Capricious April

Posted on April 15, 2025 by shobha

April continues to test and tease. Days of sun and sparkle vanquished by spells of gray clouds expelling chilling rain and most recently, covering the garden in a light blanket of snow. It’s particularly frustrating for this gardener who is hurrying to get the garden ready for Open Da y.

Like the postal service, I’ve persevered and have been making steady progress despite the vagaries of the weather. There are so many varied tasks that it’s been fun in spontaneously deciding what gets done after checking the daily forecast. Summer bulbs and a new peony got planted in the rain. As did the replenishing of river rocks under the espalier fence of fruit trees. Over time, the stones shift, settle in deep or break up and expose bare earth. Every 8 to 10 years a topping off is required to maintain the pleasing aesthetics whilst thwarting weeds from taking up residence.

On really cold days, I’ve whiled away hours in the greenhouse trimming and cleaning up pots and plants that are showing winter fatigue. Spending a whole season cooped up in rather cramped quarters can quite understandably take a toll on anyone’s appearance. The whole lot of plants will get moved out later this week and take up their rightful garden positions till the Fall.

Taking advantage of the promised sunshine and comfortable temperatures this week, I expect to make a trip to my local family-owned nursery to get the annuals for window-boxes and urns. Just in time for the holiday weekend.

Despite all the fluctuations in temperature, each day brings exponential growth and more plants bursting into bloom. How I love these days of spring! The long held anticipation giving way to the sheer exuberance of both color and beauty is what gets me through the dark months of winter. I’m determined to savor every one of these precious days. My hardworking garden deserves no less.

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Recap, Review, Recharge

Posted on April 8, 2025 by shobha

Lyndhurst In Bloom has come and gone. Weeks of plotting and planning reduced to a short 2 day event. Was it worth it? Absolutely!

I was very gratified to see my vision realized perfectly. It came together exactly as I had intended. The feedback has been wonderful – better than I had dared to hoped. All in all, a great experience.

Each of the other installations were inspirational. So different and yet, they all seemed to relate to each other. That’s serendipity. Bonus – some exciting new professional as well as personal friendships forged.

I am taking the time this week to review and savor the entire experience. Acknowledging the work, the stretching of skills and, creative energy that was involved is important. No less important is the support received from family, friends and the folks at Lyndhurst ( specifically the inimitable Emma Gencarelli who puts together this huge undertakng) who gave me the opportunity in the first place.

Some garden work did get done too! The very large pots were brought out and they will be potted up soon. A bit of weeding – yes, that is best started as early as possible. It appears that weeds possess an inexplicable advantage – they get going before almost all other plants. There’s a research project awaiting some out-of-the-box thinking graduate student of botany.

I’m eager to get more time in the garden – it’s just about a month to Open Day. No time to waste! This week, I intend to plant summer bulbs, get the vertical garden going, bring out the more hardy plants out of the greenhouse, start leafy greens seeds and keep going with weed patrol.

Now, allow me to share some footage from my Lyndhurst In Bloom 2025 installation – I was unable to add the video so please imagine the field recordings of birdsong as well as the amazing fragrance!

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April Anticipation

Posted on April 1, 2025 by shobha

April has started out correctly -with showers. May flowers are duly anticipated. But looking around, there is clearly all the hallmarks of expectancy everywhere. Buds slowly loosening up to reveal tiny glimpses of promised color, what sounds like birds going about their business includes songs of partnerships being forged and future possibilities, signs of dormancy being broken as the soil gives way to emerging growth anticipating the return of light and warmth.

With the prospect of lush blooms, I, as gardener have peony rings set in place. The birdhouses have been cleaned and await new or returning families. The very act of gardening is all about anticipation and it is this month especially that underscores that.

With that in mind, here is the To-Do list for April:

Things To Do In April

1. Time to restart the compost pile! Give it a good stir and add fresh compostables. If you don’t have a composter, please do make or buy one.

