I don’t care what anybody says, summer is still three weeks from
being over. There’s plenty of time to sip and savor. Sunsets to
watch, fruits and vegetables to pick and eat fresh, siestas to take
in the hammock, barefoot morning strolls around the dew-drenched
garden, al fresco meals to be had … summer is a state of mind.
Having recently returned from a trip overseas, I did go through a
bout of whipping the garden into some order. Nothing drastic. Just to
have it look sufficiently fetching and looked after. Apart from the
ongoing tasks of weeding and watering, this is the window to loll
about before the fall frenzy begins.
While others are in the back-to-school mode and getting their own
schedules and agendas in order, I take this opportunity to extend my
summer bliss. There are still books to be read and friends to catch
up with.
Certainly, the signs of fall are there. The sun sets earlier, leaves
are slowly turning, apples are beginning to blush and there is that
barest hint of cooler days approaching. All of that notwithstanding,
I see the turtleheads coming into full bloom, the Joe Pyes are abuzz
and aflutter with pollinators, the phlox is saturating the garden in
perfume, the cardinal flowers are beacons for hummingbirds and there
are yet tomatoes ripening on the vine for summer salads and
sandwiches.
For now, I leave you with my stubborn hold on summer –
Water
is in the news quite a bit these days.
Too little or none at all. Too much, too soon is just as bad.
Certainly this is predicted to be the biggest, most critical problem
we will have to resolve in
the not too distant future.
Water will direct the next mass migrations of humans as they are
forced to adapt to the changing weather patterns – a result of both
natural and man-made acts. As a global community we will have to
decide right now how we will deal with shifting populations/refugees,
how we grow our food, utilize energy, reprogram our use of
water and indeed our entire way of living. While government agencies
and related organizations grapple with the big picture, if one has
not personally begun taking steps towards this impending crisis, it
is now time to start.
As of this minute. I’m not being an alarmist – the snooze button
to that alarm has been hit way too often already.
I’m
writing this during
a ten day stay in monsoon swamped Mumbai. It is wet, warm and muggy.
The air feels spongy even when it isn’t raining. The dampness
pervades everywhere.
Without air-conditioning to lower the humidity, I’d be hard pressed
to be comfortable and sleep would be impossible. This has been a
particularly heavy monsoon season.
Despite so much rain, the city is still aware of the undependable nature of its water supply. It has signs all over asking her citizens to conserve, avoid waste and respect this life giving Adam’s Ale. And that got me wondering if those signs have any real impact on the mass. Does one read and/or pay attention to such ‘nudges’? As one drives through the generally thick traffic, is the mind even open to receiving any such advice? It then occurred to me that it was because of the stop and start, slow moving, thick traffic snaking along that I was able to notice the signs and ponder them. A seed, so to speak, had been sown. I can only imagine that a daily dose of ‘Don’t Waste Water’, ‘No Water, No Life’ will percolate into one’s conscience and guide the mind to the judicious use of water. Not a bad idea to have those signs put up after all. They certainly cannot hurt.
In
my own garden back home, I’ve long collected rainwater to water
parts of the garden. Particularly pots. To ensure that the plants do
not get parched when we’re away or otherwise distracted, we have
also rigged up a drip-system to routinely water the pots as some of
the plants require a consistent supply. The mechanism is attached to
a moisture sensor so that it will not release water if it has rained
or is raining. That
way, no water is unduly wasted.
Water
from cooking eggs, boiling vegetables etc is also collected for
watering. Often the boiling hot water is poured directly
over
the weeds trying to make their way through brick or flagstone paths.
Kills the weeds
effectively.
Still,
in a particularly dry period when rain is scarce, there are areas in
the garden that need a healthy
splash. Thus far, it’s been okay but I worry that the time when
watering our gardens whenever we see a need is coming to a close.
There will be a need to shift to plants that do better in semi-dry or
arid conditions. Fussy plants will have to be phased out.
It
feels a
bit
sad. But, we gardeners are a resilient species. We will adapt.
