January is for dreaming. About all things garden. These reveries are about the ideal horticultural scenarios. Perfect weather, perfectly well-behaved plants, perfect fruits and flowers … It’s how we envision our gardens to be. Without that fantasy, we could never find it in ourselves to garden. Gardening is risky! Weather and pests can put paid to all ones efforts. It’s the imagination that fuels a gardener’s ambitions. And an almost unhealthy dose of optimism/faith/whatever you choose to call it. Unlike farmers who are trying to feed the world, gardeners have a more selfish interest. We want the accolades – even if its only from a long-suffering spouse or neighbor.
Think about it. Aren’t we ever so proud when we hear “ that is the sweetest tomato I’ve tasted! ”, “ Such amazing roses!”, “ Such a perfect dahlia!”, “Wow! Are those tulips real?”, “ Your peonies are spectacular!”, “ This garden is a gem!”. Am I right? You can’t deny that you don’t feel mighty pleased. It’s no different from the ‘likes’ one looks for on social media. In both cases, it’s an addiction!
We constantly seek validation and approval. It’s a fact gardening-people! Just accept it.
And so, I’m doing my share of dreaming. The new plants I’m going to try – they are sure to impress. The flower arrangements that will adorn the house – bigger and better. The entire meals made from garden produce – most delicious ever. The lively garden parties perfumed by roses and jasmine – best soirées to get invited to.
There is no harm in dreaming. At the very least, it gets me through the winter blues. At best, the garden will benefit from my renewed enthusiasm and look delightful ( if not spectacular).
Start dreaming already! There are no rules or limits. And no one else needs to know.
It’s the simple truth that plants don’t observe months and our passage of time and seasons; they sense the fluctuations in the environment and respond accordingly. Despite everything gardener do, they know in their hearts they are not in control of their horticultural realm. Nature is the ultimate commander-in-chief and the gardener adapts, adjusts and acquiesces.
This past weekend, while a large portion of the country got blasted by tornadoes, storms, ice and snow, here in my neck of the woods, we enjoyed spring-like temperatures of 65-68 degrees and glorious sunshine. By now, we typically have severe cold and snow accumulations on the ground so a normal January thaw is only a rise in temperature just enough to give some relief where a spike to just 50 degrees feels positively balmy.
Thus far this winter has been relatively harmless. So the 60+ temperatures is kinda alarming. Yet, what can we do about it? Enjoy it! So I did. Sitting outdoors and letting the sun hit my skin felt delicious. The landscape was stark but the atmosphere was joyous. The parks and trails were busy with hikers and bikers. Nary a glum face was to be seen. Admittedly, every now and then I felt a twinge of apprehension as though waiting for the other show to drop. Though in general, I made the most of this unexpected reprieve. Taking time to examine the leaves and grasses made iridescent in the sunshine. How they glowed in tints of ocher and russet! Basking in the warm caress of sunlight did this body and soul a lot of good.
Similarly, the ice-storm we experienced early last December was unseasonal. Too cold too early. We worried about damage to trees and other plants. Yet, in the light of day, the ice coated limbs sparkled in brilliant celebration. It was beautiful. I was filled with wonder and marveled at the icicles hanging from branches and eaves, the sculptural shapes of shrubs encased in ice, the general radiance and refraction of the sunlight on ice. Instagram abounded with Insta-worthy images of beauty bound in ice. Clearly, we were all struck by this alluring danger. For a brief period we were able to stop worrying and be present to the artistry of nature.
Last summer, we went through a hot, dry period. Desperately needed rain was not happening. The lawn started browning and the leaves of many plants began drooping. In fact, my apple trees shed much of their leaves in panic. I was torn between copiously watering in the immediacy of the situation and restraining that instinct by looking at the bigger picture of climate-change and the global shortage of water. In that pathetic scene of a raggedy looking plants, the native plants stepped up and bloomed and filled my heart. Their stoic hardiness was admirable. I had a perfect opportunity to not just take note of the flowers but to actually stop and observe their bold beauty and designs. It left me with a resolve to not only add even more natives to the gardens but to give them their due in gratitude.
While we wrestle with the climate-change happening at present and do our duty in slowing/halting its progress, it helps to find the moments that uplift and understand that nature is asking us to be attentive and appreciative no matter what. Even in adversity there is grace to be gleaned. Then perhaps, we will be in a position to rise with that phoenix as it emerges from the ashes of the global climate crisis.
From the ice-storm last December:
I didn’t take any photographs over last weekend’s Spring in January. Instead I did two quick watercolor sketches. Imagine, I got to paint outdoors in January!