2. Clean up all winter debris.

3. Can you believe weed patrol begins now? Be regular about it and you will always be on top of this chore.

4. Seedlings started indoors can be planted out once the soil has warmed up and has been well prepared for planting. Stay vigilant for spells of late frost. Keep cloches and fleece covers at hand.

5. Attend to the lawn. De- thatch, aerate, reseed and finally, fertilize with a good layer of compost.

6. Similarly, feed trees, shrubs and all garden beds with compost.

7. Remove burlap and other protection from plants and pots.

8. Divide overgrown perennials.

9. Plant summer-flowering bulbs.

10. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased stems/branches from roses, other shrubs and trees.

11. Start using an organic control to put off slugs and snails.

12. Put out nesting material such as wool, moss, cotton string, shredded paper, small twigs, feathers and hay for the birds. No synthetic materials please!

13. Uncover the outdoor furniture and give them a good cleaning. Now you’re prepared for the first truly warm day!

14. Plant or move evergreen shrubs and conifers.

15. Take the time to revel in the beauty of the bulbs in bloom.

P.S. Last call to get your tickets to Lyndhurst In Bloom ! It’s this coming weekend April 5 & 6.

In my garden today –

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Marching To April

Posted on March 25, 2025 by shobha

For various reasons, March has been a very busy month. So I’m somewhat surprised that it’s coming to an end in a week. Open Day is just 7 weeks away! Marathon gardening here I come!

So much in gardening is determined by weather. Therefore, I shall commence by beseeching the weather gods to look kindly upon my little piece of Paradise. Not too cold, not too warm, not too wet, not too dry. And not too windy either. I ask for Goldilocks weather. Please!

For the most part, cut back and clean up is completed. Peony props are in place. I’ve started a few seeds – just some cardinal vine and nasturtium. The former took barely 4 days to germinate. I don’t remember it being so quick last year. Hopefully they can go into the ground in a few weeks. Nursing along seedlings over an extended period is not my strong suit – remembering to pinch back regularly so they don’t get leggy can be tricky.

In a couple of weeks my tiny ‘lawn’ will be aerated and reseeded in order to be the green counterpoint to the anticipated explosion of color in the bordering beds. Numerous other chores await and must be cued up appropriately. 17 years of Open Day prepping has taught me that good organization is everything.

I’m assuming you too have started on your gardening tasks. If not, why ever not?!

With Lyndhurst in Bloom less than 2 weeks away, I’m understandably preoccupied. It’s a bit of a juggling act but honestly, it’s a great problem to have! Creative opportunities are what keep me in high spirits and very agreeable to have around – ask my family. They’ve seen me at my worst.

P.S. Now, don’t let all my efforts go to waste – do come and see my installation at Lyndhurst and visit me on Open Day.

Definitive signs of spring in my garden –

Peony rings in place. The grapevine gives it a more natural appearance.

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Making The Cut

Posted on March 18, 2025 by shobha

My secateurs and shears are seeing a great deal of action. Pruning and cutting back has been the order of the month. From some of the queries received, I thought I’d do a quick pruning refresher.

Make sure all the tools are really sharp and clean. I try to get mine professionally sharpened at the end of the gardening season. A simple rule is to wash and dry them thoroughly before storing them following a task. That way they’re always ready for use. I dip mine in alcohol before getting to work. If I’m working sequentially on different plants, I wipe the secateurs with alcohol after I’m finished with each plant. This helps to control spread of disease/infection.

When pruning or cutting anything, make the cut at a slight angle and just above a leaf bud. This prevents water from sitting on the cut surface.

I do not prune young shrubs or trees. I let them wait a couple of years before subjecting them to the pain of the blade. Growing pains!!

Spring blooming plants (forsythia, lilac, azaleas, rhododendron, redbud, magnolia etc.,) are pruned after flowering is over. Do the task within 2 – 3 weeks after all the buds have finished blooming.

Plants that bloom later in the year are pruned in the fall.

Wherever possible, cut above an outward facing bud. Snip off buds that seem poised to grow inwards as this would create crowding in the middle of the plant.

Cut away any dead or unwell looking branches. Ditto for branches that are rubbing against others.

