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How to Grow a Garden

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How to Grow a Garden by Ellen Mary ( quercusbooks.co.uk) is a great book to encourage anyone to garden.

It always helps to have a how to manual. For many gardeners, finding a book which offers basic information on how to garden is important. For many new gardeners, how to grow a garden is a daunting proposition. Mary Ellen has carefully written a book that eases the stress of beginning a garden.

Written as a beginners guide to creating a thriving outdoor space, this book is not just for beginners. It encompasses the basics which many gardeners might not remember. This book is a great fresher course, as well as an opportunity to learn something new. Page 37, Why We Garden helps us answer the reason we need this information in an easy to read format.

As the garden community continues to grow, the topic of time and space often enters our minds. How to Grow a Garden touches on these topics like a sprinkling of seasoning- not too intense, but just right. Who knew there are ways to garden if you have ten minutes or an hour? Mary Ellen describes the basics of a container that will continually provide interest throughout the seasons. The thriller, filler, spiller recipe is always a winning combination. Mary provides the reader with a list of basic plants to begin creating an amazing container planting.

Gardening takes time. There are tasks which could take an hour per week and even up to half a day per week. Mary shares examples of timeframes when time is an issue. She even reminds the small space gardener of rule number 1 -Don’t try to squeeze too much in. The information Mary Ellen provides is just enough to keep the gardener thinking about how they want to garden.

In my opinion, the main course of Mary Ellen’s book is Chapter 5 – Keeping Plants Alive. From tips on watering, feeding and weeding, Mary Ellen gently covers the basics of keeping the garden alive. She even touches on pest control – which by summer, is on the minds of many gardeners. Mary addresses the basic questions that will cross many gardeners’ minds.

Mary Ellen serves the reader compost for dessert. How to make it, and use it has been simplified on the pages of this book. It is always great to have a recipe for the proper ingredients to use when beginning composting. She provides a list of the basic items needed for compost to happen organically. The Gardening Year at a Glance provides the gardener something to look for throughout the garden season. It is useful to have a list of what to expect to bloom throughout the season. The author invites the reader to become more knowledgeable about gardening by suggesting additional books and websites.

How to Grow a garden is a great gift for gardeners of all levels. Mary Ellen shares from her experiences and theories, how the reader can have a successful gardening experience. She shares this knowledge and experiences with clarity and enthusiasm.

Thank you Mary Ellen for a book that provides a fulfilling feast for any gardener.

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Black Flora – An Enlightening Gift

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Black Flora is not just a book. It was written with intention and from my heart with love.

A few years ago, Debra Prinzing, Slow Flowers Society, approached me with an idea to consider. The African American voice was nonexistent in the world of floristry. Not that we were not making a difference in this space, it was simply not acknowledged. There are many books about farming as African Americans which currently dominate the book world. None of these books focused on the importance of the flower farmer or floral designer. A book, Black Flora, was born out of this conversation. I am grateful for the opportunity, and I truly consider it a gift to anyone who might read it.

This book gently captures the story of how flowers heal, create opportunities, and simply bring joy in unusual ways for each person profiled in Black Flora. With each interview, the uniqueness of each person stirred my soul. There is a familiar thread found in each journey. As my friend, Abra Lee constantly reminds the world as she speaks on the significance of African Americans in horticulture, “We are not new to this.”

In several conversations, those featured in Black Flora discussed how growing and creating beauty from flowers is a part of our genetic remembrance. It reminds us of ancestral lands or reimagining blooms we could not afford. The road to the many ways the flowers found us was not always hard. African Americans who chose to delve deeper into the world of floriculture is a story not often shared.

As an author, I realized that this book would be meaningful to anyone who might not know what their life journey would look like. If college were not a consideration, could creating beauty from nature be an option? Would it pay? Was there a way to shadow someone, would their unique perspective be appreciated? Most importantly, would they be given an opportunity to shine in their uniqueness? The subjects and their respective profiles share experiences that give the reader a glimpse into their world.

As the book became available, I was ecstatic. Capturing the journey of twenty-five African American individuals (and one young family) was relevant. These stories were long overdue. This was an opportunity to read their stories and be inspired. My vision was that someone could go to the library, or see it on a coffee table, and be empowered by reading the stories found in Black Flora. I compared it to sowing seeds of inspiration to those who might not imagine an alternative way of making a living.

