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Upward Bound Agriculture-Up Top Acres

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Using the term ‘upward bound’ in horticulture traditionally meant gardening on a trellis or some contraption allowing plants to climb. However, todays Millennial’s have put a whole new face on ‘upward bound’ agriculture as we know it. Rooftop agriculture is happening in places where you would least expect it.  I was privileged to take part in a Community of Gardeners Meet Up to tour the rooftop garden at The Farm at 55 M Street, SW. What a great building and what a phenomenal use of rooftop space it is.

Imagine – seeing Nationals Stadium, The Washington Monument, and the Cityscape amidst rows of kale seedlings, onion bulbs and carrot tops. It was truly an amazing site to see.  Agriculture this close to heaven can only be successful and the Owners/Farmers at UP TOP ACRES are proving this in so many ways.

Welcome sign upon entering the rooftop farm at UP TOP ACRES.

THE WHO AND THE HOW

Kristof Grina, Host of our tour of Up Top Acres

Our host and guide for the afternoon was Kristof Grina. Nothing like a young person with a vision. Realizing that space on the ground might make things a bit tricky for farming in the City, Kristof and a few of his High School peers decided to think in an upward bound manner.  Not trellises but rooftops…utilizing underused spaces….like commercial building roof tops. What a novel idea, but not unheard of in other cities. After a bit of research and utilizing models of upward bound or rooftop farming in similar settings, Up Top Acres was born. This unassuming young man shared how he and his friends  Kathleen O’Keefe, Jeff Prost-Greene, and Nick Berini, got started with this upward bound adventure.

Kristof is fascinated with the concept of growing in non-traditional environments. An out of the box thought of farming in a City environment, utilizing space on top of office buildings and convincing developers to buy into this concept was the beginning of Up Top Acres. Did I mention that while feeding people is the part of the concept, a CSA has evolved from this? Did I share 90% of the produce goes to local restaurants? How AWESOME  is this??? What do you expect from a person who studied Plant and Soil Science in college.

Imagine this view as you garden???

Almost unfathomable but it’s happening right above our heads. This is quite an undertaking from Young City Innovators that want to make a difference in how we source our food. Here are a few fun facts:

  • In order to weed or plant the rooftop beds, the Farmer/gardener must be tied off and secured in the event of a mishap.
  • Up Top Acres employs 1 Full Time Farmer
  • There is a weight and drainage threshold
  • Up Top Acres worked with the University of Maryland to create a unique soil mixture for growing on roof tops
  • never boring, crop rotations vary  from building to building
  • has three farms currently producing produce and is growing
  • offers rooftop event rental  at The Farm at 55 M Street, S.W., for corporate outings, receptions or that unique special event with a City line view
  • is the home to two beehives
  • offers a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) to clients in the buildings
  • provides locally upward bound produce to select restaurants in a 5+/- mile radius
  • uses Veterans Compost for healthy soil…encouraging healthy, well fed plants

Those are just a few of the unique facts that make Up Top Acres  an asset to the community. As local developers plant more concrete buildings, the opportunities to enhance sustainability efforts by including rooftop farms should not be ignored. Think about the tax credits – as well as building a more cohesive surrounding community. The health benefits to potential clients by offering fresh-cut flowers, organic meeting space as well as a communal food option would be unique.

As I sat a few weeks ago with Kathleen O’Keefe discussing events that are upcoming like pop up restaurant events, unique hands-on activities, and more it was mesmerizing! I was amazed at the growth that had taken place since my last visit and how healthy the plants were.

Planters that had mere seedlings now had rapidly maturing plants!

Of course every garden has its challenges such as volunteers. Up Top Acres needs volunteers to help with events, to assist when school groups come to visit while sharing the possibilities, as well as funding to keep this idea growing throughout the City.  You can find out more by scheduling a tour with one of the Up Top Acres Team.  It takes a community to encourage a more sustainable stance on the way we get our food and the way we participate in community outreach. Up Top Acres….YOU ARE AWESOME!!!

Click Up Top Acres book a tour or to find out more.

Sharing good news from The Cottage In The Court,

Teri

Connecting With Our Eco Community

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Eco Community is not a trend it is a way of life.  What is the definition of an Eco Community??  Upon comparing many different definitions of “Eco Community”, I have summed it up  to basically mean a traditional or intentional community that is striving to become more sustainable in social, cultural, economic as well as ecological practices. A mouthful, right??? However, it is achievable.

