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Pollinate – Spreading the Love of Gardening

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Cottage In The Court
Cottage In The Court believes in stimulating conversation to pollinate the mind about all things gardening.

Pollinate, as defined by Merriam Webster is a verb. It means – to give (a plant) pollen from another plant of the same kind so that seeds will be produced. I compare garden podcasting as a way to pollinate the mind. As a garden communicator, I have recently found joy outside the garden, as a podcaster. In my opinion, podcasting is a way of pollinating my listener’s minds, thereby sowing seeds to encourage gardening.

POLLINATE BY PODCAST

Just like the garden, this world of podcasting is diverse. Each podcast has a style that reaches the mind of the listener. Depending on your style, there is a podcast where information is shared which fits your taste. The perception that there is only one way to learn about the garden is as extinct as the dinosaur. Here are a few local ways that podcasting is a conduit to pollinate the mind.

WORDS, PEOPLE, PROSE

I love to read, meet all types of people, visit great gardens, and well, a good poem always brings me joy. Anchor.fm is the allotment where I plant a few seeds. It is on this platform I share people in horticulture, poetry, or a few words about finding the beauty that surrounds us. I try to introduce others to the coolest plants people, horticulturists, plants, books, and whatever else I find interesting. Of course, it is called Cottage In The Court.

It is all about the garden in my world. I must warn you…my world is truly the world. My best friend is an affordable trip to a garden, of course! Why not listen here. Subscribe…I have so much to share!!

GARDENS’N’PLANTS…OH MY!

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Two garden communicators talking about what’s growing in their gardens, places they have been, and things to do in the DMV.

This is a collaborative podcast that a friend of mine, Peggy Riccio of PegPlants.com, and I are growing. Together we co-host, Gardens’nPlantsPodcast where we talk about what is going on in our gardens, places we visit, and activities throughout the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia). We are two Garden Communicators and members of GardenComm, International who share our love of gardening. It is a great way to know what is blooming, where to go, and activities that embrace gardening. At the moment we are bi-weekly. However, as we begin to move about freely, you just might hear from us a bit more. You can listen to us here. Subscribe…we are growing!

WAIT A MINUTE…HOE ON!

The world of garden podcasting world is amazing. The University of Maryland has even been bitten by the bug!! Proving that collaborative efforts are meaningful The Garden Hoes are a thing. These hosts have some serious “garden cred”.

Emily Zobel, Mikaela Boley, and Rachel Rhodes are The Garden Hoes. A podcast supported by the University of Maryland is chock full of certified, verified information anyone can use. Once a month The Garden Hoes disseminate information that is seasonally appropriate. There is also a Q&A email to ask and get qualified answers about the garden. The University of Maryland has so much to offer, subscribe, and stay in the know!!

NATIVELY SPEAKING…

John Magee is a successfully transplanted garden communicator in the DMV. He is quite the resource when considering what to plant for the insects we need to pollinate our gardens.

For a discussion about natives, my friend John Magee hosts The Native Plant Podcast. First of all, for over 20 years, John Magee has earned the recognition and respect of his peers in the world of horticulture. John is known for designing sustainable, as well as eco-friendly spaces. On his podcast, John delves deeply into native plants, truly cool people, and discussions on ecology. You really learn a lot about the topics, as well as the people John chooses for The Native Plant Podcast. If you subscribe, I promise you will not want to miss an episode.

WASHINGTON GARDENER MAGAZINE…AND PODCAST TOO!

Washington Gardener Magazine is a part of the Washington DC landscape. This magazine is one of the reasons many in the Mid Atlantic have discovered the joy of gardening. Beginners, as well as seasoned gardeners, have looked to Washington Gardener magazine to pollinate thoughts of bodacious gardens. Now, Kathy Jentz has been bitten by the bug. GardenDCPodcast is where one can find plant profiles, seed swap discussions, voices of people in horticulture, and more. Remember…subscribe and follow.

When resources are needed to amplify the voice of gardening, there are many I can name. There is a community of garden communicators who are unique. Each has diverse listeners, with similar interests, and different listening styles. Just like the insects that pollinate our gardens, each listener will have a different perspective on how they want information delivered. From Blogs, talks, interviews, and now podcasts to pollinate our minds…gardening just got better!