PAYING IT FORWARD

This special gift includes the colors of the Monarch. Did you know that some cultures feel the spirits of loved ones live through nature and our environment – or even in the garden?

One day I received a beautiful item in the mail. Each time I looked at this piece of garden art, a certain energy was felt. I felt the importance of sharing the stories of these ambitious African American flower farmers, floral designers, and florists. As I embraced the beauty and symbolism of this piece, there was a strong desire to make certain this important narrative was shared. As in many industries, we are important and deserve to be acknowledged – even in the world of floriculture. We can be successful, as we embrace the beauty that our ancestors might not have had the opportunity to enjoy on a different day, at a different time.

A note accompanying this gift encouraged me to pay it forward. Paying it forward was reinforced to me as a child. My sharecropping ancestors paid it forward as they shared their harvests with those less fortunate. From the Hydrangea and Iris found on family land, they found a way to incorporate beauty into their garden. Photos of sky-high Mammoth sunflowers grown by my Great Aunt in the heart of Washington, DC, continue to amaze me. The sunflowers were something that brought joy to my relatives and their neighbors. These blooms were shared with anyone who asked.

How could I pay it forward in a meaningful way?

This was on my mind at every speaking opportunity, and media mention. I began to hear the book had become hard to find. In some areas, the book had sold out. This was quite a surprise. The importance found in each story was evident. It was appealing to the public. I had felt compelled to pay it forward.

Reaching out to share this book with those who might not have it within reach, is the purpose of this giveaway.

THE GIVEAWAY

So, I am reaching out to young people, youth groups, mid-lifers, teachers, and librarians who might benefit from acquiring this book. This week, I will host a book giveaway. One person will receive a signed copy of Black Flora. There is a little work involved.

  1. Like and comment on this blog post.
  2. Write a 64-word or less paragraph sharing why you want this book. The most impactful short paragraph will be considered. All entries must be received by midnight, January 20th. One entry per person – to be fair. The winner will be announced on February 1, 2023. I will mail the winner a signed copy of Black Flora.

(Stay tuned, I am hearing Black Flora will be reprinted as an eBook in the Spring.)

I cannot express OUR gratitude to each person who purchased Black Flora and multiple copies of the book (shout out to the Texas ladies who attended Pam Pennick’s Garden Spark!) Thank you for recognizing the importance of the book, the portraits, and our story.

Like a perennial in the garden, this story is not over. The seeds will resprout in my voice, as well as in the voices of others as we share the beauty of being enamored with flowers and creating.

My ancestors speak to me in the most unique ways. As a seedling of a lengthy line of school builders, and educators, from slavery forward, I understand the importance of our story. I also accept the assignment that our story continues to be shared.

This giveaway is my way of giving back and sowing good seeds along the way.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

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Gardening In Community – A Greener World

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Gardening has increased in recent years. As we embrace our earth, there are many different perspectives to consider. The Healthy Garden – Simple Steps For A Greener World is a book that many have been waiting for.

Gardening within a community is a common practice nowadays. Community gardening has become quite a loaded phrase. It can mean collaborating with others who garden or physically gardening in the community. Gathering to learn more about gardening is a way to connect with other gardeners.

The Healthy Garden: Simple Steps for a Greener World has touched upon these and other ways to garden in the community. A greener world is something many people, gardeners or non-gardeners desire. Mary-Kate Mackey and Kathleen Norris Brenzel provide diverse perspectives on how we can achieve this goal. As I read this wonderful book, the conversations presented truly gave me hope.

Design, selecting plants, and the wellness benefits of gardening, are discussed in the first few chapters. Offering tips from some well-known horticultural voices, this book gently breaks down the definition of a healthy garden. Embrace your place, frame a view, forever and for now – each of these topics are defined, giving gardeners permission to garden uniquely.

Answering the question of why grow your own food is answered in this book. Knowing where your food is sourced is important. Growing what you consume is a great way to stay engaged with a vegetable plot or pot. It is a fantastic way to explore other cultures and growing methods. Making a small investment for a pack of seeds can provide unimaginable amounts of produce to share. Having a good mix of vegetables, herbs, and flowers to provide for our pollinators is key. From foodscaping to what size pots you will need – this book is quite the resource.