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.
I’m finally feeling the holiday season. Towns are decked out for it and one is greeted with holiday music any shop one steps into. Not to sound too Grinch-like but I’m a little tired of this non-stop ‘seasonal’ music as though I’d forget what season I’m in if they played something else.
I do adore the strings of white lights tracing the bare limbs of trees, the lamp posts and railings. Just as winter has officially started, the lights infuse a much needed element of cheer. At the same time, I worry about the impact the illuminations have on birds and other animals that dwell in trees and bushes. It is well documented that our street lights, neon signs and such affect the avian bio-rhythms . It stands to reason that our holiday lights must interfere as well. Imagine how you’d sleep with bright lights being turned on in your bedroom. And then how you’d feel from the poor rest night after night.
The artificial lights mimic daylight and hence cause confusion in the birds. It not only causes sleep deprivation but affects their breeding. The timing of egg laying goes out of whack and the number of eggs laid are diminished. You can understand the problem. So, it behooves us to curb our decorating enthusiasm, use the cooler (as in temperature) LED bulbs, and shorten the time the lights are on. Yes, I’m aware that LED does not have the same warm ambiance as the fluorescent bulbs but, it’s the responsible, ethical and ecological thing to do.
To decorate outdoors, preferably select bare limbed trees over the evergreens. Non-migratory birds and squirrels take shelter in those leafy trees and shrubs. Keep in mind that more is not better. We are going for tasteful not airport runway style.
Similarly, as far as possible, stick to natural materials. Particularly for outdoor decorations. Critters have the habit of eating or using the materials for their nests. Plastic, Styrofoam and other synthetic decorations look enticing and appealing. But they are dangerous if not deadly to all creatures who unfortunately, do not know this. We do. It is incumbent on us to do right by them.
In the true spirit of the season, lets spread good will to all. Human and otherwise.
Note: The popular Annual Holiday Art Show at the New York Art Student’s League is on! Art makes wonderful gifts.
The art show Fragile Waterways at TeaTown runs through this month. Support a great cause!
Some random images of the season:
Illumination at Untermyer GardensFor allergy sufferers – an alternative ‘tree’Another alternative.This year I’m using my bay standard as the tree.Bouche de NoelPaperwhites
Amaryllis ‘tree’NYBG Holiday Train Show 2019
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.
Boy, am I glad the
bulbs were planted the previous weekend. It got pretty frosty by last
Friday. A good portion of the country is being hit with record cold
this week. Too early I say! However, looking at the crazy seasons
we’ve been experiencing, this is not too surprising. I believe
we’re in a flux of sorts. There is something unsettling going on as
climate change is underway. The new normal is not here as yet.
With most of the
fall chores frenetically completed in the garden, I take November as
a time to reflect on life, the world at large and my place in it. The
garden offers a quiet place to restore equilibrium in these uncertain
times. The basic act of tending a garden is grounding in that it
makes us aware of how interconnected we all are – to nature and to
each other. Making and caring for a garden is an optimistic sign as
it implies we are invested in the future. There is a contentment to
be discovered in garden work that few other projects can provide.
I look back on the
successes and failures, the challenges and surprises through the
year. It was a great year for the bulbs and many of the perennials.
The clematis particularly shone. The vegetables did well too. With a
sudden freeze in early spring, the fruit trees struggled. As did the
wisteria. The meadow was a large part of my focus but I dropped the
ball a few times in staying on top of the weeding and watering so the
new, young additions could thrive. Life happens. I will do better
next year.
Through the year, as
I wrestled with matters unfolding on the national and global stages,
the garden has provided purpose and practice. When events seemed
intolerable, incendiary, confusing or conflicted, the garden
presented me with opportunity to take immediate action and make
something better in my little world. It reminds me to stay positive.
That the sun will always emerge through the dark. The seed will
become a flower.
While I alone cannot
bring the world to calm down, I am in a position to create something
beautiful and nurturing to give respite to myself and all others who
come my way. Every garden has this transformative capability. It
stands to reason that now more than ever, we need our gardens and
parks.
For me personally, gardening has kept me sane, balanced. Be it a single pot, a window-box, a collection of African violets in a stand indoors or, a garden of any size, the very act of tending to plants will make you feel better. I promise.
Note: The ‘Colors Of Fall ‘ art show is on for two more weeks!Do please visit.
This week, I give you just two images to focus on. One is a photograph and the other a watercolor I did. Immerse yourself in them.Take deep breaths, allow the mind and body to relax. Let nature calm and comfort you.
