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Maryland – Banneker, Mead, and Pollinators

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Maryland is home to a mostly self educated Free man. Benjamin Banneker was not just a Surveyor, but an entrepreneur. Truly a man before his time.

Maryland offers agricultural gifts that many are not familiar with. I had the pleasure of exploring Maryland as a tourist, as I unintentionally paused. Donning my mask I signed up for two programs at the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park. There’s a lot of information on Benjamin Banneker, not commonly shared. A gardener, beekeeper, astronomer, and entrepreneur, Benjamin Banneker was quite a guy. Did you know Benjamin was born Free and was mostly self-educated?

The original boundary stones of Washington, DC. Benjamin Banneker played a role in the survey team that defined the perimeters of our Nations Capitol.

I can’t stop smiling as I write this. A self-educated free man who was a stargazer was a part of the survey team of Pierre L’Enfant. This team surveyed Washington, DC in 1791. Mr. Banneker was considered a friend of Thomas Jefferson. They corresponded frequently about many things.

MARYLAND MEAD

One of the Programs I attended was a lecture on Mead. It was at this program I learned that Benjamin Banneker was a gardener. Benjamin grew things to enhance his ability to be a good farmer and beekeeper. He would harvest the honey and take it to market. His Mead was produced from his bees – what a terrific entrepreneur!

Chase Louden inside the replica of the Benjamin Banneker Homestead. The original Homestead burned down on the day of Mr. Banneer’s funeral.

The first program I attended shared tales of Banneker’s beekeeping. Chase Louden, Anthropology & History Major at UMBC, and McNair Scholar gave a demonstration detailing how Mead was made in the 1700s.

Properly distanced, Chase Louden shared quite a bit of information on Banneker as a beekeeper and entrepreneur.

Chase made a batch of Mead. He explained how it was cooked over a fire. The enthusiasm truly showed as Chase shared a few facts about Mead, Mr. Banneker, and the Oella area. It was great to see a young man who realized how awesome Mr. Banneker was.

BANNEKER AND BEES

Clare Walker provided an informative session on Maryland bees.

I had to return the next day to see the pollinator garden and learn about Maryland’s bees. The number of native bees in Maryland has declined. This is a reason we really need to grow for the pollinators. Claire shared how to identify bees in the landscape. She shared information on the native species commonly seen.

We walked through and identified the plants found in the garden. Mountain Mint was one of the reasons the bees were all a buzz as they welcomed me to the garden.

Clare had little cubes to capture bees for up-close and personal identification. After identification, each bee was released. They happily went on their way. I can now officially identify a carpenter bee. It has a shiny rear. Clare was quite informative and showed no fear. She shared with me a very important fact about pollinator bees. The bees are not interested in humans. We should “Let the Bee’s Be”! They have a job to do. What a big job it is!!

The Honey Bee Production facility at the Banneker Historical Park. It was definitely humming like a song in nature.

If you have never been to the Banneker Historical Park, it is worthy of a drive.

Look at the programs offered at the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park. It will be worth the drive. Imagine the opportunity to be a local and a tourist!

Remembering the pollinators at the Banneker Historical Park….

Zinnias and butterflies on my mind…

Teri, Cottage In The Court

To find our more click here

To find out about Maryland Common Bees, click here

To find out about Maryland Tourism, click here

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Life Imitates the Garden – Cheer Up Mrs. Obama

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Life imitates the garden in so many ways. There are ups and downs, good seasons and bad. No matter what happens, we can find solace in the garden.

Dear Mrs. Obama,

Congratulations on your new podcast journey. It always helps to have a friend to talk things through, no matter the topic. I too have found my voice in podcasting. The joy it adds to life is amazing. I wish you much success n what could be considered a perennial journey.

I have listened to a few people who have expressed concern about your admission of feeling a little low and perhaps a tad depressed. Join the Club. Many of us feel the same way. Would many people actually admit it in public or to strangers? Probably not. It is sometimes easier to walk past our life weeds and act as if they do not exist.

LIFE – FLOW IN THE GARDEN

Life springs forth offering promises of floral bliss.

