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?
Yeah, it’s not what you think. Get your mind back into the garden!
Winter has arrived – a little too early. Fall is not
quite done! On Halloween night, the temperature was in the low
70’s and by the following night, we had a hard frost.
With the tender perennials already ensconced in the greenhouse, I
wasn’t too worried about the sudden cold. However, the greenhouse
heater is being cantankerous and is yet to kick in. The engineer in
residence needs to get it working soon. Or else.
The great bulb cover-upping happened on Sunday. All 700 plus bulbs.
With snow expected on Thursday, I didn’t want to take the risk of
doing the project in stages. It’s all done now. The assortment of
little brown packages are now under their winter blankets of earth
and mulch. In my mind’s eye I can see them in splendiferous bloom.
Spring cannot come soon enough. Wait, I take that back. Given how
erratic the weather/seasons have been, I’m willing to be patient
and wait till the appropriate time for spring.
The fallen leaves in the meadow are let to remain to give some cover
to the plants and also enrich the soil subsequently. This area does
not receive any additional fertilizer so Mother Nature’s
free-falling bounty is the one we depend upon. Similarly, other
shrubs and all the roses are provided a pile of leaves at their feet
to keep cozy. In time, the roses will also acquire a windbreak of
burlap for additional protection.
The large pots that stay outdoors all through the year are shielded
in the winter. First, they get fully concealed in plastic and then
given a more aesthetic looking wrapping of burlap. Throughout the
winter they look like big packages left by some careless delivery
person.
The perennials have been cut back and it always makes me a bit sad to
see the garden so bare. Despite the lingering colors of autumn, the
long, dark days of winter loom ahead.
To combat the seasonal sadness, I’ve started setting aside all those gardening magazines I hadn’t got around to reading in the busy months. Soon, the seed and plant catalogs will begin to arrive and they too will join the pile. Since October, the refrigerator has been cooling bulbs for forcing – they’re sure to cheer up January and February nicely. For now, paperwhites are coming up and I’m counting on them to pretty up Thanksgiving. Firewood has been stacked, fresh candles placed in the candlesticks, snuggly blankets rest temptingly on all the couches, jars of pesto, tomato sauce and jellies await impromptu gatherings for board-games and Charades, the list of shows to binge watch is on hand as are novels picked up throughout the year. Winter is suddenly looking mighty attractive.
Note: Be sure to look at the list of garden tasks for November.
The ‘Colors Of Fall’ art show is on till the end of this month. Do visit!
Getting ready for bulb planting.Rain barrel upturned and left to empty itself before being put awayFerns from the vertical garden take up residence in the vegetable bed for winter. They too will be covered with a blanket of burlap shortly.The perennial beds all cut back, bulbs planted and awaiting a layer of mulch.Fall color still going strong
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.
Fall in the garden is such a time of contradiction. It is as much
about endings as it is about beginnings. Hope and despair. Plants are
in senescence or going into dormancy – but they do so with panache.
The colors of autumn are unparalleled.
The gardening season is coming to a close – the frenzied activity
is winding down. Outdoor furnishings are getting put away and the
retreat to the indoors has become final.
Yet, this is the time to look ahead, plan for the future. New trees
are planted. Perennials are divided and replanted for fuller or new
beds and borders next year. Hundreds of bulbs are planted with the
intent to make a brighter, more beautiful spring. Fallen leaves are
gathered to make new mulch to enrich the soil in times ahead. The
spent plants pulled up and tossed return as compost to feed the
garden a few seasons later.
It’s a time of farewells so we can we say hello again.
Last weekend, the big cut back and clearing commenced in my garden. I
always feel a bit sad at this time as I recall the the joy of the
spring and summer just passed. The high expectations with which I
greeted the new growth. The celebrations held amidst the beauty of
the garden. The bounty that graced the table. Sweet memories were
made. It feels bittersweet.
But very quickly, with a sense of deep gratitude, I’m planning
madly for the next year. In the myriad bulbs I plant and the new
plants I select to add to the perennial beds. The fresh resolve to be
more dutiful in my care and stewardship, stay on top of chores and
make even more time to simply enjoy the garden. Already, I’m giddy
with anticipation.
That’s the very heart and soul of the garden – it unfailingly provides us with so many life lessons. To stay optimistic, take chances, own failures, be responsible, work is its own reward, forgiveness is important and so much more. But right at this moment, the big take home is this – we get yet another chance to do better next year. Everybody deserves that.
Note: I have two paintings in the ‘Colors Of Fall’ art show at the Blue Door Gallery. You are invited!
The
fall clean-up is underway. It always feels a little bit too early
because the garden still looks as though it is not fully done with
the season. Like a popular party girl reluctant to call it a night –
hair now sexily disheveled, clothes sorta fetchingly rumpled, looking
a bit tired but still enthusiastic and frankly, should be heading for
bed before she embarrasses herself and passes out. I hold back on the
drastic chop-down for as long as the weather will permit.
As
much as I think it is nice to leave a good portion alone for winter
visual interest and food for birds, I’ve found it to be a bit
impractical. For access to plant the hundreds of bulbs amidst all the
perennials, there needs to be serious cut back and clean up.
Experience has shown that whatever is let to remain invariably gets
smothered with the first snowfall.
At
the end of it all, I’m left to bring everything to order in a hurry
as the garden must get ready for Open Day in spring. It’s
invariably a short window for planting and gussying up. Compelled to
wait for the snow to melt, means the ground is too mushy and there’s
danger of trampling over emerging growth. Besides, so much else needs
doing and time is at a premium.
