On Good Design

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In wrapping up the season, what we’re really doing is planning and preparing for the next one. Dividing and replanting perennials, adding new plants, adding spring blooming bulbs, fixing what’s broken, creating new paths, changing whats not serving the garden anymore … gardeners are perpetually living in the future.

In that vein, lets talk about good garden design. First and foremost, identify your personal style – formal, English cottage, modern, minimalist. If you’re unsure, look for clues in how you decorate your home and in the places that you love to visit and/or find really appealing. Consider the colors that excite you, your favorite flowers and fragrances. Mine your memories of good times and trips. All of these will inform you of your unique style.

Then, be fearless, own your style. Pay no mind to what others are doing or not doing. Fashion, trends and fads come and go so do not be led by them. Trust your instincts and make it unmistakably yours. Let the world get to know you through your garden.

Do your research by reading up on gardens that are aligned with your taste. Visit as many gardens as you can – you get to see first hand how they look. Learn and hone your knowledge so you can bring it your piece of paradise. This is important whether you are designing your garden yourself or hiring a designer.

It has been said often that gardens are for living. That is for people as well as all other creatures that help keep the garden healthy. Create spaces for everyone. Benches, chairs and tables for humans, houses for birds and bees, leave areas for small critters to hide and forage, Choose plants that encourage such inhabitants to your garden.

A good garden should feel welcoming and comfortable. It is after all an extension of your home. Surround yourself with what you love and gives you joy. Let your garden evoke feelings, emotions, moods. Colors, shapes, textures, smells all contribute to a full sensory experience.

Include something(s) unexpected, surprising. Elements that add interest, teach something, make one pause, think, make you smile, maybe laugh out loud. Its what makes a garden truly memorable.

The 3 Ps proportion, perspective and purpose contribute to a well designed garden. Think height, width, depth, volume and play with that to create balance, illusion and ‘je ne sais quoi’. Gardens can be magical yet calm. Dynamic yet relaxing.

Pay attention to details. How the light hits a seating area throughout the day- is an umbrella or awning needed? Plant trees or a hedge to give privacy or muffle the sound of near-by traffic. Motion sensitive light to make finding your way in the dark safe. Don’t forget the views of the garden from inside the house – take advantage of certain locations and strategically show case or highlight a tree in glorious fall colors, a sculpture in winter, a bird feeder to watch from within, flowers sending their fragrance through open windows in the summer.

A garden that makes one want to stay and linger is a good garden. That is a successfully designed garden.

Some of the mages from the year that stay in my heart –

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(c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Future Schock

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Reflecting on the gardening year as it comes to a close, it is apparent that the biggest influence on how the garden fared was not the gardener but the climate. It was anything but normal. Heat waves lingered on, rains were so fierce and torrential that there was more water run off than what made it into the soil, drought spells punctuated both spring and summer, frequently there were days when winds blew stronger than I can recall and then, there were periods of simply gorgeous conditions. We got everything in the climate god’s bag of tricks.

A serious rethink about how we garden in the future is in order. Climate scientists, horticulturists, biologists and other experts are working hard to figure out our next moves not only in the garden but in our farms, cities, countrysides and everywhere else we conduct our lives. Like humans (and other living beings), plants can withstand difficult conditions up to a point. With the increasingly stressful conditions becoming a fixture, we have to come up with immediate as well as long term solutions.

What can I do right now in my little piece of paradise in these uncertain times? There are several obvious actions that have already been discussed here in the recent past, Plant native, more resilient, drought tolerant plants, conserve water, make the garden more welcoming to native fauna, tolerate some ‘messiness’, eschew chemical fertilizers and all pesticides, apply strictly organic practices, get rid of large lawns, make compost, use mulch etc.,

But what about our vegetable plots? Growing produce is high maintenance – it demands for the most part, richer soil, frequent watering, greater vigilance to detect early signs of stress, pests and/or disease and respond accordingly with organic measures. We’ve all grown the “$40.00” tomato at some point in our gardening lives haven’t we?! I think one must examine what we can realistically grow and, grow smaller quantities to diminish losses as we try to adapt to the new normal which is kinda fluid at present.

As for what we grow in pots, we need to reconsider that as well. In my own experience, for the past 3 summers, the pots have required daily watering. Particularly the ones with dahlias, petunias, cannas, elephant ears, nasturtiums , hibiscus, Brugamansia and other warm weather lovelies. Basically, only Mediterranean plants like lavender, santolina, olive and rosemary did fine without daily quenching. And of course the succulents thrived in the hot, dry days. Perhaps that should be the way we need to proceed. Make selections that inherently do well in more arid conditions. That will of course change the color palette somewhat but lets embrace the challenge shall we?

