Welcome to Cottage in the Court

#allaboutthegardenlife

Illuminating Calm In The Garden

By Leave a Comment

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is SUNFLOWER-1024x683.jpg
Illuminating Sunflowers are like planting smiles in the garden.

Illuminating yellow and Ultimate gray are the 2021 Pantone colors of the year. Two colors that are indicative of what we need right now in this garden I call life. Pantone has chosen a color of the year for the past 21 years. The color of the year reflects current trends. In my opinion, the colors chosen this year are indicative of the times we live and garden in.

The increase in people who began their garden journey in 2000 was quite amazing. Their exuberance and sometimes disappointments were all part of the experience. Consider this thought as we think of illuminating and ultimate experiences seasoned gardeners have endured. Seasoned gardeners are familiar with this feeling. The yellow symbolizes a sense of excitement. The gray exudes a sense of calm.

ILLUMINATING YELLOW

The blooms of this Rudbeckia triloba are quite illuminating in my front garden when other blooms are past their prime.

Our summer gardens are usually sizzling and overflowing with hot colors. Blooms are found in abundance. By including yellow in the flower border, there is a sense of optimism. Yellow daffodils represent the cheerfulness of Spring. One must admit, a totally yellow border might be a bit much – to some. Too much yellow can be overwhelming and overstimulate our senses, blurring out the rest of the garden.

There are some flowers that one can never get enough of. According to the National Garden Bureau, this the year of the Sunflower. This multitasking plant that gives back to nature from its nectar to its seeds is simply beautiful. The diversity found in the abundant cultivars is sure to be a game-changer as it causes a stir in any border.

ULTIMATE GRAY

Senecio cineraria is just one of the plants used as a supporting actress for seasonal plantings.

Gray has a calming effect. This is just one of the virtues of including gray in the garden. This color suggests an opportunity to pause. Gray tends to be one of those colors which is subtle, not screaming for attention. The quiet presence of gray represents balance. It can tie a garden together and create a place for the eye to rest. According to Sensational Color, gray is a dignified color. Gray represents diplomacy. In our life gardens, a little gray is welcome. Gray can help us get through some unsettling situations.

COLOR IN THE GARDEN

As gardeners use the Pantone colors this year it will reflect current trends. Illuminating yellow offers excitement in pots or borders. Here are a few suggestions for Illuminating yellow:

Helianthus salicifolius, Coreopsis – tinctoria or Zagreb, Hemerocallis – Happy Returns or Stella de Oro, Achillea x ‘Moonshine’

Using Ultimate gray will offer a softening effect that goes a long way. Some suggested plants to look for are:

Artemesia – Powis Castle, Valerie Finnis, Silver Mound, Athyrium Ghost, Dichondra, Lavender

The silvery-green foliage of Lavender (as well as the scent) beckons the gardener to pause. Pausing to rub the leaves between the fingers, sniff, and just enjoy being in the garden.

Each of these plants has a role in the landscape. One creates an exciting pop. The other sets the stage for a sense of balance. Thank you Pantone for a color combination that reflects the times we live in. There are many things that we can relate to life in the garden.

HOW WILL YOUR GARDEN TREND?

The new gardener experienced Gardening 101 – The First Season. Through trial and error, a new season is within reach. The excitement of what’s new in the world of horticulture is paramount. For some, the uncertainty of breaking ground “again” looms large. Either way, gardens will be made and colors will be important.

Sunflowers tend to bring joy and smiles to all who grow them.

Will you grow Sunflowers to illuminate your garden? Will you seek out gray foliage to add a sense of calm along the way?

Looking through catalogs imagining ways to illuminate the ultimate plant combinations for my patio.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

Dr. King – A Sower of Good Seeds

By Leave a Comment

Dr. King left us with a roadmap towards fairness and freedom for all.

Dr. Martin Luther King was quite influential in moving the civil rights movement forward. I often wonder who will step into his shoes to keep the momentum going. After much thought, it is not up to one person to add movement behind the defined mission. It is up to each of us to aid in fulfilling the dreams of Dr. King.

RECOGNIZING THE DAY

Dr. King spoke about reaching back and uplifting the community. We have come to expect the third Monday in January as the day we celebrate his birthday. President Bill Clinton signed the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday and Service Act on August 23, 1994. Since then, many have come to know this as a “day on and not a day off”. It has become a day when we give back and build community in the spirit of Dr. King’s teachings. In my opinion, we should consider reaching back and building our communities every day.

