This week sure feels like spring! Colors are going to pop any moment. It is the one time of year when we’re all hungering for the entire spectrum of hues. In any mad combinations. It all looks lovely and joyous. What we’d never consider pairing in our clothing selections, look just spectacular in nature. Tasteful, subtle, elegant be damned. Give me loud, bold and gaudy. My eyes have been starved long enough, let the visual feasting begin.
Yeah, I know, the show hasn’t yet begun but this mild weather means it’ll burst upon us soon. I’m putting the brakes on my fears about too early a spring just so I’m at liberty to fully enjoy the flowers whenever they bloom. It isn’t their fault after all.
I’m going about the seasonal chores even though the temperatures give the feeling I’m somehow lagging behind. Normally, when I cut back old hellebore leaves, prune the roses etc., I’m wearing jacket and heavy gloves. Not this year. T-shirt and thin garden gloves feel just about right. Some years, I’ve even stood in several inches of snow to get the jobs done. Alas, barely any snow at all this winter. Scary for sure. I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.
However, that’s beside the point at present. I’m eager for color. I’ll wager you are as well. So, while we await impatiently for our gardens to start the show, I’m happy to share some pigment saturated photographs from my very recent ( two weeks ago!) trip to India.
FYI – coincidentally and appropriately, today is also the Indian festival of Holi when spring is celebrated with everybody playing and spraying color on each other with wild abandon. It is crazy fun!
Unleash your inner child’s color madness. It’ll do you a world of good. Particularly when there is so much other sort of madness whirling around out there.
Note:For your calendar – my garden’s Open Day is May 16.
Also, on July 26, through the Garden Conservancy’s Digging Deeper Program, you can learn all about espalier and vertical gardening at my garden. Register early as space is limited!
Ah, a new year begins. So many possibilities. So much potential.
Resolutions to be made, dreams to realize, wishes to make true. Yes,
a clean, new canvas to begin again. Really?
Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves? Having dreams and
determination to do better is just fine but must we make it so hard?
How is it possible for one to turn over a new leaf almost overnight?
It’s not as though you go to bed on December 31 and wake January 1
a new person. Eat better, lose weight, sleep more, exercise everyday,
read a book a week, cook every meal, learn a new language, land that
dream job, meet the right life-partner, reduce stress, master a new
skill – the list is endless. We expect way too much from a mere
twelve months. In the scope of a single year we are effectively
hoping to undo all that preceding years have built up or, accomplish
everything we failed to achieve in all those years.
As the years go by, I see clearly how ridiculous so many expectations
from a new year is. Having given up making resolutions a long time
ago, I freed myself to simply see the start of a year as a good
marker to do better in whatever I am already doing. No matter what,
there is always room for improvement. And certainly, it is
never too late to learn/try new things. But, that doesn’t need to
wait for the arrival of January 1. Every day is an opportunity. If I
need to get more exercise, then there is nothing like the present to
get started. If your hair looks raggedy you go get a cut as soon as
possible. If you need a new car/towels/shoes/appliance or anything
else, as long as budgets permit, you acquire those right away. You
see? Working out, eating healthy, starting on that pile of unopened
books, registering for the course in Portuguese, seafood cooking or
salsa dancing, giving up smoking etc., shouldn’t have to be put off
till the planets line up. Start now!
In fact, having followed this practice of getting on with what needs
doing or starting on any given day, has given me that liberty to
welcome the new year as one would an old flame. I’m already doing
my best and own who I am. There’s nothing to hide, pretend or
apologize. Showing up strong is a pretty good place to be. So there.
Having said all that, lets consider the garden and how we go forth
into 2020. This year, I really tried as hard as I could, other life
obligations notwithstanding. Bear in mind, flexibility is key –
things will come up and the best laid plans will be foiled. Never
mind, adjustments must be made. C’est la vie.
In 2020, I will continue with getting the ‘meadow’ more
established with the native plantings and closer to the vision in my
mind. I hope to try out some new varieties of vegetables in the
potager. Having received some seeds of tropical plants, I’m keen to
design new plantings in pots to make exciting splashes of bold color
and shapes.
