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Fireflies- Dancing Beneficial’s of the Garden

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Fireflies are the beneficial disco dancers of the evening garden.

Fireflies are the beneficial disco dancers of the night. Sometimes, it’s the simple things that bring me joy. We hear so much about the decline of beneficial insects- including the fireflies or, as we called them – lightning bugs. As children, we danced around them at night and dodged them as they lit up in flight.

Growing up in Washington, DC, summer nights, outside our childhood home were always filled with activities and laughter. We ran around with found containers attempting to catch the fireflies dancing in the nighttime sky. My brother, Jimmy, would catch one in between his hands. I just knew it would burn his palms, and I would ask, “Jimmy, does it hurt when the light touches your hand?”

He quietly answered no, then told me to hold out my hand. Always encouraging me to face my fears, Jimmy had me cup my hands, as he had done. Reaching up, he captured a firefly and gently placed this dancer of the night into my palms. I felt it flutter, light up to a subtle glow, and smiled. I had done something I never imagined I would do. Something as simple as holding a firefly was monumental to me. After a brief moment, we released our lightning bugs and continued our game.

As I walked Precious one evening, I noticed hundreds of fireflies waiting for me to perform. It was as if I were a guest at Nature’s Disco Party I’m so glad my neighbors continue to mow a little high, edge, and blow the sidewalks. Every once in a while, new neighbors will enlist the services of a lawn care company. Many people do not know or even remember sitting outside at night. Breathing in the night air, and witnessing Nature’s Disco Party is a testament to simpler times. The fireflies, dancing to their beat, were shining brightly, reminding me of simpler times and their significance to the cycle of nature.

Fireflies are good for our gardens. This beneficial beetle loves snails, grubs, and worms. Providing a moist area, woodland setting, or a place under tall tree canopies, encourages fireflies to gravitate to this area. Provide a slightly unkempt area for procreation. By creating a naturalistic setting, these nighttime dancers will be quite happy. If you have a pine tree, most likely you will see Fireflies in abundance. Pine trees are the perfect trees for fireflies looking for a new home.

Many Native plants we have in our gardens will attract Fireflies. Solidago, Asters, Coreopsis, Rudbeckia, and other native species of plants are sure to bring the nighttime party to your garden. If you want to attract more fireflies into your garden – consider planting a few tall grasses along the perimeter of your lawn, mowing your lawn a little higher, and trying to avoid or minimize the use of pesticides. Consider adding a water feature in your garden to attract beneficial insects.

Many homeowners, and community associations, find it hard to live with anything less than a perfectly manicured garden. Consider creating a micro-hotel for a few beneficial insects. Stack a few large limbs, medium-sized branches, or even old firewood at the rear of the garden. Add some pine needles or mulch to create the perfect habitat for this much-loved living nightlight of nature. Remember to do what you can to invite fireflies to thrive in your yard and consider it home.

The perfect time to see fireflies is at dusk. Did you know if you turn off your security light, and go outside into the garden, a dance party of fireflies will begin if the conditions are right? Just remember, they don’t hurt but help our environment. The memories of seeing the fireflies hover near the water’s edge at the Isaac Walton League near my childhood home, brings a smile to my face. Waiting for dusk and the dance party in my garden, Teri, Cottage in the Court (NOT AI Generated – Generated from my heart…)

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Maryland Gardens – A Month Full of Local Garden Tourism

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Maryland has a home and garden tour that offers a peek into private homes and gardens.

A few weeks ago, I attended a garden tour in Talbot, Maryland. The Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage offers a sneak peek into various private gardens that inspire anyone who attends. This pilgrimage has taken place since 1930. The ladies who curated Virginia Garden Week were responsible for inspiring The Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland. An event like this would be great for the residents of Maryland. Since that time, Marylanders have looked forward to this event. The attendees are called pilgrims, a term dating back to the journey it took to reach parts of underdeveloped Maryland. These journeys were called pilgrimages.

Each year, as time allows, I try to visit one or two of the weekend tours. This year the tours have been amazing. One in particular was the Talbot County Tour. Many – almost all of the homes requested no photos, which is understandable. These are private homes opening their doors for one day to benefit great causes within the community. Open the doors, they did!!