SOWING SEEDS OF SERVICE

As a gardener, I believe in the positive act of sowing seeds of positivity in society. What is required to do this? Believing that you can be a part of the change or at least make a difference. We see the fertile ground, which is identified as the communities where we live. Fertile ground unplanted will attract weeds of all types, some more aggressive than others. We can assess the site, which could be considered recognizing what the community needs.

Tapping into the community, cultivating friendships, and connecting generations – all help in planning for growth. This would equate to deciding what seeds would work as we work towards positive change in our communities.

Seeds are a symbol of hope, faith and positive energy.

A FEW “SEEDS” ANYONE CAN SOW

Ever wonder what can be done individually or collectively? Here are a few ideas:

Start a conversation with a neighbor. The act of a simple “Hello” will go a long way. Ignore the color of their skin, language barrier or disability…just say “Hi”.

Explore ways to find something in common. Speaking is the first step. If you continue the conversation or some form of connectivity, positive energy will be exchanged. This is when the real work comes into play. I find that sharing a flower, a dessert, or simple gestures of kindness develops into a sort of camaraderie.

Encourage some type of shared experience to show that you are genuine and honestly want to connect. Sharing a small bouquet, a gardening tip, a good book – you must decide what works to encourage some sort of neighborly friendship and trust.

Determine what, if anything, is needed. Finding out how to keep the conversation going and growing. Figuring out what seeds will grow, in what conditions, and where, is likened to preparing the soil. Soil properly prepared will create an environment for growth.

Share with others your best practices or suggestions on how you encouraged connectivity with a neighbor or community. Sown seeds can fall in places where a positive bloom is needed…often at the right time.

Fifty-two years was how long it took for Dr. King’s birthday to become a recognized Federal holiday. Some entities still do not consider this as a holiday, thereby it is optional to take off or not. If it were not for Dr. King and his legacy, the landscape of an inclusive and caring society would be different. In my opinion, being of service to my community is an everyday mission.

SOWING IT FORWARD

From flowers to food, recyclable containers to store-bought, the need to share how to grow is my way of paying it forward to my neighbors.

How will I make a difference this year? We should use our strengths to give of ourselves to our communities. I am giving back to my community by sharing the joy of gardening. By creating a conversation about growing in place. Surrounded by Seniors who are limited in mobility, young families struggling to provide, I am encouraging gardening wherever you can.

We will be swapping seeds, giving away pots, and teaching how to find a way to look forward to the gifts of the earth. It will not matter whether it is a flower or a vegetable. Doing this will promote positivity and reinforce trying something new. It will also help develop a feeling that I care and offer hope. Closer to the time for planting, I will provide seedlings from pollinators to specialty vegetables. During a time when we must be responsibly distanced, we can still give what we can to build our communities. It is my way of tapping into my talents to pay it forward,

Do you give back? How will you commit to honoring Dr. King as we move forward in society? Each of us can do what it takes to plant seeds of trust and hope. The world needs this today. Our communities need to be rebuilt from within. We can do this to honor Dr. King.

Sorting seeds to share that I care as I remember the teachings of Dr. King.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

England – Bliss, Blooms, and Blessings

By Leave a Comment

England was quite the treat or a tease. Not sure which – however, I really need to return.

England is memorable for more than just the Royal Family. The gardens in England are diverse, memorable, and often captivate the heart. As much as I love the gardens of Paris, the gardens found in England have always fascinated me.

I traveled to London in 2019. The memory of that adventure lingers in my thoughts almost daily. With my garden club member, Eileen, and my Aunt Yvonne, this trip promised to make a few dreams come true. I was planning on seeing ALL the gardens. With the time I allotted that would not be possible. Each of us had a reason for this trip. my Aunt wanted to see the museums, palaces and just explore something different. Eileen really wanted to see gardens and Selfridges, one of the oldest department stores in England. I of course wanted to see gardens.

The David Austin Rose Gardens was my first mission. That was a birthday gift to me. I also wanted to go to Kew Gardens, The Chelsea Physic Garden, and anything else along the way. Some of the gardens I wanted to see, I found out were in the outskirts of England and accessible via train. Planning is everything. Confirming plans months in advance will be one of the most critical action items for the next trip.

The Glasshouse at The Royal Botanic Gardens – KEW was simply amazing!

