Enjoy The Show!

Posted on April 21, 2026 by shobha

What a week it has been! Full of readying final plans, fine tuning details, strategizing, hoping fervently for it all to come together, finally installing what until then was all in my head to become a physical reality. Something additional I’d wanted was for my total installation to look simple. I wanted viewers to love what they saw and not be made aware of how much work went into it.

And so, by 4:00 pm Friday April 17, the 2026 Lyndhurst Flower Show was ready for her close-up – the Preview Party that evening. Just enough time for all the artist/designers to get cleaned up, dressed in party clothes and return to see each other’s fabulous creations, meet the first visitors to the show and celebrate a job well done. Over the next 2 days, the mansion hosted over 3,000 visitors . You read that number right!

Over those 2 days, I was nearby at my Seeds Of Design table selling my soft home furnishings – 100% of the money donated to the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) and Doctors Without Borders. Needless to say it was very busy throughout. All for 2 excellent causes.

I am now taking a couple of days off to decompress ( more like debrief myself), tie up loose ends, get paperwork and accounts done and pivot my focus to the garden. Open Day, May 9 is fast approaching!

Enjoy these images from Flower House 2026 –

My installation – Beejal on her magic floral carpet – trumpeting the message about conservation, coexistence and community.

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Showtime(s)!

Posted on April 14, 2026 by shobha

Two big, exciting events happening within 3 weeks of each other. Getting ready for them in parallel is challenging and yet, at the same time, pushes me to get creative. It’s the final stretch for the Lyndhurst Flower House event this weekend – my mind is working overtime fine tuning details, strategizing the sequence of installation and working out the logistics.

I have flower orders scheduled to arrive this Wednesday – fingers crossed they arrive without incident. At present, with so many overseas flights delayed and/or canceled, I am on tenterhooks anticipating my shipment from India. Believe me, I tried my best to source this order within the USA (preferably even locally) but, it proved to be impossible. I am also well over budget ( tariffs anyone?) despite paring down my original design concept to something way simpler. Given all the uncertainty, I have also had to keep a back-up plan in my back pocket.

All of which can be a real buzz kill. However, I refuse to let my high spirits be dampened. Flower House is a joyous event at a joyous time of year. It’s a privilege to participate in it and I absolutely love doing this show. This will be my third year.

At the same time, my garden has been clamoring for due attention. Open Day is fast approaching after all and it is eager to look its best for the fans as well as first time visitors. There is a great deal to be done so it behooves me to go through the long to-do list systematically and without delay. This past weekend was labor intensive. Hauling big pots of bay standards out of the greenhouse to take up position around the garden, but first they needed cleaning up and pruning, we made numerous trips with the wheelbarrow hauling compost from the pile in the woods to various parts of the garden including the very large pots that await the annuals that will arrive from the nurseries very soon, the vertical garden was recommissioned (take my word, it’s a big task), new perennials were planted in assorted beds and, several other smaller tasks got done. Whew!

And so it will be all the way to Open Day. Getting ready for 2 shows at the same time is not easy. The good news is that all the garden tasks need to get done anyway. I just have to do it at a frenetic pace to get ready by May 9. Oh the weeks after will be sweet and slow. Ahhhh!

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Making The Cut

Posted on April 7, 2026 by shobha

Garden work has begun in earnest even though the weather has been waffling. Gorgeous one day, ugly-wet and windy another, suddenly warm enough for shorts and then cold and crisp right after. Makes it necessary to stay flexible enough to pivot from one planned task to another.

I’ve focused mostly on cleaning up and cutting back. Due to all the snow we received in late January and then again in February, winter pruning had to wait till the snow had melted and it was possible to access the trees and shrubs. Falling behind in seasonal tasks never feels good. Miss certain windows and it could mean a poor performance of flowers/fruit. For instance, pruning the espaliered fruit trees demands more than just thinning out and/or shaping it. Ensuring the correct cuts to expose the limbs to sun whilst maintaining the lattice design of the espaliered trees, is imperative and requires additional know-how.

Two weeks ago, the wisteria and hydrangea were pruned. This past week, all the espaliered trees as well as the grape vine were duly attended to. Whew.