Here are a few other podcasts you might want to listen to:

Plantrama.com, The Gardenangelists, Cultivating Space, Steven Biggs, …just a few of my favorites. Pollinate your need to garden and listen to a podcast on gardening. Don’t forget to subscribe!! It is a great way to feed the soul.

Putting on my headset, turning on the microphone, and chatting with friends who pollinate my heart,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Pollinator Victory Gardens? YES… They Are A Thing

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Pollinator Victory Gardens are such a beautiful thing.

Pollinator gardens and Victory gardens are all the rage. There are many benefits to combining these two styles of gardening. In her book, The Pollinator Victory Garden, Kim advises the reader on ways to attract pollinators. This, in turn, will bring us joy.

Bees, butterflies, beetles, and more, truly are important to our life cycle. We have to eat, right? Without the necessary pollinators in the garden, we will be quite hungry. Kim has done quite the job of pollinator-splaining. How the earth is suffering from pollinator decline is important. From the chemically-laden lawns, pesticide over-use to the ever-evolving discussions on climate change – we need to do better.

This is NOT a complicated book to read. It is worthy of being in every household. Pollinators are key to our survival. Broken down into five chapters, Kim leaves no excuse for failure. This book shares ALL the right how-to knowledge. After reading, anyone can welcome our pollinator’s home.

FOOD FOR THE POLLINATORS

I dare say, this was my favorite chapter. Next to providing them with a humble abode, food is essential. Protein and an energy resource are key in keeping our pollinators happy.

Growing plants that provide nectar and pollen is such a small act of kindness to our garden friends. Pollinators are always hungry and eat several times a day. We need to keep their “pantry” quite full. I cannot imagine a garden too full of the essential plants for these foodies.

Kim details which plants are needed to keep the beneficial pollinators happy. Just like humans, each pollinator has a taste for different things. A garden that incorporates a smorgasbord of tasty delights is the key to encouraging pollinators.

Just to be clear, plant natives specific to your region. In doing this, your yard will be the talk of the pollinator world. Planting such delectable plants like Penstemon, Fleabane, and Sedums will get you started. Clethra, Spireas, and Liatris will keep those pollinators dancing from bloom to bloom. Monarda, Mountain Mint, and Spigelia will have your garden voted “Best Place to Dine” in the pollinator community.

LOCAL…JUST SUPPORT LOCAL

Any local garden center will know what native plants provide local pollinator essentials. Offering native and non-native plants to keep things a bit diverse is important. The need to support our local garden centers is key. They help guide the consumer with seeds, plants, and educational programming. Local resources save us time, money, and usually – there is no waiting! Supporting local is like being a pollinator in your own community.

POLLINATOR KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Pollinator Victory Gardens are not as hard as one would imagine. The task is to encourage nature in our own yards. Creating a pollinator hangout is a good thing. Simply add plants that provide what our pollinators need to thrive.

. Kim Eierman is the Founder and a Certified Horticulturist as well. She knows what our pollinators need. Kim is a teacher, speaker, and consultant at EcoBeneficial. She shares her knowledge with commercial, residential, and municipalities. To find out more, visit EcoBeneficial

I strongly recommend this book, not just for sharing. This is great as a gift to self as well!

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Secret Gardens of East Anglia – A Book Review

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Secret Gardens of East Anglia: Segall, Barbara, Harpur, Marcus ...
Secret Gardens of East Anglia is one of the best armchair adventure books to make unintentional pausing easy.

Secret gardens are always amazing to discover. If secret gardens are in England they become magical adventures. Barbara Segall has written a wonderful book, Secret Gardens of East Anglia – A Private Tour of 22 Gardens. This book was beautifully and lovingly photographed by Marcus Harpur. With a foreword written by Beth Chatto, the English garden enthusiast realizes this book will be a treat to enjoy.

Beth Chatto refers to the curators as ‘garden artists’. The people who have created East Anglia gardens had to realize the challenges of the area. With climate, space, and other limitations, beautiful gardens were created. The owners of these secret gardens, want to inspire others to create beauty in their own green space.

SECRET ESTATE GARDENS

To achieve the secret garden feel, one of the landowners had to learn how to manage a windy site. By creating shelter belts, carefully curated areas to garden passionately became a reality. Gardens rooms that focused on a certain style of landscaping were created. Two different personalities invested time, effort, and a lot of love to create quite the garden. The pictures of East Ruston Old Vicarage speak volumes!