While I created this garden to be organic from the start, I have been
consistently working towards more sustainable and eco-friendly
practices. From improved water management, better composting,
reducing the amount of plastic ( nurseries! Are you reading
this?), adding more native species etc., it is an ongoing effort.
The new year is merely an annual reminder to up my game.
Happy New Year one and all. Please accept my heartfelt wishes for
health, happiness and harmony. Just promise yourself you will try to
the best of your ability. That is all one can and should ask.
Seen on a NYC sidewalk. Couldn’t have said it better myself.A new vase from ceramist August Brosnahan @brosnahanarts.comHomegrown lemons! So pleased to harvest them from the greenhouse.
Whatever one believes in, celebrations are in order. Winter arrived with the solstice. Hanukkah is underway, today is Christmas Eve and Kwanzaa starts in two days. The New Year is just a week away. Best of all, we are past the shortest day of the year and slowly but surely the days are getting longer. Hallelujah!
At this time, we remember years passed and look ahead to the future. Friends and family are precious – this is a perfect time to reaffirm those bonds.
Trimming The Tree
Love hangs memories
on awaiting arms
twinkling happy thoughts
as new stories get written.
While the past is shed
the present unfolds itself
into the future.
– Shobha Vanchiswar
Before one gets caught up in the festivities, water the plants! Be they house plants or those being overwintered, they need to be kept hydrated. It’s easy to forget about them when you’re busy with so much else. Ditto for those bulbs such as paperwhites. Amaryllis bulbs do not need potting up and watering until after they finish flowering – for now, they can sit pretty anywhere you choose.
Take a turn in the garden and check if anything needs attention – broken tree limbs, plants wanting some protection, debris to clear, bird-feeders to fill and such. It’ll give you peace of mind. And the fresh air and sunshine will improve your disposition greatly.
Wishing you all a beautiful holiday.
Note: Some holiday trees through the years. Due to my daughter’s allergy, we switched from conifers to more unconventional ‘trees’.
Another alternative.This year I’m using my bay standard as the tree.
Gifts come in many guises. While commercialism obliterates and/or skews how we celebrate the season, in our hearts we know we can do better than simply following the directive to shop with abandon. Giving thought to each gift we select makes it that much more meaningful and valuable.
I have long abandoned the shopping
frenzy encouraged at this time. It is overwhelming and undermines my
true intentions.
I largely give socially,
ecologically and culturally conscious gifts.
Selecting what is appropriate to each recipient is the best part
primarily because it gives me pause to think about my relationship
with them, what I know about them and how much I value their part in
my life. At the same time, I want the gift to reflect who I am and
what I stand for. That means, I cannot in good conscience give
anybody a fake plant, gas powered mower or a flat of impatiens.
(About that last one – I’m allowed to have my personal
dislikes so don’t bother setting me straight please!)
So, here’s a comprehensive list of what I think are good gifts.
They benefit deserving organizations and people and offer enjoyable,
sustaining experiences to the recipients:
2. Gift certificates to a local nursery. In my neck of the woods, my favorite is Rosedale Nurseries. Similarly, gift certificates or actual products from local merchants would not go amiss.
3. Products that support worthy causes. Profits from my own soft furnishings thePrinted Garden collection andbotanicalnote-cardsgo towards the education of orphan girls with HIV. I would appreciate your support very much.
4. For the folk who subtly drive your days in ways that we easily
overlook. Hand warmers plus tip for mail carriers and garbage
collectors – they work in cold weather and slipping a warmer in
their gloves would I’m sure make their work a tad bit nicer. Tips
for anyone who assists you in living better is a must –
hairdressers, house cleaners, garden helpers, snow-plowers etc., I
like giving a little something along with the tip.
From homemade cookies to fat beeswax candles to a piece of artisan
jewelry to gift certificates to a movie house, one can always give
something meaningful. The first year I gave movie tickets to a person
who’d helped with odd jobs in the garden, I discovered that this
was the first time he’d been able to take his whole family to the
cinema.
5. As an artist, I know what it means to sell my work. Gratifying,
validating and so encouraging. Buying from local artists is a great
way start your own collection, add to somebody else’s and in making
such a purchase, you are supporting the arts. Potters, painters,
sculptors, jewelry makers, crafters could all do with your patronage.
Hire a local musician to your next big event!
