THAT DOODLER FRIEND of ours, Andre Jordan, is so philosophical sometimes (when he’s not being passive-aggressive in one of his naughtier doodles, I mean–you know how wide his range of styles is, right?). But in a harsh year as many of you have experienced this growing season, I think it’s important to remember the sentiment in this Andre masterpiece–and it isn’t a bad reflection for everyday life trials, either. Dig deeper; the goodness is there.
I WATCHED A ZOOM lecture the other day that really put into words a lot of the ways my own deepening understanding of ecology is shaking up the way I practice horticulture—from spring cleanup, right on to the last chore of the active year. The lecturer was Rebecca McMackin, director of horticulture for Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City, where she leads the team that manages 85 acres of diverse parkland with a central focus on habitat creation of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows to build soils and support birds, butterflies, and other organisms.
We talked about the dynamic tactics they use and when and why–a whole different approach to spring cleanup, where the life cycles of animals (from insects on up) dictate what happens when, garden maintenance-wise. Like why some things don’t get cut back, and others that are still seed-laden when they do have their seeds collected and set aside, then returned to the spot after whatever cleanup is needed there.
(Stream it below, read the illustrated transcript or subscribe free.)
This morning I planted a new Cercis ‘little woody’. I also cleared an area near the creek where I hope to plant petasites. I am very curious when I plant things to know what is going on below ground and what the future holds. Andre seems to already know while I am still guessing.
Hello, Gardenbug, and yes, that Andre does indeed. I love this doodle; I need to look at it again and again and keep it in mind. Nice to see you!
Love this. Thanks, Andre!
I appreciate Andre’s faith that all is well beneath our feet! Sadly though, here in Virgiia things don’t seem to be quite so good — my prized Japanese maple appears to be dying, after twenty years in my garden. The leaves are all frizzled and yellow, and no amount of water seems to help. A neighbour came by yesterday to wail about his magnolia stellata — enormous, beautiful, old. Large branches are dying, for some reason, and we are thinking drought is the reason. Trying weather, and I hope Andre is right and things will improve.
Good morning , Andres doodle needs to be a T shirt. I would gladly wear it. I volunteer in the Rose garden at the Vanderbilt Estate Eagles Nest in Centerport NY I would wear it there and to my Garden Club meetings.
I love your bluebells!! I think I can grow them here.
Have a lovely Sunday.