I have recurring dreams of creating deep floral borders. Helmingham Hall has deep borders that are quite exquisite. Researching styles, creating plant combinations, and incorporating abundant color was executed very well by Lady Tollemache. Better known as Xa, this homeowner is now a seasoned garden designer who is familiar with creating secret gardens that pop!

A SECRET TERRACE GARDEN

What is the main ingredient of a secret terrace garden? Walls. High walls that embrace whatever is behind them. Every English inspired garden does not have to be an Estate.

In this example, a terrace became a secret garden. The residents had a track record of creatively designing properties from London, Italy, and now Cambridge. A voluptuous secret garden is artfully curated in less space. These gentlemen used colors that allow the plants to be the focal point. The hardscaping is not overwhelming, simply beautifully present. Subtly painted columns creatively hide garden necessities. The glass doors invite the garden to be an integral part of the day.

A pool, voluptuous pots overflowing with color and hardscaping mimicking Spain with a Moroccan feel…I can only say AH-MAZING!! This garden has the wow factor of a small scale estate. In this secret garden, size truly does not matter!

A SECRET BEYOND THE MEADOW

Imagine finding a 500-year-old farmhouse, a parcel of land, and no garden. After renovating the house, the next task was to create a meadow. A meadow is merely the gateway to creating more gardens. Adding pathways to define the space, Emily Shelley curated a secret front yard garden. Her philosophy consists of two words – random and relaxed. By allowing the plants to chart their course, the front yard garden is amazing! With silver foliage, shades of purple, and accents of pink, this garden speaks to me.

There are more gardens in this book. Barbara Segall and her team did a fabulous job. I did not even mention Wyken Hall or the other bodacious gardens. Barbara also graciously provided a list of open garden information in this book. The possibility of visiting on Open Garden dates is an added value to the reader.

Barbara, you have made my armchair trip quite the adventure. I want to experience the garden’s first hand. I recommend this book to the avid gardener who loves to dream.

Clicking my heels three times as I wish I was in the garden at Hoveton Hall…

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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The Lifelong Gardener – A Book Review

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The Lifelong Gardener advises us on how to garden at any age.

Lifelong, wow what a word. Merriam Webster defines this word as lasting or continuing through life. As a gardener, how we would love this concept to be very true at all stages of life. As we age or have disabilities, this word might be questionable. The possibilities of lifelong gardening is no longer a challenge, but a reality.

The Lifelong Gardener – Garden With Ease & Joy At Any Age, published by Timber Press is just what we need! Toni Gattone has written a book that examines how this word “lifelong” can become a reality. We are all aware of the challenges that reveal themselves to us as we mature. If you are used to gardening, bending, stooping, and squatting might be words of the past. There is a way, as this book demonstrates, to garden with ease and joy at any age.

BASTA

Basta is one of my favorite new words as I #gardenwhileaging. An Italian word meaning “Enough”. Toni gives us permission to say, know, and realize when we have had enough gardening for the day. Utilizing tips from this book has allowed me to be honest and stop when I feel like it. Gardening smart is just common sense. Pushing it to the point of “Oh So Tired” is not something we can continue to practice safely. Using some simple tricks, we can garden safely and wisely as well. There are examples of this throughout the book, such as:

  • adding a pouch for tools if you are using a walker
  • sit down to work in the garden
  • make those large projects digestible by making them several mini-projects
  • find help for the tasks you can no longer comfortably do

It all seems like common sense, right? Toni honestly shares advice on functioning through, as well as easing the pain as our bodies change. Defining items like knee pain, hand strength, stamina, and more. What a great way to encourage embracing the inevitable so we can be lifelong gardeners.

LIFELONG TOOLS

Toni even advises the reader on tool decisions. Parting with our “garden friends” or tools to some can be hard. Instead, reassess what you really need and define its function. Determining the comfort, sentimental value, as well as the real purpose, is important. Whether or not you will ever really use it again will save time and possibly some pain. Some items just might be considered garden art – still usable with a memory attached.

From pruners, spades gloves, and more, Toni offers useable advice on how to garden no matter what age or disability. Lifelong as it pertains to gardening is something that at one time was inconceivable. As we age we might slow down. Just the thought of not gardening due to age or circumstance is unfathomable.

At the end of the book, Toni provides a space to create an action plan for lifelong gardening. It seems as though Toni wrote this book for any age or for a person with disabilities. The Lifelong Gardener – Garden With Ease & Joy At Any Age is perfect for gifting or for the aging gardener!

