Moving Forward Because, We Are Not Going Back!

Posted on November 19, 2024 by shobha

My garden is not what it was 20 years ago or even 2 years ago. Neither am I who I was 20 or 2 years ago! Time changes everything. Indeed, it must make change happen. Otherwise, we’d be at a standstill. No growth of any kind within ourselves or in the living world could only portend disaster. Life is about moving forward. Hopefully towards the light.

A garden, by nature, evolves. Plants grow and in time they fill out spaces sidling up to neighbors to form a matrix of colors and textures. Trees grow tall and transform areas from sunny to shady. Weather patterns shift and planting patterns are shaken up. All this without any help from human intervention! But of course, the gardener must do her interfering. New plants, new design ideas and new purchases have to be accommodated fairly often. At the very least I tweak and at the very most I overhaul.

Just this year alone, because of the necessary drainage project, the two front beds had to be dug up and then replanted. Despite saving many old plants, we lost several longstanding members in the process. Replacements plus new additions were put in. And just like that, these beds are no longer how they used to be. With any luck, they will be better. At least that is always the goal isn’t it?

This project was not entirely a surprise. There was always the need and intent to do it but nothing definitive had been penciled in. So I was a bit unprepared for the upheaval it caused in the garden and in my heart. But, having learned from the garden that nothing stays the same, I was, after a spot of feeling grumbling, able to get on board, accept the situation, make new plans for the old beds.

Similarly, setbacks in life have to be handled. In the face of defeat, we cannot keep looking back and yearning for what was and/or what might have been. While sadness, fear and anger are valid emotions to feel and must be acknowledged, we cannot move towards the light until we let go of the darkness. It might take a while but we will get there. One day at a time.

Imagine the world/garden we seek and lets figure out how to make it a reality. We plan, research, acquire required skills, sources and resources, create the right conditions, introduce our ideas/plants, give or get the appropriate support, nurture them all diligently, give time and patience to effect the envisioned change. Then and only then will we have moved forward. Turning back is never an option.

Note: Enjoy these images from the 2024 New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show. It’s fun, joyous, very creative and oh so inspiring!

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Leaning Into The Garden

Posted on November 12, 2024 by shobha

What a week it was. Confusing, concerning and uncertain about what lies ahead for half the nation and jubilant for the other. I fall into the former category and I’m taking time to process, reflect and regroup. Giving oneself grace is perhaps the singular most requisite right now. As always, at such times, I look to the garden for guidance. Leaning into nature always heals and instructs.

Taking my concerns one by one, the garden is showing me how to understand, what to accept/take action and, sort through my emotions in order to think calmly and constructively. Most importantly, it teaches to have faith that my efforts to do good will help in the larger context to improve the world.

First and foremost, accept loss/failure. As a gardener, I’m all too familiar with losing plants or the dissipation of key features – watching them destroyed by weather or my own fault in neglecting to do due diligence of their needs. Acknowledging the loss is key. It is the first step to healing, to make right. It is how we take responsibility to move forward. Just as we learn to get past the loss of a plant(s) and replant with new ones, repair or replace a structure, redesign a bed, we must now assess the situation and decide what can be done. Feeling bad, sad, angry, fearful and hurt is normal. What we do about it is what defines who we are. And the garden teaches that the only way forward is to believe that better will come but, only if we participate in making that happen. This means reaching out to neighbors, the community and finding ways to engage with each other to lift us all up.

In no way am I trying to make this seem simple because it is not. This preliminary move is perhaps the hardest. To overcome the division and distance between ourselves is a huge ask. I struggle with that. But I know I must make my best effort. One person at a time. It is the only way to effect positive change. It’s going to require patience, forbearance and fortitude at an unprecedented level. However, this much I believe – it can be done. Just as gardens have been slowly and painstakingly recreated and resurrected from utter devastation by floods and fires to new grace and glory, we as a nation must do the very hard work of coming together.