Note: As you already know, I collect rain water and use it to water the pots guilt free. But when many days go by without any rain, the barrel can run low. I see that happening more often lately. That is a matter of concern for sure.

Proceed with caution, understanding and sensitivity because this is our one precious home planet and its inhabitants we’re trying to protect. We are in this together. Collectively we can and we will overcome.

Glimpses of ‘shoulder season”- flowers, seed heads and in-between –

(c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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The Debrief

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As the season is winding down and the focus is on chores and putting the garden to bed, a critical task right now is to conduct a comprehensive assessment and review of the garden. Put down the tools, take off the gloves and take a slow walk around the garden.

Really look at the plants and all features with an open, honest gaze. What plants look healthy and performed well but more importantly, what did not and why. Were the unprecedented heat waves in July to blame? Or have conditions such as light exposure changed because of a recently built structure or that surrounding trees have grown tall enough to block out the sun? Lack of rain/too much rain can present challenges. By determining the reasons, solutions can be found. Maybe replace a plant(s) with one more suitable to the changed conditions. Something that is fine with less light/more heat/ too much rain/drought tolerant – now is the time to make decisions and choices to deal with those changes. A little research and some conversation with local horticultural experts will empower one to take appropriate action as we collectively adapt to climate change.

Of all the types of native milkweed available, only the common milkweed grows in my garden as it is more drought tolerant. I must plant more of them. Because of how big a neighbors cedar tree has grown, a climbing rose was struggling to thrive – it was moved to a more suitable location and a native honeysuckle took up residence in the vacated spot.

Similarly, taking a good look at structural elements, hardscaping and outdoor furniture. Repair, replace, renew. This past week, all the fence posts of the Belgian espalier fence, the espaliered cordon of pear, as well as the low rope fence in the front by the street were replaced. The old posts were beginning to show rot after their 20 odd years in the soil. This is something that is not easily noticed till a post actually breaks and a plant is damaged. So its important to check periodically. We’d first noticed the problem a couple of years ago and kept monitoring it till we decided it could not be put off any longer.

A metal plant stand and a couple of metal tables are in dire need of rust removal and fresh coat(s) of paint. I’ve put it off for several years but can no longer ignore how shabby they look. A good winter project awaits.

As unpleasant as the Nor’easter over the weekend was, it really brought to mind that adverse weather exposes problems in the landscape that require action. How the storm water flows teaches us where it collects or floods, where soil is eroded, where mulch is washed away – that calls for prompt remediation before the situation gets worse. Introducing water loving/drought tolerant plants is one type of solution. Maybe some hardscaping is required – water diverting conduits, gravel streams, a retaining wall, edgings.

Over time, some pavers leading to the lower garden have sunk so they need to be lifted, the area regraded before being set down again. I’ll wait till early spring to deal with it but its on my calendar so I won’t forget.

The upside to all this problem seeking mission is that one also comes upon the seasonal delights that abound in the garden. The last of the roses, the unbridled enthusiasm of the asters blooming their hearts out, an unexpected burst of color lighting up a dark corner – the cup runneth over.

Seasonal delights –

(c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Autumnal Acts

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After a couple of days of summer like days last week, the temperature is now distinctly autumnal. About time I say. With all the weather fluctuations and uncertainties we are experiencing, it’s been hard to determine how long to put off certain seasonal chores or how soon to get them done. The leaves are only just starting to turn color which is kinda late. I looked at photos from last year to confirm. So who knows what to expect anymore.

Not willing to take my chances, I’ve been forging ahead with my October chores. The plants that spend the winter in the greenhouse are now all tucked inside. As for the ones from the vertical garden – they’ve been taken down, cut back severely and bedded down in the cleaned up vegetable bed. Emptied, cleaned and dried pots have been put away till the spring. As I work, I take note of things that need to be replaced or restocked – they will be obtained shortly and kept ready for action as soon as gardening starts in the spring. Gloves, vine clips, watering wand, vermiculite … the list grows.