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Plants Mimic Society

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Plants can often mimic what is happening in society today. Sometimes plants that initially serve a purpose, can get out of control. Uncontrollable plants will destroy, an otherwise beautiful garden. We are often reminded, a beautiful garden is not always perfect. Certain plants have traits that are beneficial (or not) in this garden we call life.

CHINESE PRIVET (Ligustrum sinense)

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Plants like Privet are not always a good thing.

Many of us see this understory shrub as something innocent. Don’t be fooled. The semievergreen leaf lingers through mild winters and is a great filler for floral arrangements. Left uncontrolled in the landscape, Privet can do more harm than good.

Found alongside moist areas, near woodlands, Privet was at one time a desirable plant. Emitting a fragrance so subtly sweet, we have welcomed it into our gardens for privacy. Over time, we have found out that it forms dense thickets. The thickets have a tendency to block out native plant species. When native undergrowth is not given a chance to survive, privet can take over. Are you a Privet personality?

HONEYSUCKLE ( Lonicera japonica)

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Plants like Lonicera can get out of hand by forming dense mats to suffocate and prohibit growth.

Oh, those plants in the springtime with sweet scents! Many of us remember the scent and taste of honeysuckle. Growing up in Washington, DC, as the sweet scent wafted through the air, those sinewy vines with the sweet tubular blooms beckoned us. We would pluck them, raise them to our lips, and enjoy the fresh taste of the season. The walk home from school was a delicious one. Memories of this moment bring a smile to my lips.

Did you know, the honeysuckle vine will girdle small trees to death. These vines can climb to the treetops and shade the undergrowth from surviving. No matter how beautiful, some species are on the USDA invasive species list. Are you a honeysuckle personality?

MULTIFLORA ROSE/ROSA MULTIFLORA (Seven Sisters Rose)

A warm Spring day makes the sweet fragrance of this plant a welcomed delight to the nose. The Multiflora rose is a menace to the garden.

Ah, the Multiflora Rose is such a sweet-smelling plant that calls out to us in the late Spring. This tough plant can be found just about anywhere. As I walked along the woods line last week, a song came to mind. I began to hum. It was a familiar hymn, often sung in Church. It speaks of a sweet, sweet spirit in this place. I thought of a sweet, sweet scent along my way. No matter how beautiful and sweet-smelling this rose is, you do not want it in your yard.

This rose can get out of hand quickly and can form thickets that can be extremely hard to penetrate. It is not picky about where it lives. From woodlands, fields, and even pastures. If there is soil…it will grow. It is considered an ecological threat to nature. A strong plant that suppresses even the strongest of native undergrowth, leaving a thick mass of thorny stems. Are you a Multiflora Rose personality?

ASCLEPIUS (Milkweed)

Milkweed, humble, nurturing, and ever giving.

Such a giving plant. Not just for Monarchs, Asclepius is a food source for other insects. This plant provides a home for laying eggs, sap as a food source, and consumed by the hatching caterpillars as well. Talk abut a natural multi-tasker! Milkweed is used for medicine, a resource for cleaning oil spills, and more. You could say this plant is quite concerned with making sure that the cycle of nature continues. I would say Asclepius is a plant with a conscious. Do you have the personality of the Asclepius??

Nature teaches us many lessons. Simple things we need to pay attention to. We each have a choice to make. We can smell sweet, be appealing to the eye, yet harmful to our very existence. The other option is to be encouraging, nurturing, understanding, and provide positive food for growth. Our choices can leave a legacy of suppression or provide fertile ground for growth.

Our world is one large garden, what kind of plant will you choose to be?

Asclepius…all day, every day…

Providing compost via positive imagery of all things beautiful to our world garden…

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Inspiration In Preparation of Gardening Mindfully

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Inspiration in the palm of your hand is wonderful!

Inspiration, as we unintentionally pause, can easily be found on the internet. Reading to stir the creative mind is one act that can get us through. To have a book with examples of uniquely inspired green spaces is a gift. As I considered renovating my back yard, I knew I needed inspiration. Thank goodness for Gardenista – The Definitive Guide to Stylish Outdoor Spaces by Michelle Slatalla. The landscape of my dreams became an achievable reality as I read this book.