Spring brings thoughts of bulbs bursting through the soil, buds swelling on branches, and a fresh perspective after nesting season. Just as things are filling our minds with thoughts of the next, a hard freeze comes along. That is when we worry. Will the buds be damaged? Some wonder if the daffodils still open. Will the hydrangeas survive this last gasp of winter? Most plants will survive as they are strong. Other plants will suffer damage, yet this is a reality of the garden. Life in the garden comes with a lot of faith, a well as hope.

The anticipation of Mother’s day shopping for the unusual annual or specialty plant is a ritual. Adding new annuals and tropical plants to excite the gardener is a familiar practice nationwide. This year in my Zone 6b garden, I was not sure when it was safe to plant. The ground was too cold or too wet. The evening temperatures were a bit colder than normal. Some of us lost plants that typically would have been okay, as they were planted at the proper time…or so we thought. In the midst of unintentional pausing, we needed the joy of the garden. A pandemic threatened to interrupt the flow of the garden.

As our gardens peak, it signals us that the time has come o enjoy it as we entertain, pause, and simply let it be beautiful.

LIFE AS THE GARDEN PEAKS

Summer has now arrived in our gardens. If we have planted the right plants, it is overflowing with bodacious beauty. However, if we planted the right plant in the wrong place, we are experiencing gaps, plant failures, and disappointment. I am sure that many of us thought we would be able to vacation, enjoy gatherings with friends, and enjoy life as usual. With this new reality, we are experiencing, life as we knew it has certainly changed. In ways that were once unimaginable, our beautiful life garden has major weeds. These weeds are dragging our spirits into the muck and mire. This sobering reality has left many of us dragging our hopes and dreams to the compost bin. However, it is a known fact, Gardeners do not give up on our gardens.

Reading during this time of unintentional pausing gave me encouragement. If seeds are sown correctly, they will grow. The fruit harvested is worth the labor of planting. There are also some less than positive seeds. It is up to us to choose which seeds we sow.

SEASONAL TRANSITIONS IN LIFE

I want to invite you to read a book, American Grown The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America, by Michelle Obama. On page 165 there is a sentence. Allow me to share…

“Those first seeds we planted in our garden helped start a conversation that grew into a nationwide movement as people across this country united to address childhood obesity. And together, with determination and creativity, we have begun building the foundation for a healthier generation and a healthier nation.“

What we are going through might not be obesity, but the words apply to what has deposited into our life garden. You helped build the foundation. The seeds that were planted are the young people who showed up for the cause. Your words and positive imagery is the soil of the foundation. Soil enriched and fertilized with love, hope, and faith. It is the existing foundation for the new type of garden. A garden that is quite diverse. Although every garden has a weed or two.

Phytolacca americana, commonly known as pokeweed often invades the garden.

POKEWEED IN OUR LIFE GARDEN

Pokeweed is good at subtly growing amidst other plants in the garden. The garden might look lush and simply gorgeous. All of a sudden, the gardener realizes that it isn’t new growth next to the plant, but pokeweed. Rising from a dropped seed or roots left in the soil. This plant pops up beside almost anything, anywhere…imitating something we planted on purpose.

When gardeners realize that pokeweed leaves are a bit different and the growth a bit out of order, we take action. Do we snap it off at the top, only to allow the root to remain and resurface? Do we chemically treat it and hope we don’t kill other surrounding plants? Or do we dig deeply, aiming to eradicate as much root as possible?

As an avid gardener, I dig deeply – even though disturbing the soil just might bring up more weed seeds. Disrupting the soil to allow all the negative seedlings to expose themselves, reveals what is under the surface. The foundation of my garden should harbor seeds of positivity, beauty, and should provide joy. I can address what lies beneath the soil if I can see it and alleviate aggressive weeds before they grow deeper roots.

Yes…it makes me mad and downright sad to see the Pokeweed pop up here and there. Some days the weeds are overwhelming. Just when I think I have finished weeding my garden, I stand, gazing and admiring the beauty before me. Beside the hydrangea, standing, almost hiding behind a bloom, I see it. If I allow it to stay, drop its poisonous seeds, sink its roots, and become a bigger problem, it will continue to invade my garden. Pokeweed is not welcome in my garden.

