Cottage In The Court

Creating beauty, naturally…

  • About
  • Brand Ambassador
  • Curated Garden Experiences
  • Garden Speaking & Workshops
  • Blog

October 19, 2015 By Teri Speight Leave a Comment

Community Building 101…Beautiful Lessons Learned

October 17, 2015 was one of the best Saturday’s of the 2015 public gardening season.  At least for me that is.  It was the Prince Georges County Clean Up Green Up Day and this year our assistance came in the form of Girl Scout Troop #2269 out of Hemingway Memorial AME Church in District Heights, Maryland. I cannot tell you what a joy it was to have a truly Girl Powered Saturday morning, although we did have the assistance of our faithful Larnell Sharps from the District Heights Public Works Department, Commissioner Cynthia Miller with Mr. Miller by her side, Deborah Turner- District Heights Community Garden Program and Jonathan Medlock, jogger in passing, ever so willing to lend a helping hand.  It was a day that truly demonstrated OUR COMMUNITY AT WORK TOGETHER!!

A little about The Garden Coalition’s participation in the Prince Georges County Clean Up Green Up Program.  The City Manager, Dr. Sharla Crutchfield asked if this was something we wanted to participate in early Fall 2014.  The opportunity to plant and beautify with a purpose FOR a purpose was intriguing.  Giving back to my community is something I am passionate about. I thought it would be a terrific project for The Garden Coalition to get involved with, since our mission is to build community by creating an ongoing garden conversation, educating each other, going on garden adventures a well as beautifying where we live.

Our first Official Project for Clean up Green up Day 2014 was the Pollinator Project at the intersection of District Heights Parkway and Rochelle Drive. Prince Georges County offers a list of select plants, shrubs and trees, soil amendments and mulch to be used for planting projects in public spaces.  This program is offered to community associations, schools and municipalities. If you are planting trees, there is a mandatory tree planting clinic that is offered, as well as assistance from the Neighborhood Design Center.  A great program that promotes caring about and taking ownership of where you live. As long as this program is offered, The Garden Coalition will participate – it is the right thing to do that will help our Municipality become a colorful and vibrant pollinator magnet!!!

wpid-img_20151017_092937.jpg

Larnell got us started by digging the holes for the Virginia Sweet Spire (Itea Virginica), a native shrub that offers many good things for the garden.  It is easy to grow and is not picky about whether the soil is damp or dry, provides a great winter cover for wildlife, awesome fall color and the most important thing – the fragrant white flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators!!!  We are proud to be Protecting Our Pollinators here in District Heights, so we are very careful about the use of pesticides .  The Garden Coalition opts to use Best Management Practices when it comes to weed control by remaining organic…no chemicals here!!!  wpid-img_20151017_093158.jpg

Mr. Miller was busy laying out the pansies while we greeted Girl Scout Troop #2269 and gave them the marching orders for the day. Michelle Wiggins was putting on her gloves to get busy pinching blooms and planting pansies.wpid-20151017_094358.jpg

We started with the Girl Scouts pictured and the two Troop Leaders Michelle Wiggins and Kathy Frazier.  Throughout the morning, several Girl Scouts were dropped off and the newcomers just fell in line with the task at hand.  These Girl Scouts aren’t just ANY Girl Scouts, most of them are Honor students.  How awesome is that??  The Girl Scouts from Troop #2269 asked questions, put effort and muscle into the tasks they were assigned to do and did not fear getting dirty!!! #GIRLPOWER  Deborah Turner  and Kathy Frazier took two of the Girl Scouts to the Community Garden to install some bulbs and when done, Kathy Frazier and her team of Girl Scouts met us along the way.wpid-20151017_100129.jpg

Jonathan Medlock was jogging  throughout the neighborhood and paused to assist.  Instead of struggling to get the pots off of the plants, we just asked Jonathan to use his brawn and voila…he popped those shrubs out, while Mr. Miller gave his Shrub 101 lesson to our young ladies.  20151017_100117

I shared that all plants have a right face, so you might have to place it in the hole – no deeper than the it was in the pot – and step back to see if that is the “right face” of the plant. Just like we do in the mirror …putting our “right face” or “best face” on leaves a lasting impression as we go about our day.wpid-20151017_100136.jpg

Michelle Wiggins checked, double checked and then stepped back to see where more pansies could be added as an under planting to the mums that were already in place.  Great Job Michelle!!!!  When I looked last, those pansies were looking downright perky!!! The Girl Scouts added a light layer of mulch so that the color would be consistent and we were off to our other ‘Destination Beauty’ sites.IMG_20151017_110705

We proceeded to break up into two groups.  I took a few of the Girl Scouts to the Clock Tower to plant pansies and daffodils .  I hope we did not miss a spot!!!  If so we know where we need to fill in next Fall with more daffodils. Prince Georges County donated a bag of 50 large cup daffodils for Clean Up Green up Day.20151017_112845

The seond group of us went to plant the two Redbuds (Cercis canadensis) and two Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) in a protected area that would be ideal for understory trees and shrubs that can handle dappled but bright light.  Under the watchful eye of Super Girl Scout, this task was completed in record time allowing us to maintain our tight schedule. Finally we met at our Pollinator Project on District Heights Parkway and Rochelle Drive.   wpid-20151017_114501.jpg

This site is special as we are growing a Pollinator Park. As we expand the garden, we will remove the turf.  Little by little we would love to incorporate a small, simple water feature so our pollinators can pause and have a drink, a bench or two for our residents to pause, a Labrynth so we can walk in peace with our Pollinators and most importantly, a diverse collection of plants that will help bring beneficial insects, bee’s and butterfly’s to District Heights. We want our pollinators to know that we care and we are here to provide what we can.  This is why we are not cutting back our existing plant material in this bed until Spring 2016.  One thing we KNOW is – the best thing we can do for our Pollinators is to provide a habitat for them to be protected in over the winter months.  Leaving the season’s finishings (as I like to call it) provides cover as well as food for pollinating insects as well as allowing seeds of wanted plant material to fall naturally in the landscape and create more plants.  In this bed we have asclepius speciosa, coreopsis, echinacea, a small buddleia/butterfly bush, daisies, lavender, ornamental grasses, ironweed and numerous other beneficial pollinator plants as well. Donations from the Silver Spring Garden Club and assorted friends have helped immensely as we are creating this bed from our hearts. We have our designation as a SHARE ( Simply Have Areas Reserved for the Environment) project from http://www.pollinator.org so you can see we are passionate about our pollinators!!!wpid-20151017_122921.jpgWe added a Crepe Myrtle, 2 Itea Virginica, as well as daffodils in a small area that will prove to be manageable as we will spend the winter eradicating the grass at this spot and making that “hell strip” a beautiful mixed border. The District Heights Community Garden donated the Crepe Myrtle, a few Daisies and Perovska (Russian Sage).  I think we will definitely be expanding this bed, incorporating our oublic art project/labrynth and creative pathways so that our residents can enjoy nature, up close and personal as we demonstrate what to plant that is drought tolerant in the District Heights area of Prince Georges County.

wpid-20151017_123033.jpgwpid-20151017_122921.jpg

Kathy Frazier and I finished prepping the daffodil bed as the Girl Scouts mulched and watered what we planted and prepared to end our fantabulous morning.IMG_8587

We ordered pizza and iced tea, cleaned  up our debris and set off to enjoy the rest of a beautiful autumnal Saturday. Thank you to all who helped make this day happen from the depths of our hearts to the tips of our green thumb. THE GARDEN COALITION IS ALL ABOUT GETTING IT DONE!!!

THANK YOU GIRL SCOUT TROOP #2269

FOR MAKING OUR CLEAN UP GREEN UP A SUCCESS!IMG_8594

Thank you to all of the participants who helped make our Pollinator Park a reality and the bridge to connecting all facets of our community!!!

If you would like to participate in building UP our community, contact me at the following email address, thegardencoalition@gmail.com.

If you would like to help us acquire some of the needed items to make this park a reality, email me at thegardencoalition@gmail.com.