In this vein, the New York Art Students League is having their famous Holiday Art Sale. Lots of affordable art by emerging artists to be found here. Full disclosure – I have a painting in this show.
I’m also very proud to have my painting ‘Willow’ in the art show ‘Fragile Waterways – Protecting What We Love’ at TeaTown. All the art has been donated by local artists and 100% of the sales goes to the Croton River Stewards Fund.
6.
Finally, the priceless gift of all – the gift of time.
Spending money is all very well but one always has limits on
budgets. However, giving of
ourselves can be much better. Offering to help with a chore/project,
going on weekly walks, meeting regularly to catch up over
coffee/lunch/brunch/tea/dinner, setting up a recurring date to see
art shows, concerts, plays or any other shared interest, promising
to call/FaceTime/Skype someone who lives far away on a regular basis
are all ways to show how much you truly care. Time, we know, is the
most precious. Imagine what it would mean to the receiver.
‘Tis the season.
Wave Hill, NYTeaTown’s Wildflower Island. Pink Lady’s Slippers“Willow” my painting at TeaTown’s art show“Dawn Over Rousillon” at the Art Students League’s Holiday showPumpkins and gourds galore at Rosedale NurseriesNYBG annual orchid showA glimpse of my products
The
garden has been put to bed. Now what? Time to dream, hope, plan and
get organized. But first, let’s get inspired. Winter is a good time
to reboot our creative aspirations by quite literally getting away
from the garden all together.
This month, in keeping with the festive spirit, I turn to the NYBG’sHoliday Train Show. This exhibit cannot fail to delight and get your spirits soaring. The sheer creativity with which the buildings are constructed of all natural materials easily foraged in the great outdoors is impressive. It will change the way you look at ordinary materials found in the garden and on walks in the woods. I’ve been going to this annual show since it first started and I’m still eager for it every year.
Invariably, a seasonal concert or two is on my December calendar. Music has transformative powers. I go to the opera and philharmonic concerts all year round but at this time, I’m hankering for music generally performed for the holidays. Not necessarily restricted to Christmas music but appropriate for the season of goodwill to all. This week, I’m going to the Chanticleer concert in NYC– acapella singing par excellence. I went last year for the first time and came away so uplifted. The music stayed with me for days.
I will end the month with the performance of arias at the Met Opera – what an inspired way to enter the new year!
In
between the music, visits to the art museums is always in order. As
an artist and gardener, there is so much to fire up the imagination.
Be it a simple nudge from an Impressionist to consider a bench or a
color theme for your garden to a gorgeous presentation of floral
combinations from a Dutch still-life to a call for boldness and out
of the box thinking from an Abstract, you are guaranteed to come away
with inspiration for your own ‘canvas’. The effect is not always
obvious but for certain you will be revived.
This month, I’m looking forward to the Metropolitan Museum’s new exhibits – Felix Vallotton, painter of disquiet, Making Marvels, science and splendor at the courts of Europe and, In Pursuit Of Fashion.
Similarly,
trying new foods, new places, books and movies/TV have the power to
teach and elevate. I have lists of movies/shows to watch, a pile of
books to get through, a folder of recipes to try, and towns and
nature preserves to explore on day trips – December is merely the
start of what promises to be a season for growth and gain. For self
and garden.
Note:
I’m fortunate to live so close to NYC but I also believer in going
local. Community theater, regional museums, galleries, music
orchestras and bands can be top notch. Check your local paper for
listings.
In case you’re still hankering for a garden to-do list, check out my December list.
The images below are from past forays for inspiration:
NYBG’s Enid Haupt Conservatory at the train showFrom the Met’s Camp fashion exhibit earlier this yearFrom the fall 2019 TEFAF showWoodland walkMy painting inspired by a hikeColor combinations!Colors, shapes, patternsa Persian meal – reminds me of how fragrance plays an important role!How many whites can you discern?
Two
days to Thanksgiving. I love this holiday so much that I wait all
year for it. A holiday spent with friends, family and food. A day to
come together in gratitude and love – what could be more simple and
pure?
Apparently
not so simple for many. Holidays are fraught with anxiety for many.
