Healing the Earth: The Perfect Garden

Elkland School was both a center for art and the home and studio of artists Tom Sternal and his wife Martha Enzmann . They restored several acres of land around the old elementary school in Todd by creating gardens to produce flowers, vegetables, and habitats for wildlife. The kimono’s front view shows the gardens as you enter the Elkland School with a schematic of their studios and living space. The hawk is Tom who died suddenly and now watches over the land, like a hawk. The back view shows autumn turning into winter with a view through the old gymasium’s door. 43” H x 56” W ; paper collage; $3300

The lower half of the Elkland School Garden Kimono shows a bird's eye view of the school which has become studio spaces and living areas for the owners. The Hawk is symbolic of Martha's husband who was a lifelong hunter, woodworker, furniture maker and sculptor.

Quinne lived in a flat on the second floor up. She had no land of her own, but her community offered spaces to create gardens, which she did. The kimono reflects the subdivided spaces for members of the community to till. It’s an interdependent community both in terms of gardeners, the plant life, and the society of critters like rodents, birds, insects and human activity. Cooperation is essential. Quinne could not bring herself to exterminate the woodrats, so she built a shelter for them and allowed the natural order of things to continue. The owls appreciated the woodrats, who did not eat up all the berries afterall. Cooperation and control are key. 38”H x 46” W ; paper collage; $2200

When the gardener discovered that a woodrat was eating her strawberries, she sought to kill it. She found she couldn't bring herself to go through with the killing, when she realized that an owl had taken up residence in a nearby tree. The gardener decided to allow nature to proceed without her interference, although she ultimately did help the rat. She built a little shelter for the creature, sacrificing a few strawberries along the way. The owl never left, evidently finding other rodents.

Asian sensibilities are apparent in this Chinese Garden. Views of nature are controlled through the openings in the garden wall, such as the keyhole and quadrafoil ( front kimono) and the two leaf shaped windows and large octagonal window on the back. A dragon guards the top of the garden wall on the front of the kimono. Foo dogs representing yin and yang elements of masculine and feminine on the back. The Foo Dogs stand protectively in front of the octagonal window in the wall. By controlling the views, the garden-architect offers a spotlight on beauty (front) and an invitation to experience an expanse of water for quiet contemplation (back). Vague gray figures are portrayed on front because nature is always more dominant than a person in a Chinese garden. 40"H x 57" W ; Paper collage; $2500.

Looking closely, two grayish figures can be seen. One is lower bottom left, wandering among the rocks, and the other figure can be seen through the opening. It displays an attitude of respect before the tree. The tree's foliage of vivid fuschia lures the eye of its beholder and causes one's mind to ponder the many forms of nature.

After a trip to India where I visited the Amber Fort , I was struck with the beauty of its garden layout ( on the front skirt portion) and of its “Hall of Mirrors” with images of Ganesha and vases of flowers. This kimono is created in the style of its sultans, although the Mughal Sultan would have worn leggings or pantaloons under the skirt. 44” x 53”; Collaged paper; $3300.

Ganesha was a favorite of the Mughal royalty. He is a deity adopted from Hindu religion after the Mughals conquered large areas of northern India, which was primarily Hindu. Ganesh is known as the Lord of auspicious beginnings and the remover of obstacles. The artist used paper to mimic glass mosaics, which was a popular art technique used to decorate palaces of the Raj.

The executive director of Pittsburgh Botanic Garden asked for a kimono that directly related to their grounds. Among the many possibilities, two things stood out: Pittsburgh was once known as "The Iron City". As such, wrought iron was an artform and the botanic garden is proud of its wrought iron gazebo, featured on the kimono's front. The back of the kimono depicts the Walker-Ewing Glass Log house, originally constructed in 1790. The Walker-Ewing house is a log cabin, not a glass house ( "Glass" is the surname of one of the original owners). Pittsburgh Botanic Garden uses the log house to host contemporary educational programs. 32"H x 37" W; Collaged paper; NFS.