In late winter, when the plants are bare bones so to speak, is a good time to survey what looks overgrown/shabby and then tidy up the appearance.

Finally, try keeping the shape of the plant in mind – you want your horticultural clients to look like they have a good ‘hairdresser’.

In that same vein, when it comes to trees, think ‘structural pruning’ – maintain the shape that is natural to the tree. Most trees typically have one lead trunk not multiple trunks. Keep that in mind and prune accordingly.

So get going already – time’s a’wasting!

Reminder! Don’t forget to register for the Lyndhurst In Bloom Show and my garden Open Day.

The garden is slowly waking up –

Bird’s eye view of the snowdrops scattered around the meadow

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Quick March!

Posted on March 11, 2025 by shobha

In the blink of an eye it’s distinctly Spring this week. It was freezing all of last week! With temperatures expected to hit 60 degrees today, it feels as though I need to start gardening in a hurry. And I have.

Over the weekend, all the hellebores were relieved of the old leaves giving the emerging young buds room to breathe and grow. On that same vein, the pile of leaves that had been blown by winter winds over peonies and other perennials were removed and added to the compost heap. The fuchsia pink tips of the peonies spearing through the soil twinkled in the sun as if to say ‘at last’!

Perennials left standing were cut back and the Concord grapevine was given its annual pruning. The cut prunings will be used to camouflage the peony cages which will be set up in a few weeks. It is important to place cages, stakes and other supports well ahead of time – makes the work so much easier.

The espaliered fruit trees are also pruned at this time of year. The process was started this past Sun and will continue through the week. Working in sections allows thought to go into making the cuts correctly – form and function being the goal. With the sudden warming, its imperative to get such tasks completed soon before the trees and shrubs leaf out.

Clean up has also begin – every day this week I’ll be focusing on different areas of the garden to pick up winter debris. Winter is a messy season! The added benefit of working through the different parts of the garden is that it allows me to observe the state of that area to see if it needs mulching, what’s coming up and if any pest activity is evident. Apart from twigs, branches, wayward scraps of paper and other garbage blown from who knows where, I’ve thus far picked up three nests. Two look built by Robins and the third is smaller and loosely constructed. By cardinals perhaps?

In getting started with these chores right now, we are provided with the luxury of working mindfully. Accompanied by birdsong and the pleasure of having the sun warm my skin, I’m reminded once again of how much I’m dependent on Nature to keep me healthy and whole. I am a gardener and as such, I am defined by my garden but the garden in no way is defined by me. Nature marches on no matter what. My main task is to step out of her way.

Reminder! Don’t forget to register for the Lyndhurst In Bloom Show and my garden Open Day.

Some Images from my garden right now. I haven’t indicated what exactly is coming up – it’s enough that the garden is waking up!

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Spring Is In The Air

Posted on March 4, 2025 by shobha

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Spring-ness! Today, it is sunny and a very balmy 50 degrees. Early bulbs are stirring. Some are shrugging off their earthy covers to display full clumps of green and others are tentatively spearing through as if to test the conditions before making a full entrance. Kinda like the ways humans wake up. My excitement cannot be contained. I live for this season.
While it’s still too early to go all out into gardening mode, there’s plenty to do this month.

Things To Do In March –

1.Cut some forsythia and pussy willow branches for indoor forcing. Place in water and keep in a cool place until the buds are swollen. Then move them to a location where they can be viewed as the blooms burst forth. A lovely prelude to spring.

2.As snow melts, start clean up process. Twigs and other debris can be removed. Protect the still wet areas of grass and beds by first placing cardboard or wood planks and stepping on those instead. They help distribute the weight better.

3.Later in the month, remove protective burlap and/or plastic wrappings and wind breaks.

4.Get tools sharpened. This includes the mower blades.
5.Commence indoor seed sowing. Begin with the early, cool weather crops. Read seed packet instructions and calculate dates for planting out.

6.Order plants that will be required for the garden as soon as the ground has warmed up. Let your local nursery know your needs – they will inform you know when shipments arrive.