A couple of new plants have been introduced to the perennial beds and a good amount of weeding done as well. Noting that the climbing rose on the arch at the entrance to the potager was struggling due to all the shade from the neighbor’s cedar tree that has grown significantly, it’s going to come out soon and relocated to join its sister rose at the arch in the front. A native trumpet honeysuckle purchased yesterday will occupy its vacated spot – I can already see it in bloom with its yellow throated orange-red trumpets drawing hummingbirds, butterflies and bees in droves. Fingers crossed!

Having completed these chores gives me a little break to enjoy the flowers still blooming their hearts out. The asters are sparkling joyously in the autumn sunshine and are hosting all kinds of bees. When I went to pick some flowers to bring inside, it was hard to find an insect free cluster to clip. Joy.

Sitting in the warmth of the sun and watching the leaves pirouette in the breeze has got to be one of the singular pleasures of the season.

It’ll be time soon enough for the annual cut back of the ‘meadow’ and the bulb-planting marathon. So I’m happy for the current respite.

With an eye to the winter months spent primarily indoors, I’m bringing bits of the garden into the house. Starting with arm loads of hydrangea and letting them dry in the vases to potting up bulbs to force an early spring, I’m determined to keep the winter blues at bay.

Myrtle topiaries in the kitchen, orchids in an urn in the dining room, aforesaid hydrangea in the living room, a jasmine in the upstairs living room-my office, its already looking cheerful. Paperwhites and amaryllis will bring holiday glamour in due course.

For someone who is seriously affected by the lack of light in winter, I try to do everything I can to keep my spirits up. Yes, I do make sure to take a long walk everyday, expose myself to light first thing in the morning etc., but having bits of my garden keep me company is positively life affirming.

And now, I must go forth and smell the Brugamansia in the greenhouse. Intoxicating.

Indoor joy –

Screenshot

(c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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October Occupation

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It was a hectic week. In preparation for the Nor’easter that slammed the east coast this past weekend, I worked overtime in the garden getting the pots of tender perennials and some tropicals moved into the greenhouse. Pruning, power-washing (plants and their pots) and hauling my weighty subjects is a good workout. What made it a stressful week was not that chore by itself. I’m in the thick of several time sensitive work related projects and juggling all the balls was challenging. But I’m not complaining – it’s a busy season but that’s it – a season. It passes. With tangible results. There’s a deep sense of satisfaction and gratitude in that.

The weekend was wild – strong winds and fierce rains pummeled the plants and kept everyone hunkered indoors. By Sunday evening I was a bit stir crazy. Enough already.

This week, with better weather, it’s glorious to get outside and continue with the fall chores. It’ll be a steady progress of work in putting the garden to bed. But respite is in sight. October and November will be blur of activity and suddenly December will be here. I already have plans underway for making the quiet months of winter as enjoyable as possible. Stay tuned.

For now though, October is going to keep us gardeners fully occupied. Get ready!

What To Do In October –

1. Yes, weeding continues!

2. Time to plant new perennials and trees. Give a good dose of compost to each. Water regularly so they’re well settled before the winter.

3. Perennials already in place can be divided and re-distributed as well.

4. Cut back all spent plants except what is needed for seasonal interest or serve resident wildlife.

5. Collect seeds. Store in labeled envelopes in a cool, dry space.

6. Last call to root cuttings of geraniums, coleus, rosemary etc.,

7. Get all pots of tender perennials into clean greenhouse or other winter shelters. Wash plants and pots thoroughly first – minimizes pest infestation.

8. Plant bulbs as weather gets consistently cooler – the soil must be below 55 degrees. That will be November in my garden. Bulbs can be planted until soil freezes solid.

9. Rake leaves. Add to compost pile or deposit in woods. In my tree surrounded garden, I leave only a base layer of leaves in place as any more than that smothers the plants, forms an impenetrable mat and has the potential for spreading disease.

10. Give compost heap a good stir.

11. 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.

12. Clean and put away (or cover) outdoor furniture.

13. Check what needs repairing, repainting, replacing and get to it!

14. Lift tender summer bulbs, corms and tubers. Clean and store in dry, frost-free place.

15. Drain and close all outdoor water faucets. Empty rain barrel and hoses. Store.

16. Clean all equipment and tools. Store neatly.

17. As temperatures plummet, protect vulnerable 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.

18. Remove suckers from ornamental and fruit trees. Prune roses and wisteria. Remove dead and decaying limbs from all plants.

19. Set up bird feeders. Keep them filled through the winter. Full disclosure – Following a very serious rat infestation in the recent past, I have stopped hanging bird feeders.