“The Sisters” consists of three separate “kimonos” created in the style of apparel worn by Shawnee Indians. Taken together, “The Three Sisters” refer to a popular garden practice of indigenous tribes who populated the Pittsburgh, Ohio region before . “The Three Sisters” will be exhibited at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden in 2025-2026.

Far Right: “Squash Blossom, Little Sister” kimono; Squash was planted and spreads its vines like a ground cover, helping to maintain moisture around the plants. Front side only; 30” H x 22” W; paper collage;$1100

Middle: “Cornstalk, Big Sister” kimono; Corn was a stable of Shawnee diet. Every part of the cornstalk can be used in some way. “Big Sister” provides the center of the garden both nutritionally and spiritually. The other vegetables grow around the corn. Front side only; 48” H x 29” W; paper collage’; $1900

Far Left: “Runner Bean, Middle Sister” kimono; Runner beans need a climbing post, which the cornstalk provides while squash plants keep moisture in the ground for the beans and corn. Runner beans balance out the nutritional value of the three sisters. Front side only; 37” H x 23” W; paper collage; $1500

The Sonoran desert is fascinating for its ability to produce life. Taking the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona as my model, this kimono is a testimony to the ingenuity of nature. Both front and back of the kimono show a variety of cacti and other succulents, which will flower for a season. Animal life has adapted to the harsh environment as well. Armadillos, lizards, and birds have created a vibrant desert life. 43"H x 44"W ; Paper Collage; $2500

The armadillo is a wiley creature. It's shell does more than protect from predators. It helps to keep moisture inside the animal. It's adaptation to an incredibly dry environment offers a study in how nature adjusts to circumstances. Another adaptable creature is the lizard. The head of a young Bearded Lizard peeks out from under a low-growing cactus. The harsh environment produces some strikingly beautiful and intense colors from the color of lizards, to cactus flowers, to the dramatic colors of a sunset.

Tsuba-Niwa refers to an interior garden found inside urban homes (Tsuba) in Japan’s larger cities. Because there is no empty land surrounding the urban home, the Japanese cleverly devised an open interior space which receives sunlight and has a water element like a koi pond or small waterfall , creating a “Tsuba-Niwa.” A major feature of the garden is its visibility through large windows and decks inside of the home. Upper left : Kimono front—deck-views of an interior garden. Lower right: Kimono back— mock crest of koi. Upper right: View of interior garden, under the images of the mock crest of koi which are form a kind of door that can be opened. The Japanese are masters of a garden’s beauty and contemplative effects whether inside or outside. 29” H x 65” W; paper collage; $2100

Looking through a large circular window we see a secret garden. In the center is a lantern or shrine, a Koi pool behind, and several small weeping fruit or miniature maple trees. large flat stones add contrast to the vegetation. This interior garden would be a Japanese family's delight.

Qi Pao is a style of Chinese dress popularly worn in early 20th to mid-twentieth century by stylish Chinese and Western women. Front and back have elements popular in a Chinese garden, including the famous dragon, which normally runs along the top of a garden wall or can be found on a wall flanking a pond or pool of water. Rock formations , waterfalls, hidden views are all components of a Chinese garden. On the back, a pagoda provides a respite for viewing the garden with a philosopher’s walk traversing the water- and landscapes. 44” x 26” ; Collaged Paper; $1900

Water is a major element of a philosopher's garden. There is always a waterfall tumbling through rocks, and then a smaller, quieter tribute to the necessity of water as seen in this detail of a birdbath. It has attracted birds and also frogs who want to take advantage of the birdbath.