Indeed, we can lead the way. I for one have resolved to source
interesting/beautiful native
plants that do well under dry conditions and start introducing them
into the garden. The process will be deliberate,
mindful and
with any luck, enjoyable. Learning is growth.
Postscript: Of the many drinks I have consumed in the many places I’ve stopped at ( fancy as well as hole-in-the-wall joints), I have not seen a single plastic straw. The only straws I’ve been served have been compostable. Often, they are elegant, colorful, sturdily constructed paper. This is what progress looks like.
Note: There’s still time to see the Inside Small art show!
Heads Up! The second annual Untermyer Symposium is scheduled for Saturday, October 19. Mark your calendars. I will be moderating the panel discussion. Stay tuned for more details.
Some images from Mumbai –
Plants for sale!Decorative designs using flower petals, whole flowers and leaves,
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!
July is coming to a close and what a month it has been in the garden. Hot, messy and erratic. That poem by Pasternak describes it so well.
Dictated by the
weather, I’ve been negligent of my garden duties. It’s just
really hard to get outside and work when merely standing still brings
on the sweat and sends out irresistible invites to all the biting
bugs near and far. Consequently, the chores get done in fits and
starts, bits and pieces. A little weeding here, some deadheading
there. The automatic watering system set up for the pots broke down
and needed fixing – mercifully, the preceding days had been wet so
the plants were relatively unharmed.
The heat wave put
paid to the plants in the pots on the wall on the side terrace.
Despite the daily watering, they simply could not take those high
temperatures. I’ve decided to empty out the pots and not replant.
With a very busy August schedule coming up, it’s time to simplify
matters somewhat.
They say this June
was the hottest one in recent history and July is turning out to
match it. Who knows what August will do.
Sunflowers have
appeared as happy surprises in one of the large bay standard pots. A
lone sunflower grew in the vertical garden. I’d stopped planting
lilies a few years ago because I lost the battle with the red lily
beetles. Well, as though waking up after a long slumber, a couple of
lily plants re-emerged this summer. Their leaves are ugly and chewed
up but the flowers look fine and are busy perfuming the front garden.
The garden might
look a bit unruly but it is fragrance heaven. Lilies in front soon to
be followed by phlox, gardenias and orange-blossoms on the side and
jasmine in the back. Heaven.
The meadow has been in serious need of attention. First, the jewelweed took advantage of my apathy and spread itself all over. Once they were deliberately reduced to more manageable numbers, a nettle of the sting-less variety moved in with a vengeance. It needs to be completely and ruthlessly removed all together. It’s been a real task trying to help the many new plants planted in late spring establish themselves. Fingers crossed …
The
hydrangea are in bloom – they provide much needed color in the
meadow right now. Elsewhere, the Echinacea
in their brightness are drawing the pollinators. I
really ought to plant more of these stalwarts and get rid of the
fussy, finicky members of the
garden. With harsh weather
becoming the new normal, it behooves a gardener to rethink the
plantings.
Tomato
season has begun. We’re enjoying the golden cherry tomatoes and
savoring the bigger varieties as they ripen. At this stage, each
fruit is precious. Soon, there will be a glut and we’ll take them
for granted as we make soups,
salads and sauces.
It’s so easy to obsess over the disheveled state of the garden, complain about the heat in July. But, looking around, amidst the green jungle, I see heroic flowers splashing color and fragrance all over. The herbs, leafy greens and, early tomatoes grace our meals. Ripening grapes and pears hold the promise of an autumn harvest. The asters are coming up strong for a good showing to close out the summer.
Under stressful circumstances, the garden is working hard to deliver. I must move to do the same.
Note:Consider yourself invited –
My July garden –
Lilies. Note the hole-riddled leaves. EchinaceaLate blooming clematisPearsFigsJasmineThe vertical garden with renegade sunflowerSunflower surpriseAgapanthusThe meadow before the serious weeding happened.TomatoesA harvest
Humans have always known the
importance of being connected
to the natural world. Not simply for the obvious – food, shelter (
caves, construction materials), fuel and, medicine. We are inherently
aware that there is a deeper, spiritual relationship between us and
the plant kingdom. From using flowers/plants to mark every
significant event in our lives, returning our spent bodies to the
embrace of the earth, to adorning and anointing ourselves with
flowers, leaves, bark and roots for their perfume, cosmetic
properties in a bid to enhance our looks, the horticultural world is
intrinsic to our human-ness.