If you just want to be a part of it all, email me at thegardencoalition@gmail.com. Watch our gardening conversation grow!!

Posted from WordPress for Android

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

Become A Cottage Guest

Get my monthly newsletter!

❮❮ Previous Post
Next Post ❯ ❯

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Home
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Podcasts

Follow Me on Instagram!

cottageincourt

The Flower Show in my Mind was appreciating Nigell The Flower Show in my Mind was appreciating Nigella yesterday. A quiet flower until you become entranced with the bloom. Once you notice it, the realization of the term quiet fireworks takes on a whole new meaning. It is like a sparkler, lighting up anything you add to the vase. 
What flower adds sparkle to your life?
#theflowershowinmymind #allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegarden #alwaysthinkingaboutthegardenlife #nigella #flowers #springinspiration
The Philadelphia Flower Show is less than 20 days The Philadelphia Flower Show is less than 20 days away and I am feeling this year's theme - In Full Bloom. This arrangement from the Flower Show in my Mind  brought tears to my eyes. A flood of memories flooded my minds eye of my Fredericksburg garden,  with the antique rises, Nigella, Foxgloves and more. I tried to make sure my daughters appreciated the beauty of the garden, as well as how to appreciate a bouquet.  This bouquet has a bit of new blooms,  a few borrowed blooms from last week's bouquet..but nothing blue. I do miss my Virginia garden. I am in love with my Maryland Cottage garden...and I look forward to growing more and expanding the beauty that surrounds me.
When memories of the past can restore the soul  and heal the heart, it is truly a moment to remember. I am In Full Bloom.
Do you have 'In Full Bloom' moments? Are you going to The Flower Show?
#allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #theflowershowinmymind #theflowershow #phs
Goodness from the garden is always a good thing. P Goodness from the garden is always a good thing. Pass the peas my way anytime because they are beneficial to the body.How do you say Vitamin K - good for 'dem bones'. Minimal calories in a cup, about 35.. .depending on the size of your cup or bowl. These babies allow you to enjoy a dose of fiber and a protein boost as well. Viamin C, B-complex, foliate... what is not to love?
I am going to enjoy this bowl of bodacious goodness for breakfast. Better than a bowl of cereal and no milk required.
Are you beginning to enjoy the fruits of your garden labor? Is healthy eating a part of your 'why', when gardening?
#allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #passthepeas #gardengoodness #gardeningforhealth #sweetpeas #springbliss
Remember that vase I purchased from the Norfolk Bo Remember that vase I purchased from the Norfolk Botanic Garden? Well, it was worthy of some peony love. These beauties were left over from last week's Flower Show in my Mind.  They remind me of how brief those special moments in life are and how we must capture them. Spending time with @mermaidcityflowers  and @taminthegarden will always be meaningful to me as a magical, unexpected moment in 2022.
Have you captured a moment lately? #allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #springinspiration #springbloomers #gardenbliss #flowerfriends
We donned our boots to let Precious know it was ok We donned our boots to let Precious know it was ok to go for a walk in the rain. Her reaction was simply not what we expected...takes of Teri, Barbie and Precious...tbc
After collecting as many peonies as possible befor After collecting as many peonies as possible before the storm, energizing means nibbling on some garlic and oregano crostini dipped in spicy garlic hummus from @nidodc of course. It's always a great idea to be prepared for any storm that comes our way. I think I will have a peony party.
Do you have storm rations? Do you have bases for an abundance of blooms?
#allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegardenlife #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #stormsdontstealmyjoy #gardenbliss #nidodc #hummus #seasonalbliss #blooms #peonyparty
Gardening...should be like medicine. Best taken in Gardening...should be like medicine. Best taken in small doses, know when to pause , and realize when it's time for a break.
