How to Win in Your Garden. And Thank Those Who Do the Battle.

I often walk about my property thinking of the many things that I would like to do to make being outside, even more enjoyable than it already is. I am blessed having purchased a large 37 acre mostly vacant piece of ground nearly 20 years ago. Situated on the west side of Route 47 in Goshen, I am surrounded by woods and marshes, covered by endless skies with a cavalcade of clouds roiling about all day.
I always try to think of no cost-low cost things I can do to make it interesting when friends visit and we hike the trails. Gathering driftwood into garden gates, using log bridges to cross streams, setting chairs on broken stone to take in the vistas and using old scavenged relics to build stories upon… Hidden amongst the growth, one will find sculptures, cracked pottery, ruined steps and natural tunnels of light to treat the senses.
There is a well-placed semi-circle of stone seats that face south carved into the side of a hill (yes a hill in Cape May County) that collects the sun on cold clear west wind days….the Sun Pocket.
We (that would be the King’s “we”) mow alternating paths across the open natural wildflower fields of vetch, mullein, asters, milkweed and goldenrod. The sections of field between the paths are alternately mowed every other year to keep trees from getting a hold and allowing different perennials to bloom.
When I first came upon the land it was burdened with phragmites, honeysuckle, autumn olive and invasive field roses. It has taken us years but we have eradicated most of it. The natives that came back in their place, cattail, bayberry, beach plum and cedars, didn’t cost a thing. We moved hundreds of volunteer Red Cedar, Willow Oak, American Holly and Pitch Pine to develop screens and view framing.
Yes, I still come up with many ideas, but I temper this with enjoying what I already have. As a landscape contractor, I occasionally steal my men for a few hours to help, but they usually work twice as hard for me there, and while it is muddy, cold and thorny….they always smile and do a great job. This is where I win; being able to work with my men. Using up old things. A few laughs, some pizza, the wildlife we see and the finished product we enjoy.
Think about your yard. Remove some clutter, open some views. Plant natives. Invite friends for a working lunch, re-recruit those kids. You don’t need to spend money to have a good time and leave a lasting impression. And stay thankful, I know I am.
Stan Sperlak, regional artist, teacher and writer, really is writing this week from Stykkisholmur, Iceland, with only 5 hours of daylight to close down his imaginary summer cottage. While there he is scouting out places for the workshop he will teach for 10 days next summer when there is 21 hours of sunlight. Happy Thanksgiving!