Shibumi Garden

 

"Every day and moment we wake

And have a beat in our heart

Life gives us a paintbrush

To make our living our art.

We all start as seedlings cast in the wind

We have no choice in our birth

But our spirit can influence the middle and the end."

Zen Gardener, John

As we go through life, we all are given a spiritual "paintbrush" to shape the natural beauty of people and things around us, as well as within ourselves.

With the growing popularity of this blog online, and the positive conversations it has stimulated amongst family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers - I have had to consider a couple of things.  First, what name to refer to my garden and its peaceful energy.  Secondly, I wanted to create a lighthearted, and fun nickname that was more accurate about my activity.  I am not a farmer by any means.  I grew up in New York City. I'm really just a gardener now living in the suburbs outside of the city.

Since March, I have spent at least 15 minutes, twice a day peering or walking into my garden and meditating. My garden is a potted garden atop a deck extension, which naturally keeps my vegetables, fruits, and herbs away from the pesky deer that wander through my backyard.  From the seedlings, I started inside, to moving them outdoors and into the large cloth and plastic pots, it has been a very enriching experience.  It's a peaceful vocation.  I walk, stand, or sit and observe the gentle signals, aromas, and energy from the plants.  You can envision yourself sitting in Shibumi, or at sunrise on a beach, or driving home during sunset.

The plants tell you when they are happy and/or when they're not feeling well.  Their process of growth is universal and correlates to everything that we do.  From our families to our jobs, to moving into a new environment, there's always some form of growth and reaction to the things that nourish us in our environment.  That nourishment can be good, sometimes it can be detrimental.  Sometimes our environment can also be polluted with harmful things, that we later pass on to others.  This is why it's good to take 15 minutes and reflect on my garden and my own daily life.  It's uplifting to meditate and make sure that good things are passing through all of us, and that we continue to grow in some kind of way.

37 years ago, I read a book entitled "Shibumi" by an author with the pseudonym, Trevanian.  The book motivated me to learn the definition of Shibumi.  Shubumi is a Japanese concept that describes tranquility, balance, and harmony in a very eloquent way.  This is done without force, but with complete understanding.  This inspired me to now name my garden, "Shubumi Garden".

As for the playful nickname that I was using, "Farmer John," this seemed too oversimplified and not an accurate description.  The name Zen Gardener, John seems far more appropriate.  As large as my garden is, it is not a large "farm".  I in fact have only a simple garden by comparison to those out there with actual farms.

Lastly, this spring I have frequented a local, family-owned gardening store chain The Garden Department.  I have visited and spoken with many of the staff members there.  The staff is friendly, informative,  and more importantly very welcoming!  I have had many warm conversations with Victor "Vic" Caroleo, the second in the line of the four generations of family ownership.  The Garden Department family history is an amazing American success story.  Vic and his staff embody the professionalism of community and home gardening advisors.  They offer to help you in every way possible so that you have success in your garden or landscape.  I encourage everyone to click on the links and take a read.  I hope to continue my relationship with Vic, his family, and their staff.  They are an extension of those good gardening vibes every time that I go there.

Again, click on the links to find one of their chain stores near you, and visit back to my blog to see how positive an impact they have had on my Shibumi Garden this year.  See how you too can improve your landscape and garden through this wonderful family business!

Living My Art: Shibumi Garden.  All videos and photos are courtesy of JStergis