On my part, after I have taken the time to cool my outrage, soothe my heart, repair frayed nerves, I will strengthen my resolve and take courage to be the person I want to be. It will happen over some time and I will be patient with myself. After all, if I cannot overcome how I feel, how can I expect as much from anyone else? My initial efforts have started with focus on primarily my immediate world – to be a better neighbor. Since the pandemic, there have been a number of new families I have yet to meet. I’m considering how best to connect – a holiday open house for all? Or drop off home-baked cookies and/or holiday cards to connect with the new neighbors and reconnect with the old? Just as new plants are welcomed into my garden and helped to assimilate with the others or new features introduced to enhance the garden as a whole, I intend to do the work of bringing people together. Comfort is found in the company of good neighbors.

Note: There are many other lessons pertinent to our current conditions and I will share them in the coming weeks. Change takes time so lets be patient with ourselves and each other. Take it one step at a time. The journey will be arduous so lets do what we can to stay healthy and strong in mind, body and spirit. We are in this together.

Here are images from 2020 – another very difficult, scary and uncertain time fraught with division. We got through that didn’t we? Most photos are from my garden, a few are from my forays elsewhere –

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This, That And The Other

Posted on November 5, 2024 by shobha

The biggest task got done over this past weekend. ‘The Great Bulbathon’ where over 1000 bulbs got planted. It was all hands on deck. What a relief. I’m indebted to all my under-gardeners – they’re such troopers for always going along with my plans. Hard to believe that until a dozen years ago, I’d do the job myself. But then, after years of suffering the aftermath of aching muscles in parts that I didn’t know existed, I got wise. I recruited help. Highly recommend that!

The lack of rain was evident as the ground was really hard even with the heavy duty drill we employed to make the holes. Let’s hope the drought comes to an end with some decent showers and we experience a more normal winter. I realize we are no longer able to define what normal is with any accuracy. The fact that we are on alert for brush fires is disturbing. Just this morning there was such a fire down county – a mere 25 minutes away.

In other doings, the clean, empty pots were put away, leaves were blown onto the beds to serve as winter mulch and subsequent nutrition for the soil. The greenhouse is full, the vertical garden empty and cut back/clean up done. A few minor chores remain but there’s no rush. The outdoor heater has been re-commissioned as we anticipate some more opportunities for outdoor gatherings and al fresco meals.

Wanting to preserve some of the fall foliage, I’d taken branches and tried the glycerin treatment. Timing is key as once the leaves are past a certain point, they do not respond to the glycerin. Woody stems may or may not suck up the glycerin-water solution. I did crush the stems to help them along. Of the four types of foliage, only an oakleaf hydrangea variety did really well. I dumped the rest. The beautiful burgundy leaved branches will add a lovely touch to the seasonal décor indoors.

Amaryllis were also started last week. This year, I decided to purchase wax coated bulbs to display on an antique stand a friend had recently given me. With any luck they will start growing soon and flower in time for Thanksgiving. One bulb arrived with a head start. I intend to have a second batch started in a couple of weeks for the remaining holiday season. With no potting or other upkeep, I’m looking forward to simplifying my to-do list.

The winding down of the hectic pace in the garden feels good. I fully intend to use the time on other projects both pending as well as new ones. All too soon my gardener soul will stir and I’ll start dreaming of new possibilities in the garden followed quickly by actual plans and purchases.

Happens every year.

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November Is Lit!

Posted on October 29, 2024 by shobha

This year, the month starts auspiciously with the celebration of Diwali – the festival of lights. The biggest Indian festival that is all about the triumph of good over evil. Lights of all manner illuminate homes, streets, neighborhoods, villages, towns and cities. Sweets of every sort are prepared or purchased, distributed, shared and consumed. New clothes are worn and duly shown off. Fireworks light up the skies all over the country. It is one hugely joyous time.

I myself am getting ready for the Diwali celebration at home albeit in a significantly smaller scale. The house will be sparkling with a significant number of candles. Outdoors, the solar powered lights have been set up. We in the lower Hudson Valley are currently on a red flag alert because of the very dry spell we have been experiencing. So fire pits and other kinds of hazards that could start a forest fire are banned. Should it be lifted by Friday, we plan to enjoy sparklers and light traditional Indian oil lamps. We, a small diverse group of family and friends will make merry and dine in good fun and fellowship.

The great bulb planting marathon is scheduled for this weekend. And they will light up the spring garden. I can already see it in my mind’s eye. Bulb planting is all about having faith in the future – that it will be better.