Exercise is all a part of gardening. Stretching underused muscles and constant motion all help keep our bodies in shape. Mental clarity is a bonus benefit. Imagine spending an afternoon gazing at a butterfly or hummingbird. The joy of pausing to discover the simple serenity of the garden is almost like medicine. Making time to pause in the garden is the perfect way to find balance in life. A garden is a useful tool for healing.

This book gives the reader permission to engage with the earth, as they see fit. Permission to enjoy what you have or to borrow from examples in other gardens. Who wouldn’t want to feel good about changing a landscape as you see fit? Utilizing the plant ladder concept in your garden offers a heightened awareness of the beauty found in layers. No matter where you are planting, multi-level plantings encourage the eye to look up and down. The higher plants become the focal point as they utilize groundcovers to create a living much.

Let’s talk about critical, touchy viewpoints – growing native plants. From the benefits to the drawbacks, growing with an emphasis on diversity is key to a greener, healthy garden.  No matter what part of the country, no matter what your climate is (this year), this book has digestible information. These authors interviewed over sixty horticulturists. The information shared provides a buffet of perspectives and immeasurable knowledge.

Every seasoned gardener knows that creating spaces and laces to pause is an essential part of enjoying the garden. A single chair placed near a specific plant is an act of gardening with intention. It allows the gardener to pause and rest. It is a perfect example of how pausing is as essential as weeding. Actually, pausing to appreciate the art of gardening allows us to connect with nature in our familiar greenspaces. Taking time to enjoy and not just work in our green spaces, enables us to enjoy calm, serenity, and peace.

Community gardens are great places to find like-minded neighbors. Green spaces where neighbors can gather provide opportunities to hone great gardening skills. By participating in community gardens, there is magic in what is shared. The obvious successes as produce is shared and enjoyed by all, take precedence over the failures. The conversations enjoyed in these spaces often lead to lifelong relationships as they build strong communities.

In my local community garden, we are growing together. We gather for plot-to-plate events where we share the items we grow. Gathering in community gardens provides fertile ground for sharing recipes or offering up canning advice. Gardening in the community is a way to experiment with unfamiliar foods and flowers. Listening to the elders, experimenting with the youth, and staying abreast of the latest trends, keeps the conversations exciting and engaging – no matter the perspective or experience.

This book is a gift for all types of gardeners. The words ring true as each segment of this book offers digestible bites of perspectives on a healthy garden and greener world. As the heat of the summer sun suggests we linger longer in the shade, this is a perfect book to have on hand.

Did I mention, that you just might find someone you know on page 178? There are a few books that single out one topic. By looking at the topics that matter to most gardeners, these ladies offer a fresh perspective. I am glad these authors knew this book was necessary. Gardeners young and old want useful information. Finding the words to create a plan of action for gardeners everywhere is right on time.

I am working on unique ways to use what I grow in my community garden and sharing it with my plot partners. If you want a book filled with useful ideas, consider adding this book to your library.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

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A Floral Love Story – All About Flowers

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A floral love story can be demonstrated even from the tip of a pen. Thomas J. Mickey shares a love story about a man, his passion for gardening, and how it changed horticulture along the way.

All About Flowers James Vick’s Nineteenth-Century Seed Company by Thomas J. Mickey should be considered a floral love story. This book shares the story of the man, his passion, and how he sowed seeds to build his community.

Victorian Flowers of all types have played a role in my garden life. My Dad admired them and well…the blossom does not fall too far from the stem. They evoke emotion and are just timelessly beautiful. From tulips, carnations, roses, and more, Victorian flowers have been a part of our lives for quite some time. With beginnings as an aficionado of the written word, James Vick, a writer, used that experience and created a career in horticulture. In today’s world, James Vick would be considered a Master Marketer. Known for his publications, such as Vick’s Floral Guide, you could say he was one of the first Horticultural Influencers. I would say he was a man before his time. This man has a story and the world needs to be made aware that many times, heroes do not wear capes, they embrace horticulture.

