Whether you yearn for a festive wreath on your front door, a bouquet of evergreens for your Advent candles, or sprigs of holly on the mantle, there is scope for imagination and creativity in a garden that thoughtfully incorporates evergreens in all their varied textures, colors, and fragrances.

Late each November or early December, it’s my delight to head out into the wind with a wheelbarrow and some pruning scissors, and wander the garden in search of evergreen cuttings to grace the candles we light each week in anticipation of Advent.

And each December, I breathe gratitude for a husband who understands the value of evergreens in a garden–especially in winter, when the brilliance of autumn is a sweet memory and the glories of spring are a far-off hope. So I gather the luster of Southern Magnolia and Holly, the fragrance of Juniper, Pine and Spruce, the texture of Fir, Cryptomeria, Temple Cedars and Yews, add a sprinkle of berries from Pieris and Winterberry . . .

Slowly, reflectively, I shape our Advent wreath, all the while giving thanks for family and friends, meaningful work, sunshine, birdsong, evergreens, and Hope, Peace, Joy and Love personified that first Christmas so long ago.

Gladly shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& grateful wreath-shaper)

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”

~Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964; former Prime Minister of India)

Shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& wide-eyed wanderer)

Give us a call if your “out-of-doors” is less than inspiring: 717-653-1273. We delight in bringing beauty, interest, and serenity to our clients’ gardens!

One of the many reasons why gardens are increasingly precious to us in this day and age is that they help us to escape the tyranny of speed.

Our skies are streaked with jets, our roads have turned into race-tracks, and in the cities the crowds rush to and fro as though the devil were at their heels.

But as soon as we open the garden gate, Time seems almost to stand still, slowing down to the gentle ticking of the Clock of the Universe.

~ John Beverley Nichols (English writer, 1888-1983)

Joyfully shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& ‘Garden Time’ advocate)

“Gratitude is the intention to count-your-blessings every day, every minute, while avoiding, whenever possible, the belief that you need or deserve different circumstances.”

~ Timothy Miller PhD, in How To Want What You Have

‘To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us — and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.”

~ Thomas Merton (American trappist monk, writer, theologian, poet, social activist; 1915-1968)

We are grateful for your trust and friendship today and in each beautiful season of the year.

James and Betty Hanselman and family,

For all of us at Hanselman Landscape and Gardens

Nathan and Jill’s* newly-renovated “place in the sun” includes a covered portico and an upgraded patio that ties into a solar-paneled hot tub shelter. Bouldered steps lead to a second solar-paneled structure on the hillside adjacent to a waterfall garden and campfire space. In this beautiful place surrounded by wildflowers (in season) and incredible vistas (in every season), Nathan and Jill and their loved ones can relax and savor the glories of sunshine and sunset, all while storing solar energy for use in their home.

If this idea resonates with you, talk to us (717-653-1273). We’d love to partner with you to fulfill your unique garden dreams.

Joyfully shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& & sun savorer)

*Names were changed to protect our clients’ privacy.