The elephant in the room or should I say in the month is of course the elections. Exactly a week away. To say I am totally stressed out is an understatement. Which is why this year, both Diwali and bulb planting have taken on a larger significance. My most sincere hope is for this nation to unite and preserve our democracy. A nation that values integrity, honesty, kindness, compassion, empathy, diversity, equality and inclusivity – traits that are the hallmark of our humanity and a great civilization.

So be sure to make your voice heard with your vote. Vote with your conscience and your heart.

And now, here is the to-do list for November –

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.

9. Finish raking leaves. But, as far as possible let fallen leaves remain as is to mulch, provide shelter to small critters and subsequently enrich the soil as they naturally decay. I only clear the tiny front front lawn and walking paths. Those leaves get blown into the beds. The leaves in the meadow are not touched.

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. While the weather is pleasant enough, 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 growing 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.

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Worried About Weird

Posted on October 22, 2024 by shobha

October – the month of strange and spooky sights culminating in the grand finale that is Halloween. But this year, the weather has decided to go all in and turned positively weird. And I’m a bit rattled. The month began typically enough with temperatures dipping as the days got distinctly shorter. That signaled to me to get cracking with the Fall chores in the garden. Having been away a while, I was behind in tasks like getting the greenhouse cleaned and its winter residents prepared for the move in. So I hustled. A few plants were already showing some stress from having been kept outdoors a tad too long. Finally, this past weekend the whole project got done. Whew!

However, by aforementioned weekend, the temperature had climbed to suggest we were back to summer. Sunny and warm felt great personally but not for this time of October in the garden. Positively unsettling. While most plants are retiring for the season and many have gone to seed, some, emboldened by the weather, have begun reblooming completely out of turn. It’s a confused state of affairs alright.

Meanwhile, weirdly, there was no sign of the shipment of bulbs that usually arrives by early October and I was getting a wee bit concerned. What a relief when it was finally delivered late Saturday evening. But now, we were looking ahead at a whole week of daytime temperatures in the 70s going down to late 50s at night. Way too warm! For bulb planting, the soil temperature needs to be below 55 degrees. I’m hoping to plant over the first weekend in November. All my under-gardeners (okay family) have been told to be ready. I hate to consider postponing the great planting marathon. It’s a quandary that might be a foretelling of future gardening practices as the climate changes.

Until a few years ago, I planted bulbs in early October. That has been slowly delayed into November. To think of doing the job closer to Thanksgiving and beyond is weird. And there is also concern about the winter itself. Many bulbs require weeks of solid cold to bloom in Spring. Will we have that? And for how long? Worrisome for sure.

Other Fall chores like emptying, cleaning and putting away pots, winter-pruning hedges and shrubs, cutting back certain plants, draining and shutting off outdoor taps were also accomplished. Felt mighty odd to be doing the work in summer like weather. It’s been very dry here so the lack of rain is an additional bummer. What on earth is going on?!

But one thing I’m certain of – we gardeners are resilient and will figure out how to pivot and learn what needs to be changed, adjusted and adapted. Till then, we shall commiserate, complain and carry on gardening.

Scenes from the garden today – senescence, renaissance in the nonce!

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Fruits Of Our Labor

Posted on October 15, 2024 by shobha

Fall is so much busier than spring. Following winter, all the work is focused on getting the garden going. In autumn however, in addition to the myriad chores of putting the garden to bed, there is the urgency of reaping all the obvious and not so obvious benefits that come along.

In the last two weeks, the perennials to replace the ones that had been lost in the big drainage project have been planted. Some new ones were added as well – how could I not exploit the opportunity! Also, a friend’s generous gift of some native plants have found their home in the meadow. That about is all the planting that’s happening this season. Apart from the great big bulb planting in early November of course.

I’m behind in getting the greenhouse cleaned and readied to receive the winter guests. The guests meanwhile need to be spruced up with some cutting and trimming and then given a vigorous shower to rid them of dirt, debris and any pesky stowaways. It’s a process that requires some care and time. With temperatures dropping this week, I’m feeling the pressure to get it all done quickly. The greenhouse was attended to over the weekend and yesterday I began on the plants that will go into it. Clipping and shaping each one can be meditative so I quite enjoy the task. Not so much removing all the weeds that love to grow at the base of the plants. It always surprises me how easily weeds show up in pots. Power washing to clean both pots and plants can be fun on a mild day but I’m not guaranteed that this week. Fingers crossed that by weeks end this project will be completed.

In the midst of all the work, I’ve also been busy getting the larder stocked, creating some holiday decorations and setting aside inspiration for future watercolor paintings. As I removed the annual under-plantings from pots, I set aside the nasturtium plants – the leaves of which were collected and along with the last of the parsley turned into a delicious pesto. A couple of jars now dwell in the freezer – taste of summer for cozy winter meals.

Leaves from the trimmings of the rose-geraniums will be used for a most tasty drink – rose-geranium cordial with a splash of champagne or bubbly water makes for a fun and festive drink.

Bay leaves from the freshly coiffed bay standards have been set aside. I pretty much give them all away to friends who enjoy flavoring their culinary creations with them. I simply pluck them fresh as needed. This year, I’m saving a few sprigs to paint gold and insert them into the magnolia wreath.

Note: Earlier in summer, I’d trimmed the magnolia espalier, The surfeit of the beautiful leaves were preserved with glycerin and then used to make a rather lovely wreath. The gilded bay leaves will be inserted into this wreath and should make a nice counterpoint to the magnolia.

Finally, I cut the okra plants with the dried pods still on them. The pods look striking and will be models for my ongoing watercolor seedpod series. Once I’ve finished painting, they too might go on that magnolia wreath.

Separately, hydrangeas harvested last week are drying nicely and will adorn the mantel.

Such a satisfying thrill to be decorating for the holidays with gifts from my garden.

And now, back to the work of putting the garden to bed. Much needs to be done before the large shipment of bulbs arrive in time for planting. See how much busier it is in the Fall garden?

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Fall Fever

Posted on October 8, 2024 by shobha

The leaves are finally turning color and some are making slow pirouettes down where they lay scattered like tired confetti. Even as my mind turns to pre-winter chores on hand, my focus is clearly on post-winter dreams.

The recent drainage project that literally dug up my front perennial beds gave me the opportunity to add certain plants I’d long wanted. A few weeks ago, the beds were fully replanted with several of the old members and a whole host of new ones. In my mind’s eye, I can see them thriving and performing exactly as expected. Time will tell.

Soon, the bulb shipment will arrive and with all hands on deck, the rather large order will be planted. All the while, visions of a splendid spring will be dancing in my head.

As it gets cooler, I can feel the pressure to move the tender perennials into the the greenhouse. But before that, the greenhouse itself must be cleaned and prepared for its winter residents. So much to do!

The poem below says it all. I wrote it in 2008.

Autumn List

Make haste

No time to waste

Lawn to reseed

Composter to feed

Plants to behead

To put garden to bed

Bulbs to place

In hollowed space

Rake the leaves

Haul wood to cleave

Pick remaining produce

Debris to reduce

Soil to turn

Calories will burn

Mulch to protect

Weeds to reject

STOP!

Now, pause awhile

Breathe and smile

Cast your gaze

On trees ablaze

Enjoy autumn’s beauty

Amidst garden duty

Have some fun

As chores get done.

Shobha Vanchiswar

Note: Seasonal images from my neighborhood as well as from Ithaca, NY where I was over the weekend –

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October Rising

Posted on October 1, 2024 by shobha

October Rising

Fall is well and truly here. Daylight arrives late as one who decided to sleep in a tad longer. The garden still abundant in blooms appears to have acquired distinctly autumnal colors. I step out to commune with the plants and the honed air slices through my linen shirt sending me hurrying inside to grab a shawl. Having only recently returned from vacation, there hasn’t been time to swap out the seasonal closet. But now, I’m taking my cues from the turning leaves and scheduling the retiring of lighter clothes and reemploying warmer wear. My heart however, has yet to let go of summer.

The myriad chores of the season await but first, I want to savor the days remaining when one can still linger outside basking in sparkling sunlight and boisterous beauty. Because Fall is, if nothing, lusty and lovely.

Things To Do In October

1. Yes, weeding continues!

2. Time to plant perennials and trees. Give a good dose of compost to each. Water regularly. Perennials already in place can be divided and re-planted as well.

