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Leaves – Life Lessons from Above

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Leaves are such a gift. We anticipate their presence in midwinter. We often take note of the buds on trees and shrubs in late winter. Watching them swell with the energy, these buds offer us a lesson in diversity. They produce leaves in all shapes, sizes, or colors, such as chartreuse, brightly colored, or variegated. Other tree and shrubs will produce blooms before the leaves. The first lesson nature teaches us is patience. Patience is shared as we anticipate what will evolve from the buds of late winter.

Leaf canopies offer our gardens a buffer from the strong sun, especially as our climate continues to evolve. Many appreciate the shade from overhead tree canopies, encouraging us to create shade gardens. A strategically placed garden room in dappled shade is akin to an outdoor living room.  As homeowners, we should consider incorporating elements that cause us to pause and experience nature. A few chairs, a loveseat, or perhaps a table to rest refreshments, nosh, or a book will add ambiance. Leaf canopies invite the breezes to waft through and create a sense of peace.

We know that as summer ends, lighting throughout the garden changes as the leaves begin to fall. Before they fall, many trees offer a kaleidoscope of color. This colorful array of leaves changes the feel of the garden as the cooler temperatures arrive. Crepe myrtles, fothergilla and oak leaf hydrangea offer some of the richer shades of the season. I look forward to the gold, rustic burgundy, and even red in my garden. It is delightful to notice colorful changes to our familiar trees, such as redbuds, oaks, and maples. The bright gold foliage of Amsonia, adds a bit of whimsy to my garden. Perennials with structure, form, and color, often demonstrate how the garden can be beautiful, even as it wanes. The second lesson leaves teach us it to appreciate fleeting moments.

As I walk my dog at the break of dawn, finding the perfect leaf of the day brings me joy. It is during this quiet time, when the day slowly reveals a fresh batch of leaves littering the landscape. There is always one leaf that glows in its near perfect color or form. Reaching down, gingerly embracing my special daily find, a leaf finds its way into my pocket. When I arrive at the Cottage, the leaf is eased between the pages of a book. Many times, I simply place it on the glass top of my curio cabinet by the front door. By the end of the week, a stack of crumpled brown leaves causes me to smile. It is then when I am reminded how quickly we move from season to season.

Do I simply discard the now crumpled brown leaves in the trash? Is there another purpose they can serve? The third lesson leaves teach us is the art of repurposing. At this time of the year many rake leaves, removing them from every inch of the landscape. Science teaches us that we should consider repurposing at least some of the leaves back into our gardens. Leaves drop from the trees above as a way of shedding the prior season’s growth. This has happened since the beginning of time. In doing so, leaves break down and feed the soil. This is the cycle of nature. Nature has always found a way to be self-sufficient. Some plant material is more prone to disease or cannot tolerate our changing climate. Other plants simply cannot survive various types of human interference. Choosing the right plants makes more sense than ever right now.

Leaves offer us so many lessons, we just need to pay attention. Simple leaves are truly life lessons we can use. Paying attention to nature is such a beautiful thing.

Fallen leaves quietly remind us to pause and savor each season.

Waiting patiently for the golden gingko leaves to fall…in due season of course.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

Anemone coronaria- Strength in a Winter Bloom

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Anemone coronaria is not a common flower when one considers winter blooming plants. Intrigued with the noticeable swelling pod to this morning’s delightful bloom, I simply had to share.

My infatuation with Anemone happened when I noticed a peculiar pod in a planter sitting on the front stoop. Longing for a brief winter in anticipation of finishing a specific garden project, I began to watch this quiet metamorphosis in a forgotten pot.

Finally – much to my surprise, it slowly began a striptease of sorts. Petal by petal, this bud opened and brought a smile to my face every time I passed it by. This Anemone was a guaranteed smile anytime I could catch a glimpse of it during the daylight hours. I found myself longing for the weekends so I could see this gift from Mother Nature.

January weather is often unpredictable. If we get snow, it usually happens the third week of the month. Of course, the third week was is also the much anticipated long weekend. The weather forecast was promising what I thought would be the death of my sacred Anemone. We finally received a dose of snow. As I shoveled the front stop, my sacred bloom was no longer visible.

If the bloom did not survive the snow, it would have been a sad moment. I’m glad I took the time to capture this unexpected Anemone bloom in photographs. As gardeners, we know how the garden is in a consistent state of change. The bud or bloom you see in the morning will most likely be different by nightfall. The act of change or transition in the garden is familiar to every gardener.

It is almost February. In five days or so, I will see more growth on the bulbs in the ground. The potted pansies will raise their little heads and the foliage of the potted Heuchera villosa, will still be the bright spot as winter lingers.

Today, most of the snow has departed leaving most gardens with the task of absorbing the moisture left behind. It is 61 degrees in my Zone 7b garden – in January. Mother Nature knows when the time is right for certain plants to demonstrate their strength. Today, I lowered my eyes and my Anemone was returning the gaze. As our eyes met, we shared a smile.

On a warm, but gray day in January, Anemone coronaria is showing all who care to notice her. The strength and ability to ward off the chilly snow filled days and still bloom is the reward for a bit of patience. I now remember that in a moment of sorting seeds, corms, and bulbs in preparation for the 2023 seed swap, planting was better than disposing of them. This particular planter had pansies last Spring and vinca last summer. It feels great knowing this Anemone chose this year to show her strengths, especially having endured soil disruption. Anemone sown from corm or bareroot, have a few basic requirements. This plant needs to have some type of cold stratification, good drainage, sun/sun-part shade, and above all – patience. Anemone needs to settle in for a few seasons before it decides to bloom.

I am so glad time did not allow me to cut this lone bloom for a vase indoors. The opportunity for me to enjoy this Anemone in her natural element is something I am glad to see firsthand. The forth Saturday of January has been National Seed Swap Day since 2006 when Kathy Jentz, Editor/Publisher of Washington Gardener Magazine created this day as an official signal for seed sowing season to begin. This Saturday many seed aficionados are sorting, labeling and preparing for a day of seed bliss with local seed-sharing events.

Are there special moments in your garden when you expect nothing in the bleakness of winter? What surprises have you enjoyed from Mother Nature? Are you attending a Seed Swap or Exchange any time soon??

Now that our days are brighter a little longer, I can enjoy my Anemone first thing in the morning, as well as the evening. With the warmer than average temps, sitting on my front stoop with Precious, peering at my Anemone, will be quite meaningful.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

Bliss In A Brandywine Garden – A Book Review

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Bliss is a personal emotion felt when enjoying the garden. In my opinion, A year at Brandywine Cottage by David L. Culp can be compared to seasonal bliss in a book.

Bliss should be the name of the soil found in the Brandywine Valley. I am a firm believer that this soil is what might be found in heaven. The Brandywine Valley is famous for its history, historic homes, and beautiful gardens. From Longwood to Chanticleer, it offers a multitude of diverse horticultural entities that inspire. David L. Culp has written a book that takes us on a six-season visual journey at the Brandywine Cottage. Known by many for his Galanthus events and Hellebore introductions, this is David Culp’s second book. The first book is called The Layered Garden. Each book offers a different aspect of gardening at the Brandywine Cottage. Both books offer inspiration to fellow gardeners. The art of encouraging anyone to find inspiration in your personal green space is the shared message.

David L. Culp – a man who is passionate, understands the possibilities found in the garden, and a serious plant lover!

BLISS IN A BOOK

The book, A Year at Brandywine Cottage – Six Seasons of Beauty, Bounty, and Blooms by David Culp, Denise Cowie, and Rob Cardillo, reveals the six seasons of the gardening year. Think of each season as a meal. Consider the gardening year a six-course meal. Thirty years of creating a garden filled with love, experiments, and possibilities set the table for each season to be embraced.