Ecoland is located just outside of Alsmere, The Netherlands. It is an ecologically aware garden area. Ecoland was featured in its formative states for the 2022 Floriade Expo and was slated to continue its (literal) growth after the conclusion of the expo. The garden areas employ a sensitive balancing of man’s needs with the forces of nature, particularly in its use of precious land. Alsmere itself is built on land reclaimed from the North Sea. The front and back of the kimono are aerial views of the layout of garden areas for growing vegetables with graveled pathways for walks, amphitheater space for outdoor concerts, beach areas for swimming or fishing, and potting sheds and shelters for the gardeners. Environmental art by Will Becker created from Willow branches form tunnels, inviting children and grown-ups to play. One tunnel had hundreds of tags attached with wishes written by visitors for healing our earth through more conscious choices in our lives. Tags hanging from this kimono are wishes by various friends echoing a similar desire to heal the earth through our conscientious use of resources. 46” H x 33” W ‘ paper collage; $2100

Tags for people's wishes for a healthier planet have been attached to Ecoland Kimono. The idea was inspired by a Birchtree branch tunnel at the actual Ecoland in Alsmere, The Netherlands. School children and adults were encouraged to write their ideas of a healthy planet on tags and strung up along the branches of the tunnel. I copied this idea because it seemed important to arouse interaction with the purpose of creating gardens that help heal the earth.

The gardens of Weleda in Switzerland inspired this garden kimono to show an aerial view of a layout of plants grown for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. One sleeve sports an insect hotel for pollinators and nature’s pest controllers, based on just such a “hotel” at the Weleda farm,. The other sleeve shows sweet cornflowers used in teas to treat constipation and chest congestions. The paper used for the backview has a pattern of medicinal plants printed on it and two rubbings from utility covers from cities along the Danube. 33” x 33”; Collaged paper ( front); $1100

The use of "insect hotels" is popular in Europe and is becoming more widely used in the USA. This insect hotel which gives shelter for insects that fly, crawl, or march around the ground, is based on one used by the Weleda Skincare company from their gardens in Germany. Their philosophy embraces the use of plants for cosmetic and medicinal use. Their gardening practices are ethical and labor intensive, but they produce beautiful products that exemplify how nature and mankind can benefit each other. Truly an example of the ethos behind "Healing the Earth: ThePerfect Garden."

Perhaps no culture takes gardening to such heights of contemplation and austere beauty as the Japanese. The Zen tradition of using nature as a tool for contemplation finds a form of serene beauty in their moss gardens and rock gardens. Photographer Robert Pettit was so moved by the gardens which he photographed for this kimono that he wrote seven accompanying haiku which are repeated on the front and back of the kimono. 47” H x 49” W; paper collage; $2200

islamic “gardens of paradise” serve as metaphors for divine beauty. Two famous examples— the Alhambra and the Alcazar in Spain—inspired this kimono. Not surprisingly, gardens created in climates that are hot and dry put a high value on water. Reflection pools, water running along irrigation channels form basic geometric structures. Date palms, orange trees, and fragrant shrubs fill the spaces where peacocks, as symbols of beauty and pride, may roam. The careful engineering and design encourage contemplation of beauty, thus inspiring religious devotion, and a glimpse of paradise. 38” H x 43” W; paper collage; $1950

Two contrasting garden-spaces are represented. On the front, an urban space, the “place Royale”, created by royalty for public space to relieve problems of animal waste in the streets, became “Place des Vosges” a century later. Place des Vosges functions as a park-cum-garden. The large square of tendered green space became a favorite garden-park around which nobility built mansions, that today serve as hotels. On the back is Monet’s garden, Giverny, which was created for his private use although he shared his gardens generously with friends and family. Giverny is now open to the public as a major tourist site. The structure of the kimono mimics the French fashion designer, Ives St. Laurent’s, famous “Mondrian chemise,” with its rectangular structure defined by black lines. 36” H x 21” W; paper collage; $1900

Based on the topiary gardens of Great Britain and of the Dupont legacy of Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania, this topiary garden has visitors , some with their dogs supposedly on leashes, exploring its gardens . The afternoon sun creates long shadows and pink clouds. 41” x 40” ;Collaged paper; $1900. (Front side only)

Originally this kimono was in response to the letter "E" for my Abecedary series. Upon completing it, I saw that I had created a "discovery garden" where a naturalist like Darwin could follow clues to his theory of evolution. Finches of various sizes, with beaks that differ according to what they eat, moths that have turned brown because of pollution turning the air a murky brown, and other clues behind small flap doors can be found on the back and front of the Discovery Kimono. 36"H x 51" W ; collaged paper; $1700

A fat and happy finch sits near a cluster of elderberries . Notice the branches made of recycled packing material. Berries are crumbled balls of Indian Lokta paper, and the leaves are from many pieces of handmade papers.

