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National Public Gardens – Thank You

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National Public Gardens Week as we practice social distancing is more important this year than ever!

Did you know that National Public Gardens Week started May 8th and will end May 17th?? Although this is the week designated to celebrate our Public Gardens nationwide, we can celebrate this week as long as we want!

PURPOSE IN THE MIDST OF THE MADNESS

Right now, many of us are longing to stroll in the Public Gardens that are familiar to us. Due to the ongoing health crisis, many have shuttered their doors and locked their gates. This is for the safety of the general public…it does not mean that they are closed. You see, man cannot shutdown beauty! The garden draws us in. Creative methods encourage participation from afar, not distancing us from engaging with nature.

Many of the National Public Gardens have found a way to share. They are sharing to keep us sane. During this time of unintentional pausing, our National Public Gardens continue to show us how important they are.

Tired of looking at your four walls? Your garden needs a lift, but you have no idea of what plant will tickle your fancy? Haven’t a clue about what is blooming outside of your own back forty? Need some inspiration? Log on and check out how some of the National Public Gardens share craft ideas, coloring book pages, lectures, and more!

ADVENTURES WITHOUT LUGGAGE

National Public Gardens take us away. Sometimes it is to visit local greenspaces, while some gardens might not be so local. Imagine attending a walking tour at Bellevue Botanical Gardens. You could revisit as many times as you want and watch a new season evolve…all without a security check. This is called an armchair adventure.

Did you know you could follow the Madison Square Park Conservancy in New York via Instagram? They have a Summer Global Arts display that is quite intriguing. You can even ask questions, which they are more than happy to answer.

Calling all Snow Birds!! Not able to escape to Florida this year?? No worries!! Naples Botanical Garden wants to connect with you!! They miss you! Click here to see all the fun they have lined up – sunscreen not required!

American Public Gardens has a listing that will keep you entertained all yearlong even after we can move about freely!!

DREAMING OF BEAUTY…LOCALLY

One local National Public Garden is the United States Botanic Gardens. One of my favorite National Public Gardens in my own neck of the woods. I could hide out here all year long.

Did you know the Smithsonian Gardens include 12 unique gardens to explore and enjoy?? If you follow me on Instagram (@cottageincourt), I stalk the United States Botanic Gardens. There is always something to catch my eye, which is visible from the street.

Some days, no matter how bad I try to rush home, the gardens call my name. To be honest, it is the perfect place to restore my mind, refurbish my soul, and reset my disposition after a long day in the office. I am so thankful for all of our National Public Gardens as they lift our spirits, creating opportunities to escape from the madness, and for inspiring each of us to be better gardeners.

If you want to learn more about the Smithsonian Gardens, I highly recommend a wonderfully written book. A Guide to Smithsonian Gardens by Carole Ottesen. Exploring the Smithsonian from the outside adds value to visiting the museums. L’Enfant’s design and plan for Washington D.C. were to include monumental buildings with beautiful gardens. As we know the buildings are exquisite. However, the gardens were slowly created over time, due to funding. Most of the gardens flank the National Mall.

Andrew Jackson Downing, a landscape designer, did not embrace the thought process of Mr. L’enfant’s initial plan. Mr. Downing, instead, designed four public garden rooms, which would resemble a living tree and shrub museum.

This plan was shelved as the Civil War took precedence, over all things beautiful. There were other ideas that slowly became a reality as more museums were built, with some including unique gardens.

CONSTITUTION GARDENS…EVER CLOSE TO MY HEART

With support from public and private donations, Constitution Gardens will be the perfect place to gather.

Constitution Gardens is one garden that never became a reality. Thanks to the efforts of the Trust for the National Mall, one day this will be not just a beautiful garden. With not just a garden, but planned concessions stands, a restaurant, and more, Constitution Gardens will also be a place to gather. Redesigned and embracing sustainability, Constitution Gardens needs to be a part of the dream fulfilled. To find out how to support this effort click here

THANK YOU

National Public Gardens can be found right at your fingertips.

