Tag Archives: climatechange

Gardening With The Changing Climate

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As promised last week, I’m sharing my thoughts on the changes we must consider making to keep pace with climate change. As gardeners, we see the impact of even the slight shifts in weather patterns – when plants emerge, when they bloom, quantity and quality of bloom, availability of pollinators, numbers of pollinators/pests, fruit production etc., We have front row seats in the climate change arena. So what are we going to do about it?

For starters, we accept that this is real. Not a one off or happenstance. There is enough scientific data to prove it if one is still skeptical despite the evidence we see in our individual gardens. Then, and only then, can any positive, productive action follow.

Given that our winters are milder and springs arriving earlier, sowing times have to be changed. At this point, it is about experimenting. For certain plants that get directly sown, when/how early must needs be determined. Can sowing in the Fall even be a possibility? For seeds started indoors, we can undoubtedly begin earlier. But how early?

Similarly, the timings of other tasks such as pruning, cutting back, harvesting, dividing, planting for spring, summer flowers and, fall bulb planting must also be adjusted. I’ve already penciled in mid-November for bulb planting. That’s a good 4 weeks later than when I used to do that job just 10 years ago. The last couple of years it was done the first weekend in November. But, last year, it was so mild well into December that some bulbs started pushing up their green snouts by Christmas.

Pest control will be a very urgent matter I predict. Along with old pests there will be new ones. This year, my neck of the woods has seen a significant increase in the numbers of the Spotted Lantern Fly. It’s been horrid. At present we haven’t any effective methods against them. There’s talk of introducing some new wasp that can combat the pest but then, will this newcomer endanger other desirable insects and/or plants?

Known problems like powdery mildew, aphids and other diseases may well be exacerbated. Yikes!

The significant reduction in the bird and insect populations has alarm bells ringing. Filling our gardens with as many host plants is imperative. Which brings us to the next matter.

What we plant will also need consideration. Some old favorites are going to struggle in the new climate conditions. Decisions must be made as to what we replace them with. Which plants we call native to our parts is going to change!

The learning curve will be steep but, we are a resilient bunch. We will learn and adapt. There is no choice in this matter.

We gardeners must recognize ourselves as civilian scientists. As custodians of our personal parcels of land, it behooves us to take our responsibilities seriously and with optimism. Together, we can not only continue to enjoy our gardens but importantly, we get to ensure that future generations inherit a better, healthier world.

Note: I’m taking the month of September off! Going off the grid! I shall see you back here in October. Here’s the list of garden chores for September –

Things To Do In September

1. Continue weeding.

2. Deadhead. Cut back anything that looks ragged or done for.

3. Mow the lawn less frequently.

4. Water judiciously.

5. Get leaf rakes, leaf bags and keep ready. Fall cometh! Preferably, let leaves remain in place wherever possible.

6. Similarly, keep bulb planting stuff like dibbler, bulb food, trowel, spade, etc., handy.

7. Continue harvesting vegetables. Remove plants that have given their all and toss on the compost heap.

8. Stir compost heap thoroughly.

9. Plant in cool weather vegetables.

10. Check if fall blooming plants such as asters and chrysanthemums need staking.

11. Inspect garden for pests or disease. Take prompt organic action if detected.

12. As days get shorter, make it a point to enjoy the garden as much as possible

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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When Less Is More

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February is a perfect time to get ready for the growing season ahead. Schedule seed starting and gather appropriate supplies ready – seed packets, seed sowing trays, growing medium etc.,

Similarly, have tools cleaned, sharpened and readily visible and accessible.

Soil, mulch, compost made available – either homemade or purchased. Plants to be obtained listed for that trip to the nursery or ordered. Other supplies such as labels, pens, stakes, twine, gloves, sunscreen, bug spray, rubbing alcohol, first-aid kit, etc,.- have them all on hand. When Spring arrives, you will be racing out of the gate ready and raring to go.

But February is also the time to commit to doing less. You read correct – do less! The fact is, to garden using organic, sustainable, environment friendly and ecologically sound practices, one actually does less. Hear me out.

Lets begin with the ubiquitous lawn. Less lawn = less work. Less area to mow. Mowing less frequently. Apply compost to fertilize as well as mulch and you’re weeding less and have eliminated all other applications of fertilizers and weed killers. Finally, less watering. You see?