Every book has a mission. The mission of this book is to inspire and encourage the reader to create a green space of their own. Project size or the level of experience is not initially important. The contents of this book left me encouraged that I could create a space that reflected me.

There is a manifesto at the beginning of the book that defines ten Gardenista “Rules to Live By.” Logical, simple, and easy to remember, these rules were quite practical. There was a specific one that caught my eye.

#10

Choose personality over perfection, a little wildness in the garden is a good thing.

The Gardenista team consisting of Michelle Slatalla, Julie Carlson, and photographer Matthew Williams collaborated on a gift that encourages gardening. Connecting with nature is the theme. The authors believe in helping the reader develop confidence. Confidence in creating unique green spaces is shared in this book. Even the photography was amazing. Each example shared information on the unique concept of the homeowner. I found the information on how to emulate each theme quite helpful.

This book shares gardening from multiple settings. Each example exhibited unique perspectives of a particular style. One concept that I agreed with is getting outside and enjoying the garden. Most gardeners forget that enjoying the garden is a part of gardening. Balancing work and play in the garden can often be overlooked. From artfully curated examples of garden rooms, terraces, and places to pause, the inspiration flows on the pages of this book.

Hardscaping is one area that was difficult for me to decide. There are so many alternatives to choose from. The style of the garden chosen determines how the garden will be connected. What type of path makes sense? Will drainage be an issue? How will the owner’s taste be reflected in the landscape? These questions are all answered in Gardenista.

My favorite part of Gardenista is the ultimate DIY Work Space chapter. Inspirational and simple ideas like a foot shower or dog washing station can be found in this book. Using everyday supplies, the examples are easy to construct for the average homeowner.

Encompassing 100 Gardenista faves and ending with a full-bodied reference section, Gardenista is welcome on my bookshelf any time. The new gardener will find the included hints useful. A curious gardener is inspired to enhance an existing landscape. I would recommend this book as a terrific gift for any gardener.

Now to figure out how the foot shower works,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Working The Roots – A Book Review

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Working The Roots – Over 400 Years of Traditional African American Healing has captured my attention as I garden this year.

Working the earth for this year’s garden was special. This year I am planting with the purpose of incorporating herbs and plants that are culturally familiar. I recently read a book that flooded my mind with memories of my Elders. Working The Roots – Over 400 Years Of Traditional African American Healing by Michele E. Lee is a welcome addition to my bookshelf.

Michele E. Lee has brought to light the cultural practices found in the African American community. The author has written an amazing book that captures memories we really must not forget. Many of us have grown up with syrup, a tea, or a salve made by an Elder. Each of these concoctions had a story attached. Recipes and wisdom passed down over the years are in this book. A few of these traditional recipes are currently still in use today.

In the African American culture going to the doctor was often not an option. Utilizing the practices passed down from slavery we had to find ways to heal ourselves. Identifying plant material and roots in a new land is an amazing act of resilience. Our history is more than slavery, but a story of knowing what plant can heal. Life was dependant on knowing what berries were poisonous and what leaves were healing agents. The African American story speaks of family solidarity, survival in meager times, and staying healthy. We often looked to nature to provide the natural medicine that worked and was affordable. I often wonder how the Ancestors were able to do this in unfamiliar conditions, in a new land? Michele Lee has written a refresher course on how we healed our bodies naturally.

If we paid attention to the Elders, simple statements carry so much truth. One of the people interviewed by Michele made a statement that I will not forget. Ms. McCloud stated “…God Made the roots…He made them and we didn’t…He made them so you don’t have to run to the doctor for everything.”

Throughout the book, Michele interviews many old souls over ten plus years and their stories were very familiar. I remember my Mom sharing how sassafras was a regular drink in her household as a child. Her South Carolinian ancestry believed in the working of the roots. I remember walking around the property and my Mother identifying the healing plants found on the property. My Mom shared the knowledge she remembered from my ancestors.

Working The Roots is more about recognizing our connectivity to the land. It is also a reminder of how nature is our medicine cabinet. Some of the mentions and memories of this book conjure up tales hear at the knees of my Elders. The story of the Wadastickman, Mr. Joe Hayes to finding bunch grass with Ms. Dot, you can feel that ancestors smiling as these stories are shared.

