Welcome to Cottage in the Court!
I’m Teri Speight and this is my sanctuary. Well, my garden (the real-life “Cottage in the Court”) is my sanctuary. Here is where I share the peace and joy, I find with my garden with you. It’s a place where I can use the written word to share my passion for finding and creating beauty naturally.
Pull up a Chair and Stay Awhile
There’s always something going on at Cottage in the Court. I love all things beautiful — books, plants, places, people. I continually evolve and share new things, places, thoughts, ideas, and experiences. I hope you’ll come by, stay awhile, and share your favorite things about gardening, travel, food, and more with me. At Cottage in the Court, I hope to encourage others to connect with the earth and simply garden. Step off the express lane to stress, close your eyes, and just be. That’s where I’ll be!
My Story
I’m Teresa J. Speight, a Native Washingtonian, a mother, Grandmother, Steward of our Land, Garden Communicator, Former Region II Director of GardenComm, International, and history lover. With ancestral sharecropping roots originating in North and South Carolina, connecting with the earth is an act of authenticity. My ancestor’s hands have helped build and feed our family for generations. To not honor this earth would disrespect my heritage.
Former Head Gardener for the City of Fredericksburg, and one of the Founding Farmers of the Eitt CSA, Stafford County’s first Transitional Organic CSA Farm, Teresa is currently a Garden Writer, Visionary, and Estate Gardener. Expanding the vision, Cottage in the Court offers curated Garden Experiences for small groups and one-on-one Garden Coaching, specializing in earth-friendly practices. Reconnecting people with the soil is important. When we reconnect with the soil, nature, and our roots, we can begin to respect all that the earth provides.
While the world was in a state of unintentional pausing, I wrote and co-authored two books. Black Flora: Profiles of Inspiring Black Flower Farmers + Florists by Teresa Speight, was my first book and long overdue. It shares the story of African American lower Farmers, florists, designers, and more. I am very pleased to be able to share our story to help others see that we are not a monolith but are truly creative naturally.
Timber Press saw the value of the initial version of my first book. In Fall 2024, an updated version will be published. Stay tuned for BLACK FLORA: INSPIRING PROFILES OF FLORICULTURES NEW VANGUARD
I also co-authored The Urban Garden: 101 Ways to Grow Food and Beauty in the City by Kathy Jentz and Teri Speight. So, do you think challenges are found when growing in an urban environment? This book combines the talents of two experienced urban and suburban gardeners as we share some tried, tested, and easily adapted gardening concepts. Yes – we could have shared more – but consider this a book for gardeners of all levels. There is always a reason to try something new in the garden.
I am also breathing life back into my podcast, cottageinthecourt. Please tune in to listen or subscribe via Apple Podcasts. Interesting people, discovering unique places and poetry to remind everyone to embrace the garden as it is there for us.
I am passionate about sharing my love of gardening while finding time to enjoy life writing, traveling, and living. Please, sit awhile with me at my Cottage. I would love to share some of the people, plants, and places that are beautiful.