The phrase ‘sense of place’ is often used in relation to those physical characteristics that make a place special or unique, as well as to those qualities about a location that fosters a sense of authentic human attachment and belonging. Places that lack a sense of place are sometimes referred to as “placeless” or “inauthentic.” Placeless landscapes are those that have no special relationship to the places in which they are located—they could be anywhere. Roadside shopping malls, gas stations, convenience stores, fast-food chains, and chain department stores are examples of placeless landscape elements. Claire Sawyers, director of the Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College since 1990, refers to the physical qualities of a location in the ‘sense of place’ discussion when she writes, “To garden with a sense of place means to discover and preserve what is special about your site, its genius loci.” Join us next week as we continue our ‘sense of place’ discussion with a look at the Japanese gardening ideal of evoking a garden ‘mood’. Contributed by James HanselmanGardener (and ‘sense of place’ advocate)

PLAYING OUTSIDE”I will understand problem solving, self-exploration, decision making, number relationships, structures, complex vocabulary, healthy living, cause and effect, creativity, imaginative thinking, and my natural world when I am big, because I play outside when I am little.”(from www.HowWeeLearn.com)In 2021, make outside play a greater part of your daily routine!Joyfully shared by Betty HanselmanGardener’s wife (& outside play advocate)

“The color of springtime is in the flowers, the color of winter is in the imagination.”~ Terri Guillemets (American quote-collector and creator of The Quote Garden; 1973-present), gladly shared by Betty Hanselman, Gardener’s wife (& winter imaginer). This winter’s day, is your garden imagination running wild? As you daydream, we invite you to write down what comes to mind. Do your garden dreams include boulders and falling water, a courtyard garden, a new patio, a hot tub, or a swimming pool? Whatever you’re imagining, schedule a consultation today or call us to share your idea with us at 717-653-1273. We’d love to see if we can help you make it a reality!

Last week’s post told of one Palmyra, PA couple and their quest for a garden that would offer respite and refreshment at the entrance to their Palmyra, PA home. Not only did James Hanselman and his team of craftsman bring visual beauty to a once-weedy patch of lawn; they also brought the delightful sounds of falling water within earshot of the home! Take a listen . . . .

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TINY COURTYARD GARDEN DELIVERS ENORMOUS DELIGHT! Immense joy is a daily experience for Rich and Kris ever since they chose to transform the problem area just outside their front door into an exquisite water garden. They can hardly believe the tranquility and loveliness of this space they used to avoid.“This beautiful garden invites me to take time out–to sit and rest awhile,” smiles Kris. “Even when I am working in the kitchen, I can hear the water splashing onto the rocks. I never get tired of it!” A garden bench now sits adjacent to the garden, where Kris reads and recharges on temperate mornings, and where she and Rich often linger and catch up at day’s end. According to James Hanselman of Hanselman Landscape, “This project was a joy for all of us! And it came about because Rich and Kris trusted us, even though the ideas we proposed were bigger than they imagined possible. Their trust gave us the freedom to be creative.”How may we transform your living spaces–small or large–so that joy and peace are part of your daily experience?Read more: https://www.hanselmanlandscape.com/…/small-space-delivers-e…/~Joyfully shared by Betty HanselmanGardener’s wife (& awestruck eye witness)

“Anyone who thinks gardening begins in the spring and ends in the fall is missing the best part of the whole year; for gardening begins in January with a dream.” ~ Josephine Nuese (Author, gardener)

This winter, where are your garden dreams taking you? Down a rustic stepping stone path through a cathedral of majestic Redwoods? Across a sun-warmed patio, coffee mug in hand, to sit beneath a gracefully arched Japanese Maple? Under a splashing, swim-in waterfall with your grandchildren? Can we help you realize this winter’s garden dreams come springtime? Give us a call at 717-653-1273. We would love to meet with you now to listen to your inspirations and ideas, so that we can partner with you to bring them to life when the weather begins to warm!

Gladly shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& winter garden dreamer)