This book has a plethora of information that identifies plant materials commonly used for healing. As I continued to read, memories flooded my mind. My Dad gifted me with a jar of senna tea after giving birth. An Elder gardener in Virginia told me to drink Mullein tea. It would help my sinus congestion. I look at Mullein along the roadsides quite differently now. My paternal grandmother always gave my parents a jar of Black draught tea. We drank this over the winter months for colds. To this day, I drink the juice from the greens. That is where the nutrients were, my Dad would remind us. I am quite familiar with the familial pharmacy.

A terrific addition to any bookshelf, Michele E. Lee has written quite the manuscript. Filled with historical memories and practices from the Elders, this book is essential in my home. While traditional medicine is readily available, cultural memories of these practices will always be with us. Working The Roots – Over 400 Years of Traditional African American Healing will help us remember these practices for generations to come. Thank you Michele Lee for documenting our history.

Starting more seeds for growing Tulsi (Holy Basil) in my garden,

Teri, Cottage in The Court

Click to find out more about Michele E. Lee

To find out the health benefits of Tulsi tea, click here

DISCLAIMER: Check with a medical professional before trying anything in this book.

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National Public Gardens – Thank You

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National Public Gardens Week as we practice social distancing is more important this year than ever!

Did you know that National Public Gardens Week started May 8th and will end May 17th?? Although this is the week designated to celebrate our Public Gardens nationwide, we can celebrate this week as long as we want!

PURPOSE IN THE MIDST OF THE MADNESS

Right now, many of us are longing to stroll in the Public Gardens that are familiar to us. Due to the ongoing health crisis, many have shuttered their doors and locked their gates. This is for the safety of the general public…it does not mean that they are closed. You see, man cannot shutdown beauty! The garden draws us in. Creative methods encourage participation from afar, not distancing us from engaging with nature.

Many of the National Public Gardens have found a way to share. They are sharing to keep us sane. During this time of unintentional pausing, our National Public Gardens continue to show us how important they are.

Tired of looking at your four walls? Your garden needs a lift, but you have no idea of what plant will tickle your fancy? Haven’t a clue about what is blooming outside of your own back forty? Need some inspiration? Log on and check out how some of the National Public Gardens share craft ideas, coloring book pages, lectures, and more!

ADVENTURES WITHOUT LUGGAGE

National Public Gardens take us away. Sometimes it is to visit local greenspaces, while some gardens might not be so local. Imagine attending a walking tour at Bellevue Botanical Gardens. You could revisit as many times as you want and watch a new season evolve…all without a security check. This is called an armchair adventure.

Did you know you could follow the Madison Square Park Conservancy in New York via Instagram? They have a Summer Global Arts display that is quite intriguing. You can even ask questions, which they are more than happy to answer.

Calling all Snow Birds!! Not able to escape to Florida this year?? No worries!! Naples Botanical Garden wants to connect with you!! They miss you! Click here to see all the fun they have lined up – sunscreen not required!

American Public Gardens has a listing that will keep you entertained all yearlong even after we can move about freely!!

DREAMING OF BEAUTY…LOCALLY

One local National Public Garden is the United States Botanic Gardens. One of my favorite National Public Gardens in my own neck of the woods. I could hide out here all year long.

Did you know the Smithsonian Gardens include 12 unique gardens to explore and enjoy?? If you follow me on Instagram (@cottageincourt), I stalk the United States Botanic Gardens. There is always something to catch my eye, which is visible from the street.

Some days, no matter how bad I try to rush home, the gardens call my name. To be honest, it is the perfect place to restore my mind, refurbish my soul, and reset my disposition after a long day in the office. I am so thankful for all of our National Public Gardens as they lift our spirits, creating opportunities to escape from the madness, and for inspiring each of us to be better gardeners.

If you want to learn more about the Smithsonian Gardens, I highly recommend a wonderfully written book. A Guide to Smithsonian Gardens by Carole Ottesen. Exploring the Smithsonian from the outside adds value to visiting the museums. L’Enfant’s design and plan for Washington D.C. were to include monumental buildings with beautiful gardens. As we know the buildings are exquisite. However, the gardens were slowly created over time, due to funding. Most of the gardens flank the National Mall.

Andrew Jackson Downing, a landscape designer, did not embrace the thought process of Mr. L’enfant’s initial plan. Mr. Downing, instead, designed four public garden rooms, which would resemble a living tree and shrub museum.

This plan was shelved as the Civil War took precedence, over all things beautiful. There were other ideas that slowly became a reality as more museums were built, with some including unique gardens.