3. Cut back all spent plants except what is needed for seasonal interest and what you’re saving for the birds.

4. Collect seeds. Store in labeled envelopes in a cool, dry space.

5. Last call to root cuttings of geraniums, coleus, rosemary etc.,

6. Get all pots of tender perennials into clean greenhouse or other winter shelters. Wash plants and pots thoroughly first – minimizes pest infestation.

7. Plant bulbs as weather gets consistently cooler. Bulbs can be planted until the soil freezes solid.

8. Rake leaves. Add to compost pile or deposit in woods. I leave a good part as is to protect the earth, provide winter refuge to critters and eventually nourish the soil when the leaves will naturally break down.

9. Give the compost heap a good stir.

10 Clean out vegetable garden except for cool weather plants that are still producing. Apply several inches of compost on cleared beds. Plant green manure to enrich the soil – optional.

11. Clean and put away (or cover) outdoor furniture.

12. Check what needs repairing, repainting, replacing and get to it!

15 Clean all equipment and tools. Store neatly.

16. As temperatures plummet, protect tender shrubs and immovable frost sensitive pots and statuary. I cover the former with burlap and for the latter, I first cover with sturdy plastic and then use burlap so it looks halfway decent.

17. Remove suckers from ornamental and fruit trees. Prune roses and wisteria. Remove dead and decaying limbs from all plants.

18. Fill up bird feeders. Keep them filled through the winter. Put up nest boxes for the spring.

19. Get into the autumnal spirit – fill window boxes and urns with seasonal plants and produce.

13. Lift tender bulbs, corms and tubers such as dahlias and canna. Store in dry, frost-free place. As I grow mine in pots, I merely cut the plants down and move the pots into the basement where they will spend the winter in dormancy.

14. Drain and close all outdoor water faucets. Empty rain barrel and hoses. Store.

My terrace and meadow right now –

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Back To Work?!

Posted on September 3, 2024 by shobha

Back To Work!

Okay, hopefully a good Labor Day weekend was enjoyed by all. And now, one must get back to tending September’s list of garden chores. Happily, this month helps one ease into the work. Come October, we’ll be mighty busy!

September Chores –

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!

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 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 action if detected.

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

Note: I’m traveling for a fair part of this month so I will not be posting any articles for the rest of September. See you in October!

Some seasonal images from my recent wanderings in my beautiful State of New York –

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Summers End

Posted on August 28, 2024 by shobha

Summer ends this weekend. Unofficially. With the end of school vacations and the beginning of the new academic year, at least the carefree vibes of the season draw to a close. Hopefully, we will carry the spirit of the season well beyond and continue living with a playful attitude. These last few days through the Labor Day weekend, must be enjoyed thoroughly in the garden. Apart from the 90+ degree temperature today, the weather is going to be quite pleasant all the way through next week. Sit back in the garden and savor it thoroughly. You have my full permission to do nothing but play. September starts next week and there’ll be plenty to do then!

Earlier this week, I had the privilege to visit a most wonderful garden of dahlias. Sculptor and potter Jacques Schickel grows over a 100 varieties of dahlias ( as well as a decent assembly of zinnias) and invites the public to an ‘open house’ of both flowers and his studio. He calls it an “extravaganza” which it certainly is. My daughter had gone to this event and knew I would absolutely love seeing the flowers. So she got Jacques permission to bring me over when I was to visit the following Sunday.

That was this past Sunday. Oh my! What an amazing sight awaited! A joyous profusion of dahlias jockeying for attention. The lesser collection of zinnias was not too shabby either! Everything was healthy and vibrant. Just gorgeous. My eyes feasted and heart overflowed with delight. What a treat.

Jacques himself couldn’t be present, but his generosity in sharing his garden is deeply, deeply appreciated. I look forward to meeting him, seeing his creations of clay and answering my questions about his garden.

You can follow him on Instagram @jacques_schickel_pottery

I offer you a myriad photos of Jacques dahlias. If you have dahlias, it’ll probably make you want to acquire more. And if you don’t already grow dahlias, you might well be inspired to start.

A special thank you to my daughter for arranging this wonderful experience. She knows her mother well.