Whether the season includes ephemerals of Spring or the colorful leaves appreciated in autumn, Brandywine Cottage is a garden story. David shares how he made his garden with the help of his partner, Michael Alderfer. Beautifully plated, shared, and enjoyed, each season could be considered a short story.

I began reading this book in March. Like many this year, I had quite a bit of time on my hands. I seized the opportunity to review this book as my cottage garden evolved right before my eyes. I fell in love instantly and knew I needed to see this garden for myself.

A Brandywine Hellebore, elegantly captured and centered on a single page, provided a perfect distraction to the worries of the day. The handsomely photographed bloom hypnotized me. Mesmerized, it nearly took my breath away. My attempts to focus were unsuccessful as my eyes repeatedly drifted back in amazement. Perhaps it was how David described naming his cultivars. Most named cultivars were defined by moments experienced in the garden. I realized this book was feeding my soul. Wondering how to deal with a pandemic, I had found my escape.

My view of the Brandywine Cottage in an August to remember…

NOTICING BLISS IN THE SEASONAL GARDEN

As I began to read the story of David’s garden, the month of March was merely an appetizer. Each word allowed me to appreciate the garden in a different way. I understand this month offered an opportunity to pause and observe. At Brandywine Cottage this was the time to embrace the garden in the present. It was the beginning of a six-course seasonal journey into a garden. A cottage garden created by hard work and lots of love.

Month by month I settled into the new reality of unintentional pausing and this book has been my companion. Fortunately, A Year at Brandywine Cottage has encouraged me to anticipate what’s next in the garden. Imagining each chapter – month by month – as a course at a unique floral feast. As I savored March and April…I knew that this book was different. This is not a novel. It is a story about embracing seasonal beauty as an intentional act of love. To truly receive the gift this book offers, I suggest savoring it month by month. To be honest, I will not consider reading the chapters in the fifth and sixth seasons. It is merely November…known as late fall.

This was a scene that caught my eye as I enjoyed visiting with David at the Brandywine Cottage.

VISUAL BLISS

I consider the photos as a blessing in this book. Each one was a moment captured by an appreciative eye. Graceful blooms captured by the lens of Rob Cardillo, a fellow gardener, and photographer. As I gasped at Thalictrum rochebruneanum, my heart actually skipped a beat. Captured at the right time of the day and a perfect introduction to a course called Summer. The leaves of cabbage, veined with hints of plum accented by the dark foliage of the perilla below. The artist called Nature held her paintbrush high at the right moment and was captured by Cardillo.

Embracing each season with ideas is like tapas for the gardener. Simple bites for making a Cottage garden fill the pages of this book. David’s perspective allows the reader to consider each idea as a possibility. David advises us about the seasonal beauty we can find in our own gardens. This book is an open invitation to experiment with a diverse plant palette. David Culp suggests many easy options as he shares his garden story.

EDIBLE BLISS

A Year at Brandywine Cottage also includes simple recipes offering ideas of what is edible in the garden. This book on gardening as a lifestyle provides a blueprint enabling us to reconsider our sense of taste. Each month teases the reader with edible delights. I was hesitant about eating my dandelions. The Dandelion Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing seemed to call out to me. I adhered to the warning – only use dandelions collected from a chemical-free garden. Encouraged, I gathered dandelions from my chemical-free garden. My adventurous spirit was rewarded with this delicious dish.

I considered the Sauteed Fiddlehead Ferns for April. The Fiddleheads in my garden were beautiful. The fronds offered hope for healthy, full-bodied ferns this season. Cooking with them was not an option this year. I made the Funny Cake for a delicious snack. One day I will have enough Fiddleheads to sacrifice. I will enjoy the fern’s beauty allowing them to unfurl in my garden. I dream about growing more to use for edible cooking.

Each chapter encourages the reader to discover a simple sip, a soup, or even a dessert. Imagine using watercress from your own garden for Watercress Tea sandwiches. David teaches the reader to understand the joy of simplicity found in our gardens.

MEMORIES CONTAINED OR CAPTURED

Vases or containers are traditional ways of sharing floral expressions from the garden. David encourages us to look beyond the vase. Containing blooms and creatively displaying them is an idea from this book. He reminds us that still life has been around for centuries. Collecting a leaf, bloom, or stem aids in creating a still life. Even placing pots artfully on a bench or a collection of seasonal items placed on a Taboret can capture moments otherwise lost. David encourages us to be present in the garden. Select memories of a day in the garden and place them anywhere. After all, moments savored throughout the day are important.

If we pause, memorable moments in the garden can be discovered. There is a certain joy when finding something that can be artfully arranged and enjoyed in the present. From a bud, a bloom, or even a leaf, David shares how A Year at Brandywine Cottage has something for all of us to mimic at home.

RECOMMENDED READING AND GIFTING

While we continue to be apart from each other, I highly recommend A Year At Brandywine Cottage. It is one of the best inspirational books that encourages each of us to garden in a way that speaks our language. What a great gift David shares. Like a flight of wine, A Year at Brandywine Cottage is unique to the individual reader’s taste. This book offers ideas, recipes, and simple ways to embrace life from the garden. Imagining possibilities, creating vignettes to delight, and examples of placing memories throughout the garden are on every page.

Envisioning opportunities to linger is one unexpected gift found in this book. Imagine looking at a space and allowing it to speak to you about what it needs. This is a naturalistic garden story designed to complement and add seasonal bliss. As new gardeners begin an ever-evolving journey, this book is a great gift. David Culp offers observations, as well as possibilities of what can be achieved in the garden for gardeners of all levels. The joy found in each month will encourage and inspire even the seasoned gardener.

Patiently embracing November at The Cottage In The Court as I remember walking with David Culp at the Brandywine Cottage in summer.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

To hear the podcast where I chatted with David L. Culp, click here

To read more about David Culp, click here.

For information about co-author Denise Cowie, click here

Inquiries about photographer Rob Cardillo, click here

To find out more abut Timber Press click here

Book Review: The Earth In Her Hands…

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Book reviews bring me joy. Especially when they speak my language.

Book reviews are one of my favorite things to do, other than gardening. Especially when they are about gardens, gardening or garden travel. I recently had the opportunity to review a book published by Timber Press. I want to say Thank You to Timber Press for seeing a need and finding the right person to share the message.

The Earth In Her Hands – The Book

The Earth In Her Hands – 75 Extraordinary Women Working in the World of Plants, beautifully written by Jennifer Jewell. Creator of a popular podcast, Cultivating Place: Conversations on Natural History & the Human Impulse to Garden, Jennifer Jewell’s perspective on approaching this topic was truly on point. Choosing the women for this topic had to be quite the ordeal. Who do you leave out? How do you know you have chosen wisely? Jennifers keen instinct on making this a worthwhile book was unique and well-executed.

The conversation throughout the book embraced women in many different fields of work, all pertaining to horticulture. A diverse collection of women who connect with this earth whether in their communities or in the public space.

The Story

In this book, Jennnifer shares not just their story but who inspires them. This is a big question that should actually lead to another book on this topic. Women are often overlooked or minimized in many fields, even horticulture.

Familiar faces are all through this book from Erin Benzakein (Floret), Peggy Cornett (Monticello) to Renee Shepherd (Renee’s Seeds). There are also some women we need to know like Yolanda Burrell (Pollinate Farm and Garden), Leslie Bennett (Pine House Edible Gardens) and Robin Wall Kimmerer (Center for Native Peoples and The Environment).

Finding joy in making bouquets would inspire a carer for Christin Geall. Such a simple act of self-expression has created a life long way of enjoying what she does.

Filling A Need

The need to inspire young women of all ages to just get outside, garden with a passion and see where that passion leads is important. As I read this book the first time, there was something very obvious. Most of the women in this book had been introduced to the garden at a young age. The impact of connecting to the earth always amazes me. One story and quote sticks in my mind. Marta McDowell (NY Botanical Garden) shared after visiting the Emily Dickenson house. “…A door opened that day, and I stepped through it.”