The stately homes, the magnificent floral displays, and the garden views were all simply divine. The imagination that went into each floral display captured the attention of many. Docents directed each attendee throughout each house pointing out architectural elements. I was distracted by the beauty found in the vases and vessels strategically placed in every room. This caused many in attendance to simply say ‘Ah…how stunning!’

One house had a divinely beautiful kitchen with cups of peony petals placed on the center island. This added a pleasing scent, which wafted throughout the space. The pilgrim’s sense of smell, in addition to the visual beauty, was embraced upon entering the room. Emotionally stirred, I wandered toward the sunroom and noticed what appeared to be a cutting garden. What a cutting garden it was. Roses anchored this beautiful outdoor garden room, growing up columns that flanked the garden room. As the perennials stood tall, I could hear them say, ‘Look at me, I know I am beautiful’…and they were! This was a garden that truly spoke to me.

One of the other pilgrims mentioned that she was hoping this particular house was worth it. I replied, when you have to walk up a long road to the house, that’s a sign. When all signage said No photographs inside or outside of the house, it had to be worth it. There was no denying, that this house and garden were worth it! We laughed and chatted, as we kept each other company while walking back to our cars. Most gardeners understand sharing the garden, as well as keeping a little piece of the garden just for the gardener.

For ninety-one years this event has excited people from near and far to visit. The monies raised support projects that benefit the community. In 2024, the Scotts United Methodist Church and Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church will benefit from the money raised. Additional support will also go to maintaining the Talbot Historical Society Garden in Easton, Maryland.

There are two more gardens to visit on the Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage. On June 1, Dorchester County will host their Pilgrimage. The homes selected feature a diverse selection of gardens that blend with the natural beauty of the waterfront. Dorchester is where the beloved Araminta Ross, also known as Harriett Tubman, hailed from. A
few of these gardens have achieved Baywise Certification. The Tour book recommends ordering your lunch in advance using this link https://py.pl/gP1bK 

Oh June 22, Prince George’s County will share the beauty of its homes and gardens. This pilgrimage will start at Trueman Point at Eagle Harbor. A historical town, significant to the journey of Africans to Maryland, and tobacco, this waterfront space is beautiful. Standing at the edge of the water, one can imagine the history the land holds. A story easily imagined, listening to the song sung by the water dancing against the rocks. Other stops share the rich history of Maryland from formal homes to simple historical structures. It is also encouraged to order lunch in advance – check the MHGP website for details.

Both of these remaining tours should appeal to historians as well as gardeners. The Tour book identifies where the money raised will go to support selected projects. To find out more click here

It is always a great opportunity to partake in garden tours each spring. The added value of knowing the money raised goes directly into the community, makes me feel it is worth attending. Attending these tours has also enlightened me about the history of Maryland that I was unaware of.

Have you experienced the Maryland Home and Garden Pilgrimage?? Due to holidays, the Maryland Home and Garden Pilgrimage lasts a little over a month. Every weekend it offers a new area to explore and is always so much fun.

Sitting on the stoop at the Cottage, enjoying the stillness of the night in the garden, while dreaming of peony petals in teacups on my counters…

Teri, Cottage in the Court

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Plants and Gardens – Unexpected Friendships From the Earth

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Plants bring joy to many people…especially when a fellow gardener is willing to share.

Plants and gardens are a common denominator when passionate gardeners begin a conversation. I am grateful for two fellow gardeners – who I consider great garden friends, Wendy and Chelsea.  Without Wendy, I would not know Chelsea.

I had a project for Earth Day and needed seedlings. Calling Wendy was the first thing that came to mind. Wendy knows her plants and is a reliable resource. This one woman is knowledgeable and helps me connect the dots when I need plant guidance.

Wendy referred me to Chelsea, as my project was quite small. Chelsea became the specialty grower for four separate projects. The plants were healthy and made a great Earth Day presentation.

This year, another opportunity presented itself to utilize Chelsea as a specialty grower. for a special project.

The heart of this woman truly amazes me. While relocating down south, Chelsea said yes. We made a plan to grow plants traditionally found in the African American community. To some, these plants would be considered basic. For others, Zinnias, Marigolds, Cosmos, and calendula were typical plants found in communities of meager means.

