“The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses.”
~ Hanna Rion (American author, artist and plant enthusiast; 1874 – 1924)

When James and I were dating, one of our favorite walks took us through the “Garden of the Five Senses” at our county park in Lancaster, PA. There, we lost ourselves in the scents of fragrant herbs, in the varied textures of moss and Pine needles underfoot, in the vibrant colors of flowering shrubs, in the melodies of birds in the branches over our heads, and in the sweetness of fresh, cool air that filled our lungs as we lingered. It was a special place, set apart–our secret garden, since we were often the only ones there. And it truly was a place of refreshment and restoration as we left to join the fray in the real world of everyday living.

We have not forgotten that garden. In fact, James seeks to create the sensory restoration we experienced there in each garden he and the Hanselman Landscape craftsmen design and build. If you long for refreshment and restoration in your own garden, we invite you to let us be part of the joy! CALL US TODAY to begin the creative process: 717-653-1273.

The P.J.M. is one of the earliest-blooming Rhododendron varieties, displaying vibrant, pinkish-lavender blossoms in early spring. As a slow-growing evergreen shrub, the P.J.M. works well as a natural barrier hedge and adds life to other evergreen plantings.

It grows best in acidic, ‘humusy’, well-drained soils. Good drainage is extremely important, since the P.J.M. does not like ‘wet feet’ and is susceptible to root rot. In fact, raised planting beds are a good idea for this variety of Rhododendron, especially in areas with heavy clay soils. Although the P.J.M. can withstand greater temperature extremes than other Rhododendron varieties (in zones 4 – , it should be planted in an area protected from winter winds and out of full sun, preferably in sun-dappled shade. Besides being a resilient and beautiful plant once established, the P.J.M. Rhododendron is also deer-resistant, which makes it an attractive choice in areas where deer are a threat. In recent years, many new varieties of ‘Early’ Rhododendrons (offspring of the P.J.M.) have been introduced and do quite well

in our area (Mid-Atlantic).

Making room for several P.J.M Rhodies outside your windows would be a delightful way to invite spring to host a party in your garden!

Joyfully shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& jubilant spring party-goer)

“And Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast
rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.”

~ Percy Bysshe Shelley (English Romantic poet; 1792-1822)

“Earth is a wintry clod;
But spring-wind, like a dancing psaltress, passes
Over its breast to awaken it; rare verdure
Buds tenderly upon rough banks, between
The withered tree-roots and the cracks of frost,
Like a smile striving with a wrinkled face…
And God renews His ancient rapture.”

~Robert Browning, (British poet, in Paracelsus, 1835)

Jubilantly shared by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife (& expectant spring celebrant)

“It won’t be long until the springtime, when we may open the windows and breathe God’s fresh air… Soon will the birds come back… How cheerfully Nature greets them. She puts out her leaves to hide their homes, and kisses them with the wind, the warm wind… Ah, Spring, we wait for you; for as the sap mounts the limbs of the tree so hope rises and we become bright again.”

~Charles F. Raymond, “The Springtime,” Just Be Glad, 1907

Shared by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife (& eager spring seer!)