With the peonies pushing their maroon noses through the earth, the supports were put into place. Delaying this task is not recommended as the plants grow rapidly and then it can be quite inconvenient to position the supports. The lengthy cuttings from the grapevine were, as always, wound around the peony supports to soften the look. Adds a nice aesthetic.

Now that all the pruning work is done, it’s time to procure plants that make the cut for this year’s planting plans. To that end, I’ve begun visiting my local nursery to check on what’s arrived with each weekly shipment. Heaven forbid I miss out on anything. The folks at the nursery know me as their friendly, harmless stalker-lurker.

The very big pots that stay outside through the winter have been divested of their protective winter-wear – can’t wait to pot them up. Soon, soon!

With gardening juices coursing through my body once again, I’m in my element. Hope you’re feeling just as optimistic I am.

Don’t forget the Lyndhurst Flower Show and my garden Open Day!

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No Fooling April!

Posted on March 31, 2026 by shobha

April begins tomorrow. The first Quarter of 2026 has been rather challenging for certain. At this point, with everything going on in the world, I can’t take any additional foolery. Good humor and fun certainly but nothing else. Let’s just put our best efforts towards creating a better, healthier, sustainable environment for all. Lift each other up with kindness, compassion and empathy. Peace in every which way.

One step in that direction is of course in our gardens. Let’s get cracking!

What 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? Look carefully, some weeds are already emerging! 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. Do give serious consideration to reducing the size of your lawn.

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. Check that the soil is fully thawed first!

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. I’m going to lay a ribbon of copper mesh around the vegetable bed. Fingers crossed!

12. Clean out birdhouses. Wear a mask and gloves when doing so.

123 Put out nesting material such as pure wool, moss, cotton string, shredded paper, small twigs, feathers and hay for the birds.

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

15. Plant or move evergreen shrubs and conifers.

16. Get your tickets to the Lyndhurst Flower House event. Tickets sell out fast so don’t wait. I am participating in it once again – so excited!

17. Similarly, order your copy of the Open Days Directory and reserve tickets for the gardens you want to visit. Better yet, join the Garden Conservancy and the directory comes with membership. My garden is open May 9.

18. Take the time to revel in the beauty of the bulbs and early perennials in bloom. Enjoy the birdsong!

Spring up close –

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Ain’t March Misbehavin?!

Posted on March 24, 2026 by shobha

March is arguably the month that misbehaves the most. We expect it to make up for the cold, harsh days of February and often, it starts off like it will. But then very quickly we learn this month likes to tease us with glimpses of Spring and then sock us with winter by way of steep dips in temperature, freezing rain and numbing winds. March seems to find mirth in our winter weakened condition. It’s not funny March!

I’ve taken advantage of the better days by doing assorted chores. Every little task I get done is one I can tick off on the very long to-do list of Spring chores. So far, I’ve picked up all the litter that was blown around and got buried under the snow. Why can’t folk close their garbage bags/cans securely? It’s quite unpleasant to retrieve used tissues, food wrappers and such.

The debris of fallen twigs and branches, matted leaves and other plant parts have been cleared and tossed on to the compost heap in the woods.

Having taken an inventory of what’s been damaged, needs repairing, replacing, repainting or replanting, work has begun. The mailbox that had been knocked off was put back in place, fence posts straightened, ornamental edgers straightened and aligned, broken pavers replaced. Much else on aforesaid list still remains.

Pruning has begun. The native wisteria and panicle hydrangea were taken care of yesterday. I hope to get to the roses, apple-pear espalier trees and the Concord grape this weekend.

The old leaves of the hellebores were cut away and discarded on the compost pile. It’s such fun to reveal the buds lying beneath. It won’t be long before they lift their heads and unfurl the petals to adorn the garden splendidly.

A task that was meant to get done last year was finally dealt with over this past weekend. I’d learned at a symposium at Untermyer Gardens in the fall of 2024 that a fence comprised of rows of marine grade fishing line between posts was proven to be an effective deer deterrent. I don’t recall which expert on the panel gave us that tip but he was the director of a large public garden. Apparently, the deer are spooked when they come in contact with the near invisible lines and flee. I’m very hopeful that this will prove to be the easy, inexpensive solution to the problem that plagues so many of us. Do give it a try if you are similarly troubled by marauding deer.