20. Install bee houses for native solitary bees. I do have those and they get occupied.

21. Put up/clean out nest boxes in preparation for the spring. You never know the birds will arrive to take up residence.

22. Get into the autumnal spirit – fill window boxes and urns with seasonal plants and produce.

Dahlia, dahlia, dahlia! Some from my garden and some from another –

(c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Half And Half

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It’s the Autumnal Equinox today – equal parts summer and fall. That pretty much reflects my current state of mind. I’m half in summer and half in fall. The part that’s in summer wants to linger in the garden savoring the sights, smells and sounds of the season. Still ablaze in hot colors, the goldenrod, asters, nasturtiums, canna and dahlias insist that autumn isn’t upon us. But the drying seedpods of baptisia and amsonia, the green to creamy panicles of Hydrangea ‘limelight’ turning hues of dusty rose to burgundy and, the leaves of several shrubs and trees distinctly taking on the fiery shades of autumn say otherwise. Here I stand seduced by them all.

The weather lately has left me in doubt of which season is winning. In the cool and breezy air, leaves float and swirl from tree limbs to finally carpet my path as I take my morning walk. The hummingbirds have left and I’ve taken down the feeders – they sit clean and dry in anticipation of being called back to duty almost 6 months from now. All my work in the garden is focused on putting the garden to bed.

As I’ve already mentioned, the freestanding greenhouse was thoroughly washed, cleaned and had the insulation panels reinstalled. The propane fueled heater hiccuped when it was checked so that needs due attention.

This past week, I divided the auricula. This is a passion project – I adore auricula but have a lousy record of keeping them alive. I order them (twice), they arrive, get potted up, bloom and then, by midsummer they wilt and die. This year, my third attempt, I was determined to do better. The 6 plants not only bloomed prettily but continued to grow well. Before midsummer arrived, I moved them indoors where they’d enjoy the cooler, lower humidity and light levels. It seemed to work but then suddenly, 3 of them threw in the towel. Bummer. But the remaining 3 have been happy. So much so that I have had the privilege of dividing them – there are now 10 pots of auricula! They’ve been moved into the new greenhouse which is right off the kitchen. That means I get to check on them daily. I so desperately want to succeed in this endeavor. Do wish me luck.

In preparation for overwintering in the greenhouses, I’ve done a lot of trimming, clipping and repotting of plants. The geraniums both scented and fancy leaved have been cut back hard – the hope is that they will not get wild and leggy as they tend to get if merely trimmed.

Other plants such as the boxwood, myrtle, bay and lavender topiaries have all been given a good clipping to maintain their shapes and still other plants have received a severe cut back. It’s important that in their more streamlined state, they will enjoy better air circulation in their somewhat cramped winter quarters. Pots with annuals are being emptied and their entire contents will be added to the compost pile in the woods. Come spring, the mature compost at the bottom of said heap will fill the pots to once again nurture new annuals as well as enrich the veg patch. Recycling at its very basic best.

All the emptied pots as well as those with plants headed to the greenhouse will be ‘power’ washed. The former, once clean and dry, will be safely stored till next season and the latter, so they are as free of hitchhiking pests and other contaminants before entering the greenhouse. In both cases, its about practicing good horticultural hygiene.

With the glut of basil, there was just that much pesto I could make and freeze. So this year, I have also made basil salt – super easy to do. Wash and thoroughly dry the basil leaves. (No stems or blossoms as they tend to be a bit bitter). 4 cups basil leaves + 3 cups kosher salt. Give it a good whiz in the blender. Spread and flatten the mixture to a thin layer on a rimmed cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in preheated oven at 250 degrees for 25 – 30 minutes. It’ll come out really hard. Break it up and put the pieces once again into the blender till its a fine powder. Pour back onto the cookie sheet and let it cool completely. Fill clean, dry jars, label and store. Use to season any dish that could do with a touch of basil flavor.

I now have a few jars to give as gifts to some cooks in my life. Holiday season here I come!

Note: basil blossoms can be pickled with salt and vinegar to use wherever capers are called for in a recipe.

Nasturtium leaves with equal parts parsley make an excellent, peppery pesto. Make it as you would basil pesto but omit the Parmesan. Instead of pine nuts, use cashews.

I guess all of this means we have officially entered Fall. Till next year Summer.