Images of prints by artist Roslyn Cambridge accompanied by words from her book “Reflections” . The kimono is a Kyogen Suo or jacket worn by an actor in Kabuki Theater, usually portraying a well-to-do character. “Garden of Goodness” is an expansive landscape representing peace and harmony between man and all of nature. 36” H x 86” W; Collaged Paper with digital reproductions of Roslyn Cambridge’s artwork (permission granted by the artist) ; $2100

Keyhole gardening is an ingenious solution to drought-ridden regions. For example, those living in Rwanda and Uganda now using keyhole gardens have been able to grow much needed leafy vegetables. A keyhole garden is so named because it is an enclosed round shape with a low external wall made with any available cast-off material like old rubber tires, and a wedged space to the center where compost and water are dumped. The water seeps down to reach all segments of the garden. The wedged space serves as a path that leads from the outside of the garden to the center. The gardener can add to compost, water, and harvest the vegetables from inside. The keyhole garden has been adapted in other dry climates, but in Rwanda and Uganda, it has not only provided food, but also encouraged men to help the women in growing vegetables doubling the workforce in feeding their families. Traditionally tilling the soil was a woman’s job. 36” H x 48” W; paper collage; $2100

Three separate kimonos are displayed together as aerial views of various approaches to gardening.

Left to right: The far-left kimono reveals aerial views of a cranberry bog ( bottom half of the kimono), blueberry farming ( on the bodice) , cranberries bunches on left sleeve, and sunflowers on the right. One-sided only 33” H x 35” W; paper collage; $950

The middle kimono is an homage to the late Brazilian landscape artist Roberto Burle Marx. An aerial view of a composite of his painterly designs for various places, e.g; Ministry of Education and Health, rooftop garden for the Ministry of the Army in Brazilia. One-sided only; 32” H x 40” W ; paper collage; $950

Far-right kimono: Aerial views of terraced gardening as seen in Peru (bottom of kimono) an Elizabethan garden (bodice) , and Japanese rock garden (sleeves). One-sided only; 33” H x 35” W ; paper collage; $950

The most recent series of kimonos no larger than 20 inches by 20 inches can be hung on a line, like a clothesline, to form a swag. The “Anatomie de la Tige; de la Feuille” shows cross-sections from studying plant anatomy under a microscope of the stem and the leaf. The red collar is a Gerbera Daisy. 19” x 20” ; Collaged paper; $1100

This kimono replicates the memories of a child’s visit to her grandmother’s garden in Arkansas, where the spring and summer seasons are long, slow, and warm. The child is now grown but she remembers the magic her grandmother’s garden created for her. This kimono is populated by fairies, singing and dancing frogs, and a fairy ring—a magical kingdom for a child. 45”H x 42” W ; paper collage; $1900

Left : There is a bluebird in the Mimosa tree which the little girl far below the branches is watching. Flowers surround the child in her grandmother's magical garden. The garden felt very big to a tiny four year old, even though it was truly her grandmother's backyard. She knew she'd seen a fairy near a rock. Meantime, she could hear the happy frogs singing and dancing not far from her grandmother's pond. On the backside of the kimono (right) is a detail of those merrymaking frogs.

The legend of Johnny Appleseed derives from a true story of a man named John Chapman. He believed that an apple tree in bloom was both nature's process for making fruit ( which it is) and a living sermon, from God. Chapman's ardor for planting appleseeds on settler's homesteads in the mountains of Virginia up through Ohio and Indiana instigated the legend of Johnny Appleseed. He reputedly had a pet wolf , wore a cooking pot upside down on his head for protection against the elements, and walked barefooted spring, summer, fall, or winter, in freezing snow or ankle-deep mud. He is responsible for planting apple trees throughout the Appalachian and Alleghany valleys. 33" H x 33" W; collaged paper; $1100

Johnny Appleseed with his pet wolf, his cooking pot for a hat, and a sachel of apples.

"She-Spirit" is the feminine power of creativity. She is Mother Nature. In this kimono, the story, as explained by Lisa Neun, records the She-Spirit living deep in a forest garden. Animals, insects, fish, plants--all live in harmony and balance. She-Spirit has a place she may call her home on an island at a fork in the river. Animals come and go at will. Because every beast, flower, insect, and plant receives the nourishment and attention it needs, conflict is unknown. It's a utopian vision of a healthy, harmonious life on earth. 36"H x 55"W; collaged paper; $3450

When the front flaps of the kimono are opened, She-Spirit's habitat becomes clear. You can see deer, bears, rabbits, birds, foxes, living in accord with one another and nature, a proverbial "peaceable kingdom".

In urban settings where apartment living provides very little actual earth for gardening , rooftop gardening is an answer. The scene presents a solution to having enough dirt--use containers. A batch of eggplants are growing vigorously in these pots. They have attracted other life like the crow and two apartment dwelling cats. Windowsills can also provide a space for cultivating small vegetation , like herbs for cooking. It is a triumph to bring forth flowers and vegetables in the sterile environment of a rooftop. 33" H x 33" W ; Collaged paper; $1100

Eggplants and its flowers are rendered in tactile three-dimensional forms made of paper. An orange cat has discovered that a dangling eggplant makes toy, good for swatting .

The Romantic Garden is a sub-series within “Healing the Earth: The Perfect Garden”. The kimonos refer to enclosed gardens from Medieval and early Renaissance Europe from the 14th through 16th centuries CE . Enclosed gardens offered a place for solace, prayer, and contemplation. They became a favorite motif in tapestries referred to as “mille fleur” because the tapestry’s background was littered with images of flowers. The most famous of the “mille fleur” genre are “The Lady and The Unicorn” tapestries. Each tapestry represents one of the five senses plus a sixth sense suggesting spirit.

“Lady and the Unicorn_ Sight” represents seeing both as seeing oneself or introspection, looking outward as in observation, and seeing as in hindsight, foresight, and insight. 49” H x 66” W ; paper collage; $3300

It is said that of all the senses the sense of smell is the most powerful agent of nostalgia . The setting here is at night, during which fragrances become more intense. With darkness the sense of sight is restricted, naturally amplifying olfactory sensibility. The soporific fragrances waft through night air and lull the lady and her unicorn into a reverie followed by sleep. A full moon at the neckline illuminates the sleepy subjects near the tent. The lady and her unicorn are in a dream-like trance smelling the flowers surrounding them. 45”H x 49” W; paper collage; $3300

Exploring the third sense of sound, The Lady and Unicorn series shows the Lady and her unicorn playing instruments, while the greyhound blows a trumpet, and whales and bats communicate using sonar. On the backside, the sounds of sunrise cause the Lady and her Unicorn to stop and listen, as the sound of honking geese fly overhead, and a lion purrs in the grass. 34” x 45”; Collaged paper; $3300

The fourth sense explored in the Lady and the Unicorn series is “taste”. The Unicorn holds brioches on a silver platter for his Lady to taste, the bees are humming around creating honey, adding to the taste, the birds are tasing the fruit in the trees. On the backside, the Lady then holds out an apple for the Unicorn , the Lion guards a batch of brioches while the rabbits excitedly point and wave towards the treats. It is all depicted “in good taste”. 53” x 44”; Collaged paper; $3300