The spring window-boxes of daffodils and pansies are up as are several urns and pots around the garden. A witch hazel got planted as well.

The magnolia looks like it got walloped by the winter’s intense cold and enormous amounts of snow. Fingers crossed it will bounce back nicely. Meanwhile, I’ll give it some TLC and let it know that it is cherished and needed.

And just like that, the busy season has begun. Pure joy.

Happy Spring one and all!

Note: I am once again participating in the very popular annual Lyndhurst Flower House in April. Then, my garden is open through the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program in May. Mark your calendars! Get your tickets!

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In Tune With June

Posted on June 3, 2025 by shobha

Right on time the roses, peonies, irises, geraniums, native wisteria and so much else are blooming wildly. Utterly thrilling when things go as anticipated. In these times when the weather is so erratic and flowers are often blooming too early or late, it is particularly nice to see June has arrived and the garden is festooned correctly.

Here’s the What To Do In June list –

1. Weed, weed, weed! Do it regularly and you’ll be less inundated.

2. Continue deadheading flowers after they’re done blooming. Let those that you want to go to seed remain.

3. As many plants take off this month, keep the garden looking tidy by staking and tying back.

4. Water only as needed. As summer heat and humidity increases, too much watering will encourage the proliferation of fungal diseases.

5. Keep close vigil for pests and disease. Take prompt action. Use only organic products.

6. Fertilize the vegetable beds and plants in pots every two weeks or so. Comfrey tea, Epsom salts and compost are my go to fertilizers.

7. Mow lawns regularly but keep the blades at a height of 4 inches. The slightly longer grass will retain moisture better. Leave clippings in place to enrich the soil.

8. Prune back lilacs by one-third their height. Do the same for other spring blooming plants – once flowers are done of course.

9. Net soft fruits to keep away the birds.

10. With the threat of frost over, plant out tender plants.

11. Harvest vegetables regularly.

12. Each evening, make a point of sitting still in the garden and observing the fireflies do their silent dance. Smell the roses. Gather peonies to bring indoors. This, is why you garden!

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Peony Passion

Posted on May 28, 2025 by shobha

Persistent rain and routine garden chores notwithstanding, it’s peak peony season. I’ve been indulging heavily in these beauties. A visit to the New York Botanical Gardens where the Peony Walk was abundant in blooms and a special dinner at the show garden of Peony’s Envy Farm in New Jersey that was ablaze in all colors and types of the flower have me absolutely besotted. Seriously, can there ever be such a thing as too many peonies?!

It really is time to stop and smell the peonies.

I won’t say anything more. Instead, I serve up an plethora of photographs. If only I could share the fragrance to accompany such beauties.

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Nexus

Posted on May 20, 2025 by shobha

A great garden is the perfect nexus between science and art. The science dictates the way one gardens – choice of native/ecologically beneficial plants, sound organic practices, soil amendment, water management, planting sites, pruning, propagation etc,. The arts guide the use of color, shapes, size, textures, elements of visual interest like pattern of paths/stonework, sculptures, overall design and so on. Together, a definitively pleasing garden is born. As both a scientist as well as an artist myself, I strive to apply my skills and knowledge to create a well balanced garden. It’s an eternal work in progress which is what keeps the effort of gardening challenging, interesting, exciting and deeply rewarding.

How a visitor to a garden views it is usually indicative of their mindset. While, in general, all respond positively to a beautiful garden, there is often a telling bias towards art or science. There’s no right or wrong – like in everything, we come with our preconceptions, prior knowledge and experiences. I, personally enjoy listening to the diverse comments and feedback from visitors to my little garden. Over the years, I’ve gained much in remaining open to opinions. Seeing my garden through the eyes of others is something I thoroughly enjoy. While I garden according to my own sensibilities, I love the chance nugget of information or insight that comes my way.

For some years now, my garden has played muse to artists. They come from everywhere bringing with them their unique style and ideas. This past Saturday, a group of NYC contemporary water-colorists held their annual workshop here – it’s become quite a tradition and one I look forward to. While several of them have painted here many times over the years, some were first timers. One artist who resides in Panama, plans her annual trip to the US to coincide with this workshop in my garden. That, to me, is hugely gratifying and humbling.