Kevin Alsop – Alsop Growers…thinking about his community’s needs.

In the Town of Capitol Heights, there is an aspiring Farmer. His name is Kevin Alsop, Alsop Growers. If you have an hour or so, Kevin is more than happy to fill you in on his vision of feeding the masses and sharing his methods of growing as well as reconnecting with the land. I met Kevin and his lovely wife, Alana at the Washington Gardener Seed Exchange. He was anticipating with much joy the Prince Georges County Master Gardener Program and learning more about horticulture. Sharing opportunities as I often do, Kevin and I ended up at the same Community Garden last year, where we both gardened with a passion. Let me tell you – that man can grow some tomato’s!!

Kevin has found greener pastures this year and what a pasture it is!!! In the Town of Capitol Heights, just up the street from the Capitol Height’s Metro Station, you just might notice a fenced in area behind the bus stop. You also might see Kevin passionately laboring in his place of peace…..more than likely Kevin will welcome you to come and garden with him.  There is no sign, however there are some gorgeous sunflower seedlings, strawberries, peppers, tomato’s, Kale, garlic and much, much, more!!

Kevin has spotted some weeds and is on the job! No chemicals here!!

I remember when this area was dedicated to the residents of Capitol Heights a few years ago. The following Spring I gave a talk to the residents that rented plots there. At the time this Community effort to re-engage the residents with the earth was promising…or so it seemed. Nikita Floyd, Green Forever Landscaping, even built beautiful raised beds to accommodate young, old or even the disabled. It seems as though the interest was not long-lasting and that is where Kevin, Alsop Growers, seized this opportunity to share the joy of growing.

Working with the Town of Capitol Heights, as well as local Ministries like Mission of Love Charities – Kevin is putting his feet behind his faith…as well as his mission. His eco-community mission? The Feeding 5000 Initiative. The purpose is to provide naturally grown, locally sourced food for 5000 families annually within the next 5 years. How will The Feeding 5000 Initiative be achieved??  Kevin’s plan is to utilize direct producer to consumer marketing, education as well as hands on training to achieve this goal. What a special opportunity for the 5000 families that will be a part of a local up and coming eco community.

Imagine a delicious pot of beans grown locally in your own community…awesome!

Tomorrow is Capitol Heights Day. Kevin will open the gates to his Eco-Community to share activities with families from children’s events to inspirational talks on the importance of growing ones own or knowing what to grow and how to grow it. The garden plot will welcome the residents of Capitol Heights tomorrow from 10:00 until 6:00 pm at 5400 Emmet Street, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. It will be a great day to enjoy the festivities for residents, friends and families in Central Prince Georges County, Maryland. After all, when it comes to our Temple, isn’t it great to know that you are eating things as fresh as possible???

What is going on in your local eco community? Do you have an active role in building a sustainable initiative that will positively affect where you live?

Good News From The Cottage,

Teri

Alsop Growers, please click this link to discover more about Kevin.

Green Forever Landscaping, please click this link to find out more about Nikita Floyd, Green Forever Landscaping

The Beauty of The Lemon – Hydration For The Temple

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Did you know that lemons and lemon water bring added value to our bodies? Our Temples (bodies) need hydration. The art of infusing a slice of lemon is practiced by many who want a twist to their basic glass of water. I personally use a few slices of lime or even, while not citrus, mints of all types are tasty and refreshing, too.  There are even beneficial qualities in the mint family as well.  Lemons usually have  less than 1 gram of sugar, trace minerals like folate, potassium and things that may enhance the bodies metabolism.

Think about it – this gorgeous yellow orb can turn a basic glass of water into a refreshing cocktail. A drink that can help with digestion, enhance our feelings of well-being, helps athletic performance and I personally don’t go into the garden without it!

Lemons are a beautiful thing on a gray day or any day. Did you know how energizing  this wonderful yellow fruit can be while in the garden? I think I even convinced myself to try growing a Meyer Lemon Tree…even if it is just for the fragrant bloom…..and perhaps a lemon or two!

Some of my favorite twisted water combinations would include lemon slices with ginger shavings, slices with strawberries, raspberries, pineapple chunks or fresh blueberries. Another refreshing option is lemon balm or mint, slightly bruised and left to steep overnight in a pitcher. The options are endless and the hydration so uniquely refreshing.

