Author Archive: Betty Hanselman

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THE PURPOSE OF PRUNING

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How can we assure that our garden investment grows more beautiful with each passing season into the legacy of beauty we imagine?

The answer lies in the skill of the care we provide—largely through pruning. Pruning allows us to manage a living environment to fit the human scale; in return, garden plants radiate graceful natural beauty into our daily experience.

The purpose of pruning is to create and improve opportunities for plants to grow to their potential. Although pruning tools are like a sculptor’s, plants are not inanimate objects that can be shaped or ‘finished’ in a matter of days. A successful pruner is more like a coach working with a team of promising athletes–providing opportunities and guidance while realizing the development of the team and its culture will take years of nurture. The end results are really up to the players, after all. In the same way, an experienced pruner will create opportunities and provide timely guidance for the plants in his care, allowing the plants to reach their potential over time.

Contributed by James Hanselman

The Gardener (& careful plant “coach”)

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WALK WITH NATURE

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“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”

~ John Muir (Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, often called “Father of the National Parks”; 1838-1914)

This spring, get outside daily for a walk in nature. Even if it’s in your own garden–simply to fill the bird feeder or collect the mail. Every day, find a way to breathe deeply under trees or clouds and quiet your soul.

Joyfully shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& nature walk enthusiast)

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PLANNING A GARDEN THAT WILL LAST: Care for your Garden Investment

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Expect to nurture your garden investment. Skilled gardeners learn how to properly “coach” a garden to allow it to flourish naturally. Quarterly pruning for plant health and guidance is recommended.

Pruning techniques allow for a variety of “finishes” to plants, ranging from wild to formal. Knowledgeable pruning preserves future growth and provides long-lasting beauty, while managing size and appearance.

Over time, the quality of the maintenance provided is the most important factor in determining a garden’s value and longevity.

Gratefully shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& beneficiary of a nurtured garden)

If you take joy in your garden, let us take care of it and extend its beauty and delight into the future. Please contact us for information about our garden maintenance plans: 717-653-1273.

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PLANNING A GARDEN THAT WILL LAST: Plant for Tomorrow

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Since plants keep on growing, organizing a community of plants to grow in graceful relationship with one another and the people who share the garden space is necessary to sustainable success.

Good design involves both the placement of plants with growth in mind, an understanding of how the growth of garden plants will change sun and shade requirements, and the selection of an achievable maintenance program for the garden after its installation.

Planning is critical, because a well-planned garden will save the frustration of frequent and costly renovations.

Gladly shared by Betty Hanselman
– Gardener’s wife

Please call us if you’d like to partner with us to grow a garden that will bless others for years to come: 717-653-1273.

The Lilacs Mother Planted The Lilacs Mother Planted

THE LILACS MOTHER PLANTED

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“The trees have grown much taller
in the yard where I once played,
And now look so majestic
in their summer robes arrayed;
And near the walk the lilacs fling
their fragrance to the air
The lilacs that my darling mother
planted for us there.”
~ Ed Blair

My own “darling mother”, 73 years young when she passed in 1999, was especially fond of lilacs. Every day in lilac season is a precious reminder of her vibrant beauty and contagious joy.

Joyfully shared by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife (& lilac lover)

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PLANNING A GARDEN THAT WILL LAST: Make Seasonal Decisions

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What will your garden look like during winter? Consider how much of your garden space and budget to allot to a brief summer season versus sustainable, year-‘round beauty. These are important concepts to discuss as you plan your garden.

We encourage using evergreen plantings as a primary spending focus in the foundation phase of your garden planning, since evergreens are attractive in all four seasons. You can then apportion finances to trees that display spring and autumn beauty and will grow into elegant shade producers in the heat of summer. Adding several specimen trees, such as valuable Japanese Maples, will imbue delight all year long, with vibrant spring and fall colors and graceful winter silhouettes. Annuals and perennials will be most attractively displayed against a background of more permanent plantings. All-season loveliness and a balance that meets your goals are the ideals.

Gladly shared by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife (& advocate of all-season beauty)

Please note that in each of the gardens shown below, evergreen plantings are the foundation for seasonal color displays. We can plan this year-’round art show for your garden too. Give us a call (717-653-1273) and let the creativity begin!

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