In any case, it is such fun to see where and what each artist chooses to paint. And how they interpret it on paper! Some make repeat paintings of the same view while others move around.

The workshop concludes with a grand showing of everyone’s output and a super-helpful critique from artist and instructor Naomi Campbell ( not the famous model). I’m invariably blown away by all the work on ‘display’.

When everybody has left, I walk around the garden with a renewed appreciation and outlook of my horticultural creation. And I’m eager and inspired to get back to my own paints, paper and easel.

Later this week, a tree expert is stopping by to see the espaliered trees. The scientist eye and word is eagerly awaited!

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Welcoming The Stranger

Posted on May 13, 2025 by shobha

Opening the garden to the is fraught with trepidation and thrills. Preparing for it requires time and energy in abundance as one must get the garden to look its very best. Visitors, on their part, make the time and effort to come to it so it is imperative that every endeavor is made by the gardener to make it worth their while. That’s not just hard work but a demanding one as well. The way I see it, a visitor must be delighted, inspired, pleasantly surprised even and hopefully, learn something as well. That’s what I’d like when I’m the visitor. So, it’s what I strive to achieve with my own garden open day.

It’s important to give an authentic experience. After all, a garden ought to be a true reflection of those who tend it – their philosophical sensibilities on gardening, nature, the environment, design, as well as their lifestyle. “Get to know my garden and you get to know me” To deliver all that is the trepidation part.

The thrill is in meeting the diverse guests – hearing their reactions and observations, receiving feedback and best of all, seeing my garden through their eyes. Of course, while most are first time visitors, several arrive every year and finally, some friends who love my garden but also want to show support. Visitors arrive as strangers and leave as friends. For sure, gardens bring people together. I find it all positively exhilarating.

Open Day this past Saturday was glorious. After days of torrential rain ( and doing my chores through those challenging conditions), the garden sparkled in sunshine and radiated joy. What a relief! It was a near perfect event. I say ‘near’ because total perfection is a myth. Besides, as any gardener worth their salt soil knows, humility is a lesson learned very early in gardening.

I’m sharing some pictures taken from that day. Enjoy.

I do want to convey my heartfelt gratitude to all those who came – thank you.

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Open May! Open Day!

Posted on May 6, 2025 by shobha

I returned to the garden yesterday. Two weeks ago, my deeply loved father passed away. It’s been an emotionally charged time and I’m still processing my grief. I was blessed and privileged to be the daughter of a truly great man. Time heals it is said but I believe that working in the garden is the best therapy there is.

May has arrived in full glory – spreading color and joy everywhere. A

reminder that life must be celebrated. I spent the better part of yesterday gardening in the rain. While not the ideal weather by any measure, it still felt wonderful. With my Open Day just days away, there are a myriad chores to be completed and I must make up for the time I was away. I’ll certainly do my best to have the garden ‘visitor ready’!

For those with more time on hand, here is the general to-do list for May –

Weed regularly if you want to keep the thugs in check.
Put stakes in place so that as plants grow it’ll be easy to secure them.
Deadhead spent blooms for a neat look. Some plants will reward you with a second wave of blooms. Of course, if you want to collect seeds, do not deadhead.
Water as necessary. Add a splash of compost tea to fertilize – about every 3 weeks.
Plant in summer vegetables, summer bulbs and tubers and, annuals.
Keep bird baths filled with clean water. Use mosquito ‘dunks’ to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. The same goes for fountains.
Start mowing lawns but do the right thing by keeping the mower blade high at about four inches. Leave clippings in place to replenish the soil.
Make sure all beds, shrubs and trees are mulched to retain moisture and keep weeds from proliferating.
To take care of weeds in areas that are paved or bricked, pour boiling hot water over them. The weeds will be killed and no chemicals were used!
Stay vigilant for pests or disease. The earlier you catch a problem, the easier it is to treat them. Always employ organic methods.
Stir the compost heap regularly. Keep adding in kitchen and garden waste.
Take time every day to simply enjoy the garden.
Visit other gardens through the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program. You will be vastly instructed and inspired. Www.gardenconservancy.org/opendays