather inconveniently situated. Said heavy pots have to be brought from their sites around the property, treated to the secateurs and bath, moved down some stairs and then about a few yards further to reach the sanctuary of the greenhouse. Doing all of this back challenging work under a time pressure is not fun.

Since then, it’s been cutting back, removing debris, dealing with fallen leaves, putting away, more cutting back, cleaning up, countless trips hauling all the vegetation to the woods beyond where they will earn their keep by eventually turning into compost. Whew.

Amidst all this requisite work, I’ve also ripped up the checkerboard garden. This space has increasingly become more shady – the neighbor’s cedar has grown very tall. The creeping phlox has struggled to thrive and moss has slyly crept in everywhere. As has ajuga that opportunistically decided to joypusly leap from elsewhere and make itself at home where it does not belong. So out came all the vegetation. The soil then needed loosening and tilling. Looking at the ‘emptied’ checkerboard revealed that the slate squares needed straightening and aligning. All of this work took an entire Saturday. Nothing is ever simple!

New choice of plants will go in next week. I shall duly provide an update. Note: the creeping phlox was replanted elsewhere in the hope they will be much happier.

Fall is the time of year when I’m painfully (literally) reminded of the existence of certain parts of my body. Post fall cutback and clean up, doing simple things like bending, sitting down and then standing up has my entire lower body protesting vehemently and often. Ditto my upper arms. Am I not using my entire body properly and completely at other times of the year? How can this be!

This week I’m giving myself some recovery time by taking care of lighter work like wrapping the very large pots to keep them protected in place through the very cold months of winter.

With the great bulb planting weekend happening in November, I must necessarily be ready and able. Over a 1000 bulbs await.

Last rose of summer
Nasturtium still going strong
Checkerboard garden before
Meadow cut back
Front beds cut back and ready for bulbs

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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