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She Sheds – A Gift To Remember

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She Sheds - by Erika Kotite (Hardcover) - image 1 of 2
She Sheds – A Room Of Your Own by Erika Kotite is the perfect last minute gift. It can inspire anyone to create a room of your own.

She Sheds are a necessity to some and a luxury to others. As a gardener, a She Shed or a place to call my own is essential. Erika Kotite has written a book that helps with the planning and optional uses of a She Shed.

The owner of a She Shed should undertake the processes outlined in the book, She Sheds – A Room of Your Own. The initial step involves identifying your style. Seems easy, right? Well, not exactly. Choosing from modern or Classic and everything in between – even mixing the style up. Remember it is your She Shed, the choice is yours. Erika outlines the desired characteristics of each style in good detail.

I paid particular attention to the chapter, Sheds for Gardeners. Creature comforts and extra detail all play a role in the appropriate space for any Lady of the Land. Sometimes this includes a greenhouse feature or even an oversized window. Anyone should have room for sitting to enjoy the view. As a gardener, I cannot imagine a She Shed without a garden embracing it?

One of my favorite examples was the Year-Round Potting Shed. Using recycled items, this She Shed (page 32- 35) had the light and flair that really spoke to me. This model included a table for potting up plants or showcasing a vase collection. What gardener doesn’t have vases? I could always use more room for my collection of pots and hand tools.

There are a few changes that I would enjoy on my She Shed. Most importantly, I would add a green roof. A great example is found on page 52. With the right construction partner and the proper plants, my She Shed would be as eco-friendly as possible. I can almost visualize the assorted trailing sedums organically cascading from the roof and dancing with the rain chain. As John Lennon once sang, “You may say I am a dreamer, but I’m not the only one…”

There are so many uses for a She Shed or a He Shed. This book identifies a few options. A room for painting, additional sewing space, adult playhouses, retreats, to old soul sheds. The options are endless. What is helpful are the case studies provided near the end of the book. Remodeling, minimal revisions, or simply starting a project from scratch are included in this book. Just when you have decided which shed is for you, turning the next page can change your mind. For me, the French Farmhouse Style She Shed truly caught my eye. Let me just say DIVINE.

Belle of the Garden, in the Williamsburg historic style, ushers in the list of resources. After reading this book, you can easily justify the need for a She Shed, or He Shed, of your own. What is more perfect than a shed as THE gift that will keep on giving. You could explore all the options with some chocolate-dipped strawberries. A decision could be made and agreed upon with a glass of bubbly. While we are unintentionally pausing, you could actually build your loved one (or yourself) a room of your own. No time to build it yourself? You can always hire someone to build it for you.

If Anne Spencer’s husband, Edward, could build Edankrall, I deserve a She Shed.

She Sheds can also embrace my love of all things French, even in the garden. French Country Cottage always inspires me.

Always dreaming of my Year-Round French Farmhouse style She Shed. I can always justify having more space of my own.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Illuminating Calm In The Garden

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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

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Dr. King – A Sower of Good Seeds

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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

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THANK YOU FOR 2020!

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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

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Schlumbergera – A Cactus Blooming In Winter

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Schlumbergera is the cactus that blooms in winter.

Schlumbergera is one of the best alternatives to the poinsettia for holiday decor. At this time of the year, it is easy to find Schlumbergera in your local garden center. I have even found them in the grocery store. If you find Poinsettia’s, the Schlumbergera is somewhere nearby. One secret of this plant is the ease of care versus the Poinsettia. In the midst of the chill outside, this Christmas Cactus blooms with total abandon. 

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This Princess of the holiday season bloomed prolifically in my parent’s house.

I consider the Schlumbergera the Princess of this season. Did you know that there are many different types of Schlumbergera? I found that there are not only Christmas Cactus but Thanksgiving Cactus, Crab Cactus, and Holiday Cactus….hmmm…the Holiday Cactus is better known as Easter Cactus, due to the bloom time.

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This is the Mother Schlumbergera which I use for making more plants. This is one of the easiest houseplants to share!

There are two major groupings of Schlumbergera – Truncata and Buckleyi.  The Truncata group is an early blooming species that encompasses the Easter or Holiday Cactus. The flowers of this cultivar are more upright, instead f hanging down. There is also a difference in the upper and lower leaves of the bloom. The Buckleyi group blooms later, the flowers hang down and are more symmetrical.  What we know as Christmas Cactus is generally in this group.  

Originally from the tropical climate in Brazil by plantsman Charles Lemaire, the first recorded species was in England in 1852 by Mr. W. Buckley.  Christmas Cactus were commonly used as ornamental plants in the heated greenhouses found in England.  The late-season flowering was a hit among those that enjoyed new and different plants.  At one time, there was another species called russelliana. As breeding of the original three species in the early 1950s created different strains, the older more original strains became extinct.

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A Christmas Cactus that my Dad cherished. The pink bloom was so vivid!

The care and feeding of what we know as Christmas Cactus is rather simple:

  • a small, free-draining container, with free-draining soil with a touch of grit;
  • cool, but humid indirect sunlight area.  Cooler nights will induce bloom;
  • water once a week and mist the foliage.  Too much water will cause rotting and bud drop.  Too little water will lead to its demise.  Wet feet are a definite NO!;
  • stop watering around October if you want it to bloom at Christmas.  A saucer with pebbles and water below the pot will create the humidity needed for optimal growing conditions;
  • Schlumbergera flowers best when it is in a half pot or root bound pot.  When transplanting in the Spring make sure that your new pot is not too big.
This Schlumbergera bloom is so vivid. The plant is full of blooms. The bloom on this one is more upright.

Schlumbergera or the Christmas Cactus, thrives on casual care. It is easy to share with friends and family.

I can’t wait for the other Schlumbergera to evolve over the holiday season. This year I mixed the colors in my container, however, I might need to increase my collection. It will be amazing to see if I can identify whether it is a Truncata or Buckleyi.

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This bloom reminds me of a bird in flight. The fantasy found in the bloom is always amazing.

With dreams of Schlumbergera all over my house, I am also dreaming of the holidays! This cactus blooming in winter evokes memories and makes me smile.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

To find out more about Schlumbergera, click here

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