This quote really spoke to me as a Gardener and a Garden Communicator.

I am on the fourth reading of its book as I investigate the Other Inspiring Women recommended by the interviewees. With Mother’s Day gifting in mind, this is a book worth gifting.

Avocado – Jewel of Goodness

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Avocado, a delicious capsule of goodness I have come to embrace.

The avocado was a foreign object to me. I grew up eating good ole southern fare. This green capsule, now called one of the superfoods, has officially taken my tastebuds hostage.

I am no stranger to trying new and different things – if they are visually appealing. I remember it being a popular item served during football games when I lived in Virginia. With a bowl of chips, my family made the green goop (I called it) disappear. At the time, I could not understand why.

Avocado Selection

The perfectly chosen avocado should not feel mushy or have soft spots. If it feels heavy for its size, you have selected correctly. Want to hasten the ripening of an avocado? Simply place them in a brown bag on the counter. Keep an eye out so they do not over ripen. One can also place them in a bag with other fruits like banana’s to encourage ripening – but check daily! In a day or so, you should have a perfectly usable fruit.

Storage Tips

Rule number one – do not immediately refrigerate avocados. This fruit should be kept at 68 degrees. Producing ethylene, like a banana, refrigeration will not encourage ripening but could ruin a perfectly ripe fruit.

If your avocado is not quite ripe, just leave it on the counter for a few days. I like to use an antique bowl for a pop of color. After all, it is all about the pretty in my world.

Avocado’s held by a bowl that says sunshine…it is all about the pretty in my world.

If you want to keep a ripe avocado for a few days until you use it, only then refrigeration is okay. Keep in mind, this will slow down the over-ripening, but not stop the ripening process. Refrigerated too long, the fruit will turn to mush.

A sliced avocado should be spritzed with lemon juice to preserve the color and wrap or place in an airtight container. Even when the avocado turns brown, it is edible – just aesthetically unpleasing.

Fruit With Benefits

According to Medical News Today, the avocado is essential to the whole well being of the body at any age. The benefits of consuming this green jewel include heart health, detoxifier, strong fighter of chronic diseases, and improves digestion to name a few. A terrific resource for vitamins C. E, K, and B-6, the avocado also has healthy fats that enhance our skin.

Planting avocado pits can provide unique gifts for your fellow plant lovers.

Plant Those Pits

Starting an avocado tree from one of the pits is an easy project. Knowing that it will take years to bear fruit, it can make beautiful houseplant. As with any plant, the conditions must be right for this plant to thrive.

To start, fill a nice size jar with water. Make certain the pit is clean and dry. The widest end of the pit should face the water. Poke at least three toothpicks into the side of the pit, allowing no more than one inch immersed in the water. Find a warm and bright spot to place your avocado pit so you can see the progress as it sets roots and sprouts. nIt will take six to eight weeks to see growth. Try several in case the pit doesn’t sprout. They make unique gifts for your favorite plant’s person.

Once your pet becomes a seedling and reaches a height of six to eight inches, cut it in half. It will send out heavier roots with a flush of growth with luscious leaves. Find the perfect pot, at least ten inches in diameter, add good quality soil, transplant and let the magic begin. Don’t plant the seedling too deep. Half of the pit should be above the surface of the soil. As your new plant thrives, pinch it back occasionally to avoid legginess. Depending on your climate, you could plant your tree outside or place it in a container that is portable. Remember – it is a tropical tree.

If you are looking for a cold-hardy avocado tree, they can be found on-line. One nursery, Brighter Blooms offers a cultivar that is cold hardy in zone 7 gardens. I am not certain if it would taste the same. Under the right conditions, it might be worth a try, with space or a hothouse.

Creating Good Green Goop

Last Fall I went to the Audi Field in Washington, DC for a food festival. One of the vendors had avocado toast. I tasted it and am now a changed woman. As the crunch of the whole grain bread slathered with the seasoned avocado spread danced in my mouth, I fell in love. The green goop that I did not understand, lingered on my tastebuds.

I did my research, acquired the essentials – avocado, garlic, tomato, lemon juice, a touch of olive oil, and Penzey’s Justice…and made my own green goop. Creating different palette-pleasing combinations of avocado spread is now my passion. I even found a recipe that used sweet potato slices in lieu of bread. That could be interesting.

Have you considered growing your own avocado tree? Perhaps it would be nice to grow one as a tropical plant for the summer. At some point I would tire of dragging it indoors in the winter. I think I will stick to reputable markets or grocery stores.

Avocado dreaming,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Scent of Winter – A Sweetness In The Air

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The scent of the season can be brought inside and enjoyed while nesting.

Scent during the cold months of winter are welcomed indoors and out. There are some fragrances that we anticipate and others we do not. Scents play such a role in our lives. As a gardener in the off season I seek out seasonal scents whenever I go outside.

Now that the holidays are over, the smell of balsam, fir and pine, still linger lightly in the landscape. In my yard, this fragrance comes from recycling wreaths with home-made edible ornaments for the birds.

Each flower looks like a ballerina. In my mind, the imaginary skirt twirls as it emits the sweet scent of winter.

As I wander down by the woods line, I lift my nose there is a faint sweet smelling scent. A scent that in some circles is known as “Sweet Breath of Spring” or “Kiss Me At The Gate”. In other circles it is known as January Jasmine or Chinese Honeysuckle. When I lived in Fredericksburg, Virginia, we called it “Winter Honeysuckle”.

Botanically speaking, it is “Lonicera fragrantissima”. A honeysuckle with the sweetest scent in the middle of winter. This shrub has an expected height and girth of 6 – 10 feet. Great for those who have space, as every branch that touches the ground takes root. If you are considering a shrub that will create a thicket if left alone, the added value of this shrub is the scent.

This scent would waft through the air as I walked past the downtown train station in Fredericksburg. In a neglected corner, this shrub did not look like much. We often forgot to water it, yet the sweet scent it shared was one of forgiveness. We could see passersby looking around in wonderment as they tried to figure out where the scent was coming from.

Left on it’s own devices, Winter Honeysuckle can become gangly in appearance. Full or part sun, it will only require moderate water to survive. A decent pruning after bloom will keep this shrub happy and healthy as it flourishes in the landscape.

The pale pink, almost white sheath holds the subtly sweet scent of winter.

The delicate bulb like buds are held tight on each limb. Covered in a sheath of soft pink, a gentle squeeze of these buds, tickle your sense of smell. Perfect for cutting and placing in your vase of choice, Winter Honeysuckle branches add a sweet scent to the air. Although some consider this a thug shrub, placed properly it has value in the landscape.

When there is nothing else in bloom, try Winter Honeysuckle. Whether it is in the ground or in a vase, it is sure to brighten up any gray winter day!!

The scent of Winter Honeysuckle dances in the air on slippers of gold…only in my mind.

I hope you add a bit of fragrance to your world as we continue nesting til Spring!

Teri, Cottage In The Court

To find out more about this fragrant shrub, click here.

Stillness in Winter – A Gift to The Gardener

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Stillness in winter is perfect for autumnal tasks.

When the air is crisp and the leaves are falling leaf removal is on our mind. Which is why autumn in winter is a gift for this gardener. The stillness of winter beckoned me to see what I could get done on a warm December day.

My stool and the Women’s Work gauntlet gloves are today’s garden essentials.

I gathered the necessary tools to not work but linger in the garden on my own terms. None of my neighbors were outside enjoying the stillness of the day. The birds were chirping, dogs barking and I was alone to commune with nature. I reached into my curbside flowerbed and gently lifted the leaves. Away from the crowns, from in between the foliage, I tossed them to the curb. Tossing over my shoulder, the acorns which were trying to take root, landed softly on the growing pile. Noone heard this but me, in the stillness of a winter day.