No dig gardening – it has been proven that not turning over the soil is healthier for the earth. One less task to do! Instead, simply amend the soil as needed.

By planting a minimum of 70% native plants in our gardens, by increasing the number of pollinators and other beneficial creatures we increase the health of the garden. And, because the native plants are more hardy and resilient, there’s less turnover of plants and less maintenance of fuss pot plants.

In the beds, as in the lawns, compost and/or additional tree bark/cardboard/newspaper mulch reduces the need to weed. Imagine, less weeding! There’s also less watering and no application of other chemicals to fertilize or feed. In case of pest infestation, there will be some organic products to apply – both to prevent as well as treat.

Trying to be less tidy might be a bit hard to accept but it’s time to do so. Allow self-seeders to find their sweet spots – they add sparkle and sass to a garden. I’m not suggesting we allow rampant proliferation but merely some easing up of control freak-like behavior. The shabby chic garden is in. I like it.

I hope I’ve persuaded you to do less. With the time freed up, what ever will you do?! I’m busy making plans.

We’re finally having a real snow day. It’s been a couple of years and I’m so thrilled! This feels like February as I know it. Here are some images :

(c) 2024 Shobha Vanchiswar

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February Therapy

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With no snow on the ground and temperatures hovering above freezing, February doesn’t quite feel normal don’t you agree? I fret about the well-being of the garden and the environment at large. How is Mother Nature coping with the changing climate? How will I cope? I try however, to not dwell on gloom and doom. We will deal with the situation as it unfolds.

Meanwhile, taking advantage of the fact that my daily turns around the garden have been given a jump-start, I’m delighting in all the things happening in it. What’s coming up, what’s looking good, what tasks typically done after snow melt can be done right now. The play of light and shadows that pattern the space, the micro-environments within the garden displaying their individual responses to the weather are some of the compelling sights that speak volumes about the lay of the land and the ‘bones’ of the garden. I’m currently obsessed with tracking down exactly where the hummingbirds and cardinals had built their nests last year – the bare trees and shrubs reveal those secrets. There’s so much to see and know!

But don’t just stop and stare. Chores await!

Things To Do –

(Much of the items in the January list are applicable here. Do check that list) 

  1. Stay on top of effects of snow and storms. Take quick action.
  2. Keep bird feeders full. Whenever possible provide water.
  3. Get garden plans and designs ready.
  4. Check garden supplies. Does the hose need repair or replacing? Is there enough soil, organic fertilizer, twine, stakes etc.,? Make a list and do what is needed.
  5. Towards the end of the month, prune roses, wisteria, grape vines and fruit trees.
  6. Cut back ivy on walls and fences before birds start nesting. Brightly colored stems of Salix and Cornus should be cut back to about 6 to 10 inches from ground. This will encourage brighter color next spring.
  7. Prepare for seed sowing. Get seed flats clean and ready. Check if there’s enough seed growing medium.
  8. Order seeds. Once seeds arrive, write labels and clip to each pocket. This saves time later when there is so much else to do.
  9. If there is not much snow, cut back old leaves on Hellebores. New growth and flowers will be emerging. Cut back other perennials that were skipped in autumn.
  10. Attend to indoor plants.
  11. The New York Botanical Garden’s annual orchid show opens in March. Do reserve your tickets and go! It’ll banish winter blues and get you inspired.
  12. Renew ( or join) your membership to the Garden Conservancy. Place your order for the Open Days directory. Once you receive it you can start scheduling visits to beautiful gardens near and far. Inspiration is only a garden visit away!

Whats doing in the garden right now –

Vinca in bloom !
Peony nosing through. See the red tip?
New growth underfoot
Magnolia looking quite fine and fresh.
Empty seedpods of Chelone glowing in the sunlight
Sculptural sight of spent seedheads

(c) 2024 Shobha Vanchiswar

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The Call Of The Climate

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A great deal of my waking hours are spent thinking about climate change. How could one possibly ignore it when every news cycle mentions climate related crises in practically every corner of the world! An all too short a monsoon in. western India. Too much rain in Pakistan. Unprecedented heat in Europe. A rare but dangerous deluge of rain in southern California. Devastating wildfires in Hawaii and Louisiana. Parts of the United States experiencing unrelenting high temperatures all summer. Storms and hurricanes doing their worst all over the globe. All of these events are happening at the same time and matters are not likely to improve anytime soon.