We arrived via train from Paris to England, figured out the Underground, connected with Eileen, and checked in. Eileen flew from the United States to England. Our accommodations were quaint but divine. We were not there to stay in the room but to explore and make memories. We definitely made memories. On day one, we made time to visit KEW Gardens.

There is something about Chihuly, England and The royal Botanic Gardens – KEW that just blows me away.

I had to pinch myself often, pace myself, and breathe. It was quite amazing to see Chihuly in the greenhouse and gardens at The Royal Botanic Gardens – KEW, I have to admit, the gift shop was awesome as well.

A few items from the KEW giftshop that I needed to remember my trip to England.

STRATEGIC TRAVEL PLANNING

Eileen and I planned on visiting Chiswick, The Garden Museum, and Selfridges. Eileen was in charge of scheduling which mode of travel was most efficient. Chiswick was the proper starting point. From rugby, rowing, nature preserves to gardens, Chiswick has a sacred spot in history and horticulture. The landscape has many historical plants that have survived over many years. Did you know the Beatles performed there? The Camellias in the glasshouse. As you meander along the grounds, you can sense the importance of the site. The grounds are open to the public for events like hiking and biking. Traveling on the London Underground connecting with the Tunham Green and Piccadilly lines allowed for a short walk to Chiswick. We paused, took photos, and grabbed a bite to eat at the cafe on the grounds. We watched our time as we paused before heading to the next destination.

THE GARDEN MUSEUM

A simple sign directed visitors to the Museum’s entrance. Understated, this little gem of a museum offered a café and gift shop as well.

Wandering the streets of London to find what we were looking for was rewarding. It was a terrific way to get a sense of not being a foreigner, but a local. Each neighborhood had a different garden-sense. The Garden Museum was absolutely awesome. This was a place I should have planned on spending an entire day. England has been on my list of dream places to visit. Many of England’s gardens are featured in travel brochures. Finding the lesser-known gardens can be a gift. There was so much to see and do in England, in addition to quite a few options for gardens to visit.

The Garden Museum was like an unexpected treat in the early afternoon. This simple display was being tended to by a lone gardener.

The Garden Museum shared moments of how we gardened in the past. Visitors can see the cumbersome clogs, uniforms, metal flower pots, and more. Visitors can view a collection of original seed cases. Seeds from foreign lands were stored inside after they were collected. These cases provided protection for the journey back to England. One of my favorite people, Beth Chatto, was captured on a video. talking about the garden. It was almost as if I was in her living room chatting about her perspective on gardening. I really didn’t want to leave. We did make time to pause by the gift shop, much to my delight. Fun fact – John Tradescant is buried in the garden at The Garden Museum.

CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDENS

On the day Eileen left England, Aunt Yvonne and I took our time and went to the Chelsea Physic Garden. It was a delightful morning to calmly enjoy our final day in England. We took the bus – I am not a bus person, but I did it. Fortunately, it dropped us off right in front of the garden. We experienced the daily tour. Several medicinal plants were brought back from the Caribbean and are still in use today. Island women were feeding their babies this concoction later called milk chocolate. It made me quite happy that the Islands played a role in plants that were useful and necessary. The importance of including this truth in the tour meant quite a lot. It was representative of acknowledging the role of diversity and understanding different cultures. Thank you Hans Sloane for appreciating milk chocolate and sharing that knowledge with your peers.

The garden rooms we toured were amazing. History is always intriguing. However, there is something special about a well-stocked gift shop. England’s gift shops had little tokens for capturing the memories of a terrific trip.

I love giftshops and England had some pretty nice offerings of memento’s.

One day, I will return to England with enough time to linger. The planning is underway for the next big adventure. Discovering gardens near and far bring me joy. It is a way to see how others – including Mother Nature – embrace the beauty that surrounds us.

Do you enjoy traveling to dream gardens in far off lands? Are you a minute-by-minute planner or do you linger along the way?

Ordering seeds, dreaming of gardens and planning my next trip to England.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

England, Chihuly, and memories linger in my mind.

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

THANK YOU FOR 2020!

By Leave a Comment

Thank you for 2020 is not a phrase that will be heard much. However, there are those that I want to Thank you for the support and times shared last year.

Thank you. Two simple words that go a long way. In the Spring of 2020, in the midst of a pandemic, I began to explore the world of podcasting. It has been and continues to be quite the ride. From meeting new people, speaking with those who I have always wanted to know and introducing my listeners to the vices in horticulture, they might want to know.