Tis the season to keep our Temple hydrated. Think about naturally flavoring you water, whether you are gardening or just enjoying the beauty of summer. The beauty of the lemon, never gets old to me!

From the Cottage,

Teri

Pleasures From Our Earth – Pause, Enjoy, Repeat…

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Today I took the time to enjoy a few pleasures from the earth. It has been an unusually busy Spring and I know that in the midst of my busyness, I might have missed some of the early gifts from the earth. Now it is time for me to savor whatever daily treats I witness. To witness the garden evolve is certainly a treat that makes me smile from ear to ear, as I leave the Cottage and plan my hasty return. As summer gracefully dances in our midst, some blooms open as others begin their departing waltz. There is a fresh face to the pleasures this earth shares with us, unique to the seasonal moment. Unexpected buds, as well as blooms, have made my garden stroll much like a Christmas morning.Each fresh bud offers the promise of something beautiful. All blooms are not perfect, but unique to their own beauty and perfect for the moment at hand. This shell pink rose was tossed aside and all hope of it ever blooming was al but lost. I rescued it, loved it and it has continuously bloomed one bud at a time, faithfully for the past 4 years. Raindrops settle and linger on every petal, taking in the beauty up close and personal. How I wish I was in the midst of this rose. To savor the velvety feel of the petals, to sniff the gentle fragrance and wonder how anyone could have tossed this garden gem aside. When gifted with pleasures like this, one should be ever mindful of how we treat our earth daily. As the winter of 2016  ended, there were days when it was rather warm followed up with a period of colder temps. The Hydrangea was putting out the prettiest leaves as every gardener I know was working towards making certain that no buds were lost. Late season cold blasts can be detrimental for the Hydrangea…as well as the Gardener that loves them. Much to my delight, the pleasure of the prettiest conical blooms of the hydrangea can be seen throughout the grounds of The Cottage.To welcome the end of Spring with its diversity of buds and blooms, perfect or otherwise……is to welcome a new day, a new season and a special appreciation of the pleasures of the earth. Do you pause, enjoy and repeat in the gardens that are all around us?  I was once told that practice makes for near perfect situations.  I am approaching an Advanced Garden Pleasure Seeker status, as I practice this daily!

With Pleasure,

Teri, Cottage In the Court

Are You Considered An After Work Gardener?

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Monday through Friday, I am a dedicated AWG – After Work Gardener. If I don’t stop by a garden, a garden center, attend a Garden Club Meeting or walk on Our National Mall embracing the gardens, I rush home and become the…After Work Gardener. Don’t get me wrong. I dream, think and anticipate the joy of gardening 24/7/365. I look at reams of paper and I think..I can recycle that box in my garden. Newspaper….its my weed block. Six sheets thick, overlapping 3-4 inches, so no weed has a chance to emerge. When steaming veggies or in the shower, I think, “I can use this gray water for my plants.” It’s bad I tell you, bad. My co-workers ask me “can you use this for your seeds?”….before they recycle it.

When I get home, my neighbors find that I can garden in a dress and heels just as good as I can in my overalls and boots. I have no problem dressing up for a Happy Hour in my garden. It all has to do with the tools that one chooses to use. Everyone has a favorite tool or two. I have a few that are a part of my After Work Gardener arsenal. Old favorites and a new one that I just knew would not really be useful – however, I was seriously proved wrong!!

THE AWG TOOLKIT

Upon entering the garden, the first thing anyone needs is something to hold a liquid of one’s choice. I choose my favorite glass. It puts into perspective who is in charge at The Cottage In The Court.
I LOVE my TRAKE. A combination trowel and hand cultivator, I bought my first TRAKE about 15 years ago and used it anytime I went into the garden. I could use either end to plant small plants in the soil or cultivate the soil with a simple flip of the wrist. There a few measurements on the trowel part to help with determining depths. I have never regretted buying this tool. I have my original TRAKE purchased at Roxbury Mills in Fredericksburg, Va. and I still cherish it.I gifted my Dad with two TRAKE ‘S over the past few years. How he wore one out is beyond me. I guess passion for this earth runs through my veins…I just have to figure out how Daddy wore his TRAKE out!