It is a great afternoon to step back, sip, and reflect on an unexpected year of adventure. Thanks @nidodc for a scrumptious bottle of Secondome vino bianco and the cutest bottle opener ever.
Do you make time to pause in the garden, or is it all work? 
Reassess if you think the garden is all work and no play! #allaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #allthingsbeautiful #nidodc #ambassadorofallthingsbeautiful #pausinginthemoment
It is a Disco and Dirt kind of morning! Have a gre It is a Disco and Dirt kind of morning! Have a great day!
What an exciting year of books! I received a copy What an exciting year of books! I received a copy of Cut Flowers by Celestina Robertson in England. I cannot wait to delve in a see this perspective on growing. 
It's amazing to see other people who look like me growing flowers and creating beauty in such an unexpected way. 
Just like in my book, Black Flora, we grow from our heart, reflect from our genetic memory, and most people aren't  even aware of all we are capable of. We are not a monolith by any means.
Looking forward to this Cel! 
#wegrowmorethancollards #webeokinthegarden #allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegardenlife #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #blackspecialtycutflowergrowers #africanamericansinthegarden
Sometimes a flower simply speaks for itself. Peony Sometimes a flower simply speaks for itself. Peony. At the Flower Show in my Mind,  the peony unfurls her petals, curtsies, and boldly declares, "It's showtime"
What a way to start the day. Did your peony blossoms grace the ground after the rain? Consider creative ways of staking them or growing a sturdy plant - like miniature boxwoods or Germander - so next year the blooms have something to lean on. Statement plantsxlije the peony make great accents in The Urban Garden...right @wdcgardener ?
When you think about it, it has to be tiring knowing you have to stand tall, so all can appreciate your beauty.
Do you love peonies as much as I do?
#allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegardenlife #allaboutthatgardenfeeling #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #peonybliss #springinspiration #springbloomers #seasonalbliss #peonylover
Iris Sibirica. It's a perennial worth remembering. Iris Sibirica. It's a perennial worth remembering. The slender leaves caress a slightly taller stem which holds a beautiful bloom. Great for the low maintenance garden, once established. Deer walk right by it, it is easily divided to showcase in other parts of the garden, and it is a great cut flower.
As this season continues to evolve, are you enjoying the gifts in the garden?
Remember to pause as you garden, create time to enjoy your greenspace. The garden should be a place where one can (as my Dad would say) just 'be'.
#allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #iris #springbloomers #springbliss #pausinginthemoment #gardenbliss
I love reflecting on my life garden of experiences I love reflecting on my life garden of experiences. Like a garden, I can reflect on the annual moments and the perennial memories. Patsy Cline is a perennial and so is Naomi Judd. I know...doesn't seem like it would be my taste.
When I learned about her struggles over the years,  it saddened me. Her death caught me off guard. I went into my kitchen and pulled her cookbook out of my frequently used stash. You see, I used this cookbook a lot when my girls were growing up and even now for some simple good food recipes. Country cookbooks can sometimes satisfy an appetite just by reading them.
I sat and reminisced about some songs she sang, how she adored her daughters and how she was honest about her mental health struggles.
When I opened this cookbook, the pages most worn were 96/97 - Uncommon Remedies for Common Concerns. Naomi shared remedies from the plant world like Chamomile for indigestion or Parsley for bad breath. It was an area I referenced when I was a stay at home Mom. It is a book I use even now from time to time.
When her daughter found it necessary to share this to the public, I cried for her. 
How many people are struggling and have no one to turn to? As we navigate life as we know it today, how many are not sure how to keep it together? How many people know the number to the Suicide Hotline or know how to respond when a friend or family member is in trouble?