Needless to say, we are all going to see immediate impacts on our food supply. Grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, poultry and meat. Everything.

In India, because rice crops have been compromised, the export of rice has been suspended so as to have a sufficient supply for domestic consumption. In Europe, we already know the olive harvest will be quite reduced which will mean less production and higher cost of olive oil. In the US, we will see vegetable and fruit supplies affected. Temperature fluctuations directly influence egg production.

Climate change can increase the spread of diseases. Remember how the cost of eggs sky-rocketed earlier this year? The scarcity was due to Avian flu in the chicken population and so egg production came close to a stand still.

If, we, as a global collective don’t act with urgency, the situation will most certainly escalate and become untenable. I’m not trying to be an alarmist but I am calling for attention. And Action. Now.

In my own little garden I see the impact of seasons gone awry. Not as an anomaly of a single year but consistently and erratically. A winter too mild one year followed by a very wet spring. Or, an extremely cold winter but without any snow to speak off and then a warm, dry spring. A too wet summer or a too hot one. Too cold, too hot, not enough rain or too much of it. Nothing is as it used to be.

For the last four or five years. Our fruit trees (apples and pears) have yielded barely any fruit. They bloomed too early for the pollinators to jump into action or not at all (bud drop) when the temperatures soared unexpectedly as though it was already summer. Elsewhere in the garden, depending on the weather the flowers of some plants bloomed early/late. This affects the fauna that are dependent on them. There is the natural sequence of life in the wild (nature) that gets disrupted and the results are damaging and/or unhealthy all around.

With so much unpredictably, its hard to plan in the garden. What, how, why and when we plant are questions we must consider seriously. Whatever we do today has consequences in the near as well as the distant future.

If it all sounds depressing, I understand. It feels too overwhelming and out of our control. However, you and I know – we cannot throw our hands up in despair and give up. Nor can we push through like nothing is happening. There is plenty we can do. While governments try to reach consensus and scientists work on coming up with good solutions and alternatives, each and every one of us must do our part. Conserve, reduce, reuse, recycle, re-purpose, go organic, conserve some more. In every aspect of life.

Since this space is for matters related to gardens and gardening, lets restrict ourselves to just that. I’d like every one of us to carve out some time and then sit down to carefully consider their own gardens and gardening philosophy. What changes have you noticed in your corner? How are you responding to these changes in the short term? How does the long term look?

Over the next two weeks, I’d like us all to seriously think about our role as gardener. Caretakers of a precious piece of Earth. Lets be purposeful, truthful, mindful and thoughtful. Importantly, let’s cogitate from a position of hope and positivity Two weeks from now, I’ll present my own thoughts and plan of action (s). I’d really love to hear from any and all of you. You can either use the Comment space below or email me at seedsofdesign@verizon.net

We;re in this together and together we will overcome.

Images from my garden taken this past week –

(c) 2023 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Reckonings In The Garden

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A double feature this week! I missed posting last week as I was in the throes of helping my daughter move into her apartment from where she will attend graduate school. She will be dearly missed. Living at home since the pandemic, she morphed into a very capable gardener and I’d come to rely on her assistance. Fingers crossed she will miss the garden and visit often enough to help out. It’s only a 3 hour 45 minute drive – surely a monthly trip is possible? I live in hope.

A couple of weeks ago, I placed my bulb order for fall planting. A few weeks later than usual due to all the traveling I was doing. As expected, a few of my choices tulips were sold out. Some other favorites were not being offered. I had to find alternatives and make design adjustments as I was placing my order on the phone.

Note: Being able to speak to an actual person is far better than ordering online or by mail. I could discuss alternatives that were suggested when my selections were not possible.

I found out that due to the horrid heat endured throughout Europe last year, the volumes of bulbs were smaller this year. The heat also put paid to certain longtime favorites.

Given this year’s unusually wet, cool summer will in all possibility impact next year’s bulb production. This is the direct result of changing climate. Similarly, other plants will also be affected. We must ready ourselves to shift how we garden and what we plant.