There is a plethora of anecdotal and
scientific evidence to support the positive effect of time spent
outdoors. Garden therapy is an accepted and valued method to heal all
sorts of human conditions – physical
and mental. Be it a stroll in the park, a hike in the woods,
puttering in the garden or just sitting quietly amidst some
greenery, a positive effect is palpably
felt. Lifting ones mood,
being physically energized after a stint out in nature is something
every one of us can relate to. Gardening
is empowering. To create something useful and beautiful is
transforming. There is even a
‘Gardens Without Borders’ effort to help refugees in camps and
war zones cope with their
circumstances. That’s plant
power.
Humans generally go about assuming
their position at the very top of the living world. I’m not certain
how we got to possess such hubris because in my experience, nothing
is more humbling than observing
nature closely as one does in
gardening. Before one assumes what we do outsideis the principal effector,
consider the plant community itself. What do we truly know about the
kingdom of plants?
We have generally assessed plants
from a very human perspective – how do they serve us? We regard
plants as being there for our specific purposes. And we are in
charge. Their very separation
from us and all animals to a kingdom of their own shows how we think
about plants. They are totally unlike us. But, are they really?
This past Saturday, I attended two
highly interesting talks/panel discussions. Both were events made
possible by the World Science Festival. The WSF takes place at this
time of year in New York City – five days chock full of talks and
discussions on all sorts of scientific topics. Leading scientists
from different parts of the world participate in these talks and
enlighten auditoriums packed with people
thirsting for answers and understanding the issues currently
affecting our lives. From cancer research to cosmic riddles to
climate change to contemplating the cerebrum as we know it. I’ve
been going to the WSF since it began about 11 years ago. I get
positively giddy with excitement going through the line-up of talks
and making my choices for the ones I’m most eager to attend.
This year, I chose two events that
were so closely related that I believe they should’ve been proposed
as a double feature. ‘Rethinking Thinking’ and
‘ Intelligence Without Brain’ were
my picks. Both were so interesting and certainly enlightening. The
take home is having a brain
and neurons is only one way
to think and navigating
life. And humans are not special at all
– we are just one form of life. Given my own background in
molecular biology, this was not surprising or hard to accept.
It was fascinating
to learn that even stuff like fungi and slime mold are capable
of communication,
problem solving and decision making.
More so than one can imagine. In
the animal kingdom, there is’ intelligence’
that parallels humans –
only in ways more suited to their own genus and/or species.
And when it comes to plants, they do so much more than we ever
thought possible!
In recent years, we have learned
that plants communicate by sending out chemical messages to warn,
commiserate about disease and other life conditions. On Saturday, I
found out that they make sounds via their roots! They have
voices. At this time, we don’t
know the how
or why. It’s
possible they can ‘talk’
above ground as well – we just don’t know how to test/hear them.
Yet. Cogitate
on that.
Going further, there is now data that plants can reason and remember. Yes, that’s right. This is all cutting edge scientific research and terribly thrilling. I won’t go into details and you don’t have to take my word for it as all the talks can be accessed at worldsciencefestival.com
So, circling back to my original commentary about how we are healed and invigorated by just being in the presence of plants. Perhaps, plants ‘silently’ comfort and/or treat our wounded selves in ways we are yet to determine or measure. They have after all been around so much longer than we humans and get this – the plant kingdom is 99% of all living forms found on earth. Surely then, it stands to reason that they know more than us. Stay tuned!
Here are some feel good images from the garden. Enjoy –
“A change in the weather is sufficient to recreate the world and ourselves.” Marcel Proust
Ah, Open Day has come and gone leaving me with a sense of relief, well-being and satisfaction. The weather was perfect. After three straight years of cold, wind and rain on Open Day, this exquisite day was well overdue.