Others find it beneficial, even attractive for wildlife. All parts of the Pokeweed plant are toxic. It is a source of food for wildlife, so it does serve a purpose. Perhaps in a meadow, but not in my pleasure garden. My garden consists of plants that bring me joy!

LIFE…EVER EVOLVING – LIKE THE GARDEN

Like the gardens at Chanticleer, our gardens are ever evolving.

Dear Mrs. Obama, I understand feeling low. It is all a part of life. Just like the garden, we have disappointments and sadness. We cannot allow the pokeweed in our midst to overrun and destroy our life garden. Can we do anything abut the seeds we cannot see? No. We can help uplift the seeds that have grown into strong, vocal plants in or current life landscape.

Sorry this was so long, but I just wanted you to know we are all emotionally at our wits end, but Fall is on our doorstep. I noticed this morning leaves dropping from the trees. Signals of change are in the air, in the garden and in the foundation of our life gardens. We are here to witness this garden of life change, as a new season is beginning.

From one gardener to another, when this world moves too fast, go into the garden. Perhaps go into the garden with friends. The garden is there for us…let’s embrace its imperfections. Let’s enjoy its diversity, fertilize it with self-care, and water it with love. It will need us in the next season. I have a sense, we will be quite busy.

Off to enjoy the garden with friends,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Abernethy and Spencer – A Local Horticultural Jewel

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Abernethy & Spencer is the oldest Greenhouse in the Mid-Atlantic.

On a long winding road with such breathtaking scenery, Peggy Riccio and I found a Jewel in the Crown of Loudon County Virginia. Exploring almost anything that has to do with horticulture – from gardens to plants – offers us the opportunity to dig deep into the Mid-Atlantic region. Abernethy & Spencer was the best-unexpected treasure of this year.

SURVIVAL AND REVIVAL

Variegated Bleeding Heart Vine was simply stunning as I entered the huge greenhouse. I knew that I was in for a treat!

110 years of continually bringing horticultural bliss to the Mid-Atlantic is something that David Lohmann of Abernethy & Spencer can be quite proud of. Ask any local, David knows what grows in Western Loudon County, as well as the contents of the five acres of plants, trees, and shrubs ifound at Abernethy & Spenceer.

In 2016, a snowstorm threatened to interfere with Spring at Abernethy & Spencer. A cracking sound could be heard in Springdale. It was a sound that totally caught David by surprise. Upon realizing that the sound came from his nursery, inspecting the damage was quite the shock. The largest greenhouse on the property had collapsed under the weight of the snow. The beauty in the midst of disaster – none of the Historic Greenhouses were damaged. This is how our ancestors let us know they are there for us.

The other Blessing was in the way the community pitched in to help save anything they could from further ruin. Rebuilding took place and the nursery opened that year on March 1. When you are a perennial asset to the community and tragedy happens, the community becomes the fertilizer to aid in rejuvenating growth. Spring flowers, trees and shrubs were once again available for gardeners near and far.

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Ixora “Nora Grant” was quite the vision as strolled in the greenhouse.

Abernethy & Spencer has been Organic for 15 years. Knowing that Virginia has rather strict rules on what can and cannot be considered Organic, this speaks volumes to me personally. I did not have to worry about chemicals that could harm me. I had plans for the scented geraniums and herbs I purchased.

Nine hundred. Yes nine hundred varieties of perennials grown on the premises. This is in addition to over two hundred varieties of shrubs and one hundred varieties of trees. This is NOT your big box store!

Customers can currently find seven Macaws and Cockatoo’s on the premises. They are quite talkative and I am certain their chatter keeps the friendly staff entertained when they pause. There are also six dogs that are onsite to welcome anyone they might see. Did you know that Abernethy & Spencer rescues animals? As a plant and animal lover, this speaks to the love of nature which the owners and staff clearly share.

I love this tropical number commonly called “Popcorn plant”. Senna didymobotrya is a fun conversation plant…but not for eating!