GIFTS BENEATH THE LEAVES

The single dandelion boldly blooming, despite the season.

I chose to linger in certain spots because of the gifts that continually appeared as I sorted through the leaves. The bold bloom of a dandelion, with basal foliage peeking from beneath a clump of yarrow. Often under-appreciated, the dandelion brings so much to the garden. This gift, considered a weed to some, a plant many people abhor, desperately attempted to eradicate by others, is actually good for the pollinator community. Did you now that bees and birds love dandelions?? Dandelions are a terrific source of nectar and pollen for hungry bees and pollinators. Who knew that such a gift could be found when venturing outside in the stillness of a warm winter day.

Peony tips easing through the soil like a rocket preparing for launch.

Gently running my hands over the surface of the soil, I felt a bump that jarred my memory. A peony root, planted with a kiss for good luck, had survived. One stalk emerged and one leaf spoke to the strength of the root. There was no bloom, but this tip emerging from the chosen spot gives me hope. I hope that this year, I might get two leaves.

Tree peonies are such tough friends in the garden.

I paused and strolled over to my garden heroes. The tree peonies trampled by roofers last year were beginning to swell. My heart, melting in the stillness of this moment, was a bit overwhelmed. These ladies bring a bodacious bloom as they lift their heads and dance in the breezes of Spring. In African American folklore, peony seeds were given to those who are indecisive about something. In my garden, it offers a brief moment of bloom after a winter thaw.

The False Indigo pods have a beauty and music of their own.

What is that I hear? A subtle rattle disrupts the quiet in my garden as I brush past the Baptisia, also known as False Indigo. The blackened pods hold seeds that create music, which disrupts the stillness of the moment. I gather a handful of stems and shake them as I dance my way to the pile of garden debris. The joy of peace and quiet of the garden in the stillness of winter never ceases to amaze me.

The hosta stalks have a similar song…like a soft tap dance on the leaves below.

GARDEN LOSS

This Pieris Japonica will be missed next Spring.

Loss in the garden is an expected reality. We can appreciate this act of life and consider it an opportunity. To remember and replace with something different or similar. The Pieris Japonica will be a memory and instead of replacing it, I will allow the azaleas to spread in girth and close the gap.

Winter allows us to spend quality time in the garden. The quiet time which allows us to remember the summer garden party and embrace the absence of the same. The stillness found in winter is a special gift to the gardener.

Do you appreciate winter’s warm days? Is walking through the garden and assessing future changes a task you enjoy? Does the stillness of winter encourage you to go outside and embrace the beauty that surrounds you??

Celebrating finding stillness a gift,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Memphis Fling -Magical Memories of A Special Garden

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Memphis Fling …magical memories in the most unexpected places!

The Memphis Fling was an event that was on my mind all Spring. The Fling is a much-anticipated event for garden bloggers, writers, and social media garden enthusiasts with active social media accounts. The Fling was in Memphis, Tennessee…and what a treat it was.

Many of the participants who attended the Fling have posted pictures of the many gardens we visited. I wanted to share a very special, magical garden at the home of the Thompsons.

Escorted to this magical garden by a team of drivers, the narrow driveway piqued the curiosity of all the attendees. This only added to the intrigue of what we were about to encounter. A wooded area with carefully curated plantings surrounded all who entered.

As a garden enthusiast, I appreciate all gardens. From the moment I entered this property, inspiration was everywhere.

This was the most amazing She Shed or Potting house!

Here is a glimpse inside…and yes, I was drooling!

This SheShed had books, plants, a place to pause, and more. Look at that tasteful book title beckoning me to pause… I pressed on in anticipation of the unexpected.
What is a potting shed without some plants gracing the windows and whimsical art, capturing the humor of the owner?
This truly melted my heart. Books, plants, soil, a wash basin – all without tracking soil into the main house? Yes, a droolworthy experience!

The first stop was quite the treat. Deciding which way to go to see the main garden was easy. Observing the tree canopy, which created a much-needed break from the strong Memphis heat, we wandered up the driveway. Gardens can be magical in many different ways. Many times, it is the lighting, the plant choices, or the art found within that evokes a certain sentiment. The magic found in this garden combined all of these elements and more.

As the Fling attendees scattered towards the main garden, some of us took the shady route past a beautiful lake.
The lake on the Thompson property was worthy of strolling by…in the shade.

Arriving at the top, we noticed an electic piece of art…I knew it was going to be an amazing adventure.

A warm welcome from the homeowner, Elvis, and two very protective, gorgeous dogs made it clear that we were going to witness a Memphis magical moment. This amazing hostess wore the most intriguing necklace. I could tell that she enjoyed sharing her garden with all of the attendees, as her eyes sparkled like diamonds with glee.

Mrs. Thompson, Elvis, and a smattering of the 60+ Fling attendees.

First, I encountered a garden kissed by the dappled light of mature trees above. From the eclectic collection of birdhouses to the espaliered trees on the sensual clay walls, this was a garden room I wanted to call my own.

Birdhouses and wonderful garden art added a whimsical feel to this calming space.
Two of our hosts, Sharron Holloway Johnson and Kim Halyak in the shade room.
I fell in love with the hydrangea skirting the carefully espaliered trees. The art only added to this garden room.

One could imagine sitting in this protected space in any season. In the winter, it would serve as the perfect sunny spot for writing. In the summer, this space offered a cool respite from the heat for all who chose to pause.

A welcoming entryway provided a perfect place for pausing.

Here are a few scenes along the way to the main garden…

This garden offered a little bit of this and a little bit of that, no matter where the attendees decided to explore. I held back from the crowds to absorb the feeling of peace in this magical space. I noticed what some called the focal point of this garden. A hillside garden filled with rare plants, common plants, and a little garden art.

In a garden like this, looking up matters. I noticed these Staghorn Ferns on the side of a tree.

Pieces of art were carefully placed throughout the garden. Art often creates places to pause, smile, and wonder what inspired the gardener to position it wherever it is.

Above the hillside planting, an area for pausing presented itself to all who explored…

In this shaded upper garden room, the plantings and the art were simple and calming.

Returning to the lower garden area, there were many other vignettes to inspire the attendees of the Memphis Fling…

This was one of my favorite views. It combined plants, architecture, and art.
The art was simple, yet placed in a spot that would allow it to be the centerpiece of that particular garden room.
Using plants that require minimal care, yet are living pieces of art.
Pots can inspire without plants as well. I think I will use this concept on my terrace.
A carefully positioned seating area in a shady nook, close to the house. A carefully curated garden should always include places to pause. The perfect place to protect the moonpies from the hot sun.
With a home like this, even the dogs had beauty right outside their doggy door. The Hollyhock was a family heirloom passed down through many generations.
A departing view, as I looked back to embrace the beauty that surrounded me on a sultry Memphis day.
From the rain chain to the plantings below, this garden was quite magical and will remain etched in my mind as I remember the MemphisFling
Truth be told, the garden was magical, whimsical and brought joy to all who entered. The homeowner was the highlight of my day.

Memphis is such a magical place. The people, the gardens, and the southern hospitality made the 2025 Garden Fling quite the event of the summer. Thank you to Mr. and Mrs Thompson for opening your heart and your garden to the attendees of the Memphis Fling.

Garden Clubs – A New Way to Connect Communities

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In a way, garden clubs are an act of peaceful resistance. It is the perfect way to encourage communities to turn to the earth for positive engagement. Limited funding for a planting to brighten up an area in need of a facelift? Try partnering with a local garden club. Enlist the youth, a science club, an organization like the Boys and Girls clubs, or even the Scouts to play a role in the effort.  Remember, after the projects installation, there will be ongoing maintenance. Choose partnerships that are invested for the long term.

Garden Club license plate holder? Yes I am proudly wearing the words on my car.