I
do leave some ornamental grasses untouched just to ease my mind. In
reality, the shrubs and trees around the property provide the birds
with adequate shelter and whatever they enjoy foraging. The woods in
the back are certainly a winter resort for all critters. The bird
feeder merely supplements their diet. That
is to say, the birds are well provided.
Visual
interest in winter
is actually provided by other elements in the garden. In the front,
the perennial beds might be bare but the espalier owns the focus. Its
geometrical design looks good throughout and a dusting of snow
highlights it beautifully. The shadows that hit the ground in the low
winter light is so extra – ephemeral art.
In
the back, the grid design of the potager/herb garden looks fine at
all times but it really steps up its game in the snow – especially
as it is viewed from the house at a height. Ditto the checkerboard
garden.
And
in the meadow – this is a hub of avian layovers and flight paths.
At any given time, there is some sort of activity going on – one
just needs to slow down and watch.
The
sculpture ‘Wind Song’ is a major presence all through the year
but once the meadow has been given its annual clean up, it literally
shines. The reflections and
scattering of the sunlight
and the shadows it casts make it a quiet performance art. I should
have a camera set up to capture it throughout the cold months. Hmmm,
this year, maybe I will.
Despite popular advice to keep plants untouched, I’m really quite comfortable to do the big clean-up in fall. There’s enough left in the garden for both birds and gardener to pass the winter peacefully. And, when springs comes around, I have a bit of a head start.
Last Sunday was all gardening. I already feel like I’m
racing against the clock. The focus was on getting the pots of tender
perennials and tropicals into the greenhouse. It’s a process.
First, after the tomato plants are evicted, the greenhouse has to be
cleaned thoroughly. Inside and outside. Then, once the glass panels
are dry, the insulating sheets of clear bubble-wrap must be put up.
Lastly, all the winter occupants are made ready for their move
indoors.
Any weeds that have crept in are removed from the pots. Yellowing or unhealthy looking leaves and stems are removed. Plants such as boxwood, bay and myrtle must be given a proper trim. Finally, the plants and pots are ‘power-sprayed’ with water to wash off all dirt and any critters hiding around. Then, and only then, are they brought into the greenhouse. Doing everything possible to keep pests and disease away is critical.
Since space is at a premium and there must be good air circulation
around the plants, there is a priority system. There are first class
and second class residents. The citrus, bays, boxwoods, myrtles,
hibiscus, agapanthus, rosemary, thymes and auriculas are first class.
All the fancy leaved and scented geraniums as well as other herbs are
second class – while I adore them, they are not as precious and can
be easily replaced. So, what cannot be accommodated in the greenhouse
will either be given an alternate place to spend the winter or handed
off to willing recipients. C’est la vie.
This is an all day endeavor and how my body feels the next day proves
it is more physical than it sounds. Hauling the big pots in is the
hardest and for this, help arrived in the form of nephews. Young and
strong, they were an enormous help. Twenty years ago, the task was
done by just my husband and myself. Now, we dare not risk our backs
by being foolhardy. Sigh. It’s not easy coming to terms with the
reality of aging. After all, in my head I’m still twenty-five.
With the precious plants safely under cover, the attention is now on
cleaning up, raking leaves, depositing the annuals on the compost
pile, cutting back and such. The bulbs ordered with much hope and
ambition in July have arrived. They will go in by the first week of
November. I can’t wait to have all 700+ planted – my muscles are
already cringing in fear of the aftermath. By that point, winter
cannot come too soon. The very thought of rest is pure heaven.
Note: The Untermyer Symposium is on Saturday October 19. Should be quite informative, inspiring and, interesting. Get your tickets now!
Paperwhites coming alongThe wall.Getting the greenhouse insulatedAble bodied helpers“Power-washing”Herbs to dryThe last of the tomatoes. Green tomato cobbler on the menu!
October. Time to get busy in the garden. Even though temperatures are
higher than usual and it feels so glorious, I know that failing to
get cracking on the chores will only have me full of regrets should a
sudden frost arrive or worse, snow. Best not to take any
chances.
The Things To Do page provides a monthly list of garden tasks and I hope it is useful. However, being human, one forgets to check in a timely fashion. So, I thought I’d start giving a reminder at the start of each month. For this month, I’m providing the whole list below just so you can see that October demands a lot.
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 planted as well.
3. Cut back all spent plants except what is needed for seasonal
interest.
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 once soil temperature gets down to 55 degrees right up to the
time the soil freezes solid.
8. Rake leaves. Add to compost pile or deposit in woods.
9. Give 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!
13. Lift tender bulbs, corms and tubers. Store in dry, frost-free
place.
14. Drain and close all outdoor water faucets. Empty rain barrel
and hoses. Store.
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.
Sincere gardeners never stop learning. On the 19th of this month, the Untermyer symposium is sure to instruct us all. Do sign up for it. While the topic is on restoring historic gardens, there will surely be plenty of ideas and advice to be picked up for ones own garden.
“Join us for a symposium on different approaches to historic
garden restoration. Suzanne Clary,
President of the Jay Heritage Center, Howard Zar,
Executive Director of Lyndhurst, and Timothy Tilghman,
Head Gardener of Untermyer Gardens, will share their experiences in
restoring great New York gardens and landscapes. A pictorial
introduction to each garden will be followed by a discussion
moderated by well-known garden blogger Shobha Vanchiswar
and a tour of Untermyer Gardens by Timothy Tilghman.”