The new greenhouse is quite cognizant of the impact on the environment. It will generally will reduce water usage by at least 60 percent , electricity by at least 50% and heating costs by minimally 40%. Once again, this says a lot about the dedication to being in touch with setting one of the best examples of environmental stewardship.

TROPICAL BLISS IN VIRGINIA

The Brugmansia selection was quite amazing.

I am so glad that there were no horse flies in this gorgeous garden center of my desire. It was quite hard to keep my mouth closed as I witnessed horticultural bliss unfolding with every step I took. I become quite happy when visiting a garden, garden center, or meeting someone who understands this gardeners needs is something I enjoy. Every time I turned around, I saw a “need”. So maybe it wasn’t a real need, but a desire. There is not much difference in my book when it comes to gardening. I can honestly say, Abernethy & Spencer made me feel quite at home.

There was one tropical pant that really caught my eye.

Calotropis gigantea or Giant Milkweed simply took my breath away!
The velvety foliage and elegant stature made my heart flutter. Glad I could provide it a home.

Abernethy & Spencer…Thank you for being a dependable resource on a hot day in Virginia.

Dreaming of Vitex and my next visit. Yes they have Vitex (I checked!)!

Teri, Cottage In The Court

To find out more about this Virginia jewel, click here

To discover what else there is to do in Loudon County, click here

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Contemplating “C” In My Garden

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Contemplating positivity in the letter “C” has been challenging this season. Although considering how it connects me to my garden, I see that it brings me joy!

The art of contemplating anything is an act of consideration. A few ways that Merriam Webster defines the word contemplate, definitely applies to the garden. Particularly when the first definition is… to view or consider with continued attention..or to meditate on. As we practice unintentionally pausing, I have meditated on a few things, for sure. Contemplating the letter C” was just the beginning. I began to consider exploring how “C” connected my garden.

EXPLORING “C”

As we paused this Spring, I began to abhor the letter “C”. Contemplating the thought of hearing anything that began with “C” for who knows how long was worrisome. I had to reassess my thought processes. Was there a way to find the beauty in this third letter of the alphabet? I began to explore the positive attributes of “C” as it pertained to the garden. I found a way to share a little street cred to the letter “C”.

PERENNIALLY “C”

Coneflower instantly came to mind as I contemplated the letter “C”.

Mulling over just a few of the perennials I could find in my garden that started with “C” was amazing. Changing my thoughts on “C” has broadened my perspective on this letter. It does not matter if it is the botanical name or the common name. Plants starting with the letter “C ” in my garden bring me joy. Coneflower, Catmint, Candytuft, Chrysanthemum, and Calendula all add joy to my garden. Clematis, Canterbury Bells, Cleome, and Cosmos all rise to salute the letter “C”.

Candytuft, also known as Iberis Sempervirens is a Springtime pleasure of the sunny border.

Let’s not forget the trees and shrubs like Cornus Mas, Camellia, Chaste Tree, or Cotoneaster. For those semi shady areas we often contemplate adding Coleus, Coral Bells, Columbine, or Cardinal Flower.

Vitex or Chaste tree is a terrific alternative to the butterfly bush. This tree invites life into any sunny garden.

“C” – ENHANCING IT’S REPUTATION

Cringing when I hear anything starting with “C” no longer happens. Going into my garden has made this act disappear. The reputation of this alphabetic third child (like myself), is not a cheerful one. Rethinking ways to embrace “C” was easy when in my garden. There is a sense of contentment with not always working in my garden. Enjoying the imperfect garden is perfect right now. This unexpected opportunity of time to simply be in the garden. The chance to consider the needs of my garden in a timely manner. Sometimes I find myself calculating how much a fence will cost? The joy of seeing Precious run aimlessly in her backyard is wishful thinking. In my mind, I am creating more garden rooms. Giving “C” some credit is actually lifting my spirits. The possibilities of adding more plants with “C” to my garden cheers me up!

Contemplating cool coleus…an option for the shady border.

How are you doing as we cautiously contemplate the future? Do you spend time contemplating upsizing or downsizing your garden as we pause? Are you or have you created beautiful vignettes in your garden? Can you find plants starting with “C” in your garden?

