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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And The Award For Best Performance Goes To …

Posted on March 17, 2026 by shobha

the snowdrops! Emerging from a harsh winter ( I’m aware it’s not done yet!), starved for sightings of new and joyous growth, the clumps of shimmering snowdrops are glorious. I give props to the lemon-drop yellow winter aconites scattered like jewels as well. These ephemerals might be diminutive in stature but their parts are mighty in this moment. There are no small parts in a good garden. While some plants have their shining moments, it does not happen in isolation. A supporting cast is always responsible for it.

A garden at its best is a production of fine actors, great casting, creative design by way of color, texture, form and function, clever scripting that plays out seamlessly through the seasons, a dedicated director, producer and the set design, lighting etc., crews, background actors and stand-ins – a true ensemble presentation. Every element and detail matters equally. Admittedly, the humble gardener wears many hats.

As the gardener, I take my responsibilities very seriously. I want the gardening to be interesting and deliberate in creating something authentic that must take its place in the larger landscape without apology, It cannot overshadow or be overshadowed because it too is but a member of a production at a much grander scale. Just like a brilliant film, play, book, opera, ballet or symphony, I want my garden to entertain, educate, tell a fine story of life, love, loss and laughter. Timeless yet unique. It must speak to all. Then and only then will I know that I have played my part well.

That said, when I’m given praise for my garden looking beautiful, I feel quite the fraud. In the larger scheme of things, I play a small part. My efforts are mostly by the seat of my pants laced liberally with hope. When matters turn out as well or better than envisioned, I’m happily surprised. The garden looks good despite me. I’m beyond grateful for that.

What’s doing in the garden right now –

Inside the new greenhouse — The new greenhouse

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Spring Up!

Posted on March 10, 2026 by shobha

A thaw is underway! Since last Friday, temperatures have been rising and so has my spirit. It’s 67 degrees as I write this article. Sunny and simply gorgeous. Patches of winter weary earth are visible; the dull green has never looked more pleasing to my eyes. Behold! Snowdrops are shyly, silently, ringing their sweet bells. The birds are filling the air with all manner of song – they too are just as ecstatic no doubt. The winter must have been so hard on the wildlife.

We’re being cautioned that the temperatures will be dropping to the 40’s by Thursday which is of course more in keeping with where it ought to be. I’m fine with that. I don’t want to hurry up spring but this little taste of what will be served in a month is positively delicious.

In fact, I’m burning up with garden fever because the snow melt is a not so subtle wake up call to get ready for the season. Once all the snow has disappeared a gardener will have to hit the soil running digging. And cleaning up, clearing, pruning, planting and yes, even weeding. I’m ordering up the new plants I will be planting this year, the sharpened tools are waiting for action, an inventory of pots, seeds and other supplies has been done/replenished, chores are being scheduled and I’m giddy with the excitement of getting my hands in the soil once again.

So fair warning if one has been dragging their feet on the to-do list in preparing for spring. Don’t waste any more time. Snap out of the winter stupor and get cracking. See how the snowdrops were properly ready to shine? They didn’t know the snow was going to melt two days ago but had been doing due diligence and anticipating exactly this possibility. Carpe Diem they say!

Don’t forget – My Open Garden Day is May 9!

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March Tidings

Posted on March 3, 2026 by shobha

March

A petulant child

Tossing stormy days

Beaming sunny rays

Till Spring arrives to play

– Shobha Vanchiswar

Things To Do In March–

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.
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.
Later in the month, remove protective burlap and/or plastic wrappings and wind breaks.
Get tools sharpened. This includes the mower blades.
Commence indoor seed sowing. Begin with the early, cool weather crops. Read seed packet instructions and calculate dates for planting out.
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.
As soon as possible, once snow is all gone and soil has thawed, spread compost on all the beds including the vegetable plot.
Finish pruning fruit trees, grape vines and roses early in the month.
Take an inventory and stock up on whatever is lacking. Soil, gloves, mulch, tools, water crystals, grass seed, pots, hoses etc.,
Survey the garden and see what needs replacing, repairing or painting. Schedule and do the needful.
Start bringing out or uncovering outdoor furniture. It’ll soon be time to linger outdoors!
Get Open Days directory from Garden Conservancy – www.gardenconservancy.org. Mark your calendars to visit beautiful gardens in your area. Come to my Open Day on May 9 between 10 am and 4 pm. I’m looking forward to seeing you!

Since we’re still under a couple of feet of snow, I’m sharing my watercolors of my garden in winter –

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Property Values

Posted on February 24, 2026 by shobha

Our resilience is being tested this winter. Super cold temperatures, a massive snow storm in January, a dangerous 24 hour blizzard that ended yesterday and still more snow expected mid-week. The garden is under about 4 feet of snow with snowdrifts so high that they beckon like hills waiting to be conquered. It all looks quite intimidatingly stunning.

My garden, my constant companion, seems to have gone AWOL. Leaving me quite bereft. It’s just been too long a separation. When I’m not moping around feeling sorry for myself, I’ve made great headway in whipping the house into shape. The excuses I typically make to avoid the big clean out, pare down and organizing projects do not hold up when there’s no demand for my attention in the garden. Having had the kitchen completely renovated this past Fall and added a small lean-to greenhouse, I’ve been more motivated to tackle the other spaces. From attic to basement, there’s been extensive purging, culling, simplifying and organizing. In working through the tasks, I’ve been made aware of the elements that are considered “property enhancing”. The stuff that adds value to the property – keep in mind this matters only when one is going to sell the house. I am not selling but that hasn’t stopped folks from bringing it to my attention. Frankly, my focus has been on making the home beautiful, functional, efficient and comfortable and more suited to how we live now. The cost of a property is not the same as its value.

