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Memphis Fling -Magical Memories of A Special Garden

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Memphis Fling …magical memories in the most unexpected places!

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

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

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

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

This was the most amazing She Shed or Potting house!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A welcoming entryway provided a perfect place for pausing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Garden Clubs – A New Way to Connect Communities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

E is for educational opportunities offered by Garden School programming

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

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

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

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

Garden Clubs help us believe in hope and the future.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teri, Cottage in the Court

Iris – Ancestral Reminders in the Garden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perhaps I will find this Iris for my nephew…

Teri, Cottage in the Court

Betty and Her Church Hat -Reflections Found in My Garden

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Betty Corning clematis reminds me of Big Betty at church.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teri, Cottage in the Court

NOT AI-GENERATED

Slowly Silencing the Wisdom of the Garden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teri, Cottage in the Court

(NOT AI-GENERATED)