My hope is that no matter where you are, a visit to a National Public Garden is in your future. Right now, most can be found right at your fingertips. Many are offering mini visits, little known backstories, discounts on membership, as well as presenting information on what to expect when a visit is possible. Should you visit a National Public Garden, make sure to say Thank You for inspiring, educating, and being!

Waiting to visit National Public Gardens later this year…

Dreaming of re-entry to the gardens at the United States Botanic Gardens…

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Feelings…Embracing Nature In Difficult Times

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Feelings of joy warm my soul whenever I am in the garden.

Feelings are usually triggered in reaction to an external event. Emotions and feelings are two different reactions to certain situations. If we look around us, feelings of sadness are everywhere. The current worldwide situation has many of us, wrapped up in our suppressed emotions. Social distancing to save our lives is important. The act of wandering in the garden is the best place to reconnect with your inner thoughts and emotions.

Touching a nearly finished bloom from one of my Dad’s Hellebores, conjure up memories.

The rain from today lingers on the leaves and plants throughout my garden. I always glance at this Hellebore, as I leave to walk Precious. Dad was elated to have a Hellebore in his garden. I remember watching him carry it about and finding just the right spot. We planted it together, digging the quarter size hole for the dime-size plant. That was one of his favorite sayings as he chuckled. His face shared feelings of love for his garden and me as well.

This Iris, one of the first to open made me smile.

It is almost as if this Iris is wearing her feelings on her petals. Tearful images of a fleeting bloom. A gorgeous bloom, silky to the touch, standing tall amidst the existing unfurling buds. This particular bloom will be mush by morning. More blooms will be open in the morning. Right now, this Iris represents a beautifully elegant bloom.

The sweet smell of seasonal bliss wafts through the air. Feelings of comfort, peace, and wellbeing come to mind.

Winter Honeysuckle is a scent I seek out in the spring. Never tiring of the scent, it reminds me of my grandmother’s hugs. The scent filled the air as she hugged us close to her bosom. A grandmother’s touching, hugging, and showing love is simply wonderful! Scent can often trigger all types of emotions – good and bad.

What we are experiencing has some people shocked. A feeling of dismay is felt throughout society. Being numb is a symptom of a depressed society. We are an emotional society, and a loving one as well. I love my grandsons. Thoughts of hugging my grandsons, cross my mind daily. I would love to pinch the cheeks of my oldest daughter or simply cuddle with my youngest daughter. Right now, it is important for us to practice safe distancing, just to stay alive. In my mind, Morris Albert sings “Feelings”. I can feel the “teardrops rolling down my face”…

The term “social distancing” prohibits us from feeling the hug of a friend, a parent, or even a grandmother. It does not prohibit us from going into nature. Nature is there for us and if we embrace it, the emotions will flow. Emotional health and wellbeing can be affected by embracing nature. It only takes two minutes a day for nature to lift your spirits and shake up some positive endorphins.

Staying in touch with your feelings by going into nature is easy. In your own backyard, engage with nature. Go into nature to touch a leaf, hug a tree, or smell a rose. As we practice social distancing, we need to stay in touch with our emotions. Nature is here to help us stay in touch with our feelings.

In two minutes the simple act of smelling a rose can positively affect our state of mind.

Embracing nature and staying in touch with my feelings…are you?

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Book Review: The Earth In Her Hands…

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Book reviews bring me joy. Especially when they speak my language.

Book reviews are one of my favorite things to do, other than gardening. Especially when they are about gardens, gardening or garden travel. I recently had the opportunity to review a book published by Timber Press. I want to say Thank You to Timber Press for seeing a need and finding the right person to share the message.

The Earth In Her Hands – The Book

The Earth In Her Hands – 75 Extraordinary Women Working in the World of Plants, beautifully written by Jennifer Jewell. Creator of a popular podcast, Cultivating Place: Conversations on Natural History & the Human Impulse to Garden, Jennifer Jewell’s perspective on approaching this topic was truly on point. Choosing the women for this topic had to be quite the ordeal. Who do you leave out? How do you know you have chosen wisely? Jennifers keen instinct on making this a worthwhile book was unique and well-executed.