Just yesterday, I heard that the olive oil production this year will be 20% less than last year when it was already lower than usual. The excessive heat over the summer all across the olive growing regions in Europe has caused the olives to drop before its time. I’m bracing myself for a hike in cost.

So, if you haven’t as yet got around to ordering your bulbs, don’t waste any more time. The tulip selections have been seriously impacted. The alliums, camassia and such were not as affected but its only a matter of time that they too will. This is a gentle warning that global warming is happening and we as citizens of the world as well as our governments and corporations must take action before it gets worse. So much is at stake. We cannot ignore the writing on the wall. A reckoning is underway.

As gardeners we are generally so busy doing thing that we mostly miss out on the wondrous goings on in the garden. We see what is in bloom but don’t pay attention to the details of the flower. Similarly, we don’t notice the beautiful and brilliantly designed seedpods specific to a plant. We miss noting details of shapes, colors, interactions of the many critters with the plants and so much else all through the seasons. We think we notice but we don’t really. Mindfulness takes conscious effort and time.

This was made beautifully apparent when I attended a ‘mindful walk’ at the botanical gardens at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY this past Friday. Sarah and Kevin who work there, took our little group on a slow walk where they pointed to plants and trees and highlighted things we had to stop and look closely to truly understand and appreciate the details. Patterns, designs, textures and how they evolve and change over time. There’s always something you notice that you’d missed before. How flora and fauna work together, how colors complement or camouflage, how pollinators are attracted and guided to do their work… the list is endless! This kind of walking is meditative and so uplifting for body, mind and spirit.

Full disclosure – I do my best to be mindful in my garden but it is hard because I’m often distracted by to-do elements – weeds that need pulling, plants that need staking or trimming, what needs watering, who is attacking and munching on whom. It’s much easier for me to go to a public garden and do a really good mindful walk. Perhaps one day, I will be evolved enough to do the same in my own garden. To simply and purposefully observe is a goal.

I sincerely believe that in being mindful, truly present in the garden and in everything else in life is how we will stay aware of changes in the environment, our homes and in ourselves and act accordingly before matters get out of hand. Everything in Nature is connected and together we can overcome any challenge. Together we will thrive. We must.

Note: Some images from past years to get you motivated to order bulbs for fall planting –

(c) 2023 Shobha Vanchiswar

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August Doings

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Between all the heatwaves and thunderstorms, it’s been hard to take care of the garden chores I’m sure. I return home in a couple of days but as the assistant gardener has kept me in the domestic loop, I realize it has been somewhat of a challenge to get things done. As in all matters, one simply does ones best. No point in fretting and fuming over things not in ones control. From a quick glance at this week’s weather forecast, it looks favorable so, lets get a start on the August chores shall we?

What To Do In August –

1. Harvest the vegetable patch regularly. If you’re overwhelmed with the bounty, offer them to food kitchens, friends and neighbors. Also, consider canning vegetables and fruit. They are mighty handy to have on those days in winter when you crave summer fare. Not to mention the crazy times when cooking is simply not possible.

2. Keep weeding. Even though it is hot, hot, hot, weeds continue to thrive. Early hours of the morning are most enjoyable – cooler and fewer biting bugs.

3. Water as required.

4. Mow as usual. Again, do the right thing and keep blades at 3 1/2 to 4 inches high.

5. Continue to deadhead and trim back. This keeps the garden tidy. Seeds that you wish to harvest can be left on the plants till they are ripe and ready.

6. Take cuttings of plants for rooting. Doing it now will provide enough time for growth before planting in the fall or bringing indoors in winter.

7. If you’re going away, arrange to have someone water the garden and keep an eye on things.

8. Prune wisteria and anything that is overgrown.

9. Watch for pests and/or disease. Use organic treatments.

10. Keep birdbaths filled with fresh water.

11. Spend as much time as possible in the garden – autumn approaches! Eat, read, snooze, throw parties, paint, write, meditate, pay bills, enjoy the garden.

Note: More images sent to me on what’s happening in my garden –

A blessing!
Last week’s Dahlia harvest l
The bee houses are slowly being occupied!
Can you distinguish between the leaves and the hummingbird at the feeder?!
An uncommon visitor
More lotus buds rising!