7.As soon as possible, once the snow is all gone and soil has thawed, spread compost on all the beds including the vegetable plot.

8.Finish pruning fruit trees, grape vines and roses early in the month.

9.Take an inventory and stock up on whatever is lacking. Soil, gloves, mulch, tools, ties, string, grass seed, pots, hoses etc.,

10.Survey the garden and see what needs replacing, repairing or painting. Schedule and do the needful.

11.Start bringing out or uncovering outdoor furniture. It’ll soon be time to linger outdoors!

12.Get your tickets for the Lyndhurst In Bloom Flower Show. I guarantee it will get you in a Spring state of mind. So many talented creatives are participating. I can’t wait for you to see my installation!

13.Get the Open Days directory from Garden Conservancy. Mark your calendars and make your reservations to visit beautiful gardens in your area. Come to my Open Day on May 10 between 10 am and 4 pm. I’m looking forward to seeing you!

Note: A few images from my garden right now. As you can see, it very much looks wintery but on closer examination, there are definitive signs of Spring!

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February Feels

Posted on February 4, 2025 by shobha

Ah February! The shortest month but the most temperamental. If you know you know. We’re just 4 days into it and in my corner we’ve had freezing rain, bright sunshine, overcast skies, an inch of snow and at present, temperature in the high 40s. This spike has me eagerly considering the spring garden however, experience is placing her sure hand on my impatience. We are only half way through winter. But, we’re officially in the second half!

Time passes quickly when we’re busy so here’s What To Do this month –

(Much of the items in the January list are applicable too. Do check that list)

Stay on top of effects of snow and storms. Take quick action.
Keep bird feeders full. Whenever possible provide water.
Get garden plans and designs ready.
Check garden supplies. Does the hose need repair or replacing? Is there enough soil, twine, stakes etc.,? Make a list and do what is needed.
Towards the end of the month, prune roses, wisteria, grape vines and fruit trees.
Cut back ivy on walls and fences before birds start nesting. Brightly colored stems of Salix and Cornus should be cut back to about 6 to 10 inches from ground. This will encourage brighter color next spring.
Prepare for seed sowing. Get seed flats clean and ready. Check if there’s enough seed growing medium.
Order seeds. Once seeds arrive, write labels and keep handy. This saves time later when there is so much else to do.
If there is not much snow, cut back old leaves on Hellebores. New growth and flowers will be emerging. Cut back other perennials that were skipped in autumn.
Attend to indoor plants.
The New York Botanical Garden’s annual orchid show opens in March. Do reserve your tickets and go! It’ll banish winter blues and get you motivated.
Mark your calendar –The Lyndhurst In Bloom Flower Show is on April 5 and 6, 2025. Tickets go on sale soon and they sell out fast! Do not miss this event! I’m so excited to be participating again (Servants Dining Room).
Renew ( or join) your membership to the Garden Conservancy. Place your order for the Open Days directory and related coupons. Once you receive it you can start scheduling visits to beautiful gardens near and far. Inspiration is only a garden visit away! Take note – my garden will be open May 10.
Months assigned to celebrate and highlight long marginalized groups are my cue to learn more about people, explore and understand their contributions and achievements. Like any great garden, large or small, America thrives, grows and excels because of diversity. As February is Black History Month, I’m looking forward to getting my hands on the book “In The Shadow of Slavery – Africa’s Botanic Legacy In The AtlanticWorld” By Judith A. Carney and Richard Nicholas Rosomoff.
Then, my friend Jen brought my attention to Belle Da Costa Greene, the American librarian who managed and developed the personal library of J. P. Morgan. She was Black but passed for white which allowed her to earn well and support her family. I’ll be heading to the Morgan Library in NYC for the current exhibit on her. I’ve visited this amazing institution innumerable times and had never known about Belle. Can’t wait to remedy that!

Note: Because of the snow there isn’t much to share from the garden. Instead, here are a few more of my black and white paintings that I’ll be displaying at the Lyndhurst In Bloom Show –

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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.