The conversation throughout the book embraced women in many different fields of work, all pertaining to horticulture. A diverse collection of women who connect with this earth whether in their communities or in the public space.

The Story

In this book, Jennnifer shares not just their story but who inspires them. This is a big question that should actually lead to another book on this topic. Women are often overlooked or minimized in many fields, even horticulture.

Familiar faces are all through this book from Erin Benzakein (Floret), Peggy Cornett (Monticello) to Renee Shepherd (Renee’s Seeds). There are also some women we need to know like Yolanda Burrell (Pollinate Farm and Garden), Leslie Bennett (Pine House Edible Gardens) and Robin Wall Kimmerer (Center for Native Peoples and The Environment).

Finding joy in making bouquets would inspire a carer for Christin Geall. Such a simple act of self-expression has created a life long way of enjoying what she does.

Filling A Need

The need to inspire young women of all ages to just get outside, garden with a passion and see where that passion leads is important. As I read this book the first time, there was something very obvious. Most of the women in this book had been introduced to the garden at a young age. The impact of connecting to the earth always amazes me. One story and quote sticks in my mind. Marta McDowell (NY Botanical Garden) shared after visiting the Emily Dickenson house. “…A door opened that day, and I stepped through it.”

This quote really spoke to me as a Gardener and a Garden Communicator.

I am on the fourth reading of its book as I investigate the Other Inspiring Women recommended by the interviewees. With Mother’s Day gifting in mind, this is a book worth gifting.

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Ruffles of The Peony Party – A Celebration

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Ruffles and flourishes like a crinoline slip as the Peony Parade begins.

Ruffles make me happy. Reminding me of the dresses my Mom would make to celebrate the Spring season. Particularly for Easter. When I was a toddler, Mom’s mindset was the more fabric the better. When I see old photos, I wish she had used fewer ruffles.

I appreciate the abundant ruffles in my garden. Especially when I see the tree peony party begin in my yard. Bursting at the seams, the petals of pink bring back many memories. They remind me of days when I was doing the same, in my Easter dress with fabric galore!

This year, a pink peony was the star of my tree peony parade. As she slowly performed a striptease this week, I became a garden voyeur.

Tight buds held the blooms close until the right time…

Two buds closest to the walkway seemed so excited to see each day. The promise of ruffles, upon ruffles of beauty, was part of my nightly dream.

Two buds…patiently waiting to bring me joy…

One by one, the layers pushed away from the calyx…

Layer upon layer the buds held the petals of pink crinoline tightly.

Being late was not part of this peony’s plan. She wanted to be the star of my garden. Pretty in Pink to capture the attention due to her.

Ruffles pushing through with all their strength…

Until finally, the tree peony fluffed her petals, shook the dew off her crinoline of abundance, sighed, and stretched forth her petals…


Ruffles and more ruffles…let the peony party begin!

Are you familiar with the Tree Peony? Is there a parade of bodacious pompom blooms gracing your garden? I adore the Tree peony blooms for the joy they bring to my garden party!

ODE TO THE TREE PEONY

Up high she stood

Patiently absorbing the dew

As the day brightened

The calyx could no longer hold her back

One by one, the petals began to unfurl

Rosey pink ruffles gently set free

Wafting in the air was music

A Spring sonnet, only she could hear

The song of the earth waking from a winter’s nap

The death orchestra began

Signaling it was time for the dance

She was the party starter this year

As she unruffled her dress

Ruffled and ready for the dance of the season

Teri Speight, Cottage In The Court

Ode to the Tree Peony

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Being Present In The Moment

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Being present in the moment helps one appreciate the act of living.

Being present in the moment is a state of mind that might be difficult at the moment. Having to practice social distancing after 4 days gives me a reason to pause. I am such a people person. The reality of more distancing is truly something to think about. I long to see my grandsons, daughters, and co-workers. It really hit today when my oldest daughter said she would drive by just so she could see my face. I gulped, as my tears welled up in my eyes. Those words hit home. The sober reality of being present in the moment was even more important.