Keep the National Suicide Hotline number handy, 1-800- 273- 8255. You never know when you might need it.

I mourn for the family Naomi Judd left behind. Their lives have been changed forever in a most unimaginable way.

This is a book that I will always have in my collection. Just sharing...
Passionate about peonies...you betcha!!This is onl Passionate about peonies...you betcha!!This is only one in my garden of many and let me tell you - I am gonna pull up a chair, a glass of refreshment, and watch these blooms open! The peony show is an event I anticipate every spring. It's the best way to know, no matter what is going on in the world...the garden is there for us.
Do you tune out of the world and tune into your garden?
It is the best way to clear the mind, soothe the heart, and be at peace...if only for a little while...#backinthegarden, #springinspiration #springbloomers #allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #peonypassion #anticipatethebloom
Enjoy the day! I will...Happy Mother's Day to all! Enjoy the day! I will...Happy Mother's Day to all!
I bought The Cottage 18 years ago this August. I c I bought The Cottage 18 years ago this August. I carried my plants in my truck for safe keeping, as I relocated and set up my new home. One of those plants was a dogwood seedling from the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. 
Last year I began to think about cutting it down since it had not bloomed. Then, I noticed a cluster of three blooms. I was ecstatic...and decided to keep the tree. It was a memory of a wonderful bus trip, with wonderful ladies, when I lived in Fredericksburg.
Today when I looked out the front door...I simply burst into tears. It is so full of starter blooms that will evolve into beautiful white blooms. The words starry starry night came to mind...and I began to hum. 
This garden thing is in my blood, in my core, and I appreciate the gifts from the garden.
I wish my ancestors could have had time to simply enjoy the garden...perhaps they did...
Did you receive a gift from the garden today?
#allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegardenlife #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #seasonalbliss #springinspiration #springbloomers dogwoods
So I'm looking at the Local Living section of the So I'm looking at the Local Living section of the Washington Post, page 8 and can't stop giggling! What an exciting year and AH-MAZING journey...
Thank you for the coverage Washington Post, Jura Koncius, and all who helped make this happen.
I need to find a new place to pinch my arms...lol!
Instructions for a delicious meal: 1. Go to #nido Instructions for a delicious meal:

1. Go to #nidodc 
2. Purchase 1 (or two) tubs of Elysian Fields Lamb Meatballs in Picada Sauce
3.Heat and serve with Ancient Grain, Wild or Seven Grain and Rice blends
4. Don't forget to pick a wine to complement the dish 
5. Thank me later 

The flavors of this dish was like a party in my mouth. I enjoyed every bite and can't wait for dinner time tonight so I can devour what remains.

This dish was quick, easy, and well I have another tub in my freezer...so I sm good!
Thank you Nido for knowing what I need, when I don't know what I need...giggle!
#nidodc #readymademeal #smallbatchfoods #allthingsbeautiful #threewomenandawineshop
Every morning I look forward to the daily gifts fr Every morning I look forward to the daily gifts from my garden. Its like a birthday present every day. Remember when you opened that gift and you wondered how it worked? How many batteries would it need, if any?
When I see a bud, I wonder...will it unfurl today? Can I cut it? How long will it last in a vase? Whatvither foliage is available to compliment it? 
When we receive a gift f ry om the garden, the first thing we should be grateful. Grateful that it felt welcomed enough to return for another season 
Do you make sure your plants feel welcome in your garden?
Feeling grateful for my gifts from the garden.
#allaboutthegardenlife #giftsfromthegarden #allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #springspiration #springbloomers #seasonalbliss
Spring spilling out all over! It is funny how so m Spring spilling out all over! It is funny how so many who have been captivated by this gathering of seasonal bliss blooming branches have said "I have that bush" or "I never thought about making an arrangement from my shrub. I just cut it back after it finishes blooming." Just look at the beauty that could have been enjoyed inside as well as outside. Consider using a recycled container to showcase what's blooming outside - inside. Also consider bringing those blooms up close and personal when entertaining. Spring blooming bushes add value to life as the world begins to awaken with the fresh colors of Spring. Allow the gifts of the season to spill out of vases, old containers, a old purse, or even an old pair of shoes. Be creative!
@wdcgardener ...there is a chapter in our book on considering those recycled items as garden decor, correct? 
Do you sometimes overlook the gifts of the season? #allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #springinspiration #springbloomers #recycleandplay #letsplayoutside #makingdo #springshrubsforflowers
When you realize that floral wire AT HOME would be When you realize that floral wire AT HOME would be useful right now...sigh
#makingdowithwhatsonhand,
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • Home
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Garden Speaking & Workshops
  • Curated Garden Experiences

Copyright © 2022 · Cottageinthecourt.com · Privacy Policy · Sitemap