The sun shone bright, the air was dry, the temperature was ideal – not hot, not cold, a gentle breeze prevailed and the garden was filled with the buzz, tweets and hums of bees, birds and butterflies. The flowers rose to the occasion and shone bright and beautiful. I could not have asked for any better.
It is almost impossible not to respond positively to weather such as that. There is an imperceptible yet powerful shift in one’s mood and outlook. For myself, it felt as though a new energy had moved into my body. Being outside in the garden felt so right. There was no other place to be. No bugs biting, no jackets weighing me down, no sweat to wipe off and, best of all, no chores to do. This was as good as it gets.
It was the perfect weather to share the garden. And the garden looked its best despite the cold and rain it had endured thus far this spring. Several plants were lagging in their bloom time but the others stepped up admirably. Every visitor arrived with happy spirits and curious minds. Of the 100 or so visitors, I did not encounter a single person with the slightest hint of negativity.
As much as I love sharing my garden, I adore meeting other gardeners and garden lovers. I learn so much. This time, I picked up on a new-for-me nursery to check out, a few gardens I must visit, a book to add to my summer reading, enjoyed several good laughs, received feedback on my own garden and made new partners in horticultural-crime. At the end of the day, I was so much the richer – in heart and head.
Under such ideal conditions, it was inevitable that the best conversations ensued, strangers became friends, and for the one brief day, all was well with the world. Marcel Proust was so right.
A heartfelt thank you to all who made this Open Day a resounding success. Visitors, volunteers, friends and family – nothing is possible without you.
Note: Here are lots of photos for all those of you who failed to show up!
two of the best volunteers/friends – Barbara and Pam
My Auricula Theater
So, the gentleman on the right came from Belgium. What’s your excuse California?!
The wall right now
With the Mickels – godparents to my vertical garden
My garden’s Open Day is thisSaturday, May 18. I’m hard at work primping and propping the garden to get it looking it’s best for you. So, cancel everything else and come on over. I’d love to see you here!
I was in Evanston, Illinois this past weekend and even though part of that time it was cold and wet, I was struck by how much horticultural effort is put into making the heart of the city look attractive. Tulips waved madly in bright colors on traffic islands, pocket parks and around trees along the streets. So cheery and seasonal. And very easy to do. I’m eager to see what the next plantings of annuals will be.
But beyond the show of annuals, I observed that there is a thoughtful approach to infusing seasonal color and fragrance in the landscape through the use of perennials. A small park dividing a busy road, is bordered with hedges of viburnum. I smelled the park before I noticed it! The viburnums were in full bloom and the fragrance wafted far and wide. Pure heaven. As though reminding pedestrians to pause a moment and refresh the spirit – be present. What a lovely idea. Flower beds within the park abounded in tulips but there were many perennials emerging through. Three benches and a single sculpture completed this perfect oasis.
Swathes of Virginia bluebells carpeted several other green spaces for the public to enjoy and under many hedges I noticed abundant lily-of-the-valley leaves unfurling in readiness for the sweet bells of white to perfume the days ahead – subliminally cheering the outlooks of passers-by.
I had hoped to visit Millennial Park in Chicago and take in the plantings but my schedule did not permit it. Instead, I got to experience the glorious efforts of a much smaller city that could match its big neighbor handily. My well is full.
Note : Enjoy some images of plantings in Evanston. I look forward to seeing you in my garden this Saturday!
Depending on which device you are reading this, some images appear on their side. I have no idea how to fix it. My apologies! Also, the pocket park appears expansive in the photos – it isn’t in reality!
Gnomes. Makes you recall those all too familiar, garishly painted figures with pointy hats right? While these spirit creatures hark back to the 17th century and earlier, their presence today is viewed as somewhat naive and old-fashioned. Like gazing balls, they recall earlier times and are not commonly seen in today’s gardens. Truth be told, I myself have never been taken by them.
