“Even if she forgets the whole thing in her teens, later still, when she is grown up and has a first garden of her own, some misty memory of the pleasure of growing things will give her a head start over the gardener without any background, just as children who have spoken a second language, and forgotten it, can pick it up again in later years.”

~ Anne Scott-James (British journalist & gardening author; 1913 – 2009)
Happily shared by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife (& “garden grandma” to 9 granddaughters!)

During Covid, when we were all separated from others and sequestered within the confines of our homes, I read numerous articles about the benefits of having a garden or even just a few plants to tend. And indeed, in that bleak season of isolation and uncertainty, the opportunity to be outside tending something living was a gift.

Even though Covid is behind us, I still encourage you to get outside to tend your garden–not only because your garden plants need care, but because it is good for you, too! You’ll spend time in the fresh air and sunshine, staying active at a pace you determine. You’ll be rewarded with time to breathe deeply and quiet your soul as you work; you’ll reap the good health of the plants you’re tending and a property that is tidy and well-maintained; and you’ll be reminded, once again, of the beauty that surrounds you.

My hope for you is that after your day in the garden, you’ll go inside tired but happy, and Oh so grateful for the blessing of a garden to tend!

Shared by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife (& “tired but happy” garden nurturer)

“Gardening is like landscape painting to me. The garden is the canvas. Plants, containers and other garden features are the colors. I paint on the garden of canvas hoping to create a master piece with my colors.”
~ Ama H.Vanniarachchy (Contemporary Sri Lankan author, journalist, painter, and archaeologist)

Joyfully shared by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife (& garden art beneficiary)

If the space outside your windows needs an artistic touch, look no further. Our garden artists will create landscape art for viewing from the picture frames (windows) in your home. Give us a call to get started: 717-653-1273!

“‘Tis like the birthday of the world,
When earth was born in bloom;
The light is made of many dyes,
The air is all perfume:
There’s crimson buds, and white and blue,
The very rainbow showers
Have turned to blossoms where they fell,
And sown the earth with flowers.”

~ Thomas Hood (English poet, author, and humorist; 1799 – 1845)
Gladly shared by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife

Embracing a Japanese garden means investing in a lifetime of beauty and tranquility. In exchange for love and care, these gardens offer unparalleled returns, enriching the lives of those who have the pleasure of living in these privileged spaces. In the coming weeks, we’ll explore the unique qualities of Japanese-inspired gardens and their profound impact.

At the heart of a Japanese garden is the principle of serenity, achieved through the thoughtful concept of “ma” – the intentional space between objects. Unlike Western gardens, where the emphasis often lies on the objects that fill the space, “ma” celebrates the emptiness, the pauses that foster reflection and bring balance. This concept extends beyond physical spaces; it touches on art, music, time, presence, indeed, all of life.

Gardens that prioritize the concept of “ma” become havens of harmony and serenity, offering respite for the soul amidst the chaos of everyday life. If your life feels overcrowded, consider a Japanese garden designed with “ma” in mind – an oasis of calm where you can pause to rest your eyes, quiet your soul, and breathe deeply.

Gratefully shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& stillness seeker)