(c) 2023 Shobha Vanchiswar

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From Fire To Flood

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Pick a place on the globe. Any place. It will be facing some sort of unusual weather. That unusual weather is likely to become the new normal. Higher heat, less rain, too much rain – it doesn’t matter, conditions will change and so must our lifestyles.

I just spent a glorious month in Provence, France. This is perhaps one of my most loved places on earth. It is where I feel most at home as though my spirit has always belonged here. I love everything about Provence but most especially the craggy, rugged landscape. Blessed with sunshine almost 300 days of the year, it is dry and beautiful. The pace of life is slow, the wine is light, food delicious and the people are unpretentious. Yet, beneath that display of the good life, there is the threat of fire. Wildfires have always been known to occur but over the years they’ve become more frequent and wider spread. So too have heat waves. Just as we’re seeing in North America.

Most homes in this region do not have air-conditioning. There hasn’t really been much need of it – the well built stone houses keep the interiors comfortably cool. Ceiling fans or freestanding ones have been sufficient. Not any more.

To keep energy consumption within capacity, when one runs the laundry or dish-washing machines matters. We are encouraged to use the machines late afternoon or very early in the morning. Wood for outdoor grilling is a no-no. Gas grills are encouraged.

Gardening as we know it is a super luxury. To grow vegetables for food is understandable but for beauty and fun? That’s a privilege only a few can afford. Water is precious. Unless one is blessed with ones own natural water source, the cost can be prohibitive. Of course, it stands to reason that making a garden with the region’s hardy natives is best. Lavender, rosemary, olives, succulents, Spanish broom, chicory and others do very well and if I were to make a garden here, those are the plants I’d use. It might be a cliché but I believe if one thinks outside the design box, there are numerous ways to design gardens with easily found, native plants. Anywhere in the world. This is reality.

And then, we come to the Mumbai monsoon season – I’m here for a couple of weeks. Not the most ideal time to visit but since I visit my father a couple of times a year, my schedule demands that I must face the rains annually. It’s warm and muggy. Almost swampy. The fierce torrents can routinely cause floods and damage to vegetation, roads and structures. The high humidity leaves a film of moisture on everything. Air conditioning is a luxury for most folk. So the humidity with all the implications and consequences is simply accepted.

But the monsoons are critical for farmers. The timing and amount of rain is extremely important. Too early or too late, too much or too little will all mean failed crops. Which would result in a global food shortage. Nothing works in isolation.

Climate change is not a local problem and cannot be solved region by region. One country cannot ‘solve’ it by itself. It demands the world coming together. Cooperation, compassion and commitment from every single country is imperative. Each citizen of the world must also do their part. We are in this together and together, we can do something positive to save the earth and save ourselves.

The frequency and ferocity of fires and floods are warning signals we can no longer ignore.

Note: Just so it we don’t feel depressed about it all, here are images of sunflowers in Provence to remind us of what we’re trying to save. And then, lets get cracking on fighting the good fight.

(c) 2023 Shobha Vanchiswar

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April Flowers

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Is April the new May now? That’s exactly what it looks and feels like doesn’t it? The season is moving at a pace I’m finding hard to manage – there’s too much to do all at once. What typically starts slowly with the sweet sightings of snowdrops and winter aconites shyly blooming and gradually picks up momentum as the days lengthen and the earth is coaxed awake has been replaced this year with the garden exploding into bloom like a runaway train. Mind you, I’m enjoying seeing what is in bloom every day but it is all too much too soon. Whatever will May look like?

And it has been very dry. No April showers thus far. Add the unseasonably high temperatures and here we are – under threat of brush fires. In my county, there have already been some minor fires in woods and preserves. Frankly, I’m nervous. At this rate, we could be facing moratoriums on watering which will of course lead to loss and damage to our gardens and fields. The potential for greater consequences cannot be overlooked.

I’m allowing myself the luxury of enjoying the flowers in bloom. The daffodils are having a divine moment – so joyous and celebratory. I cannot imagine anybody not smiling upon seeing them trumpeting in sunny hues. I do believe that daffodils are the sunflowers of Spring.

The early magnolias all over the area are spectacular this year. As were the cherry blossoms. It’s hard to complain in the presence of such beauty.