CONSTITUTION GARDENS…EVER CLOSE TO MY HEART

With support from public and private donations, Constitution Gardens will be the perfect place to gather.

Constitution Gardens is one garden that never became a reality. Thanks to the efforts of the Trust for the National Mall, one day this will be not just a beautiful garden. With not just a garden, but planned concessions stands, a restaurant, and more, Constitution Gardens will also be a place to gather. Redesigned and embracing sustainability, Constitution Gardens needs to be a part of the dream fulfilled. To find out how to support this effort click here

THANK YOU

National Public Gardens can be found right at your fingertips.

My hope is that no matter where you are, a visit to a National Public Garden is in your future. Right now, most can be found right at your fingertips. Many are offering mini visits, little known backstories, discounts on membership, as well as presenting information on what to expect when a visit is possible. Should you visit a National Public Garden, make sure to say Thank You for inspiring, educating, and being!

Waiting to visit National Public Gardens later this year…

Dreaming of re-entry to the gardens at the United States Botanic Gardens…

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Culture and Diversity -Between Harlem and Heaven

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Culture is all up in the foods we have grown to love. This book tells a story that will have you growing fresh vegetables just to try the recipes!

Culture is celebrated as we experience new foods, as well as ways to cook. Figuring out what to try in our gardens can be defined by the foods we are familiar with or something new we want to try. The Afro-Asian American style of cooking is shared between the pages of a wonderful book.

Between Harlem and Heaven – Afro Asian American Cooking for Big Nights, Weekends, and Every Day by J.J. Johnson and Alexander Smalls with Veronica Chambers. Not really a cookbook, but a story of a collaboration of two men who enjoy ethnic cuisine. Two restaurants in Harlem celebrate this story, Minton’s and The Cecil.

BIRTH OF A BOOK

Alexander Smalls is a one-man novel. A former acclaimed opera superstar, as well as an accomplished Chef, can add Food Genius to his repertoire. My head simply spins as he shares tales of his youth in South Carolina and New York. Balancing time with his West African grandfather in the garden, as well as time with family in New York, has created quite a successful man.

Mr. Smalls is on a mission to document the diversity found in the kitchen. In Africa, China, Brazil, the Caribbean, Europe as well as America, culture, and food play a role in our lives today. Finding the right Chef to collaborate on this story and write this book was important. Joining forces with Chef J.J.Johnson, these men wowed Harlem with not one, but two award-winning restaurants.

The jazz-themed restaurant, Minton’s is a Harlem landmark. This former hotel turned bar is where bebop was born. Many African American musicians entertained the crowds and were regular patrons as well. Minton’s Playhouse offers a real jazz experience on stage, which enhances the menu items offered. The Cecil features a more diverse menu based on the Afro-Asian-American style of cooking.

J.J. Johnson grew up in the kitchen where his Puerto Rican Grandmother unknowingly directed his path towards the culinary arts. The sights, taste, and scents he experienced on a trip to Ghana brought back many memories. On this journey with Alexander Smalls, J.J. connected with the culture and history of his lineage. J.J. describes this cookbook as a “choose your own adventure” book. These two Chefs suggest the readers try the sauces on different things. Use the recipes by adding a little here as you change things along the way – in essence, cook your own way.

SALADS

The first chapter has some delectable takes on refreshing salads using many items that can be grown at home. From the Daikon Radish Salad to the Harlem Market salad, my tastebuds danced at the thought of the taste. I dreamt of what I could grow in my garden to authenticate the taste experience. J.J. recommended trying the Mother Africa Sauce on just about anything. Let me tell you, it was quite delicious over steamed squash with brown rice.

MEAT AND POULTRY

Culture meets the soul when cooking Afro-Asian-American Gumbo. No matter what culture you embrace, this dish awakens the readers tastebuds on an International level. Imagine using homegrown oregano, thyme, bay laurel, or garlic to make the Gumbo Spice mix.

SO MUCH MORE…

From Hibiscus syrup to the history lesson tracing the journey which introduced Chinese food to Harlem, this book makes you hungry for more. Not just a cookbook, the importance of culture, and how it affects our foodways is important. Afro-Asian American food has a tendency to create conversation, as well as the discovery of the things from our culinary familiar.

There are more chapters with tasty recipes to try. As I embrace my culture, Between Harlem and Heaven will provide ideas to make this a journey to remember.