Chelsea sowed what seeds were requested, fertilizing them with love, and produced simply gorgeous plants. She also offered to grow a little more from seeds and plant divisions she did not want to leave behind. This is an example of what a true gardener does, from the heart…even in the middle of relocating.

After the second trip to retrieve the plants, we were sharing how hard it is to leave a garden behind. A gentle breeze caused me to notice a plant along the walkway. Chelsea identified it as a Salvia. She was unclear about the cultivar at that moment. However, like most gardeners, she promised to follow up later with the identification. Offering to share it with me, I found a bag, she retrieved her Hori Hori knife and the smaller clump was mine.

When I got home, I received an email from Chelsea with the plant identification. It was Salvia nutens or Salvia pendulum. That plant is a stunner, and I was happy to invite it into my garden.

We said our goodbyes, and I could not wait to get home. I also realized this was not just a gardener who could grow beautiful plants, but a friend. 

True, salt of the earth gardeners are kind, share often, and freely give from their heart. Gardeners like this also love to share from their gardens. I’d like to think it’s a way of remembering the gardener in your own green space.

Plants and gardens bring people together in unexpected ways. The friendships created by a mere seed, a cutting, or a passionate plant are how gardens grow. On a recent Saturday, I reached out to  Cavanos and asked for nodding Salvia. Wendy knew exactly what I was talking about and aided my perennial addiction twofold! One can never have too many plants in my world.

Wendy, Thank you for the connection. Chelsea, Thank you for your hard work and your generosity.

Mother Earth has a way of cultivating gardeners to keep her garden alive and growing. Most gardeners are like and understand perennials. We know our plants have a three-year journey to greatness. The first year they sleep, the second year they creep, and then they leap into everything we imagined. As we practice having hope and patience, we discover the joys found in the garden. 

How many people have shared plants, acquired a pass-along plant, and made real friendships through earthly interactions?

It’s going to be quite a colorful year at The Cottage in the Court. Sitting in my garden, smiling all while watching the Salvia nutens thrive in her new home.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

(not AI-Generated)

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Patience Grows in the Garden

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Patience grows as we garden It is something every gardener experiences in their lifetime.

Patience can be found in a simple bulb, plump tuber, or visually barren pot. This act of faith and perseverance is key to the gardens we dream about during the off-season. How much does it take to endure waiting for the promise of beauty? In my case, it started with a few peony roots I found in my garden room.

I’m in the mood to purge, simply because I have to (sounds like a song, right?) I want to make my garden room pretty – even if it is part of the laundry room. I have a water source nearby and if I make a mess, I can quickly mop or sweep. This is where I found a long-forgotten stash of bulbs, corms, and roots. The package information had faded, but I knew it had peony roots. As I soaked them in fish emulsion, there was hope these peony roots might have a bit of life stored within.

Peony roots exercised extreme patience in my garden room.

On a chilly September afternoon, I planted the roots, while saying a special prayer of forgiveness. Perhaps these roots would sprout and grow – forgiving me in the process. A mild winter allowed me to keep watch on the space where I tucked the roots into the fertile ground. When I noticed the burgundy points emerging from the ground, I smiled. Now to exercise patience, as I anticipate future blooms.

A Cercis canadensis or Redbud, has practiced the act of patience with me. I am enamored with all redbud trees. There is a catch – you have to plant them. I purchased this tree two years ago. At the time, I also bought my sister one. In her yard, this tree has captured the attention of her neighbors due to the beautiful blooms and leaves. Fortunately, mine…has been waiting for me to find the right place.

Patience might allow this Redbud to grow and thrive.

I checked on this tree throughout the winter. I wondered if it would thrive or even bloom. The other day, I saw a small flash of color at the base of the trunk. I apologized to this tree for not making time to plant her. There was also a tearful thank you for her patience with me. She might struggle, but I will be there for her – just like she was for me.

Sometimes overwintered plants in pots encourage us to give up hope. Stems sticking up, nothing visible at the onset of spring. Observing each pot, I often wonder if I should simply dump it in a low lying spot or be patient. That was my initial feeling as I gazed upon this Clematis in a pot . It was purchased to grace my arbor on the side of the house. Then one day, even though the stems were brown and brittle in appearance, I saw life emerging from a node.