The temperature today hit 80 degrees. Predicted to go up to 84 tomorrow. And the day after. Yikes! That could mean the flowers won’t remain in bloom for too long. Makes me feel cheated. After all the back-breaking work of bulb planting in the fall and dreaming of the spring all through winter, it simply is wrong if one is not awarded the right amount of time to bask in the glory of bulb season.

The pear trees have started flowering and the later bulbs are rapidly emerging and growing. I’m hoping the bees and butterflies show up soon. No pollination, no fruit. I should probably put up the hummingbird feeders soon. Tender perennials like the bays, figs, agapanthus, brugamansia and such have been brought out from their winter dwellings a few weeks ahead of schedule.

Spring is my favorite season and I revel in the chores. Except this year, I’m feeling rather overwhelmed by how much needs to be done quickly. Everything everywhere all at once!

Peony supports are already up. Vegetable bed planted up with cool weather greens. Annual herbs potted up and set out. The watering system of the vertical garden is in full operation. By weeks end, the greenhouse will be completely emptied of the citruses and other tropical treasures. After a proper cleaning, said greenhouse will be housing dahlias in pots. The tubers in storage have survived all right and shall be reawakened in pots of fresh soil.

Despite my trepidation about climate change, I’m resolved to be present in the moment. This season of renewal comes by just once each year and I cannot waste it. Each day I’m making time to simply appreciate the flowers, the new growth, the birds and to certainly, take advantage of the warm weather to get things done.

The optimist in me is willing the weather Gods to ease up and bring back more seasonal temperatures and some life affirming rain. I couldn’t call myself a gardener by any measure if I didn’t think wishfully. It’s mandatory – says so in the Gardeners Handbook.

Note: Remember my Open Fay is May 20 – get your tickets and come visit

In the meadow
My nephew who is a ceramicist, created this ‘gnome’ as an Easter surprise for me. I’m naming him Clyde.
Brugamansia blooming in April
Pear blossom

(c) 2023 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Changing With The Climate

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In the past couple of weeks, we’ve been blessed with some gorgeous spring weather. It’s such a joy to commence the seasonal chores in the garden when the sun is shining and the temperature is Goldilocks perfect – not too hot or too cold. It’s only when I’m reminded of the date that I’m pulled out of my state of contentment to face the fact that everything is happening too early. Climate change is definitively afoot.

Every chore accomplished lately is at the very least 2 weeks ahead of schedule. My notes from past years tell me so. Even the avian house hunting season is well underway. That typically happens only in April. As a result I’m making sure the birdbath is frequently replenished with water. I’m also considering advancing the week the hummingbird feeders get put out.

Its been a very dry winter and lately, there’ve been days when the wind has been strong. The earth is parched and there’s no telling if or when the water table will rise sufficiently to set our minds at ease. It’ll be interesting to see which plants prove resilient and which ones struggle or succumb to the new conditions.

In the last couple of years, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in the number and variety of birds, butterflies and bees in my garden. It has been positively disheartening. There have been moments when I’ve felt very discouraged because my best attempts have seemed inadequate. Am I making any difference at all? And it is so utterly frustrating to see how abysmal the response is from those who should, by now, know and do better. In my neighborhood alone, it appears the climate crisis has hardly changed the way most homeowners are tending their land.

I’ve spent a good amount of time fretting about climate change. Its impact will be global but one can only act local. And I’m resolved to keep doing the right thing.

It is time to see these changing times as a challenge to garden not just better but different. On my part, I see this as a learning period – how to garden in what will ostensibly be a different growing Zone altogether. A dryer, warmer climate I imagine. From Zone 6 to 7 in the near future? This could mean saying adieu to some cold loving favorites but it’s yet to be seen which ones specifically. For the time being, it might just result in earlier, shorter springs and longer summers. Milder falls and winters. This also implies that I could try growing plants that wouldn’t take to Zone 6 at all but 7 would work. Crepe myrtles and certain gorgeous camellias come to mind.

With new conditions, what we consider native will also change.The scientist in me is intrigued by the possible experiments. And the artist in me must design anew. All is not hopeless!

All the native plants in my garden should be fine for the present but I’m concerned about the native fauna. So I’m adding not only birdhouses but bee houses to attract some of our myriad native bees. They’re mostly solitary and sting free.