That is, until I recently came upon a modern take on gnomes at the Sullivan galleries in Chicago where highly talented, emerging ceramist August Brosnahan was debuting his gnome collection. And the creatures were getting a lot of attention and interest. Here is how Brosnahan describes his work –
“I am interested in human interactions with objects and how objects help us relate to the world around us. Whether it be the handle of a mug or the facial expression on a figurative sculpture, these objects have unsaid and sometimes unnoticed methods of guiding us through spaces. Humans spend a tremendous amount of time interacting with clay and ceramic objects. I believe that humans have deep-seated connections with ceramics, more so than other materials, due to the rich history we share with clay. This mindset is central to the form and presentation of my work as I create intimate connections between viewers and the object.
Another element that is central to my practice is my love for walking. I have recently distanced myself from the white-walled gallery as I spend hours in forests and fields. A notable example of this is my ongoing series, “Gnomes.” I create small personified objects that preferably exist in an outdoor setting. Multiples of these objects create a community that viewers can interact with by walking through the same space that the gnomes exist in. I activate the space that the viewer is standing in rather than a space that the viewer is looking at. With my work I hope to re-invigorate the overlooked spaces of our day-to-day lives.”
I have long championed sculpture in the garden. Art in an outdoor space adds a new dimension and there is a shift in context that enriches the experience as opposed to seeing the same sculpture indoors. At this particular art show, I could clearly imagine how they might transform a garden or park. My curiosity to actually see that happen led to inviting the artist to show some of his work at my garden on Open Day.
So, five pieces were carefully packed and shipped to New York. I worked with Brosnahan on siting the gnomes in the garden and I’m really excited to share them with visitors on May 18th.
Meant for outdoor spaces, the seemingly whimsical pieces urge the viewer to consider the dynamics between all the elements in a space. The ceramic gnomes make one aware that there is an energy and presence beyond that which we can physically see or feel. They appear to blend into the background and yet, manage to surprise and be noticed. These sculptures maintain continuity in the human history of personifying natural and designed spaces. The impact is subtle and fresh. A modern twist to an old tradition.
Several weeks ago, I hinted that I was working on a new project in the garden – just for Open Day. This is it! I look forward to introducing you to the gnomes. See you in the garden on May 18.
Almost overnight there’s been an explosion of blooms in these parts. The forsythia are having their spectacular moment with the magnolias keeping up rather impressively. And oh! the cherry blossoms! Taking the back roads to get around might be slow but the views of what’s doing in the countryside and private gardens are so worth it. I’m now about two inches taller from pausing to crane my neck to see more of what’s blooming over walls and fences. Undoubtedly, my car’s license number has been noted as it crawled suspiciously and even halted in front of some very grand homes with majestic gates and grounds. It must’ve looked like I was casing the neighborhood. I did stop short of taking photos lest they called the cops. All those gorgeous sights are now only in my head. Sigh.
About forsythia – in my humble opinion, they should never be neatly trimmed. They look their best when the sprays of flowers are naturally free and artistically unruly. The bohemians of the season.
Back in my own Eden, the hellebores continue to shine. The meadow is beginning to come alive with the minor bulbs. The snowdrops are fading but the scillas, crocuses and hyacinthoides are gently taking over. Early daffodils are in bloom and that shot of gold through the landscape is pure joy. Each day brings new bounty.
The freshly planted pansies have the sweetest faces – one cannot help but smile in response. In short order the primroses will be vying for attention. I’m also anticipating a blue-ing in the meadow – grape hyacinths, forget-me-nots, ajuga, iris reticulata … with white violas, and yellow daffodils and dandelions as counterpoint. That’s right, I said dandelions – they are not weeds in my meadow. Instead, they not only look like diminutive suns but they are some of the earliest sources of nectar for hummingbirds. So, get over your bias people!
Last Saturday was unseasonably mild and by Sunday, all sorts of plants had greened up and flowers popped open. It’s lovely to be given this chance to closely examine the beauties – all too soon, there will be such a profusion that it’ll be hard to keep up with the chores and linger around gazing at the blooms.
For now, I’m happily basking in the glow of early spring. With an occasional mojito in hand. Simple pleasures.