Confrontations, resentments and old wounds seem to surface at these
times. We are advised to stay away from discussing politics,
religion, relationships and gossip. Really, what else is left to talk
about?!
Then,
we complain about eating too much, drinking to excess, moving too
little and feeling awful about it. Why do we repeat this pattern
consistently? Surely we can do
and be better.
Science
has shown that activity and getting out in nature improves the
disposition. A walk is a great solution but not everyone is able to
get too physical. Besides, people break up into smaller groups and
walk at different paces. It can become yet another opportunity to
avoid certain nosy relatives altogether instead of connecting to
everybody. Similarly, a good game of touch football is not for
everyone. No worries, lets get the entire Thanksgiving party into the
garden. We’re going to plant bulbs.
This
weekend is the unofficial last call for bulb planting. Unless you
reside way up north, the ground can still be dug up. While it’s too
late for planting shrubs and trees, it is just fine for bulbs. So,
get to the local nursery in a hurry and buy up all the bulbs you can
afford. By now there might not be much choice left but they are often
at very reduced prices. (You will plan
ahead next year).
Select
the part(s) of the garden where you would like the bulbs planted.
Have gloves, dibblers, hand trowels, spades etc., ready and waiting.
When your Thanksgiving crowd is gathered, let them know that you are
starting a new tradition – a gratitude garden of bulbs. Divvy up
the bulbs between all the participants. This is an activity for all
ages. Not too strenuous and comes with the gentle instruction of
keeping faith and hope. Making a garden is after all, about optimism
and belief in a better tomorrow.
Adults
will instruct kids, young can assist the old. Whether a trench is to
be dug up for a multitude of bulbs or they must go into the ground
individually amongst existing perennials, explain the simple rules of
bulb planting – holes are three times deeper that the size of the
bulb and they are planted pointy tip up. Small bulbs are easier for
very small
hands.
Suggest
to each person that for each bulb they plant, they must privately
count a blessing and/or bury a grievance.
Encourage laughter and camaraderie. Typically, folk will get into the
spirit quite naturally. Prior gardening experiences will be
recounted, favorite bulbs declared and undoubtedly lead to further
discussions on a myriad topics. One
hopes.
In
case of inclement weather
– have everybody pot the bulbs up. The pots are to be kept outdoors
in a sheltered area and towards the end of winter you will start
noticing some tiny tips emerging. At this time you can either bring
the pots indoors to hurry up the flowering or, leave them outside to
bloom in due time. Either way, they will look gorgeous. You might
also consider sending each guest home with a pot of bulbs of their
own.
This
project gets everyone interacting, builds healthy appetites and
couldn’t be easier. PLUS, you get to anticipate a beautiful
spring. At which time, you will
take photographs to share with all your bulb planters.If
you’re up for it, invite them all for a viewing!
Happy Thanksgiving from the bottom of my heart. Studies have proven that both incivility and kindness are contagious. So, lets make the choice to put aside our differences, hold hands and strengthen our bonds. Yes we can.
Note: I hope these images will inspire you to undertake the Thanksgiving bulb planting project!
As Thanksgiving draws near, the mind, almost on cue, starts thinking
about its significance. I appreciate this clear annual reminder to
pause and give thanks for all the gifts I’ve received through the
year. From kind words that spoke to my heart to thoughtful assistance
in the garden, every little or big gesture is reason to celebrate. It
all adds up to a rich, bountiful year.
It’s also a time to review what I have given of myself to make a
difference. Did I do enough? Opportunities to serve come by all the
time – sometimes we don’t notice them till it’s too late, at
other times we are so consumed with out own issues that we cannot
find it in ourselves to reach out and then there are those times when
we are forced to make choices. It’s not always possible to say yes
every time.
I frequently wonder whether I am doing all that I can. In the garden
for example, I am certainly working hard to serve the earth with care
and kindness. Ethical, ecological and environmental concerns guide my
work. In doing no harm, I strive to leave this piece of earth a
better place than when I started. Yet, there are occasions when I
‘cheat’. For instance, when a photo-shoot for a national
publication to come out next summer was scheduled this past
September, I had to scramble to make the garden look ready for its
close-up.
I’d just returned from a month long trip and the place required
major weeding and tidying. More than that, it needed some serious
prettying up. Typically, by this time, I’m sort of slacking off and
not worrying too much about the garden being tip-top.
