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Kindness Grows In A Community

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Kindness is often overlooked as we move through life. We expect life to happily happen. We know there will be good times and bad. Life can be tricky. We are rarely ready for the unexpected. It takes a loving family and the community’s kindness to help with the healing process.

February 28, 2010, is a day that I will always remember. My niece, Alexis Diana Speight lost her life to childhood cancer. At Thanksgiving dinner in 2009, Lexi complained of a tummy ache. The cancer moved at warp speed to take her from all who loved her. Children’s National Medical Center became home to Lexi’s intimate little family. Petr and Cyndi were by Lexi’s side through it all. Lexi could not have had better, attentive parents We continue to support my little brother and his young family emotionally.. After Lexi transitioned, the kindness of others grew a community.

Laps for Lexi (a 501 (c)(3) was born. This charitable organization’s goal was to raise money to support research for childhood cancer and a scholarship at the Sandy Springs Friends School. The kindness and generosity of a loving community pulled together to raise enough money to celebrate achieving a goal honoring Lexi. The Sandy Springs Friends School was Lexi’s school. For 13 years, Laps for Lexi was a good reason for many in the community to come together for a day of remembrance.

On November 1, at Children’s National Hospital, we celebrated the installation of the Lexi Speight Chair of Pediatric Oncology. Dr. AeRang Kim, M.D., Ph.D. is now the first recipient of The Lexi Speight Chair in Pediatric Oncology. The opportunity for a new way to treat solid cancerous tumors is now under the purview of Dr. Kim. After meeting Dr. Kim, I knew the research would take on cancer headfirst. On November 1, as we honored Lexi, childhood cancer has a new warrior. Dr. Kim is working to find a way to give other parents hope and more children the opportunity to beat this awful disease.

Not willing to give up, my sister-in-love Cyndi, my youngest brother Petr, and my niece Samantha became activists against cancer. With the love and support of an entire community, an effort of love to help other children with cancer became bigger than life. It is the best way to honor Lexi’s name. Lexi’s transition has forever changed our family. Friendships have been solidified, and the effort to honor Lexi has bolstered support from local businesses and more.

That mission was to show how Kindness grows in a community. Kindness goes a long way and the minimal effort it takes should not go unnoticed. Simply practicing kindness is easy. Did you know we recently observed National Kindness Day? It was the perfect day to commit to being better people in our communities and to strangers along the way.

At a time when we need kindness to be part of our daily random acts, consider looking around and making an effort to promote kindness in your community. Many people might be going through a crisis and not share it. Some might carry a heavy burden for many reasons that might not be obvious. Did you know a simple smile could be the seed to start a positive interaction?

Sowing seeds of kindness can show you care. A smile, a note, or a nod, might just be the acknowledgment needed at the right time. Give it a try. I carry seeds of kindness everywhere I go. I urge you to do the same.

Are you sowing seeds of kindness in your community?

Teri, Cottage in the Court

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Leaves – Life Lessons from Above

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Leaves are such a gift. We anticipate their presence in midwinter. We often take note of the buds on trees and shrubs in late winter. Watching them swell with the energy, these buds offer us a lesson in diversity. They produce leaves in all shapes, sizes, or colors, such as chartreuse, brightly colored, or variegated. Other tree and shrubs will produce blooms before the leaves. The first lesson nature teaches us is patience. Patience is shared as we anticipate what will evolve from the buds of late winter.

Leaf canopies offer our gardens a buffer from the strong sun, especially as our climate continues to evolve. Many appreciate the shade from overhead tree canopies, encouraging us to create shade gardens. A strategically placed garden room in dappled shade is akin to an outdoor living room.  As homeowners, we should consider incorporating elements that cause us to pause and experience nature. A few chairs, a loveseat, or perhaps a table to rest refreshments, nosh, or a book will add ambiance. Leaf canopies invite the breezes to waft through and create a sense of peace.

We know that as summer ends, lighting throughout the garden changes as the leaves begin to fall. Before they fall, many trees offer a kaleidoscope of color. This colorful array of leaves changes the feel of the garden as the cooler temperatures arrive. Crepe myrtles, fothergilla and oak leaf hydrangea offer some of the richer shades of the season. I look forward to the gold, rustic burgundy, and even red in my garden. It is delightful to notice colorful changes to our familiar trees, such as redbuds, oaks, and maples. The bright gold foliage of Amsonia, adds a bit of whimsy to my garden. Perennials with structure, form, and color, often demonstrate how the garden can be beautiful, even as it wanes. The second lesson leaves teach us it to appreciate fleeting moments.

As I walk my dog at the break of dawn, finding the perfect leaf of the day brings me joy. It is during this quiet time, when the day slowly reveals a fresh batch of leaves littering the landscape. There is always one leaf that glows in its near perfect color or form. Reaching down, gingerly embracing my special daily find, a leaf finds its way into my pocket. When I arrive at the Cottage, the leaf is eased between the pages of a book. Many times, I simply place it on the glass top of my curio cabinet by the front door. By the end of the week, a stack of crumpled brown leaves causes me to smile. It is then when I am reminded how quickly we move from season to season.

Do I simply discard the now crumpled brown leaves in the trash? Is there another purpose they can serve? The third lesson leaves teach us is the art of repurposing. At this time of the year many rake leaves, removing them from every inch of the landscape. Science teaches us that we should consider repurposing at least some of the leaves back into our gardens. Leaves drop from the trees above as a way of shedding the prior season’s growth. This has happened since the beginning of time. In doing so, leaves break down and feed the soil. This is the cycle of nature. Nature has always found a way to be self-sufficient. Some plant material is more prone to disease or cannot tolerate our changing climate. Other plants simply cannot survive various types of human interference. Choosing the right plants makes more sense than ever right now.

Leaves offer us so many lessons, we just need to pay attention. Simple leaves are truly life lessons we can use. Paying attention to nature is such a beautiful thing.

Fallen leaves quietly remind us to pause and savor each season.

Waiting patiently for the golden gingko leaves to fall…in due season of course.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

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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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