However, it’s got me to consider how we add value to the property with our gardens. At a surface level, a garden that is pretty (stunning even) is a bonus. But, if it is perceived as high maintenance or catering to a very specific trend, then the price of the property is not raised. Oftentimes, the opposite can be true. Again, we cannot, must not create gardens with resale in mind. After all, gardens are impermanent and can evolve and/or change quickly. A new gardener can transform it any which way they want.

What merits we bring to the garden is what we ourselves value in our lives. Clean air, clean water, vegetation and wildlife that inherently belong to the area thriving and supporting each other, demand gardening practices that create a healthy, bio-diverse environment for human and non-human life, a space for children to explore, learn and play ( ditto for adults!). A garden where our love of land and life is apparent, a space so joyful that it raises our spirits, so fruitful that it nourishes our bodies and, most importantly, prepares us to be resilient in this time of climate change and unpredictable conditions. In being so, it demonstrates clearly to the next custodian that this space is one to cherish, protect and enjoy. And they can as well pass it on to their successor.

That is how we add true value to our properties.

Images of the garden smothered in snow book-ended by the tulips warming my heart –

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Slow Gardening

Posted on February 18, 2026 by shobha

There’s an upside to the brutal winter we’re experiencing. With the snow sitting heavy and the winds blowing the temperatures even lower, I am compelled to be measured with my to-do activities. This forced restraint has given me the luxury of time. Time to reflect. Time to observe. Time to consciously plan. We have become so used to fast-forward living that even in gardening the demand for haste and instant gratification has pervaded. I have all too often caught myself rushing through chores, getting impatient and wanting things to happen quickly. This, despite my resolve to be more present, patient. Like a majority of us, I keep losing my way on the true path to mindfulness.

This winter has firmly sat me down, removed all opportunity to make haste and instead, suggested that I take the opportunity to examine not just my gardening life but life in general. And so I have complied. I’ve been giving much thought to what I value and how I want to move forward in alignment with those values. To that end, I know definitively that I want to be fully present to the many opportunities that come my way. They aren’t necessarily new ones; they exist already. But what is required is my full attention with whatever project/task I undertake. No multi-tasking, no short cuts. I want to savor the process. It really is about taking in the scenery while moving towards the destination.

I remember an expression I came across in a book on Buddhist philosophy. I wish I could remember the title. But the line that has stayed with me is – ‘wash the dishes to wash the dishes’. What that meant was to be completely engaged with whatever one was doing. In this case, to pay mind to the temperature of the water, the smell of the detergent, the soap suds, to consider the food held by the dishes, the pleasure of eating the food, drying the freshly cleaned plates and pans and putting them away till the next time. The essence was that being present reveals the abundance of simple gifts that we are blessed with all the time. It allows one to live in a state of gratitude.

And so it goes for my time in the garden. To pay mind to all the sights, smells, sounds and feels in the garden. Appreciate the birdsong – it is not simply background music. With time, distinguish the different voices in the chorus. Take in the macro as well as the micro beauty with complete focus. Identify all the aromas that saturate the air. Familiarize oneself with the textures and tastes. Earth provides us so much all day, every day. I want to be here for it all. I don’t want to be on auto-pilot as I plant, weed, prune, water and accomplish all the myriad gardening jobs.

Because, at the end of the day, I need to know that I participated as a member of the natural world. Not as an outsider.

Note: What’s keeping me in bliss indoors –

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The Gardener’s Covenant

Posted on February 10, 2026 by shobha

Gardening is a privilege. Even a luxury if you will. It implies that one has the space, the time and, depending on the type of garden, the money. While gardening is essential to my well-being, it does not escape my mind that it is not true the other way. In truth, more often than not, nature is better off without human intervention. Therefore, the real honor of having, creating and tending a garden is the responsibility. It is the granting of the custodianship of a plot of land so it supports and nurtures plants and all the wildlife that mutually depend upon each other to grow and thrive. That is not an insignificant charge. A garden demands to be taken seriously.

By gardening, I am overseeing not just this habitat but the surrounding ecosystems as well. How I garden matters. My choices impact the health of the environment at large. The plants I select to grow must attract the correct pollinators because after all, that relationship has evolved over millennia. Those plants must take to not just my little plot but the geographical location of which it is a part. That means the weather, the climate, the soil are all critical for optimal growth. It is why we must choose plants native to where we live. The native insect pollinators will show up accordingly to do their jobs. And in this natural environment, all life will flourish. It’s that elementary.

The tools I use – gas, electric or manual mowers, do I blow leaves (again, electric or gas) or rake by hand, hand clippers or electric powered, it all matters. Air and noise pollution are important factors to consider – I do not want to increase either.

Similarly, I choose organic practices and products. I judiciously use water even whilst I collect rain water. Make compost, maintain very little lawn which is full of non-grass plants. All of which requires greater vigilance, in some cases more elbow grease as well but, the overall satisfaction of doing my part to the best of my ability is immeasurable. To view my garden teeming with life and beauty is well worth the effort for sure. And that is the highest privilege and reward of gardening.

A sacred covenant certainly.

Some images from the current Orchid Show at the NYBG. Do go for some horticultural fun and cheer – we certainly need that right now. The final photo shows the orchids that came home with me –

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Seeds of Design

by Shobha Vanchiswar

Showtime(s)!

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Making The Cut

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No Fooling April!

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Ain’t March Misbehavin?!

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And The Award For Best Performance Goes To …

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Spring Up!

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March Tidings

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Property Values

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Slow Gardening

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The Gardener’s Covenant

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