Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Posted on January 29, 2026January 30, 2026 by Betty Hanselman

Resolving to stay healthy in this new year, James and I are regularly pulling on our winter boots and getting outside to walk around our property!

In the process, Winter and I are getting better acquainted and I am once again enjoying this wildly unpredictable, bi-polar season of the year! My previous perception of Old Man Winter was prejudiced, determined by the snow storms that interfered with my schedule and the salty slush that messed up my floors. As a result, I’ve rarely chosen to experience, much less enjoy, Winter.

Now, however, James and I are crunching through ice-crusted snow or squelching through snowmelt–-often in moonlight–-tracking Orion’s climb across the heavens, passing beneath the rustle of wind-tossed Pines, and running up the rise to stand breathless and awed under the stars. By allowing myself to experience and be OK with the biting cold and slippery surfaces, I am beginning to recognize and appreciate the beauty in this harsh, bone-numbing season–in the naked tree-silhouettes against the sky, the lonely cry of a hawk rending the silence, the whoosh of ice crystals against rocks, the diamond-sparkle of fresh snow in sunlight.

Winter slaps me in the face, waking me up to the stark beauty in the landscape, in the overarching sky, in our garden. It makes me feel, notice, hear things I wouldn’t attend to if I were comfortable. Winter reminds me that, in every season, there is unrelenting joy and beauty to discover if I will just go outside with eyes, ears, and heart wide open.

Gladly shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& wide-eyed winter wanderer)

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: We will continue to prioritize outside play!

Posted on January 22, 2026January 30, 2026 by Betty Hanselman

This past year, James and I had some amazing outside play opportunities in our own garden and in parts of God’s garden in places as far apart as our children’s homes.

And always, no matter where we travel–whether down our garden path or to Hatchers Pass, Alaska–outside play refreshes us, keeps us moving, and helps us engage with each other, our loved ones, and the natural world.

In 2026, we encourage you to make time for outside play–close to home or further afield–and see where your adventures take you!

Joyfully shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& outdoor adventure seeker)

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January

Posted on January 19, 2026January 23, 2026 by Betty Hanselman

January opens
The box of the year
And brings out days
That are bright and clear
And brings out days
That are cold and grey
And shouts, “Come see
What I brought today!”

Leland B. Jacobs (American professor and poet; 1907 – 1992)

Shared by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife (& joyful recipient of January’s gifts)

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Inside Out Garden Views

Posted on January 15, 2026January 16, 2026 by Betty Hanselman

At Hanselman Landscape, we begin to create a garden by first sitting in the favorite seat of the home owner and looking out at the area we will shape outside their windows. It is our desire to build gardens that will increase value for those who live inside the home, filling the window frames of their homes with garden art that brings interest and beauty into their lives every season of the year — whether they are sitting inside looking out or outside strolling along a garden path.

When so many gardens in our area are built with the goal of providing curb appeal to passers-by, our priority is the viewing pleasure of the people who live there.

The photos here display the garden art that fills the picture frames at our home . . . . I hope you enjoy the show!

Gladly shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& inside-out garden dweller)

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January Morn

Posted on January 12, 2026January 16, 2026 by Betty Hanselman

Bare branches of each tree
on this chilly January morn
look so cold so forlorn.
Gray skies dip ever so low
left from yesterday’s dusting of snow.
Yet in the heart of each tree
waiting for each who wait to see
new life as warm sun and breeze will blow,
like magic, unlock springs sap to flow,
buds, new leaves, then blooms will grow.

– Nelda Hartmann (American contemporary poet)

Shared by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife

Want to Live Longer? Build a Garden!

Posted on January 8, 2026January 9, 2026 by Betty Hanselman

The more time I spend in the garden, the more I’m convinced:

Living with plants isn’t just a hobby — it’s a lifestyle that supports longevity.

Gardens require us to move, to notice, to breathe deeper. They pull us outside into fresh air and sunlight. They get our hands in the soil (nature’s best therapy!) and invite us into daily rhythms of tending, watering, weeding, harvesting… all the small moments that keep us grounded and active.

And here’s the delightful part:

When we build gardens, we’re not just growing plants — we’re growing ourselves, too. Research shows that gardening (or simply being outside in a garden) lowers stress, supports heart health, improves mood and provides a sense of purpose and connection. But you don’t need a study to convince you. You’ve already experienced it! You just need to step outside, smell the soil, watch something you planted take hold and you’ll understand.

As we begin a new year, here’s to gardening as a path to a longer, healthier, calmer life. More green. More sunshine. More growing — for our plants and for us. So keep planting. Keep building. Keep living with plants. And if you need someone to help you put your ideas down on paper and then outside your home, please give us a call (717-653-1273)! Bringing garden joy and natural beauty to your life is our goal and our reward!

Gladly shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& “garden longevity” proponent)