Dahlia
Awaiting the ‘Powerwash” before moving into the greenhouse
Geraniums cut back hard
The wall
Baptisia seedpods
Goldenrod
Aster
Succulent wreath
Auricula
In the new greenhouse

(c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Tipping Points

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Ah! Summer is tipping into Fall. The afternoon light has subtly shifted to beaming lower and softer – like a gentle nudge to getting a head start on preparing for perhaps the busiest gardening season. Spring is busy but Fall is much more so.

I have responded accordingly. A tour around the entire garden led to a comprehensive to-do list of all that needs fixing, replacing, replanted, thinned out, divided, relocated and discarded. And I’ve gotten started!

The free-standing greenhouse in the back got its annual ablution. With all its winter occupants sitting elsewhere in the garden through spring and summer, it first got swept and vacuumed. Then the interior and exterior washing and scrubbing was done. My sore back is testimonial to that effort. It is however rather satisfying to see the greenhouse looking all sparkly clean.

Starting today, the insulation panels will be re-installed so by the time the weekend rolls in, the greenhouse will be very ready to receive the first of its winter residents.

Those aforementioned residents will be trimmed/cut back, thoroughly cleaned (plant and pot), some will need repotting in bigger pots before being moved into the greenhouse. No hitchhiking pests permitted!

It’s also time to replace all the posts of the long Belgian fence espalier as well as the posts of the fence in front. Another big task and will probably need additional muscle power. Note to self – see if nephew living nearby is available.

Similarly, the old wood and chicken-wire frame that hides the A/C compressor and from which pots of herbs are attached has done its time. Building a new one was already started over this past weekend – frame is ready and it awaits staining and chicken wire stretched across. Installation will proceed once herb pots come down and the old fence taken out. The tricky part will be to keep intact the climbing hydrangea that grabs on to the chicken wire as the extrication is done. Fingers crossed.

I’ve mentioned the scourge of the spotted lantern flies and how hard they are to eliminate. I read recently that the common milkweed is toxic to the pests so having these already welcome native plants in the garden is one additional weapon in the fight. To add to the current arsenal, in went 10 Prairie and 2 butterfly milkweed plants in various parts of the garden. Certainly worth a shot.

Unlike the Tree of Heaven which is a spotted lanternfly (SLF) magnet, milkweed does not actually attract the pests. Its just that the Tree of Heaven and the SLF come from the same part of the world so they know each other. Plants native to these parts are unknown to the SLF so they indiscriminately try to feed on the plants they come across. Milkweed is toxic to many critters and the native ones know to stay away from it. Simple right?! Fingers and toes crossed.

Finally, bulb planting is imminent and I sincerely hope your order has already been put in. If, like me, you are partial to the snakes-head fritillaria F. meleagris, remember to site them in damp areas where they will be happy. Mind, damp not waterlogged. These lovelies do not like being dry. I have learned the hard way.

Get to work one and all!

Photos of the things mentioned above :

Snakeshead frittilaria
Espaliered fruit fence
Prairie milkweed
Front fence
“Wall” of herb pots
Greenhouse

((c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Rewilding Or Dewilding?

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Increasingly, Rewilding is a term we’re reading or hearing about everywhere. It’s a call to get ‘looser’ in our gardens by planting pollinator friendly, mostly native plants in an unstructured style. The idea being that it will encourage not only the pollinators but also other biologically beneficial critters by way of providing both food sources and refuge. Bringing the wild back so to speak.

In principle, this is a sound move towards restoring well-balanced ecosystems, connecting our gardens to the larger landscape by supporting our native flora and fauna, and consequently benefiting the whole environment. From embracing an abundance of non-native/exotic plants that proved to be invasive and/or detrimental to native plants and animals to the use of chemicals to fertilize, fight weeds or fend off pests in the bid to manage immaculate, high maintenance gardens, gardeners have played their part in creating the environmental problem we find ourselves in right now.

Any and all efforts to make right the wrongdoing is good.

But, what exactly does rewilding imply? I’ve heard ‘experts’ cite the urgent need to redo the entire garden by getting rid of all non-native plants as well as elements that make the space too tidy and replacing with only native plants allowing them to grow as they will. Others have recommended we remove the non-native plants and let Nature take over and do as she is wont to do. According to some, even a tiny space can and should be rewilded.

Is rewilding then a matter of simply restoring the hitherto cultivated land to its original wild state?