In my opinion, this book is a beautiful floral love story. I love finding out about people who are like everyday seeds found in our gardens. When we get to know them, they germinate into specialty seedlings in our living landscapes.  The author, Thomas J. Mickey, literally helps the reader get to know Mr. Vick. The journey takes us to 1856, where Mr. Vick published his own magazine until 1878 – Vick’s Illustrated Monthly and beyond. As most garden writers know, there are always words to express our joy of seeds, buds, flowers, and more. I sincerely wish I had known Mr. Vick to hear about his love story in person.

At one point, Mr. Vick had more than one housand tulip bulbs blooming in his home garden. Can you imagine that display? At the time, his seed company was being operated out of his home. So many people wandered by to observe what was blooming in the garden, it created a local distraction in the best way possible. Mr. Vick had to move the business to a warehouse nearby. He inspired so many people to garden, he disrupted his neighborhood.

This man was such a horticultural hero, one of his customers wrote a poem about twelve of their favorite annuals. Each of these plants was grown from seed purchased from Mr. Vick. Appreciating the love, James Vick made certain to feature the poem in his magazine. That is just one way he connected with the community. The community supported his efforts to beautify the home inside and out with the finest florals from around the world. Mr. Vick was not just writing about flowers, but collecting, sharing, and encouraging others to experience the world of horticulture.

For once, I really cannot say what my favorite part of this book was. In its entirety, All About Flowers has introduced me to a Horticultural Hero I wish I had known. I strongly encourage others to read this book. Getting to know the man, his ideology, and discovering his favorite flowers is like meeting someone very special.

From now on, when I consider which Victorian flower I will choose to grow, I will think of how James Vick influenced the world of gardening.

Thomas J. Mickey has truly shared a floral love story, celebrating the spirit of this Englishman, Mr. James Vick.

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Cottage Gardens – A Renewed Look

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Cottage gardens have been considered a classis. This book takes a renewed look at creating a modern twist.

Cottage gardens are simply beautiful. I am not sure if it is the uniquely compatible way of planting everything you love, or the creative chaos. There is a method behind this creative way of gardening. The Modern Cottage Garden by Greg Loades takes the reader on quite the journey.

First of all, the author is in my head. I am THAT gardener who cannot resist the plant in the nursery. I do not always know where it will be planted in my garden, but certain it belongs with me. When an author speaks to you, it is easy to begin falling in love with how one interprets the garden.

COTTAGE VISITS

Two special gardens in the United Kingdom begin this book’s journey. Greg explains the ideology behind the making of these beautiful sites. The gardens at Newby Hall and Scampston Walled Garden are beautifully photographed. Capturing not just the pictures, but explaining their classic styles was of interest. I ventured outside and realized…I can plant more. What is a Cottage garden without a plan?

COTTAGE HOW TO’S

Greg had my heart when he shared the diversity found in a private garden in Cambridgeshire. I quickly realized I need to attend the National Garden Scheme. This will be on the to-do list of garden travels …but I digress. Suggestions on planting the modern cottage garden like being curious, spontaneity matters, and more, are a gentle way of creating a plan. Yes, those flower-filled borders in almost continual bloom do need to have a starting point. With thoughts of garden accessories like pots or a backdrop of some type, help set the tone.

Sharing plant combinations for a multitude of spaces, lawn reconsideration, and more are helpful to the reader. The container chapters were quite the game-changer for me. Pots and containers truly make quite the cottage garden with the proper recipe.

SEASON-BY-SEASON

In every season, a modern cottage garden can delight its owner. It all comes down to what you plant and how it is maintained. The author covers this and more. Timber Press knew this was a book worth having in any cottage gardener’s dreams. The photographs of how the garden evolves in each season are amazing. Each season includes a to-do list as well as maintenance tips. As most gardeners know, the care of our plants equals the joy they bring to our gardens.

PLANTS FOR DESSERT

There are plants and then there are essential plants. I truly love this style of gardening and this plant list has given me confidence. After perusing this list of fifty plants, I realized that I am in good shape. I only need a handful of plants from the list – and perhaps a few more pots.

If a creative, well-planned, chaotic, and diverse garden is in your dreams, I highly recommend this book. From the gardens which were shared to the creative plant combinations, this book is inspirational.

Off to the garden center, I could have sworn I saw a gap in my garden!

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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