The front lawn was looking raggedy and exhausted. Tiny as it is, it
is very much a vital part of that making-a-good-first-impression
feature. So, on went the watering schedule – every day leading
to the big day. I wince thinking of the amount of water used. While
most other chores were more about physical labor, knowing that I was
compromising my own principle on conserving water, had pangs of guilt
keeping me awake at night.
I did get lovely annuals to lend some seasonal charm and by the time
of the photo-shoot, the grass looked lush and green, the weeding and
general primping were duly dealt with and the whole place was up to
snuff. The photographer was wonderful – she made me feel mighty
pleased with my garden. And with myself.
And so it goes, one sacrifices beliefs and rules when it suits. I ask
myself what I will and will not give in to. How strong can I be in
tough and/or unexpected circumstances? It’s so easy when all is
well but the true test is staying on even keel in a storm. Those are
the times when we discover something significant about ourselves.
And that’s how I found out that I’m frightfully vain about my garden. And proud. And entirely human. Alas.
Note: I’m re-posting images of art work by artists who painted in my garden this past June. How others see my garden is always exciting and eye-opening.
Gardening is just what I do. What and how I do it feels like second
nature. While I’ve undoubtedly learned much from my garden, I’m
not always conscious of it. It’s only when I pause to think or
appreciate the garden that I become aware of how much it teaches and
guides me. As one goes about the day to day chores and demands of
life, it’s easy to be caught up in the immediate without being
mindful. Over the years, I’ve come to understand and depend upon
the garden to open my mind and heart, to take instruction, seek
counsel, solace and refuge, feel grateful, compassionate and a
general sense of wellbeing. The garden continues to impart wisdom and
I keep receiving. Yet, I’m guilty of taking it for granted. Till
something occurs to nudge me out of my complacency.
I was talking to a group recently, when the topic of bulb planting
came up. I tend to assume that everyone knows what I know. Especially
if they belong to a garden club or similar organization. So, there I
was saying that 700+ bulbs await planting in my garden, when I was
asked about the details of this task. When they get put into the
ground, how deep, where etc., It dawned on me that without the basic
information, any task can be intimidating.
We spoke then of getting the bulbs, making selections, quantities,
the process of planting and such. When it came to the necessity of a
cooling period, I had my own Aha! moment. Over the course of
this year, I’ve been working on a business project with a
philanthropic purpose. Not being naturally business minded, the
process is slow and the learning is tedious and frustrating. I’m
impatient and want things to be straightforward. But business has
many moving parts, it is not simple. There are deadlines and delays.
I can deal with the former but the latter drives me crazy because
it’s mostly out of my control. I have to depend on different
parties to do the needful and they each have their own agendas and
processes. Needless to say, it is slow going. Very slow.
I’m not complaining because I do appreciate the learning, other
people’s skills and expertise blow my mind and the pleasure I get
with each step forward. I just have a ways to go and I’d recently
hit a roadblock. A detour is required and I must find it.
Realistically, I’m looking at coming up with a different path
altogether. It is all the usual ups and downs but for someone not
schooled in business and marketing, it is annoying, upsetting and
disheartening. Doing something for good should not be this hard!
In this state of mind, I was ripe for a lesson from nature. In speaking about bulb planting, I received my own lesson. Firstly, I was reminded that there is a correctseason for everything. Then, given all the right conditions, taking care to do all the steps correctly, all I can do is step back and wait for matters to take their course and hopefully, produce the results one hopes for. Just as the bulbs, so full of promise, must be healthy, planted at the right time, to the right depth, in the right places and then given their optimum cooling or rest period to get properly ready for growing and blooming in the spring. I am not in control of everything. I must simply do my best and wait it out. Everything in its time. Preparation, perseverance, patience, perspective.
Enjoy the watercolor images of bulbs to look forward to next spring. Some of these watercolors are available in notecards and soft furnishings for the home. They make lovely gifts. All profits go to educate HIV girls at Mukta Jivan orphanage.
It’s the lazy days of summer. I hope you’re making the most of
the season. They will become the memories that’ll get you through
the dark, cold days of winter. Ignore the to-do list and savor the
pleasures of summer.