Garden clubs have super powers. This has been proven over time, since they have been around for quite sometime. Many communities considered these groups to be out of reach for the common person. In some circles, one had to be invited to join by an esteemed member.

I bet there are some garden clubs existing today which might still abide by these rules. There are also some garden clubs which accept new members who are eager to get their hands in the soil to beautify or just to be a part of something beautiful. I am a firm believer that garden clubs are an essential part of community engagement and connectivity.

As with many civic groups, the membership will ebb and flow due to the generational divide in the community. If a community has mostly Seniors, the need for low impact, but fun opportunities are a good idea for engagement. A younger community might consider adding art, forest bathing, outdoors yoga, or plantings with a purpose. These activities generally appeal to a younger, or even an active midlife demographic.

Choosing a curriculum which encourages residents to come out, get involved, and explore their surroundings is very important . Offering art livens up the community canvas, painting a uniquely diverse picture of inhabitants. Purposeful plantings, add life and interest to an otherwise plain palette.

Garden clubs offer beautification projects, youth garden projects, floral arranging, floral judging, and more. There is one garden club known as Our Garden Club of Philadelphia and Vicinity. They are celebrated for the unique ways they engage with the surrounding communities throughout Philadelphia. Such a unique group of garden enthusiasts that have been around for over 80 years.

Sowing seeds that helped build their community evolved from noticing a need. It all started by gathering in the home of Bertha Rhodes. This garden club exists today with a common goal of encouraging other like-minded community members of all skill levels to get excited about gardening. Beautification, continued education, and the importance of conserving our natural resources are all important issues for the members of this group. They serve as an example of the power of garden clubs in community.

In today’s world, as communities become more financially challenged, the need for garden clubs is more important than ever. Sustainable practices, becoming more aware of conservation efforts, and recycling are all things we might hear mentioned quite regularly. Garden clubs are a user friendly way to educate and inform community members. They are also a way to beautify, as well as demonstrate which plants thrive in a specific area, zone, or even introduce new plant offerings. The role a garden club can play in uplifting a community is priceless.

Provide a place where the younger generation can take ownership in making a community more visually appealing. With the guidance of garden club members, opportunities for a collaborative effort will unfold and encourage others to get involved!

As one who loves being a part of a garden club, I am observing some of the smaller clubs connecting with other clubs to enjoy meaningful experiences. Connecting is like sowing seeds of opportunity to other like-minded people with a common goal in mind. There is beauty in education, expanding the hands on knowledge of gardening, and gathering.

I’m attending the 2025 National Garden Club Conference in Charleston, South Carolina. After listening to the various ways garden clubs bring value as well as beauty to communities, my heart is full. I am realizing that I am not just a crazy, old garden club member. Instead, I am an Ambassador to encourage garden clubs to form and become positive forces in communities everywhere

I love playing with words and creating something meaningful. Choosing the word garden, a few items came to mind.

G is for gathering like-minded people interested in gardening.

A is for accepting people of all levels of garden experience and sharing the knowledge.

R is for recognizing beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

D is for learning how to design appealing gardens and floral arrangements

E is for educational opportunities offered by Garden School programming

N is for navigating the next generation of garden clubs and garden club members. NOW is the time to get involved.

As a past garden club president, it is a daunting task to step into the role as an organizer of something so beautifully radical as a garden club. Delegating is encouraged to ensure everyone interested in the success of the group has a role. Creating rules of engagement on how your entity wants to improve and engage the community is key. Understanding how starting small allows you to reach dedicated community participants.

The seed of a sunflower is often quite small compared to the plant that many love in the late summer garden. From one small seed, a plant with astronomical proportions offers a smile to the young, as well as the old.

Starting something as beautiful as a garden club to get out in nature, connect with the soil and perhaps ground the spirit is truly an act of resistance. Many people are intensely focused on growing food, totally forgetting about the power of flowers. Flowers in the garden or in a vase, can be a visual break in an otherwise stress filled existence. As I walked through my garden on a rainy evening, two red hibiscus blooms caught my eye. I purchased these to go in my window boxes, perhaps to notice a hummingbird or two. Yet on the ground, those blooms welcomed me into my own garden. I needed these bright spots of encouragement on an otherwise grey day.

Garden Clubs help us believe in hope and the future.

It is the little moments in the garden that remind us to have hope, brighter days are ahead…and to believe in the power of flowers. The joy found in the garden and in garden clubs is often underrated.

As we face the unexpected upheavals in life, connect with your garden. Consider joining a garden club or creating your own local garden club. There are state level clubs and national clubs that offer many opportunities to engage.

I love being a part of a garden club. It adds joy to my life and is a great way to stay connected to community. Here is a link to connect to National Garden Clubs www.gardenclub.org

Resist getting caught up in the spiral of negativity and instead, engage in making your surroundings beautiful! 

I’m watching the weather, and excited to hear about opportunities to beautify my community! Perhaps I could be acknowlededged for uplifting and beautifying my community.

Sitting here dreaming of the possibilities and how I can sow seeds of positivity in my garden club.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

Iris – Ancestral Reminders in the Garden

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Iris found on family land in South Carolina reminds me to acknowledge my ancestors.

Iris are something I look forward to returning in my garden. Observing the spear-like foliage emerge from a non-descript rhizome, gives me hope. At some point a stem emerges, evolving into a beautiful bloom. The Iris, carefully planted in my garden are quite sacred, at least to me.

Found at our family homestead in South Carolina, this particular Iris was not in bloom. I remember noticing a stand of spear like foliage, right at the edge of the woods line. With Great Aunt Lucy deceased, there were not many relatives alive nearby. In my mind, this plant needed to come home with me.

I knew I wanted some type of plant material as a memory. A plant to remind me of this humble house at the side of the road and a plant that thrived with minimal maintenance. There were two blue hydrangeas that flanked the front porch. At the time, I did not know how to prune them to a size that would allow me to fly at least one of them back to Maryland. I looked around to see what else was manageable to dig and transport. This clump of spear like foliage whispered, “please take me with you…”

Not sure if one clump would be enough, I gathered a large clump which had three clusters of foliage. Gently, I wrapped it in damp newspaper, placed it in a plastic bag, and tucked it in my suitcase. One thing I didn’t want to do was leave it behind or lose it. For safe keeping, I wrapped the bag in soiled clothing, which served as a cushion.

As I flew home, I wondered if it would live. More importantly, I wondered what color it would bloom. My parents had purple Iris in the garden. It didn’t take much urging for my Mom to share a story or two about the significance of the purple Iris. A purple Iris was in her corsage for prom. My Dad gently placed it on her wrist. The color purple reminded this loving couple of their romance which started at Cardoza High School. Purple and white are the colors for Cardoza High School.

Placing this plant in the proper space was important. I did not want this bloom to go unnoticed in my garden. Making certain the basic needs for this Iris to thrive and multiply was key. The soil could not be too rich or too damp, This plant would need 6 – 8 hours of sun in a well draining spot. It was also important to provide ample air circulation for this rhizome.

I placed it at the front of my garden. Each time spring, I wanted to acknowledge my South Carolinian roots. It is because of them, I am here and thriving. I did not know what color this plant would bloom. This was a part of the intrigue in uprooting and transplanting this plant found on family soil.

Much to my surprise, the Iris bloomed the following spring. It was white with a yellow center. I love researching plants and how to grow them. Did this rhizome have a name, I wondered? There were references to a white Iris found planted in gardens and cemeteries throughout the South. Many called this Iris a Cemetery Iris. This plant symbolized faith, hope, sympathy, or passionate feelings. There are some who believe the white Iris is signifies a fresh start.

If you believe in Greek mythology, Iris was a Goddess who bridged the gap between Gods and humans. Many believe, due to the diversity of colors when in bloom, this perennial ties heaven and earth together.

At the Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, I found many gravesites with white Iris flanking the headstones.