Elizabeth Gilbert recently shared some seeds of wisdom on being present in the moment. A practice shared with her by a friend when she was in need. As she shared, the feeling of being sad, frightened or anxious can take us to a place of uncertainty. This particular practice of being in the present is quite simple. 5-4-3-2-1can be practiced throughout the day. I did it several times a day this week and realized this was worth sharing. This is a practice that can be done by anyone and anywhere.

5- CAN YOU SEE THINGS?

Being present starts by counting five things that you see around you. As I wandered through my garden, here is what I noticed.

I saw my Yoshino Cherry Tree with her amazing blooms in my back yard…
One of the midseason peonies has broken ground. A visual treat that made me smile…
The possibly coral bloom of a rescued Camellia was almost fully opened today. I think it is more of a pink color than a coral. I am ok with this. Being in the moment caused me to gasp with glee.
A simple daffodil in the midst of a border I am renovating as I have time. I paused digging when I saw the foliage and gave it time to bloom.
The seedlings that sat in the planter until the proper time finally broke through the soil.

4 – CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

What 4 things can you hear? Two brothers, neighborhood children, were outside riding their bikes. This was a pleasant sound earlier today. It meant there was human interaction – a sound I have missed this week.

The sound of someone with a leaf blower. People can use this time to catch up on last-minute seasonal tasks. Being present in the moment means we do not have to rush right now.

The gentle breeze created the sound of nature’s wind chimes. To hear the subtle rattle in the trees helped clear my thoughts. Clearing one’s mind is a great way to practice being in the present.

What sounded like small jackhammers was actually a chorus of woodpeckers. The art of hunting for food in the deadwood of large trees stood out in the otherwise quiet of the day.

3 – FEELING THREE THINGS

It was a bit challenging deciding on just three things that reflected what I could feel. There was so much in the garden that I could feel.

I love the feel of soil between my fingers. Warm to the touch in the pots, yet colder when grasped from the ground below.

Breathing deeply, in and out, allowed me to feel my lungs expand. The feeling of the crisp air as I breathed in was refreshing to my spirit. I was so thankful to be able to experience this. The chilly air was quite refreshing and helped my body maintain a balanced temperature as I raked last year’s leaves from my walkway. Practicing being present in the moment definitely has kept me in a positive mental place.

A thorn caught my sleeve which caused me to notice the egg sack of a praying mantis.

As I reached under a rose bush, a thorn caught my sleeve. Working to release my sleeve, I noticed an ootheca. More commonly known as a praying mantis egg case. When the female praying mantis creates this protective case it is soft. Eventually, it hardens for the safekeeping of the babies within. Touching this crispy outer shell with its ridges, created a feeling of hope. I caressed it and hoped that they would all survive and be a part of my garden’s eco-system. Not cleaning up the garden has its virtues. I have found more surprises throughout the garden.

2 – TWO FOR YOU

Focusing on two things that I could smell was one of the easiest things to practice. The scent of a frequently used body oil rode the breeze every time I moved.

Oak Moss by Anu Prestonia is a hydrating body oil with an earthy scent. As I raked, my body warmed up and the scent intensified and immersed me into a good mental space. This fragrance allows me to be present at this very moment.

My herb garden offers wonderful fragrances. As I dream of warmer days, I crush the leaves of this oregano and rub onto my hand. The scent of the garden invokes a sense of calm.

The herb pot by my mailbox is coming to life. When I touch the emerging oregano leaves, the scent causes me to daydream. I imagine cooking a nice pot of pasta sauce. Using fresh herbs from the garden like this oregano, fresh basil, or even leaves from my Bay Leaf plant takes me to a place of calm.

1 – JUST PICK ONE

Finally, the one thing I can taste right as I practice being in the moment is ginger. The slightly spicy, tangy ginger is a staple in my world. I cut a few slivers to chew throughout the day. Fresh ginger is considered an anti-inflammatory, and it tastes good to me. I even bruise a knob of ginger and put it in my water overnight for flavor. A simple act worth trying.

Practicing this method will help in being present in the moment. How do you practice being here..present at this very moment? Let’s continue to stay in touch as social distancing has been rescribed for each of us.

Time to sow more seeds in this period of social distancing.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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