Summer Nights
Wrapped in the
thick air
heavy with heat
laden with moist
Watching
fireflies
mimic the stars
against black
velvet
Serenaded boldly
by tree frogs
and crickets
Fanned from on
high
wings of bats
on purposeful
sorties
While night moths
answer service
calls
of moonflowers
and gardenias
Spicy notes of
phlox
rise with the
night
perfumed with
clove,
oil of bergamot
essence of rose
Lulled into
well being
content to remain
Greet the dew
of a new day.
–
Shobha Vanchiswar
Summer Dive
Sunlight spills
brilliant
diamonds
blinding ripples
shimmering winks
sliced apart
by summer’s first dive.
-Shobha Vanchiswar
Summer Joy
Summer
spreads wide
a
picnic blanket
of
meadow flowers and green, green grass
For
legs to brush against
bodies
to lie back
To
gaze upon
lofty
images of dogs and bears and hunting giants
From
dazzling day to evening glitter
Dew
gathers to mist
sun-warmed faces and naked toes
Summer
seems
like
an endless ride
filled
with ice-cream cones and fireflies
Of
water fights and watermelon wedges
children’s
laughter intoxicated
on
improbable tales
An
ephemeral age, an ephemeral time
summer passes overnight.
– Shobha Vanchiswar
Note:The Small Works exhibit is on through August. Do make time to see it!
Liberty
is the freedom to do as one ought to do.
I
learned this definition in fifth grade civics class – it was how we
started to understand what democracy meant.
A
cornerstone of a thriving civilization, freedom is all about having
choices. So one can chose their actions bearing
in mind one’s moral responsibility. To
choose to act after discerning between right and wrong, good and
evil. To do what is ethically correct for the greater good.
Keeping
that in mind, I take this power very seriously. Especially in the
garden where all too often a gardener is inclined to play lord and
master. It’s so
easy. We
have at our disposal so much control and power that all too often we
forget that gardening is a privilege. The very notion that I can
assume ownership of a piece of earth to do as I please is astounding.
Arrogant even.
While
I often kid that I’m the dictator-in-chief of the garden, in
reality, I feel my responsibility greatly. I’m allowed to freely
design, create and play in a this space in whatever way I please.
Within good
reason. And
that is the key. To use good reason.
My
principle commandment is to do
no harm.
Whatever action taken must have the least negative impact – on
humans, animals, plants, soil, water or air. On
that basis,
only organic methods are employed. But, trying to control pests
organically is not without cost. These natural products are not
specific to the
pest.
They affect the
good critters as well. So judicious application is imperative.
Compost
is used as fertilizer and mulch. The plants enjoy it. As do members
of the animal kingdom. They too
thrive because they are not harmed by compost and hence roam free and
make nests and homes underground and above, destroying root systems,
chomping on leaves and flowers, girdling trees, ruining lawns with
tunnels and burrows etc., Constant
vigilance is required so action can be taken as soon as possible.
Japanese beetles, red lily beetles and such are picked off and
dropped into hot, soapy water. After
years of battling those red devils, I’ve
stopped planting lilies but since I still grow fritillaria (
their close relative),
I must continue
to keep
a lookout. Mice, voles and other rodents are trapped. The
fruit trees must be sprayed with dormant oil only under specific
weather
conditions
and
at a particular time of year.
You
get the idea. It’s
not always easy to do the right thing.
Rain
water is collected, a
manual
reel-
mower cuts grass, since no herbicides are used, weeds are removed by
hand, native plants dominate the garden and support native fauna and
so on. Every one of those methods involves more work and effort. And
there are times when I’m completely frustrated. However, my
conscience is clear. I’m doing my part in exercising my freedom as
I ought.
This translates very well to everything else in life. Relationships, raising children, at work, being a part of the community, a town, a city, a country, the world at large. Imagine how powerful exercising our liberties as we should can be.
Note: The reception to Small Works is this Thursday, August 8. I’d love to see you there!
A few images of the challenges in the garden:
Mice attack on the espalier.Fully girdled trees were lost and had to be replaced.Sanguisorba attacked by Japanese beetles
Subsequent damageEvidence of voles under the front lawnLily’s under siege
