In the garden with Shobha Vanchiswar

March 12, 2010

Recovering from the storm

The aftermath of that “storm of storms” has been rather heartbreaking. So many gardens have taken a real beating.

To all, I’d like to say that I truly understand and feel for you. However, together we shall resurrect our gardens. Knowing that you are not alone in this should give you some encouragement. I have received many calls and emails from distressed gardeners. I’ve responded to each right away, as the situation demanded such immediacy. However, I thought sharing my thoughts as a summation could benefit others.

When despairing over the fallen branches and trees or the ruined shrubbery, many have no doubt been reminded that at least nobody was hurt or that the house was intact. And that is certainly true; we need to keep things in perspective. However, the ruins of a once beloved tree or garden and the undoing of perhaps several years of hard work should be duly acknowledged. Hence, first and foremost, I suggest you give yourself permission to feel the pain of the damage. It’s a mourning of sorts and a farewell to what once was.

Triage for the garden

Now, begin the process of assessing the damage and do a triage of what needs doing. Your favorite lilac may be in ruins but that tree leaning precariously over the fence needs to be attended to first. As soon as possible, pick up all the scattered debris. The simple act of tidying will not only make things look better, but will, I promise, make you feel empowered. And the real damage will be more easily identified.

Wherever there are jagged or rough ends to limbs or shrubs, make clean cuts on the bias. This is not just a gesture for aesthetic purposes but is important for the continued health of the plants. Be firm about cutting back hard the damaged plants. Although they may not yield flowers for a couple of years, the good news is that they will in all likelihood grow back nicely. 

It is to prevent such breaks that I remind you throughout the winter months to remove as much snow and ice as possible that are weighing down the limbs as quickly as possible. Likewise, protect plants from threatening icicles and large falling clumps of snow from overhangs above. 

Make a list so you won’t be overwhelmed

Obviously, you will need many hands to deal with fallen trees and large branches. Perhaps even professional services are required. If fences have been damaged, get them repaired quickly if there are small children and family pets that play outdoors. At the very least, fix them temporarily. You also want to keep out curious critters like deer that might find newly emerging growth rather irresistible. 

Making a list of everything that needs to be done is very helpful. I mean everything – big and small tasks. Then assign them into two categories – those that you can deal with yourself and those that need to be outsourced. Now determine when each item will be addressed. In the list you will be personally working on, estimate how many hours and days you think the work will require. Add a third more to the allotted time, i.e. if you think something will get done in five days, add another day and a half to it. The key is not to get overwhelmed. With the other list, get costs and set up the dates on which the work will be done. Naturally, as these things can be expensive, first tackle only the necessary ones.

Designing your “post-storm” garden

Okay, so now let’s envision the garden cleared up of the mess and repairs all done.  It’s time for the next stage. The “new” garden needs to take shape. Gaps left by shrubs need to be filled. Now is your chance to try something new. Do your research and go for it. Where a tree once stood and provided good shade, there is now plenty of light. Decide if you want to replant with another tree or put in that perennial bed you always wanted. 

If you want a tree, choose carefully. The tree must be appropriate to the site many years from now. Think native trees. Fast growing trees tend to have shallow roots and are hence easily affected in big storms. By planting trees that are slower in growth, you may not be around to see it at full maturity but future generations will. That’s good stewardship. In general, use this unexpected opportunity to be bold. A note of caution – you do not need to rush into this. Pause to reflect; feel free to wait a while. See what the new area looks like over some time and keep your mind open. The place itself will tell you what it should become. Then you can proceed confidently.

What have we learned from this whole experience? It is very important to stake, support, prune, cut back, clean, divide, protect and remove. In other words, regular care and maintenance is crucial to the good health of a garden. Beyond that, we are not the ones in charge. 

Perhaps the storm damage is at best a reminder that gardens are meant to evolve. Try to look at this disaster as a chance to express yourself differently. Unlike so much else, plants and trees can be readily replaced. I myself see that as nature’s message to not take myself too seriously.

Shobha Vanchiswar has been gardening all her life, the last 22 years in Chappaqua. She received the Golden Trowel Award for garden design in 2007 from Garden Design magazine. Her jewel-of-a-garden here in New Castle was on view in this year’s Garden Conservancy Open Day program. She has a garden design business, Seeds of Design. Write her at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).