Exercising patience with this Clematis in a pot truly brought me joy.

Whether you plant a corm, tuber, or bulb, there is always hope they will evolve into a healthy plant. The perennials found at the garden center last fall might still be in their pots. I hope you placed them close to the house for winter protection. Casually take a peek at them as the days become longer and brighter. Perhaps the warmth of the seasonal sun will awaken them when the time is right.

Practicing patience can often be difficult. When the wait is over, the beauty, found in the garden, lets us know, that it is worth it. Go outside and watch the garden come to life. It will not happen all at once. Spring is like a budding romance. Take it slow, exercise patience, adapt to the small imperfections, and attempt to resolve any issues. If necessary, alter the landscape (so to speak).

I am exercising patience as I wait for all the friends I planted in my sunny front yard garden. There is also a sense of thankfulness for my garden. You see, my garden exercised patience with me. I happily anticipate the gifts it will share over time.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

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Grounding – Rituals of the Garden

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Grounding is a ritual which calms the spirit allowing one to be present in the moment.

Grounding is an act of connecting with the earth for many people who garden. This is a ritual I have practiced for years. I was introduced to the act of grounding, while living in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Much needed peace and healing , was discovered in my garden, with a bit of advice from Miss Maude. My world was changing, and I needed sage advice. An older gardener I knew, Miss Maude, befriended me at a Central Rappahannock Master Gardener event. A fast friendship developed and she shared a secret with me.

One day Miss Maude could sense my unsettled spirit. Holding my hands, she offered words of wisdom andadvice. “Teri, I want you to try something. When you feel unbalanced, unsure, or sad, go into your garden. Take off your shoes, allowing your feet to have direct contact with the soil. Stand still, empty your mind, and be open to receiving positive thoughts. Notice the feeling of the earth beneath your feet. Allow yourself to be present in the moment. Do this in the morning, to see how you feel.” Little did I know, the art of grounding would change my life.

Honestly, I assumed Miss Maude was having a moment. I am certain that most people have a seasoned person in their life who offers a bit of advice. Sometimes this advice might seem a little cutting edge or unrealistic. We often use the advice as a tool to say – ok…old wives tale. I am not sure why Miss Maude’s words seemed different on this particular day.

Contemplation Corner was what I called an area in my Virginia garden where I had privacy and found peace. Every morning after putting my daughters on the bus, I wandered to this sacred space and began my grounding ritual. I stood under the large overhanging oak tree and took my shoes off. My non-judgmental audience consisted of the emerging Hosta, Begonias, and Epimedium, quietly watching this act of being in the moment. The release of inner doubt and anxiety disappeared. Miss Maude had prescribed a dose of wisdom from the ancestors.

She explained this was a common ritual amongst farmers and gardeners back in the days of her youth. The Elders would use this practice to stay connected with the land, to pray for a successful garden, and to calm their inner spirit. It is a way of being present with the earth. Grounding helps with self-awareness and a balanced approach to life – with many ups and downs.

My experience with grounding has been life-altering. Now I live and garden in Maryland. It was important for me to create a space specifically for a grounding ritual in my garden. Choosing a spot near my beloved Camellias, seemed to be the perfect place for this intentional ritual. In the summer, I often find a quiet, off the beaten path beach. Strolling on the sand allows me to feel the coolness between my toes and under the soles of my feet. In the winter, I merely place my hands on the earth. This ritual helps me weather any storm that blows my way. There is always somewhere to subject my hands on bare earth or to touch a grassy spot. Embracing the art of grounding, allows me to receive the day with an open mind. Accepting the newness of each moment is a gift.

Is grounding a common ritual in your garden? I encourage every Gardener to create a sacred space, in a quiet area of the garden, bare the soles of your feet (or your hands), and be present in the moment. If you aren’t a gardener, consider the art of grounding. It just might becme a ritual in your life.

Perhaps a moment of grounding by each of us can un-tilt this tilted world.

Miss Maude is one who I miss dearly. Sitting in her garden, soaking up the wisdom she imparted with every visit. I cherish the gift she unknowingly shared at a vvery imprtant time oin my life. The powerful gift of grounding continues to be a part of my life.

Grounding with intention, as I anticipate our next season.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

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