In that case, I have to ask, then what exactly is the point of a garden at all? By its very definition and function, a garden is a piece of land manipulated by humans to provide food, beauty, solace, joy and certainly refuge from life’s myriad challenges. We might have strayed too far in our pursuit for perfection and oftentimes playing God to fulfill our ambitions for the best and most beautiful but, surely the antidote is not the abandonment of all manner of gardening to erase all evidence of a garden?

The making of a garden itself is a de-wilding of an environment is it not? Removing of existing undesirable plants, clearing and creating space for beds, paths, areas for play and sitting/dining. Gardens are for living – human living. This is true for both private and public gardens.

When I want to spend time in relatively untamed spaces, I go bird-watching in the woods, hiking on mountain trails, exploring the countryside. Even in all those natural places, I need the clarity of well-trodden paths to keep me from getting lost.

My own garden abuts a small woods. When we purchased it, the property had been quite neglected for over a year as the previous owner had relocated for his job. In that time, the woods had quietly and naturally advanced considerably into the untended garden. We had to use the surveyors map to determine what was legally ours. Much clearing and cutting had to happen before we could begin making our garden.

I mention this because it demonstrates that Nature is always ready to take over from us what was rightfully hers in the first place. Though mind you, many of the trees we had to remove were actually weeds left unchecked for so long that they had grown to become proper weed trees. So it isn’t as though important or ecologically valuable plants show up first. In rewilding, we must not only plant what we deem important but also manage them so they are not overrun by the opportunistic members of the plant world. To manage these lands is but another term for gardening – an activity invented by humans.

There is of course middle ground to be found. In simple terms we move away from overly controlling every bit of our outdoor spaces and allow in some other non-human players to express themselves. No more traditional lawns. Instead, diminish their size by creating more and/or larger beds of at least 70% native plants, planting more trees and, unconditionally surrender the pristine, green expanses of monoculture that guzzle fertilizer, water and pesticides to far more interesting and exciting blends of indigenous plants – they being hardy and resilient, require far less upkeep or intervention.

Let our gardens reflect how we live today – casual, comfortable, free of airs and graces. We’re also smart, modern, creative and friendly are we not? There you go – our gardens need no longer be formal, stuffy and anchored in trends and traditions that no longer serves us. Much like my “meadow”, lets go for fun, joyful, life affirming garden areas of controlled chaos.It’s liberating to go wild. Within limits of course!

This is actually a wonderful opportunity for each of us to get creative and express our individual styles and still collectively support the greater mission to reset the ecological balance whilst looking towards climate-change resilience and help bring back the earth and all her plant and animal inhabitants to good health.

From my own version of a rewilded garden –

(c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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September Reset

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With summer winding down, vacations over and schools starting up once again, September gently nudges us to forgive ourselves for our negligence to stay on top of garden tasks and begin anew. A fresh opportunity to redeem ourselves.

Between the (often) horrid weather, going away on vacation and wanting to simply sit and enjoy the garden whenever the weather condescended to be good, I just about managed to get the requisite minimum done – weeding, the albeit inconsistent attempts at trimming plants to rmaintain some semblance of order and a spot of futile pest control of the spotted lantern flies.

Those beautiful beasts are thriving just about everywhere one looks. Gardens, car parks, streets … walls of buildings. Ugh. Nothing seems to eliminate them permanently. Our best bet are the birds but they’re rather slow in recognizing these critters as a a new source of protein.

This week I’m pressing reset – enough lolling about, procrastinating and indulging myself in yet another impromptu social gathering. I’m ready to get back to work in the garden. So here’s the order of pertinent chores.

September To-Do List –

1. Continue weeding.

2. Deadhead. Cut back anything that looks ragged or done for.

3. Mow the lawn less frequently.

4. Water judiciously.

5. Get leaf rakes, leaf bags and keep ready. Fall cometh!

6. Similarly, keep bulb planting necessaries like dibbler, bulb food, trowel, spade, etc., handy.

7. Continue harvesting vegetables. Remove plants that have given their all and toss on the compost heap.

8. Earmark plants whose seeds you want to save.

9. Stir compost thoroughly.

10. Plant in cool weather vegetables.

11. Take cuttings of plants you want to propagate and pot them up.

12. Check if fall blooming plants such as asters and chrysanthemums need staking.

13. Inspect garden for pests or disease. Take prompt action if detected. Organic practices only!

14. As days get shorter, make it a point to enjoy the garden as much as possible

Note: Last week I had the pleasure and privilege of visiting the studio of my friend artist Sourabh Gupta. From paper, clay and metal he creates exquisite botanicals that are amazingly lifelike. His work has adorned showstopping Met Gala garments, been featured a couple of times in the New York Times and other publications, installed in public spaces and hugely sought after by private collectors. I’m sharing some images of Sourabh’s work –