I want to personally thank all of those who were important in the execution of something new as I elevate my voice in horticulture. I want to say Thank You to:

Jennifer Jewell, Kim Roman, Paula Penn-Nabrit, Wendy Kiang-Spray, Sharon Loving, John Manirakiza, John Magee, Mike Lizotte, Barbara Wheeler, Toni Gattone, Ed Ikin, Wendy Brister, Preston Montague, C. Colston Burrell, Denise Schreiber, Tracy Blevins…and a few more.

Derek Haynes, Peggy Riccio, Dr. Sandra Lewis, Carolyn Mullet, Edwina Von Gal, Kim Rush Lynch, Laura Dowling, James Brayton Hall, Lady Farmer, Louise Clark, April Thompson, Linda Jones, Rob Cardillo, David Culp, Chris Sabrese, Heather Andrews, Katie Dubow, Alisha Lampley, and Carol Michel

WOW…WHAT A YEAR IT WAS!! I look forward to reconnecting with each of you as we navigate the wonderful world of horticulture in the coming year.

To my listeners – Thank you as well. Please share my podcast, blog, Instagram, and virtual presence until we can gather again in person. I promise you a few giggles, lots of information, my perspective, and more.

If there is someone in the world of horticulture that you think would make an interesting guest on the podcast, feel free to let me know. I welcome your suggestions!

Let’s continue to have great garden conversations that encourage others to get outside and embrace the beauty that surrounds us!

Deep into nesting season and buying more seeds…

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

Blue Bins – A Christmas Gift

By Leave a Comment

Blue bins often hold gifts, memories, and surprises. Sometimes opening them can bring you joy from another realm.

Blue bins safely tucked away in my workshop are genuinely cherished. They belonged to my favorite garden buddy, my Dad. As long as I have them, it is confirmation that he is still with me. Most holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, bring the memory of my parents to the surface. I will never stop missing them. In a way, I am so glad that they are not witnessing how the world has changed. They would be very disappointed.

However, let me tell you about the blue bins, as they have certainly brought me joy today. All four of us, The Happy Bunch, have bins. Like our parents, we store things in bins…lots of Rubbermaid bins. When Dad passed, there were two blue bins on the carport. My siblings told me to take them, as they were sure it had garden items in them.

I brought them home and placed them in my workshop. This was the perfect spot that would allow space for me to safely store and sort through them. There was no rush to sort them, so tucking them out of harm’s way was important. I knew the day would come when I would be ready to actually open them. Occasionally, I look at them and touch them. It has never been the right time to actually open them. I knew that my favorite gardener had touched and strategically placed every item in the blue bins for a reason.

I found a non-descript brown box inside one of the blue bins.

Something made me actually open one bin today. Immediately I noticed a brown box – right on top of other assorted items. Gently picking it up, there was something inside. My heart instantly melted. The box had been unopened. I closed the blue bin and wondered what was inside. When I opened the box, there was a tool encased in plastic and a few pamphlets.

The contents found in one of the two blue bins. What a Christmas blessing.

I pulled the contents from the safety of the cardboard box and noticed a folding pruning saw. There were also two pamphlets on pruning techniques. This was just like my Dad. I think he joined every garden club on earth at some point. Laughing and crying at the same time, it was as if my favorite gardener had left me a gift. Why did I open the bin today, the day after Christmas? Was there a reason this brown box was right on top? Imagining my parents in heaven laughing at my reaction, made me laugh even harder. It was as if they were right there with me.

A heavenly gift from my parents found in one of two blue bins. These items will be cherished.

One day, I will attempt to sort through the contents – but not today. Today, I am going to place this gift from my parents in my tool bag. I may never use it, but it will always be with me.

The blue bins in my workshop hold gifts and surprises. My Christmas has been blessed by a folding saw. I wonder what I will find next time?

Do you have memories waiting to be unpacked from loved ones who have passed? I will always miss my parents. They seem to continually let me know that I am not alone. It is such a wonderful feeling!

My mom gave me the gift of sewing. My dad gave me the gift of gardening. The gift of working with my hands is eternal. Grinning from ear to ear and feeling special with a Christmas gift from another realm.

Cutting up my mom’s jean jacket to make memory quilts for my siblings and dreaming of Spring.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather