Recently… may higad infestation sa aking pocket garden. Bad Trip!  kailangan kong bumili ng Malathion para matepok ang mga voracious pest na ito.

Eto ang isa sa mga “camera shy” higad na nakunan ko.

Other LP entries… this way please —> Litratong Pinoy

I haven’t snapped out of my gardening mode…

“Pleasure for an hour, a bottle of wine; pleasure for a year, marriage; pleasure for a lifetime, a garden.”
— Chinese saying

Got this from Dailyom, for all you new age garden enthusiast there, this is interesting.

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Co-Creating with Nature
Conscious Gardening

Gardens offer us a perfect opportunity to reconnect to our true selves and remember our place in the natural world. Rather than approach our gardens as mere investments of energy, we can look at the entire process of gardening, from planting seeds to harvesting food, as a way of deepening our conscious relationship with the creative force of the universe. If we are willing to shift our intention from dominating, or at least directing nature, to co-creating with nature instead, we may discover a deep peace and renewed sense of wonder.

To co-create we must first begin with a foundation of mutual respect. As you create your garden in partnership with nature, you can respect the earth, water, insects and animals by using organic seeds, soil and fertilizers. You can also communicate with the plants, insects and elements involved in your garden, and create a regular practice of stillness to listen for any messages they may have for you. When it comes time for harvesting fresh vegetables or picking beautiful blooms, you might even ask permission first. If you ask with an open heart, you will always receive an answer.

Imagine what it would be like to surrender certain aspects of your human world to the precision and surety of the natural environment. You might decide, for example, to forego your calendar and plant in rhythm with the cycles of the moon. Or, you might choose to ignore clock time and water your garden when the sun hits a certain position in the sky. By opening your garden experience to more of nature’s input, you can become available to witness a whole universe of miracles, while engendering a greater sense of honor between the two worlds.

When we recognize ourselves as allies, co-creators, with the earth and the natural world, our relationship to our environment begins to change. We no longer feel the need to control the circumstances around us and can relish in the perfection of all that is.

Inhale… Exhale…

Imagine an Eden in your home. It’s easier than you could imagine. Jeprocksdworld is here to help you create that meditation garden you’ve been wanting and here are some few steps to get you going.

The Perfect Plan. Nothing beats being organized when preparing a garden. At this point, you have to carefully choose what type of garden you plan to create. A zen garden would exhibit asymmetry in its arrangement, while a tropical garden will display foliage in different hues and texture. Why not a biblical garden perhaps? Cultivate plants that are mentioned in the bible like cantaloupe, aloe, coriander, sage, juniper or even cypress.

Maintenance is also a factor in the planning. A simple zen stone garden wouldn’t require so much watering while a tropical garden wouldn’t stay lush if you don’t give it the proper humidity and sunlight. In today’s urban living, the trend is usually to go container gardening. So even if you are living in a condo, you don’t have feel deprived of having a garden.

Get Dirty! Check you soil condition. As there are six types of soil, the elements contained in it is either too much or too little. Grab some gardening book available in the market to assess your soil. Adding some minerals or compost will definitely improve your soil condition.

Go Local. Choose plants that are indigenous in your area. Don’t try to incorporate highland flora in your garden if you are in Manila, trust me, give it a weeks time, and you will be declared a black thumb! Going local with your plants is also more economical and in terms of maintenance, it’s more stress free.

I need your attention. The Focal Point. The crowning glory of your garden depends on this. This is what makes your garden a meditation garden. Choose pieces that gives you a sense of comfort and serenity. It could either be a simple cross or an ornate grotto with an image of our lady of Lourdes and a kneeling St. Bernadette. This is a matter of personal preference. Choose whatever works.

Order in Chaos. Depending on the garden style you choose, arranging the plants is easy. Tropical garden usually creates pattern towards the gardens focal point. With Zen garden on the other hand, plants and accessories (ie rocks, temple lanterns) are arranged in asymmetrical triangles to give it, ironically, a sense of balance. This kind of symmetry will also help you contemplate on the relationship between heaven, man and earth.

Accessorize. Add some pizzazz to your garden by adding elements to excite the senses. It could be a desktop fountain, a wind chime or a simple floating candle. Garden lights will also provide that glow if you intend to use it during night time. It is also important to have a bench or a stone slab where you could sit facing your focal point.

Be Still. Finally, your garden is all worked up. After all the enjoyable hard work, it’s time for you to be still and relax. This is your perfect sacred space where you could pray in contemplation . Your garden is the perfect solace be it in agony or in ecstasy.

PS. Don’t forget to water the plants!

Image courtesy of http://www.pbase.com/mtu_fulani
http://www.aquamarinediving.com
http://www.lizlyle.lofgrens.org