Given that water will become a growing scarcity, I’m going to start researching gravel gardens. As I’d mentioned last week, this year I’m experimenting with Eco-Grass offered by Prairie Moon Nursery in my tiny front ‘lawn’ . It is a hardy grass that sends deep roots into the earth and requires less watering. Zone 6 could be a bit cold for this variety but, I’m taking my chances. That’s what experiments are all about after all.

I’m predicting that this year will be quite instructive to all who tend to the land. And together, we will adapt and change as needed. No stick in the mud in our lot! Am I right?

Some images from what’s happening in the garden and glimpses into the greenhouse – –

Newly seeded with Eco-Grass and over-layered with straw

(c) 2023 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Call To Action

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Snowdrops are up in the meadow. It is undoubtedly a joyous sight but, this year, it comes with a sense of unease. It is way too early to see them in my garden. About month early at best. What’s next?

With a mostly mild winter and no snow at all thus far, it looks ominous. I’d like to think there’s still time for winter to pick up its pace and sock us with polar vortices, blizzards and tundra like conditions but I’m also nervous that such extreme weather this late in the season could put paid to many plants and creatures already awakened.

This past weekend, the grapevine got pruned – a task that typically gets done further along in winter. With day time temperatures spiking consistently to the low-50’s, it seemed prudent to get the job done before any new growth could be detected. It’s quite disconcerting and I feel like I’m flying blind in figuring out the best way to address this abnormal weather pattern.

I’m not one to panic easily but in all honestly, I’m seriously worried. We are at an inflection point in the climate crisis. That change is happening is obvious but how much and what kind of change are the big questions. And what can we do about it? For now, there are no easy answers. However, it sure is time for each gardener and/or property owner to step up their roles as stewards of the land. Whatever we’re doing for the cause, lets do better. Much better.

It’s true, every single person is required to take action to mitigate climate change but I genuinely believe that gardeners are the first responders in this crisis. While governments, corporations and industry make new policies and implement and enforce better regulations, we gardeners ( farmers too) already have our boots on the ground. We see the what is going on in real time. Our actions matter.

So, I’m putting a call out for us all to review our current practices and resolve to do much more.

To get you started, here are a few things to consider –

1. Water. Reduce consumption, Redirect soap-free gray water, collect rain water, reuse cooking water (from boiling things like eggs, pasta, veggies) to water the garden. Choose less thirsty plants from now on. Remove the greediest ones.

2. Go entirely organic. Start composting and use the compost instead of chemical fertilizers and non-degradable mulch.

3. Go mostly native – the plants are less fussy, are hardy and resilient. Non-native selection should be non-invasive and ecologically supportive. 70% native plants to 30% non-native is a decent balance. But, make the extra effort to up the natives. Go on. You can do it.

4. Reduce lawn space. What lawn is there, set the mower at a height of at least 4 inches. Leave clippings to decay and enrich the soil.

5. Plant native trees. Choose an American oak if location and space permit. Amelanchier (shad blow) are great four season trees for small gardens.

6. Reduce plastic usage. Purchase bare-root plants or those in easily biodegradable pots. Urge your nurseries to stock up accordingly. I wish growers would take back plastic pots to reuse.

7. On the subject of nurseries – go local. Avoid big box stores. Support small, family owned businesses. Remember, regional farms grow plants best suited for your climate. Keep the carbon footprint down and raise the local economy. Everybody and the climate wins.

This is a broad list for all gardeners. There is plenty more depending on ones own location and circumstance. Lets get to it. There is absolutely no time to waste.

Meanwhile, I’m going to accept the weather such as it is. I intend to make the most of it by spending more time outdoors, basking in the sunshine, listening to birdsong and observe the unfolding of the season. While I cannot ignore the pit in my stomach, I must be intentional in how I choose to spend my days and be fully present for them. The snowdrops are here, one must indeed enjoy them.

Compare and Contrast –
Top – February 2022
Bottom – February 2023

Grapevine all pruned and tidy

Snowdrops

Crocus pushing through

Columbine

Climbing hydrangea in bud

Hellebore

Emerging herbaceous peony

(c) 2023 Shobha Vanchiswar

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