It makes sense that an alternative name for this plant is the Cemetery Iris. I was recently in Atlanta and visited the Historic Oakland Cemetery with my friend, Abra Lee. As we walked through the many headstones of common people and even a few celebrities, I noticed this Iris was a common fixture, especially in the African American section. I wondered if the sentiment of embarking in a new journey in heaven was part of the reason for inclusion amidst gravesites?

Some sayings we might never find out if they are fact or fiction. One thing I know for sure, this Iris will always be a part of my garden family. I will pass it down to the next generation …even if it is not purple.

Do you have plants that have been handed down or that have a familial story?

I will lovingly select and prepare a rhizome for my nephew James. As a new homeowner, he is embarking upon his first garden journey. He will need a purple Iris to share the story of his grandparents love affair. I believe James will also need a white Iris to acknowledge his aunt’s romance with her garden. What a terrific way to symbolize a new journey in his life, as a husband and soon to be father.

Perhaps I will find this Iris for my nephew…

Teri, Cottage in the Court

Betty and Her Church Hat -Reflections Found in My Garden

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Betty Corning clematis reminds me of Big Betty at church.

Betty Corning Clematis reminds me of Big Betty and the hats she wore to church. Big Betty was a lady who stood tall and sat in the front pews at Church, even with her bold Church hats on. I admired Betty due to her big hats, which always matched her outfits. Growing up, it was always exciting to see what color combination Betty would wear and what the hat would look like. They often had a statement flower strategically placed to make anyone notice. Other times, the flowers dangled off to one side or were in artfully arranged clusters. The hats always made Big Betty stand out amongst the parishioners.

There were a few displays using hats at the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show. I found them quite interesting. It reminded me of the hats the women at Church donned on Sundays. Perhaps I should have been paying attention to the sermon. The colorful hats visible through the pews captured my heart. I found joy in watching the ladies stroll into the church service, knowing they were in their Sunday best with a hat to match.

Some of the hats I saw at the show reminded me of Sunday at church. Many of the ladies only wore understated hats. These hats hugged their heads and were worn in different ways. The traditional way to wear a hat was to sit it on their heads like a crown. Some ladies would tilt them to one side to be a little fancy.

Usually around Mother’s Day, the hats became bigger. At the yearly Convocation, all of the women wore hats and attire that were tasteful and runway-ready. I imagined that perhaps a secret seminar on Church Hat 101 had been held in advance. The brims became larger, had feathers, or were carefully curated hats that coordinated with their outfit of choice. Even today, many wonder what came first, the hat or the outfit?

This hat was an instant reminder of Big Betty at Church. In my imagination, Big Betty would come around the corner at any moment for her hat. She would pause in front of the vestibule window. Catching her reflection, adjusting the hat a smidgeon, Big Betty would royally stroll down the aisle for the perfect seat. I would gaze in awe at this regal woman in the perfect outfit with a tastefully coordinated hat to finish her look for the day.

Over the winter, I looked at endless catalogs to decide on a clematis. Clematis ‘Betty Corning’ caught my eye. The shape of the bloom reminded me of a Church ladies hat. Betty had some of the qualities I wanted to include in my garden. This medium climber has a sweet, fresh fragrance, which is always great in the garden. The small 2-inch flowers begin to bloom mid-summer and continue to bloom abundantly into early fall. The flowers hold their heads down as the vine reaches towards the sky, clutching the arbor along the way. I chuckle as I recall raising a finger and holding my head down, excusing myself from the Church service to go to the restroom. Sometimes, I would tiptoe out to meet my Grandpa to walk to get a block of ice.

Our gardens often capture memories of people, places, and sometimes even trends from the past. The downturned clematis bloom reminded me of Betty, a stately woman, and the glamorous hats she wore. Memories like this are dotted throughout my garden, allowing me to smile each time I walk through.

Do you have blooms in your garden that remind you to reflect and smile?

I patiently await the right time to plant Betty in the perfect spot, where her sweet scent will be carried on the breezes that flow through my garden.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

NOT AI-GENERATED

Slowly Silencing the Wisdom of the Garden

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Slowly, the voices of wisdom are fading away. Are we reaching back to remind our youth of the journey?

Slowly, the wise voices of the garden are disappearing. I often wonder who is listening. Who is taking the time to sit at their knees, absorbing wisdom that will soon disappear? There is joy when listening to seasoned figures in the world of horticulture who have similar perspectives.

I rarely see more than a handful of young people attending in-person events such as trade shows and conferences. One thing for sure has become obvious – younger folks are not showing up. We have stories for every experience that taught us a lesson. These are lessons that helped us grow. Perhaps we learned things the hard way, which boosted our self-esteem. We can tell the stories we remember, that were handed down from our elders with joy.

However, where are our young people? Are they willing or even present to listen? Are they willing to experience doing things the old-fashioned way? Is it simply easier to look online, only to gain a mere snippet of the story? Remember back in the day when we had the ears of the elders or Encyclopedia Britannica as our resources? Simpler times demanded less computer time. There was a time when we found joy when we sat at the knee of our kinfolk.

I remember spending time in North and South Carolina during the summer months as a child. We visited relatives with my parents, aunts, and uncles. We looked forward to that week when we could be free to stay outdoors late. There was unspoken joy found in the silence of the night, under the star dotted sky. Asking the burning questions in our minds often required deep thought from the elders.

Many people in the South were not quick to answer, as all questions were important. The elders provided food for thought for anyone who might be listening. Many times, the collective conversations of the elders mentioned names and places we had never heard before. The people, places, or experiences stayed in their hearts and minds. These memories wait patiently, ready to enlighten the next generation. Many of these souls have gone on, and their stories, filled with wisdom, are slowly fading away.

When we do not reach back, much-needed information is slowly lost. It is important to emphasize listening to the younger generation. Knowledge is like a viable seed. Like a field in the spring, loosened up, open, and fertile, these young minds can allow these seeds to put down roots.

Age happens to all of us. It is important to document and make available the experiences a new generation will not experience. In my youth, I learned to milk a cow, proper composting techniques, and alternative pesticide measures. Returning garden debris to the soil as fertilizer, knowing when to water, and knowing when to prune are also skills I cherish. I learned these basic skills by listening to the elders along my life’s journey. There are many things to learn simply by sitting with the elders and asking questions. One thing I didn’t do was use my cell phone or computer. I merely listened to those who were willing to share and asked questions.

Who is listening to those voices in horticulture that are slowly slipping away? Are we instilling the importance of sitting at the knee of the elders, taking good notes, or recording their voices?

I write to share my perspective. As I become more seasoned, I look around when I tour gardens or attend garden-related events. It concerns me when I do not see the generation that can benefit from our experiences. Will they be ready when the time comes for simple basic skills from my familiar? I ask myself, have I shared good seeds with a young gardener lately? Did I receive their question and give them a well thought out answer?

As I look back on my journey, I remember holding Mr. Pearl Fryar’s hands and listening to the wisdom of his words. It is a day I will never forget as my grandsons played in the field and on the tractor. Slowly, he shared his story and encouraged me to continue sharing the joy of gardening. That was in 2014, and I am still paying attention to his words.

I am committed to sharing my knowledge and skills with anyone willing to listen. Are you?

Teri, Cottage in the Court

(NOT AI-GENERATED)

Black Flora – Inspiring Profiles of Floriculture’s New Vanguard

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Black Flora – Inspiring Profiles of Floriculture’s New Vanguard is a long overdue book.

Black Flora was a mere seedling of a thought in 2021. The opportunity to write a book focusing on African American flower farmers was quite exciting. I accepted the offer with enthusiasm. After much discussion the conversation about who to portray broadened. We decided to include the diverse stories of African Americans who work with flowers. The initial release in February 2022 was brief and the book sold out by the end of 2022. A rebirth was inevitable.