(c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Pest Control, Border Patrol

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All through the ages, gardeners and farmers have been contending with pests both big and small. What we choose to call a pest falls in two broad categories. The first corrals those insects and microbes that are typically not indigenous and destroy our native vegetation. Think Dutch Elm disease caused by a fungus and spread by elm bark beetles native to Asia. Or the emerald ash borer that feeds on ash species. In their own native habitats, both pests are kept in check by other bugs but here, with no such threat they multiply exponentially and cause rampant devastation.To this I venture to add invasive species of plants that have been introduced from elsewhere as they too decimate native plant populations.

The second category of pests are those that naturally eat certain plants that are important for their own survival. We consider them pests because they can ruin our gardens by chomping on leaves, consuming fruit before we can harvest them – generally competing with humans for the same food. The gardener is more likely to tolerate these pests. Up to a point of course. Squirrels and birds tend to get my apples and Concord grapes – I’m not happy when that happens but I understand. Similarly, one never gets upset when the milkweed looks ratty once the caterpillars of the Monarch butterfly start feasting on it. In fact, we tend to regard the beat up plants as a badge of honor and feel rather chuffed about supporting the wildlife.

So it’s really that first category of pests that we should well and truly be worried about. As is the case with most problems, prevention is far better than the cure. But, here we are grappling with Japanese stilt grass. Kudzu, Japanese beetles, stink bugs, ash borers, spotted lantern flies and myriad lethal microbes carried by insect vectors from other parts of the globe.

While we cannot put the genie back in the bottle, we can definitively do a reset. Firstly, in a bid to be different, jump on a trend and/or be cool, we’ve really got to stop hankering after the exotic and rare plants. At the very least lets not unleash these plants to the public until they have first been studied and trialed thoroughly. Introduced plants must do no harm. No exceptions.

Note: In any case, exotics can be a drain to the environment as well as your wallet. Think carefully before capitulating!.

Lets start encouraging and supporting family owned nurseries and shop exclusively from them. There are of course going to be specialty growers from whom we can mail order. Just make sure that they are for the most part within the United States. I realize that at this time the majority of the bulb growers are from the Netherlands (I myself get my annual order from there) because they provide the largest varieties and are the recognized bulb experts. But, they too are now contending with climate change and in recent years have had to stop cultivating several long time favorites because the severe heat waves have put paid to them. Meanwhile, there is a small number of American growers cultivating bulbs. It would do us well to start supporting them. Admittedly the choices and prices may not be ideal but, with growing demand, better selections and prices will follow.

It gets much trickier when it comes to insect and microbial pests. They hitch hike not only on shipments of plants being imported but also on the wooden palettes upon which other non-plant products are shipped. Ditto with packing material like straw, wood shavings, husk and other organic materials. From port of entry those shipments get distributed all over the country. Free rides for all pests.

A couple of weeks ago, I went with a friend to the local Home Depot. She urgently needed a few plants for an event and the local nurseries were closed. The entire place was heavily infested with spotted lantern flies! Given that this store is situated in the middle of a big parking lot and unloading area and well away from any natural greenery of any kind, these bugs could’ve only arrived with the shipment(s) of plants. They were crawling everywhere and flew onto the people. I was swatting them off my hair and clothes! We fled the place but first we inspected each other thoroughly for any bug before getting into the car.

Anyone buying plants from such a place would do well to deposit their purchases in an isolated area, douse them right away with Neem oil and let them remain in quarantine for a few days. And give a thorough once over before bringing the plants into the garden.

Given that entire agricultural crops can be lost, it behooves us to take this threat very seriously. It might be impossible to stop commerce and trade but surely we can do something with all shipments before they get loaded and then again after unloading on the docks at point of arrival. Obviously a visual/physical inspection is inadequate but depending on whats in the shipment, high heat/very cold/UV/organic pesticide treatments can be administered followed by a period of quarantine.

I know, I know. All action comes at a cost – financial, labor as well as time. I don’t have immediately suitable solutions. It will take more experienced and knowledgeable minds than mine. But I am offering some food for thought for all of us. We have to start somewhere.

Instead of photos of plants, this week I’m sharing a video of a bobcat in my neighbors garden yesterday morning!

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(c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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