Gardens for Children

Posted on August 15, 2024August 15, 2024 by Betty Hanselman

James’ first official “children’s garden” was commissioned by a church preschool director who desired to create a natural play space, where rocks and trees replaced plastic and metal as the structural elements.

Since then, he has had the privilege of designing many garden spaces with children in mind. Now that we are grandparents, we are delighted to see the creativity with which grandchildren and friends alike enjoy the garden spaces James has incorporated around our home.

Shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& advocate of “natural” playgrounds)

Natural elements–sand, gravel, rocks, trees and grass–provide delightful sensory stimuli for little explorers. (On the left is the courtyard garden crafted for a church preschool. On the right, friends’ children prefer boulder “picnic tables”.)

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A Golden August Afternoon

Posted on August 13, 2024August 15, 2024 by Betty Hanselman

A golden afternoon of August:

every breath from the hills so full of life that it seemed whoever respired it, though dying, might revive.

~ Emily Bronte (English author

Shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife

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A Healthy Helping of Greens

Posted on August 8, 2024August 9, 2024 by Betty Hanselman

Different colors can have a profound impact on our emotions and mental state. Green, with its connection to nature and life, for example, tends to have a calming, soothing effect. In color psychology, green symbolizes growth and renewal; as such, it fosters harmony, a sense of security, and positive emotions, which is especially beneficial for those dealing with mental health challenges, emotional upheaval, or stress.

Research demonstrates that regular exposure to green spaces, whether in the form of lush forests or urban parks, can have a profoundly calming effect on our minds and our moods. Further studies suggest that people who work in green environments are more focused, less fatigued, and more innovative.

So what are you waiting for? Get outside into some green spaces for a walk, a hike, or a bike ride. Better yet, surround your daily living and working spaces with a healthy helping of year ’round greenery. Give us a call: 717-653-1273. We’d love to suggest ways to ensure you are getting your RDA of healthy greens!

Gladly shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& big “green” fanatic)

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August

Posted on August 6, 2024August 9, 2024 by Betty Hanselman

August is ripening grain in the fields blowing hot and sunny, the scent of tree-ripened peaches, of hot buttered sweet corn on the cob. Vivid dahlias fling huge tousled blossoms through gardens, and joe-pye-weed dusts the meadow purple.

~ Jean Hersey (American author and gardener; 1902 – 1997)

Can you feel the drowsy warmth of an August afternoon and the fast-approaching end of another summer? Get outside, breath deeply, and enjoy it while you can: Take a walk in your garden, spend a morning in a peach orchard, or go for a bike ride along a country road . . . . And take someone with you! You’ll be glad you did!

Gratefully shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& summer savorer!)

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A Garden For the Five Senses

Posted on August 1, 2024August 14, 2024 by Betty Hanselman

One glorious evening not too long ago, as we sat down to eat an al fresco dinner on the patio, I asked my 93 year-old father if he was able to get outside for a walk that day. A smile lit his face and his eyes sparkled as he recounted his outdoor excursion and all he had experienced while outside in the golden sunshine.

As we chatted, I realized he had experienced our garden with all five of his fading senses! He had heard the water splashing in the tsukubai, the wind in the Pines and the songs of a myriad birds. He had seen Japanese Maple leaves of all shapes backlit by the morning sunshine. He had smelled the fragrance of rain-washed Pine needles and moist dirt. He had felt the cool breeze on his skin as he walked the stone path around our home. And, best of all (he says!), he picked “about 20 blueberries” from our several bushes, savoring the summer sweetness.

It’s true! We have a Five Senses Garden! And what a delight it has been to share it with my elderly father and see him take such an interest in the sensory garden thriving around him!

Joyfully shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& Five Senses Garden dweller)

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Garden Joys: Gatherings

Posted on July 30, 2024August 1, 2024 by Betty Hanselman

Most of our clients are nurturers; they care deeply for those in their spheres of influence, for their homes, for their world. Their desire to create and tend beautiful spaces for their loved ones is their garden raison d’etre. They are not just about building a garden for themselves; they desire to make the world a better place by sharing natural beauty with their loved ones and leaving a legacy of loveliness for those who follow.

As nurturers, they are generous and gracious hosts, and often express a desire to increase space for entertainment around their homes. They request larger patios for dinner gatherings, swimming pools for their children and grandchildren, places for their children and pets to run and play . . . .

The photos here depict gardens built and maintained for just a few of our “nurturing” clients. And if their goals resonate with yours, please give us a call (717-653-1273) and see if we might be a good fit to fulfill your personal desire to share and leave a legacy of garden beauty.