I had no idea of what writing a book entailed. The publishing industry was not something I was familiar with. I quickly realized it was not like writing a blog post. Thoughts of reviving interest in this book seemed out of reach. I learned a valuable lesson on how things happen at just the right time. During a very somber week, truly disappointed at the outcome of my first foray into writing a book, I received an email expressing interest in our stories. The Black Flora Family cannot say Thank you enough to Timber Press. I like to say Timber Press saw us and recognized the importance of this book. Black Flora shares inspirational stories to inspire and encourage people from all walks of life. A revival of Black Flora was eminent.

The profiles shared within the book showcase how African Americans in floriculture can pivot. Along the way, the road might have been a bit bumpy. The journey might have unexpected obstacles to discourage. The twenty-five profiles in Black Flora – Inspiring Profiles of Floriculture’s New Vanguard share an encapsulated version of their passion. From Hawaii to North Carolina, this book shares how flowers found a way to change lives.

Each participant in Black Flora represents a determination to succeed. The dream of growing, designing, or creating art with flowers is not a dream to defer. Even with the odds against us, we do not wilt and disappear. We return to our roots and stand on the foundation our ancestors instilled in us.

Writing this book was not easy. I am a freelance writer and garden blogger. I wanted to become a specialty cut flower farmer in 2021. Imagining a life without flowers in my home weekly was a humbling thought. The desire to have an outdoor garden with all the flowers that I desired had a certain requirement. There would be enough flowers to provide arrangements in every room at The Cottage in the Court weekly. I felt I could do this from my backyard and share the excess. One component of my work week is creating arrangements using seasonal flowers. These floral displays uplift the spirits in our office. Who knew Gomphocarpus physocarpus would create interesting conversations followed by giggles?

I dreamed of Dahlias gracing my counters in beautiful vases.

As I interviewed the Black Flora participants, we became a team. I consider us the Black Flora Family. In the book, it was intended to focus on the success of our journey. As business owners and farmers, many people know the challenges minorities encounter along the way. We highlighted the unique stories of why the flowers beckoned those portrayed on the pages of this book for this work. Sharing the success and overcoming the challenges should inspire anyone considering a career with flowers. A few individuals portrayed in Black Flora had to figure out how to creatively farm flowers by borrowing land. We realized pursuing a floral dream in uncertain times was the common thread that connected us. We are Black Flora. I wondered how many profiles of African Americans in floriculture whose stories have yet to be shared. We consider this a new beginning.

Mums have proven to make gorgeous mini bouquets with a great vase life.

Some have asked, how they can help spread our stories. Purchase Black Flora -Inspiring Profiles of Floriculture’s New Vanguard to show interest in what our hands are capable of. Go the extra mile to reach out to an African American florist. We are small businesses that can only thrive on the success of their patrons. There is a directory on Postal Petals of African American Florists to consider supporting. Black Flora’s cover lady, Talia Boone, owner of Postal Petals, continually updates this listing as new florists sign up.

The best way for us to continue sharing our stories is by supporting us. We want to continue being strong representatives of the African American presence in floriculture. Sowing into the flower farmers, florists, and designers who are a part of Black Flora helps them thrive and give back to others in our communities. Creating and supporting collaborative events can provide opportunities to share with a broader audience. Book signings, fl0ral arranging, and more are ways to keep the conversation going. Asking those who work with flowers and documenting their stories is the best way to sow seeds for future generations.

I am simply a messenger. Sowing seeds of positivity to empower others to engage with the Black Flora Family. We love the work that we do. It reflects the diverse ways we show up in the garden of life. With each stem we touch, arrangement we make, class we teach, or design we share, we are uniquely Black Flora.

I love us. I love Black Flora and what we share with the world. Now, to start that small flower farm…if I make time to sow seeds in my backyard. The cut flower garden of my dreams continues to evolve. I want to share with the next generation how flowers can uplift the spirit and share boundless joy.

While sitting in my garden room, sorting seeds for a cutting garden, Precious by my side, I dream of an abundant fower border, overflowing with blooms for cutting. This is the year I grow more peonies and cut flowers to bring the garden inside. This is the year I have my Black Flora moment with my hands in the soil and my heart with all who are inspired to embrace the joy of flowers.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

Garden Tourism is a Great Elixir

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Garden tourism is the elixir we need when the world moves too fast. Autumn at Lewis Ginter was quite a treat.

Garden tourism is often experienced during the warmer months. Did you know that some of the most unique times in the garden happen when the garden is resting? It has been a bumpy start to a new year in many ways. Many people have logged on, tuned in, and are continually caught up in the erratic news cycle, we are missing out on healthier choices.

Going outside to see the garden or nature evolve is a life-changing experience. Watching buds swell, foliage burst from the ground, or experiencing how the light hits the garden can be memorable. These gifts from the garden might seem boring to some, however, allow me to elaborate.

On a recent walk at the United States Botanic Garden, I welcomed the distraction of the mid-winter garden. It was one of the first days I noticed the winter sky was lighter at 5:00 pm, meaning a new season was waiting in the wings. As I walked – no phone, no earbuds – around the garden, I could feel the energy of nature surrounding me. Even with the extremely low temperatures, I paused to see what was emerging from the earth. The evergreens popped throughout the landscape. A few shrubs showed exciting winter colors adding a range of colorful interest to an otherwise somber garden. There was also the opportunity to see how the weather affected plant material with the unexpected frigid temperatures. If I had been on my phone or in front of a TV, this experience would not have happened.

The Christmas Lights at Longwood Gardens was quite the treat and brought together a diverse group of garden aficionados.

Garden Tourism is a great way to learn about plants, plant combinations, and other noteworthy garden ideas. Even while traveling, it is a great way to see something different and, most likely, inspirational. I recently hosted a small group experience at Longwood Gardens to see the Christmas lights. It was an opportunity to escape, if only for a few hours.

One of my neighbors who loves decorating for Christmas was impressed with the decorations. It was the perfect opportunity for her to see a different way to include nature in her holiday decor. As she lingered at the back of the group, I noticed the glimmer in her eyes as she closely inspected each design. I noticed an occasional smile as she took mental notes on recreating some of the ideas. To see her reaction melted my heart. Knowing my neighbor, I know she will use some of the ideas in her home and garden this Christmas.

While I stalk the United States Botanic Garden, other gardens offer a different type of escape. A few that are seasonally noteworthy are – Enid A. Haupt Garden, Katherine Dulin Folger Rose Garden, and The United States Arboretum. Each of these gardens offers a different experience and a lesson – if you observe. Perhaps notice when the roses are pruned, what bulbs are emerging, and figure out what is so fragrant at this time of the year. The Mary Livingston Ripley Garden, Dumbarton Oaks, and Tudor Place are beautiful places to watch the seasons evolve.

I consider Hillwood Estate Museum and Garden, a ladies’ garden. Each area reimagines how Marjorie Merriweather Post might have wanted if she was entertaining or enjoying her garden today. The friendship garden is one of my favorite places to pause, sit and breathe. This garden continually evolves with a gorgeous cutting garden and expanded programming drawing in gardeners, historians, or those seeking an opportunity to have a light lunch in a beautiful garden. It is one of my regular gardens to enjoy in any season.

Maryland also offers great garden tourism experiences such as Brookside Gardens, Glenstone, McCrillis Gardens, Cylburn Arboretum, Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and the Mount Washington Arboretum. I adore the intimacy found at the Rawlings Conservatory, as well as the convenience of Brookside. Glenstone offers a unique experience if you appreciate art in the garden and offers a terrific example of sustainable garden practices.

A terrific way to enjoy garden tourism in Virginia is to visit Greenspring Gardens, Lewis Ginter Gardens, or even Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. If you leave early, make time to enjoy downtown Richmond. The different areas offer great food, impactful art, historical displays, and great shopping. Exploring Richmond is a great idea for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

I encourage anyone reading this to put down the phone, turn off the TV, and create your unique garden tourism experience. Going outside in a garden elevates the spirit, provides a healthy distraction, and offers inspiration on what you can try in your green space.

