The thermometer is plunging and I suddenly have the urge to garden. Rather
than putter around outside on the tundra and risk losing a couple of digits to
frostbite, I think I’ll get my fix here where it’s nice and warm in the Cyber
Garden.
The (no) Problem Garden
http://www.netusa1.net/~lindley/
According to the author of this page, there’s no such thing as a problem
garden; you’re just trying to do something with your patch of green that Mother
Earth never intended. Let’s say, for example, you’re trying to grow azaleas in
your alkaline soil. Since azaleas like a little acidity, you’ve got a problem,
but one of your own creation. Try planting clematis or morning glories or herbs
such as oregano and rosemary, which thrive in our alkaline soils. Other handy
areas extol the virtues and ease of composting, explain the merits of shade
gardening or suggest planting techniques for dry, hot climates.
Virtual Garden
http://pathfinder.com/@@CshlIQcAH1zWGtDu/vg/Welcome/welcome.html
This site by Time-Warner is so content rich, you won’t even mind that they try
to sell you a book or two. “Life With Bambi, the Plant-Nosed Yard Deer” has
valuable tips on keeping this big-eyed pest away from your garden. Head into
the Toolshed to look up a plant, check your weather or talk to a gardener. Or
think about the season ahead from the warmth of your office: Jacqui Heriteau
recommends her favorite catalogs and Southern Living offers planting
tips for southern gardeners.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
http://www.eznet.ca/eznet/personnel/sunyatsen/
After all this serious instruction, I need a tranquillity break. How about a
visit to a garden nestled behind high white walls in Vancouver’s Chinatown?
Modeled after those built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), this is the
first full-scale Chinese classical garden built outside of China. Fifty-two
artisans spent a year on construction using materials, tools, and techniques
almost identical to those used centuries ago in the building of the famous
Suzhou gardens. This site explains how a visitor can best appreciate a classic
Chinese garden by understanding its design, reflection of the Taoist philosophy
of yin and yang: “Light elements are balanced by dark. Rugged and hard objects
are balanced by those which are soft and flowing. Every stone, pine, and
magnolia flower in the garden has been placed purposefully and carries a
symbolic meaning.” A stroll through this garden can refresh the mind and wipe
away mundane concerns, freeing it to contemplate matters of philosophy and
truth. Or the smell of cyber eggrolls wafting over the wall.
Are you sure you want my advice? Then e-mail your questions to me at:
Suzebe@aol.com or snail mail ’em to: The Austin Chronicle, PO Box
49066, Austin, TX 78765.
This article appears in January 3 • 1997 and January 3 • 1997 (Cover).