As the season for gardening is within reach, I highly recommend this book. Try to grow an ingredient from a recipe, harvest it when the time is right, and use it to enhance the recipes in this book.

Planting seeds for the Apple Cider Glazed Brussel Sprouts (page 208)…yummy!

Teri, (gardening with a passion) Cottage In The Court

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Mourning and Celebrating Life In The Garden

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Mourning the loss of a family member or friend is always hard. You never want to forget them…

Mourning is defined by Merriam-Webster as the act of sorrowing. An outward sign of grief for a person’s death. We know that nothing is forever, but when our lives are touched by this thing called mourning, the garden can become the healer. Life is temporary. Like seasons in the garden, mourning happens as the season’s change. In order to survive, we learn to adapt as well as adjust to the new normal. Yet, in the same garden where we mourn a loss, we can also find emotional healing.

Losing family is hard. This is one thing I have realized. As I get older the reality of life, as well as its brevity, is real. My brother-in-law, Michael Hollis, has joined our ancestors. My sister did not expect this turn of events on the last Sunday in April. As a way to comfort her, in the midst of her grief and mourning, I suggested that she go into the garden.

The garden is a healer. Peace, calm, as well as the aura of reflection, remembering can be found in the garden. Flowers often reflect emotions of the day, the moment, and most often of life in general. As I thought about Mike, several things came to mind.

Initially, I was going to share what flowers I would use in a bouquet of mourning. However, as I realized Mike would no longer be present on this earth, his spirit can live on in flowers. Allow me to share what I would include in my perennial garden to celebrate my brother-in-law, affectionately called Mike.

DEFINING MIKE IN FLOWERS

The perfect flower when mourning is the Forget-Me-Not.

Myosotis would be a necessity. Without encouragement, it would be allowed to bloom and spread just like Mike’s love for family. Myosotis is commonly known as Forget-Me-Not. A reliable biennial that quietly shows up along the way. That was Mike. Mike would quietly saunter into the room, observe his surroundings, and offer to pitch in as necessary. As he greeted everyone, you knew the jokes were about to start and laughter would fill the room. Mike loved everyone and particularly his family – Candy, Michael Jr., and Kia. His love and his personality is one that we will NOT forget.

Iberis Sempervirens does not require a lot of attention in the garden. A snip after blooming…and sometimes no need at all.

Iberis Sempervirens would also be a part of this garden. Commonly known as Candytuft, Mike did not require a lot of fanfare. We always knew he was there, quietly making sure my sister was loved and cared for. Iberis does not need a lot of attention. Planted in the proper soil and a little sun, this perennial proves to be reliable each and every year.

Kniphofia, also known as Red Hot Poker – Mike was all that and more when it came to being the life of the party!

Kniphofia is always the life of the garden party. I remember Mike dancing at the parties we attended at the University of Maryland. Standing out on the dancefloor, swerving to the beat, he was so full of life as his Fraternity brothers, Phi Beta Sigma, embraced his antics. Kniphofia is the life of the summer garden. Making a long blooming statement from top to bottom, the common name is Red hot poker. One could say Mike will be an eternal bloom in our familial garden.

Mike’s passion as a Corrections Officer was sure to be a career choice for all…at least in his world.

Epimedium leaves spread slowly filling empty space in the garden. At family gatherings, Mike would start up a conversation about his experiences as a Corrections Officer. His jokes and sometimes tales to share how Blessed he was, would fill the after-dinner silence. Mike shared bizarre tales that were hilarious and sometimes quite sad.

I remember after divorce, I pondered how to make ends as a single Mom. Mike recommended I apply for a job in his field. I got as far as receiving the application, as I knew that was not for me. I am willing to bet, had I pursued it, Mike would have been there to encourage me.

Anyone who would listen to Mike’s advice was encouraged to be a Corrections Officer. The leaves of the commonly known plant called Barrenwort covers the good and the bad in the semi-shade garden. Mike was our Epimedium.

MOURNING

Gonna miss you, Mike. As I mourn your presence in our lives, we are better for knowing you. The garden will be a healer for my sister in the midst of deep sadness. Gardens are the perfect place to mourn as well as a place to reflect all the memories left behind.

Mike taking a few moments enjoying the garden my sister created for them to enjoy.

Remembering Mike, in my own special way….

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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