Now to figure out which garden I will explore this weekend. I sense something beautiful is blooming in a garden near me.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

Houseplants – Celebrating the Great Green Indoors

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Houseplants bring us joy and deserve a day of their own.

Since 2012, many houseplant aficionados have had a reason to celebrate National Houseplant Appreciation Day. Consider this an official holiday for those who appreciate indoor plants. The Gardener’s Network recognized the popularity of houseplants and the joy they provide to plant lovers everywhere. January 10th is certainly a day that arrives when we need it most.

Some houseplants are good for many different skill levels. Longwood Gardens is a great place to explore the world of houseplants.

Some people lack confidence in selecting the right plant for their lifestyle. Busy, non-stop days require plants that need minimal care. Every houseplant has basic needs from proper lighting, temperature, proper type of soil, fertilizer, and water. Proper Researching the essential needs of any plant is crucial for plant parent success. It is also important to identify why you want to have plans in your home.

Are you seeking plants to decorate your home, add a focal point, or clean the air? Would selecting an exotic plant fill a void or provide something to talk to, love, and care for? Do you need only one (unheard of) or would a diverse cluster of plants with varied textures, heights, or leaves add artistic flair to your home? Consider these questions when inviting a houseplant to live with you.

From colorful blooms to leaf shapes and textures, houseplants bring us much joy!

I asked Samantha Speight, REWILD Marketing Manager/Cabin John, why we should appreciate houseplants. “Houseplants connect us not only to nature but to our community. They serve as a reminder that with patience comes beautiful growth.” This rings true and is quite a wise statement. Patience is essential when one desires healthy houseplants.

Why should people consider celebrating National Houseplant Appreciation Day at REWILD? “We have a diverse selection of houseplants for all skill levels,” Samantha stated confidently, “We also offer workshops, a variety of plant services, and a team that is passionate, and knowledgeable about houseplants.”

Houseplant aficionados can find plants anywhere …even in Paris. This plant shop whispered to me as I headed to Notre Dame…and I listened.

A good houseplant shop has items for good plant parenting such as soil, tools, fertilizers, and more. Cultivating a relationship with a knowledgeable staff is also important. It helps when you have a resource to answer questions such as, “Why are my Monstera leaves turning brown?” or “How do I water my Bromeliad?”

Remember the seventies? Many plants that were as popular as disco, are even more popular today. How many people had at least one Snakeplant, Peace Lily, or Pothos? My grandmother cherished these plants. She could tell you where they came from, what relative they represented, or if it was from a dish garden. These plants required repotting when they outgrew their confined spaces. Family members passed these down from generation to generation. Over time, the stories of these plants and their journey changed.

I have two 8-foot tall Dracenea that my Dad grew in the living room in my childhood home. Placed in front of the picture window, these plants provided a living privacy screen. My mom made sure they were healthy and tuned regularly for even growth. My Dad and I found joy when we took cuttings for propagation in the spring. Perhaps I will consider celebrating National Houseplant Appreciation Day by cleaning off the leaves and watering them deeply. At the right time, when they are actively growing, I will take cuttings and make more plants.

Orchids are long bloomers in draft-free spaces. With proper care, they can rebloom.

Consider adding a Peace Lilly, Spider plant, or Snake plant to purify the air in your home. Aloe vera plants are also great to have on hand for cuts or burns in the kitchen. They are also architecturally beautiful. Easy to care for, these are easy for beginning plant lovers to grow. Many believe the Jade plant attracts abundance and wealth. The Jade plant was always the perfect housewarming plant. Great for sharing, a cutting makes a great gift. This plant helps in promoting good air quality. There are many new cultivars of these plants, each offering leaf variegation and growth habits uniquely different than what we are familiar with.

This plant shop in Paris was a delight to enter. Smelling the freshly watered soil was perfect on a cold winter’s day.

Some people like blooms on their houseplants. I enjoy bodacious leaves. Monsteras have a special place in my heart and home. I love how my Monstera has taken over a corner of my living room. I recently cut it back from the top as it touched the ceiling. Placing it in a glass vase, I was curious to see what would happen. On a recent Sunday, I noticed roots emerging from the fresh-cut stem. I grinned from ear to ear. Sometimes the risks we take can bring us such joy.

When I wondered what plant made Samantha happy? “Alocasia Jacklyn is one of my favorite plants.” Samantha exclaimed, “The whole plant is a statement from leaf shape to texture. I also love the corm growth habits.” Something tells me this might be a plant I need for my collection.

One perfect way to celebrate National Houseplant Appreciation Day would be a visit to a caring, reputable houseplant shop such as REWILD. Samantha assured me “We are always ready to help find the perfect plant and pot combination.”

I think I will visit REWILD to look at their plants and accessories. Perhaps I can find something to enhance my plant story…like another Monstera.

Wiping down the leaves of Dad’s Dracena and considering where I will make cuts to propagate and share.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

Kindness Grows In A Community

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Kindness is often overlooked as we move through life. We expect life to happily happen. We know there will be good times and bad. Life can be tricky. We are rarely ready for the unexpected. It takes a loving family and the community’s kindness to help with the healing process.

February 28, 2010, is a day that I will always remember. My niece, Alexis Diana Speight lost her life to childhood cancer. At Thanksgiving dinner in 2009, Lexi complained of a tummy ache. The cancer moved at warp speed to take her from all who loved her. Children’s National Medical Center became home to Lexi’s intimate little family. Petr and Cyndi were by Lexi’s side through it all. Lexi could not have had better, attentive parents We continue to support my little brother and his young family emotionally.. After Lexi transitioned, the kindness of others grew a community.

Laps for Lexi (a 501 (c)(3) was born. This charitable organization’s goal was to raise money to support research for childhood cancer and a scholarship at the Sandy Springs Friends School. The kindness and generosity of a loving community pulled together to raise enough money to celebrate achieving a goal honoring Lexi. The Sandy Springs Friends School was Lexi’s school. For 13 years, Laps for Lexi was a good reason for many in the community to come together for a day of remembrance.

On November 1, at Children’s National Hospital, we celebrated the installation of the Lexi Speight Chair of Pediatric Oncology. Dr. AeRang Kim, M.D., Ph.D. is now the first recipient of The Lexi Speight Chair in Pediatric Oncology. The opportunity for a new way to treat solid cancerous tumors is now under the purview of Dr. Kim. After meeting Dr. Kim, I knew the research would take on cancer headfirst. On November 1, as we honored Lexi, childhood cancer has a new warrior. Dr. Kim is working to find a way to give other parents hope and more children the opportunity to beat this awful disease.

Not willing to give up, my sister-in-love Cyndi, my youngest brother Petr, and my niece Samantha became activists against cancer. With the love and support of an entire community, an effort of love to help other children with cancer became bigger than life. It is the best way to honor Lexi’s name. Lexi’s transition has forever changed our family. Friendships have been solidified, and the effort to honor Lexi has bolstered support from local businesses and more.

That mission was to show how Kindness grows in a community. Kindness goes a long way and the minimal effort it takes should not go unnoticed. Simply practicing kindness is easy. Did you know we recently observed National Kindness Day? It was the perfect day to commit to being better people in our communities and to strangers along the way.

At a time when we need kindness to be part of our daily random acts, consider looking around and making an effort to promote kindness in your community. Many people might be going through a crisis and not share it. Some might carry a heavy burden for many reasons that might not be obvious. Did you know a simple smile could be the seed to start a positive interaction?

Sowing seeds of kindness can show you care. A smile, a note, or a nod, might just be the acknowledgment needed at the right time. Give it a try. I carry seeds of kindness everywhere I go. I urge you to do the same.

Are you sowing seeds of kindness in your community?

Teri, Cottage in the Court