Here in the Northeast, we observe four seasons and either celebrate or rue the seasonal changes that dictate our wardrobe, our activities, and our house and garden projects.

In Japan, however, the traditional Japanese calendar divides the year into 24 major divisions which are each split again into three for a total of 72 kö (or micro-seasons) that last around five days each. In their present form, these 72 “seasons” offer a poetic journey through the Japanese year, exemplifying a culture infused with deep sensitivity and appreciation for the nuances of nature.

Inspiring me to walk through each day with senses wide open to the wonders around me, here are a few of the beautifully lyrical descriptions of Japan’s seasonal changes: Spring wind thaws the ice; Brush warbler starts singing in the mountains; First Cherry blossoms; Distant thunder; Wild geese fly north; Bamboo shoots sprout; Rotten grass becomes fireflies; Hawks learn to fly; Evening cicadas sing; Maple and Ivy turn yellow; North wind blows leaves from the trees . . . .

What about you? What seasonal beauty speaks to you on this November day?

Gratefully shared by Betty Hanselman, Gardener’s wife,

from: https://www.nippon.com/en/features/h00124/?fbclid=IwAR3wMhb39KtmXeYq_P6NE746ouSOzLucf4_RFVPhHTd11EKPFZHx2JKh8T8 and https://www.kurashikata.com/72seasons/?fbclid=IwAR0BP3CNSgp6peLKCYG7DbJnEdJuX9Nra_aNdNG2XGAeWXxpDgS3f1AmABU

“Sometimes our fate resembles a (fruit) tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it.”

~Johann Wolfgang Goethe (German writer; 1749-1832)

Thoughtfully shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife

Create a Personal Eden

If your yard makes you feel like you’re on display, James Hanselman recommends adding trees, strategically selected and placed to provide privacy and shade. “Our Lancaster clients, for example, owned a small, flat corner lot in full view of other houses and everyone who drove by,” he recalls. “They wanted to spend time outside but felt as though they were in a fishbowl. They were considering moving, but after we designed and installed their backyard paradise, they decided to stay.”

The photo here shows the transformation James and his team made to this Lancaster County, PA property: from bleak, “public” backyard to private, restful oasis!

Contributed by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& “Eden garden” beneficiary)

“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 spring’s sap to flow,
buds, new leaves, then blooms will grow.”
~ Nelda Hartmann (American poet, in “January Morn”)
Shared by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife (& watchful winter wonderer)

Traditional methods for today’s gardens

As you plan your garden, you may be encouraged to know that Japanese garden techniques which have been ‘tried and true’ for thousands of years are still appropriate for today’s gardens, no matter the style.

Through his garden research, James Hanselman, principal at Hanselman Landscape, has been inspired by the beauty and practicality of Japanese garden traditions. “The Japanese have found ways to incorporate natural beauty in appropriate, sustainable, and elegant ways, even in very tiny urban spaces,” he confirms. “I have dedicated myself to learning and applying Japanese design and care techniques, regardless of the style of the garden.”

Contributed by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife

“I have found . . . that people garden to make something grow; to interact with nature; to share, to find sanctuary, to heal . . . to leave a mark. Through gardening, we feel whole as we make our personal work of art upon our land.”

~ Julie Moir Messervy (Contemporary American landscape designer and author)

Why do you garden? Feel free to leave your reasons in the comments below. And if you don’t “garden” per se, perhaps you own a garden? If so, why? We’d love to read your responses. Maybe we can partner with you to express your own garden raison d’etre!

Shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife