“Yosemite Park is a place of rest, a refuge from the roar and dust and weary, nervous, wasting work of the lowlands, in which one gains the advantages of both solitude and society . . . .” John Muir ( 1838-1914; Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, and early advocate for wilderness preservation in the USA.)

While we can’t create the grandeur and majesty of Yosemite in your backyard, we can learn from this stunning corner of creation the placement of rocks, and the space between through which meadows and rivers flow and sky is seen.

Gratefully shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& newly awestruck by Yosemite)

There are days when my schedule feels like a tall pile of heavy books about to fall; and while I’m running to catch things before they tumble, I forget to take time to catch my breath. On those days, a hike in the Alps or a cruise around the islands seem like blissful escapes. But those are not even faint hopes–much less, possibilities–given our age and stage in life.

Gratefully, I’ve found an escape into beauty, serenity, and joy the moment I open our door and step outside. Because I am married to a garden artist who values daily interaction with loveliness, our home is surrounded with sun-splashed leaves of dancing Japanese Maples, a cathedral of stately Dawn Redwoods, the rich and varied textures of Boxwoods, Azaleas and Hollies, the vivid colors of wildflowers, and a cheerful chorus of birdsong. I need only take a few steps to be immersed in the joyous beauty of a get-away that is real and very present, every single day of the year.

With thoughtful planning, creative design, and careful implementation of the plan, your outdoor living spaces can become the escape you are looking for–right outside your door.

If you are ready to invest in your own everyday retreat, give us a call at 717-653-1273. We delight in bringing joy and beauty to life for our many friends across central and southeast Pennsylvania!

Joyfully shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& daily escape artist!)

“I will make a garden, be an artist in nature, for gardens reveal to us what is best in our nature. The garden is the place for the gentle builder and humble artist to call their home, a place for them and all those who visit thereafter, to find their way back to a unified world where there are no boundaries, no point where the garden ends and the mountain begins.” Marc Peter Keane (American landscape architect and author)

Let us build a garden for you that embraces you and your home with natural, harmonious beauty while borrowing loveliness from the surrounding landscape. Give us a call if this idea resonates with you: 717-653-1273.

“My garden is a place that nurtures quiet in the midst of noise and makes it safe to listen to bird song and bee buzz and the trickle of water.”

~Emilie Barnes (American inspirational author and gardener in Time Began in a Garden)

Joyfully shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& Hummingbird enthusiast)

A Hummingbird enjoys an early morning water dance in our Japanese-inspired tsukubai water feature. I was fortunate to view this delightful display from a front row seat in our garden theater!

“As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can.”

~ John Muir (Scottish-American naturalist, botonist, zoologist, environmental philosopher, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the USA; 1838-1914)

Maybe you can’t get away to the wild places on earth, but perhaps we can bring the refreshment and delight of natural beauty to you…in a garden! Please give us a call: 717-653-1273. We’d love to partner with you to design and build a beautiful place just outside your doors and close enough for you to touch and experience every single day!

Gladly shared by Betty Hanselman
– Gardener’s wife (& seeker of daily “nature escapes”)