Consciously planting more of the letter “C” in my garden.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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All Up In My Feelings – The Meditative Gardener

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All books on mediation or being mindful are simply not the same. Cheryl Wilfong has made this very clear by writing the book, The Meditative Gardener.

Of all the books on my shelf that I reached back to read, this book fit the moment. The Meditative Gardener – Cultivating Mindfulness of Body, Feelings and Mind is worth the re-read. Most books I review become part of my reference library or I find a fellow gardener to share it with. This is not one of those books to give away.

From time to time, there are words that suggest actions. These words tend to have me “all up in my feelings”. Cheryl has words that echo in my mind and cause me to reflect inwardly. Particularly because this year. I will not have the opportunity to #resetrenewrestore in my usual manner. My annual pleasure of choosing a faraway place, commit to seeing all of the gardens, and acting like a local has been revised. Cheryl Wilfong has helped me revise my mindset by immersing myself all in this book.

During this time of unintentional pausing, making tie to meditate allows me to feel ALL of my senses. It is mind blowing! Cheryl Wilfong is not just a Psychologist, but a Meditation Practitioner, and a Master Gardener, as well. Gardening is a great way to reduce and release stress. Meditating only enhances feelings of peace, as we consider how we garden.

Cheryl begins by using the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as the hardscaping for this book. The act of connecting us with our inner feelings as gardeners is important. Simple instructions provided by Cheryl asks the reader to choose one of the contemplations provided in the text. Readers can choose one daily, weekly or monthly. Choosing a contemplation enables the reader to practice mindfulness in the garden.

THE TOOKIT

There are two mental tools that Cheryl advises us to carry into the garden. Mindfulness of the body is number one. This tool allows us to touch on all of our senses as we garden.

Goodwill towards the garden, as well as the gardener, is the second tool. In short , this translates into gardening for joy. Cheryl reminds us to garden simply for the joy, not perfection or overabundance. Simply garden for the joy of being in the garden.

Whispering phrases of love and acceptance fertilizes our existence. Phrases like “May I feel safe”, May I feel happy” or “May I abide in well being ” all affect how we garden. By repeating phrases such as these, we harness the energy found in our minds. One of my favorite phrases is “May I feel safe”. I find myself repeating this important phrase daily.

THE ART OF MEDITATION

Cheryl suggests many options for meditating. As I read this book, an awareness came over me causing me to think of how I meditate. The innocent ways I engage with nature are a form of meditation. As a child growing up, I spent summers in the garden just laying amidst the flowers. I would stare up at the clouds and look through some of the petals on the blooms. Allowing my mind to wander, my extremities to feel the warmth of the sun, and my nose to capture all the scents wafting in through the air. I did not know at the time, I was practicing a meditative mindset in the garden.

Meditation in the garden should be an easy practice. I often wonder if my parents knew this as they taught us how to garden? From selection, sowing, watering to nurturing a simple seed. We were encouraged to be optimistic, to care and to give. The garden is the natural place to learn, reflect and of course…meditate. There are many different ways to meditate in the garden.

It is hard for me to actually say what the best part of the book is after reading it. The entire book was informative. All of the meditations can be applied to our daily life. One chapter that I really spent time on was THE ROOTS OF STRESS: Greed, Aversion, and Delusion. I found this chapter to be enlightening, informative and insightful on many different levels.

There are many topics covered in the MIND -Mind and Body Contemplation segment of this book. Cheryl followed up with a chapter called CONTEMPLATIONS. This chapter allowed the reader to investigate things like aging, change, even karma.

A particular exercise that melted my heart was called A Bouquet of Joy. The reader was advised to pick flowers from the garden. Utilizing all the senses, the reader should not look at what is missing in the bouquet. Explore how the bouquet makes you feel inside. It is suggested that the reader share the bouquet.

This book is a must read, in my opinion, for those who garden for the pleasure of gardening. The enlightenment of the mind and senses is a bonus.

Meditating in the garden should encompass all the senses…

Today I meditate, reflect and embrace the beauty that surrounds me…in my garden. Do you meditate in your garden?

Teri, Cottage In the Court

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