Another tool I consider an old favorite is my shovel. Not just any shovel, but a shovel that is an asset in the garden. I am in love with my Earth Talon. I have the long-handled version of this awesome tool. The shape of this blade allows the user to pluck rocks out, slice the earth, slice tree roots like cake and makes digging any hole a bit easier. I have only great things about this shovel. It is the perfect shovel that enables me as a woman to get that hole dug in lickety split time without asking for help. This makes the work for an After Work Gardener so much easier.

A lot of my friends wear exercise tracking devices that look like they are on release from a penitentiary. I use the Bellabeat LEAF. Still a tracking device of sorts,  but it has options on how you wear it. As a wristlet, a necklace or clip onto your clothing, the Leaf is not just pretty. The Leaf is also functional as s stress tracker and you can tap into quick meditation sessions right from your cell. The Leaf has a 6-month battery and options for what type of bracelet or necklace you can interchange the leather wristband – I LOVE my LEAF. I can also look at my week’s activity level to see if I need to garden more or walk more. Depending on how it is programmed, a gentle buzz reminds me to move, I am too sedentary. A terrific tool to wear as you monitor your steps daily and especially in the garden.

The last tool in my After Work Gardener kit absolutely amazed me. I grew up with all types of odd things that my Dad ordered through the mail for the garden. I inherited this gene of experimentation honestly which is why I saw these and wondered if they would really work.I know, I am laughing myself but for light duty, quick gardening – THE CLAW GARDEN GLOVES WORK! I raked away mulch, dug holes without getting soil under my nails and planted 7 pots in record time…all after work! I could tamp down the soil and not worry about the mud…it was amazing!!! Sometimes there is so very little time to get out into the garden to tackle those simple tasks after work, with the alternative option of waiting til the weekend. With my arsenal of After Work Gardener tools, I make certain I have time to get outside and garden with a passion. What’s in your After Work Gardener arsenal?

DISCLAIMER – I have NOT been paid to endorse any of these tools. I speak from my use of them as often as possible, at The Cottage In The Court.

All America Selections…What’s Not to Love?

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I want to say Thank You to Mr. Ray Hastings, founder of All-America Selections. One of those visionaries in horticulture who realized a need and made it happen. What are All-America Selections?? Well, you just might be growing one or a few in your garden.

As President of the Southern Seedsmen’s Association, Ray Hastings determined that the best seeds with the brightest futures should be grown in test fields throughout the industry. These seed growing experiences would be considered trials and the best of the best would bear the honor of being considered an All-America Selections Winner. After the first seed was given this status in 1932, there have been AAS Winners every year since 1933.Three times a year, All-America Selections are announced – November, January, and July. With the help of Garden Communicators including magazines, nurserymen, garden clubs, Extension Agents, the National Garden Bureau, and Bloggers these selections are promoted.

The National Garden Bureau has been around since 1920 providing education, inspiration, and motivation to the general public.  The goal was and still is to increase awareness about the importance of gardening and using plants, whether it be at home or in the workplace.  If you visit the National Garden Bureau website you can find all sorts of information from what the new plants are, what this is the year of (this year, it is the daffodil), what grants they offer and so much more.  It definitely should be bookmarked on your computer.

I am honored to offer All-America Selection Seeds at the Stewards of Future Harvests Seed Swap, Watkins Nature Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.  The selections that were shared from the National Garden Bureau are absolutely wonderful.  Ranging from perennials like Penstemon Arabesque …

What a gorgeous bloom!!!

Dianthus “Jolt”

Dianthus always brings cheer to a subtle landscape…

and even an all-time favorite, Helianthus annuus Sunflower Suntastic  Yellow with Black Center…just to name a few.

Perfect dwarf yellow sunflower that flowers heavily…a need for any garden!

I bet you have either seen or grown an All American Selection Winner.  I wanted to say Thank You to National Garden Bureau and All-America Selections for supporting this seed swap with Winning Seeds for us to share and grow!!! I also want to say a huge THANK YOU to The Association of Garden Writers. If you communicate about gardening through teaching, photography, community efforts and more, I urge you to check out the website-   GWA  The camaraderie and opportunities to connect with other like-minded enthusiasts of this wonderful gardening community, is absolutely an experience not to be missed.

I hope to see you at the Stewards of Future Harvests Community Seed Swap. 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Saturday Seed Swap…It’s Not Too Late!!

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In a few days, Elements of Nature will be presenting Stewards of Future Harvests – A Free Community Seed Swap and Gardening Expo. This is a first of its kind in Prince Georges County and should be quite an interesting event. The hostess of the day is Linda L. Jones, Owner of Elements of Nature, a natural skin care, gifts, and collectibles resource. A resident of Prince Georges County, Linda is very active in the horticultural community as a speaker and garden volunteer.  With 25+ years of experience, Linda has presented winter seed sowing at two Washington Gardener Magazine Seed Swaps and is bringing her skills to help us learn how to garden better and to connect communities with the tools to garden effectively. Linda is a member of the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetics Guild, Prince Georges County Herb Society, and many other horticultural affiliations.  Thank you, Linda!!!

There will be a panel of experienced gardeners, sharing stories of how they garden in community settings. With people like Carol Clatterbuck, founder of the Wheatley Garden in Silver Spring, Maryland sharing her story of how she became interested in growing in community. With the spirit of an artist running in her veins, Carole has gardened overseas, Florida and now in the clay soil of the Wheatley Garden in Maryland.  The ability to grow where you are planted is surely a skill set that is of interest to many! Thank You, Carol!

I need to highlight one member of the panel of garden enthusiasts, experts if you will – Ms. Deborah Turner!!! My neighbor and friend, Deborah has a passion for growing and teaching others to grow in community. Having worked with Deborah on Earth Day projects in the Fiesta Place Community Garden, District Heights, Maryland, Clean Up Green Up Day and a few other events in the City of District Heights – I know that Deborah has a story to share as she persisted and continues to persist encouraging others to garden.

Ms. Deborah Turner, Founder, Manager, Fiesta Community Garden, District Heights, MD

As a member of The Association of Garden Writers, I wanted to make certain that the participants received a bag for collecting seeds as well as information that could be useful as they are planning their gardens. I also called in a little help from friends.

HUGE THANK YOU to the following sponsors who provided the quality products for the day:

Proven Winners Color Choice has provided Gardening Simplified.  A fantastic resource book that provides inspiration to make gardening a breeze.  Presenting information in a format that is easy to digest and definitely excite, Proven Winners believes in providing information to assist in creating a landscape that is uniquely yours. You can’t go wrong using Proven Winners plant selections. Thank you for being Proven Winners.

Washington Gardener Magazine has provided one of the popular issues on Seed Starting Basics, information on small space gardening and many other topics.  A local resource for gardening information in the Mid-Atlantic, Washington Gardener Magazine offers two seed swaps in late January as well other events throughout the year. Thank you for being YOU – Kathy Jentz, Washington Gardener Magazine.

When I think of old friends or seed providers that I have used time and time again I get teary eyed.  Renee’s Gardens is a seed provider that I have used for over 20 years. I know that most home gardeners will not be disappointed by the beauty of the packet, the detailed history and use of the seed, as well as planting instructions and growing notes. Renee sent seeds that will bring life into the garden….I know they will be enjoyed by all and THANK You Renee ‘s  Gardens.

The Gardeners Workshop – such a terrific resource!!!I have known and used this company for many years. Lisa Ziegler and The Gardeners Workshop offer quality gardening tools, supplies, and seeds. One of my favorite items is the Table Top Soil Blocking system. A lucky participant will actually win one of these. Trust me – seed starting will never be the same again!  From seeds, easy arrangers for cut flowers to unique tools, The Gardener’s Workshop is simply awesome!!!Thank You, Lisa and The Gardeners Workshop.

Oh, the beauty of Organics. Lake Valley Organics was gracious enough to provide Certified Organic Seed. What a terrific way to get your personal garden party started. No chemical fertilizers, untreated seed and to be CERTIFIED organically grown…this is a dream come true for this Organic gardener! A true Steward of the Land, I appreciate the efforts that Lake Vally Organics has shown in selecting seeds that will get you started off on the right path. Thank You, Lake Valley Organics for this awesome contribution!!

Anu Essentials has also donated an assortment of special all natural scents created from nature.  Anu is a leader in the business of appreciating all things natural. Anu Essentials has products curated with scents from flowers, stems, leaves bark and roots.  Essentially using all parts of the plant world we know and love.  Thank You, Anu Prestonia and Anu Essentials for contributing.

NOW…all we need is YOU! Local residents who embrace this earth of ours eager to learn something new, network with like-minded neighbors and swap some seeds!!!

There are many other door prizes from Elements of Nature and more…so come on out and be a part of it all.This Saturday, April 15, 2017. The event starts promptly at 10:00 AM and will last until 2:00 PM. It will be held at the Watkins Nature Center 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Looking forward to seeing you there!!!!

Pausing for Tea….

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Sometimes a day comes that requires you to pause and just have a cup of tea. Why tea??? The relaxing qualities, aroma, health benefits and warmth as it is sipped with a certain grace, gliding down the throat…oh what a great feeling from within!! The warmth radiates throughout the body and all is right with the intimate world around you. My what a journey…at least in my mind.

Last Saturday I needed to escape fro it all, pause for a bit and decided to enjoy a cup of tea or two. I wasn’t really hungry, so no nibbles were required. I simply wanted to enjoy a hot cup of tea that perhaps had some positive benefits for my body and perhaps an uplifting fragrance for my spirit. I put the kettle on, grabbed a few new magazines and chose a long unused teapot and matching cup. I chose The Republic of Tea “Hibiscus Superflower Tea, a blend of Coconut bits, Nigerian Hibiscus flower, Rose Hips, and Stevia – as its proprietary blend. I gently steeped it for 5 minutes and eased into the moment….which turned into an entire day of oohing and ahhing over gardens in England and sipping a wonderful cup of tea.

Although I did not grow the tea for this day, it made me think of what herbs can be grown in the garden for tea. As we approach this year’s gardening season consider growing some herbs for a good cup of tea with benefits. A few of my flowering favorites are chamomile, bergamot, and borage. Borage has such a lovely blue flower and is considered to be an uplifting herb. A gorgeous star flower that adds sheer joy to a salad or in a cup of iced tea or lemonade. I like to see the blossom’s floating in a sea of pale yellow with a leaf of mint….just beautiful!!! A beneficial of having Borage in the garden other than for tea….it is a terrific bee attractant. It is like a bee alarm that goes off in the garden!!

There is also Bergamot. A wonderful bloom that resembles fireworks, however, it can be aggressive in the garden,  but easily maintained when tugged in time – keep an eye on this one!!! Using the leaves that emit a wonderfully sweet orange blossom fragrance, this herb is a native plant that has been used for many, many years. The oils found in the leaves offer a huge level of antioxidants. A calming tea best enjoyed ….whenever!!

Rose hips are another common item found in the garden. Those wonderful orange remnants of bloom found on the rose-bush offer flavonoids, lycopene, Vitamin C and VitaminA. Drinks can be made by crushing the rose hips and steeping them in hot water. All this beneficial goodness, found in the garden. Imagine that! Some other herbs to consider are most of the Mint family, Chamomile, Lemon Balm (delicious hot or cold) and Anise Hyssop.  Now before you go making all sorts of combinations as a cure-all, check with your doctor. Some herbs interact with medications or allergies.

ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL PRIOR TO INGESTING!!!

Steal a quiet Saturday for yourself, make time to pause to enjoy a cup or a pot of a delicious tea from the garden. You will be surprised at the joy that it will bring if you dry the leaves and store them to be enjoyed offseason.

Peace from the Cottage,

Teri

Philadelphia Flower Show…Ushering In Spring

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Ushering in Spring this year meant traveling to the Philadelphia Flower Show to embrace all that Spring has to offer…in advance.  Usually, I am either sponsoring or a participant on a bus trip to see the Philadelphia Flower Show. It has been an odd year of unanticipated changes, so I thought I needed to experience this Spring Advance Showing with a different set of eyes.  In a way, I am glad I did.I have visited the Philadelphia Flower Show for over 20 years and have never regretted going. Some of the themes were not appealing to me at the time, but when I look back, an exhibit, a vendor or a moment, always lingered in my mind….at least until the next show. To anticipate my personal Flower Show in my mind always starts with my yearly trek to the Philadelphia flower Show.This year, the theme was Holland. When I think of Holland…well bulbs naturally come to mind. All kinds of bulbs from Tulips to Daffodils, Muscari to Galanthus to Hyacinths – bulbs mean Spring no matter where you go.  This year’s Philadelphia Flower Show did not disappoint from the inspirational bulb displays to the creative combinations.  Distinctive displays shared how plant material, such as trees and shrubs, can be integrated into the Spring landscape and complimented by a underplanting of bulbs.Greeted by a phenomenal arch of assorted bulb combinations, the fragrance of spring, the fresh foliage filled the aired, causing the world outside to be a distant memory. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that some of the bulbs I would see were from a familiar vendor, Brent & Becky’s Bulbs out of Gloucester, Virginia. Such an awesome merchant with such a wide range of bulbs not just for Spring, but for any season.  There were some very soft, feminine, as well as bright, bold and colorful tulips, artfully arranged in diverse landscape interpretations.There were large displays with outrageous interpretations of landscape options.   Big displays, small displays, minimalist displays… and over the top displays. There was the theme of bikes, alternative means of transportation made beautiful simply by adding flowers. I also seemed to find a lot of wire and floral collaborations.  The diversity of bikes, wire and light bulbs…yes light bulbs, was uniquely integrated into inspirational floral fantasy. This yearly trek always includes a little shopping with the vendors located on site.  From a simple souvenir to ornamental flags to whip in the breeze in front of my house as a constant reminder of a wonderful day. Light shopping this year…but this year, it was all about the memory as well as the escape from the world as I know it. A limited edition pin, mug, GROW magazine, and key ring, were just what I needed. When I sip from my coffee mug at work, my smile merely reflects the memory of a great day at the Philadelphia Flower Show.The Philadelphia Flower show ushers in Spring and has for quite some time.  Quite honestly, I cannot imagine Spring without my yearly trek to be in the City where I can immerse myself and find the creative interpretation of all things Spring.  Thank you, Philadelphia Horticultural Society for all you do to help us embrace a new season, every Spring.

The theme for the 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show is Wonders of Water. Featuring how water is used in the landscape as well as creative features on sustainability and conservation….alas…something to dream about until next March. The show dates for the Philadelphia Flower Show 2018 are  March 3 – 11. See you there???

The Spirit of Stone by Jan Johnsen

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I consider it a privilege to review the words of those that I admire. One person that I truly admire, as her words speak to my core is Jan Johnsen. In her latest book, The Spirit of Stone – 101 Practical & Creative Stonescaping Ideas for Your Garden (St. Lynn’s Press), I found myself quite emotional at her use of pictures, words, logic, and lists. This little book is chock full of digestible, informative as well as practical information for the homeowner, as well as the landscape designer or visionary of personal green space.

As with any book, I have my favorite chapters. Chapter Five – Garden Steps Steal the Show, was truly an inspirational favorite.  From boulders to slabs, from round steps to invite to grass treads, Jan discusses, in a user-friendly way how to install, how to consider safety and how garden steps can enhance any landscape.   I am a fan of grass treads and from the photo’s Jan chose as examples of this application, I know why.

Using quotes throughout the book allows one to reflect while reading to consider the knowledge shared on previous pages and to look forward to more. With Jan Johnsen at the pen, the more is always something to further touch your soul.  Like in the beginning of Chapter 4, I got a bit choked up after reading this wonderful quote by Thich  Nhat Hanh…

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet”

In this Chapter, Jan discusses The Many Faces of a Stone Walk. I can say that two of the photos in this chapter are quite familiar to me.  The walkway at the unites States Botanic Gardens, as well as the walkway at Chanticleer.  Jan emphasizes that walkways, as well as the contents of the garden, speak to us. They affect the feel of the garden, our pace through the garden and welcomes us into the garden. The types of stone affect’s our spirit as we move through or pause in the garden.  Who would have thought that stone accents, borders or pathways, could compliment and affect a garden, depending on how it is used?

Jan Johnsen gifts the reader at the end of her book with an entire chapter on types of plants for specific applications when using stone. Plants that drape to caress, plants that can be used in cracks and crevices, plants that accent are included on this well-constructed list.  An additional gift is a listing of public places where one can see and experience, how stone can affect the spirit of a garden. As usual, Jan Johnsen did not disappoint but instead inspired this gardener to continue to experiment with stone on walkways, in the midst of the garden or as a temporary piece of art in the garden.

The Spirit of Stone by Jan Johnsen – Thank you St. Lynn’s Press for the opportunity to review another well written inspirational and informational book for gardeners of any level.

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