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Mr. Jefferson and the Cherry Blossoms – A Little Known Story

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Mr. Jefferson often goes unnoticed at this time of the year. However his work with the Cherry Blossoms is something we all should remember.

Mr. Jefferson is not just another native Washingtonian. The Mr. Jefferson I
want to share with you is an African American and a botanist. One who we are
proud of particularly at this time of the year. Our Mr. Jefferson was an
International authority on certain flowering cherry trees. Not many people are
aware of his work. These famous Cherry trees attract tourism to the Nation’s
Capital each spring. As a native Washingtonian, I am so proud to share a little
knowledge about Mr. Jefferson.

Roland Maurice Jefferson graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Botany. Finding work in any field for an African American man
in those days, was a little hard. Mr. Jefferson was eager to use his education
in a professional setting. It was the United States Arboretum which opened
their doors to this young man. Mr. Jefferson seized the opportunity to show a
dedication to his botanical skills in addition to a good work ethic.

In any field, starting out in “junior” positions is a common
practice. Having a degree in Botany, he was hired to make labels. Well, Roland
made labels the best way he knew how. He even created labels in metal so they
would last longer. Noticing his determination to make a difference, the United
States Arboretum made the conscientious decision to promote Mr. Jefferson.
Finally, his job title was Botanist. Imagine in 1957 being the first African
American Botanist for the US Arboretum. As an only child, Mr. Jefferson knew
that he had to be the best in whatever he chose to pursue.

We have all begun to realize, that history has not shared enough of the
African American experience in many professions. I am a native Washingtonian.
Sadly, I cannot say there was any mention of Roland on the school field trips
to see the Cherry Blossoms. Our teachers shared limited information on the back
story of the trees and their care. We knew they were a gift, and a tourist
attraction. Many school age children have witnessed this African American man’s
story and never knew it. How many children never realized that a favorite topic
of study is the seed which can become a profession, simply by continuing their
education??

Do you know how many untold number of hours Roland invested writing about
our favored Cherry Trees? He wrote a book, “The
Japanese Flowering Cherry Trees of Washington, DC: A Living Symbol of
Friendship“.

In 1976, the year I graduated from senior high school, Mr. Jefferson
recognized the Cherry trees were in trouble. Botanists are trained to recognize
signs of decline on many things we grow. Taking over one hundred cuttings
allowed Mr. Jefferson to propagate seedlings of the original cherry trees.
Today we are enjoying the offspring of the original trees. As an avid tree
lover, I could not be more thankful for the efforts of this man. I like to
think Mr. Jefferson was just showing off his skills.

The conversation of the African-American experience in horticulture, generally
involves sharecropping. For many people, George Washington Carver is the
ultimate beginning and end of the conversation. Botany provided Roland the
opportunity of a lifetime. I imagine there are more African Americans who have
made a difference in horticulture. We need to unearth and share these stories
all year long – not just in February.

The handiwork of this Botanist can be seen around the world. From his many
seed swaps throughout Europe, Japan Korea and Taiwan, his legacy lives on.
Roland made sure we have a diverse selection of Cherry trees to choose from for
any setting. Much of the research we use today for Flowering Cherry trees
evolve from Mr. Jefferson’s work.

This gentleman Botanist donated his papers to the National Arboretum once he
retired. Even though he is no longer with us on earth, I bet he is observing
his handiwork with a smile.

This year, the Cherry Blossoms will bloom early. Perhaps our changes in
temperature and zone are the reason. In any case, the tourists are coming
anytime between now and March 23, 2024. There National Cherry Blossom Festival
will officially begin on March 20th – April 14th.

Thank you Mr. Jefferson for taking the time to be alert, attentive, and
aware of the perils the Cherry Trees were facing. Your actions made it possible
for future generations to enjoy springtime in DC and the Cherry Blossoms.

Dreaming of the Cherry Blossoms signaling the start of a new season,

Teri, Cottage in the Court

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Interplanting – Implementing Diversity in the Garden

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Interplanting is an underused practice in the garden. Most seasoned gardeners are aware of the benefits of this practice. For most small space gardeners or beginning gardeners, this is a game changing technique.

Merriam Webster defines interplanting as a way of planting a crop between plants of another kind. Sounds simple but there are a few methods to this value added way of increasing the fruits of one’s labor as we learn to grow in smaller spaces.

The art of making sound use of all available space in the garden is more important now than ever before. I approached my community garden plot with a different mindset this year. Sharing how to be intentional in what I grew was important to me. The words of Michael Twitty popped into my head. At a lecture years ago, He spoke about how in years past, African American communities relied on bartering between families. One person grew tomatoes, and another might grow greens. As food grew in backyards, pots and sometimes front yards, sharing with others in need was a common practice. The community commitment was to ensure no ere committed to ensuring food was available for those who were in need.

When the season started, I grew lettuce. This was an easy crop and great for growing in the cooler temperatures of Spring. From Buttercrunch to Red Sails, my lettuce provided me with fresh greens every week. I also added Rainbow Chard for additional color in the garden and on my plate. What is life without a few blooms? The calendula added that special touch in small vases as well as sprinkled on my salads.

Borage is my herb of choice for many reasons in addition to the beautiful blue blooms. This plant is a pollinator magnet. The bees and butterflies are always having a party in my plot. Each time I approach my plot, I smile, pause and eventually stop. It is as if I am waiting for the performance to stop. It is amazing to see natures little friends perform a summer waltz.

Another benefit of Borage is the plants ability to repel certain pests. The plants in my plot have no holes in the leaves. In addition, Borage roots reach deep and bring much needed nutrients to the surrounding soil. Did you know that Borage makes a great tea that is know for reliving stress? This is a plant with super powers and cute blooms.

Snipping just enough blue blooms to fill an ice tray, I add water. Gently, I place the tray in my freezer. When preserving special memories of summer for later use, I often refer to it as locking away a seasonal smile. I will use these blooms in iced tea or cocktails. It is fun to explore the many varieties of blooms and leaves which are candidates for preserving. It is a great way to remember the gifts of the season.

Interplanting with Intention

Now that the heat is on in the garden, it is time for enhancing my four foot by eight foot plot. While am still harvesting Chard, the other lettuces are beginning to bolt. It is easy to pull the entire plant and add peppers. I choose hot, mild and always a few sweet peppers to insert where there ae gaps. The warmer temps ensure that my garden gaps are no longer vacant.

The foliage of the peppers will provide just enough shade for a second crop of a few heat tolerant lettuces and perhaps some heirloom carrots. Did you know carrots are great groundbreakers? Pepper plant roots enjoy loose soil. Interplanting a root crop like carrots can open up compacted soils. This allows roots to grow deeply. The foliage of the carrots also form a beautiful living mulch. Try mixing the carrot seeds with sand for better distribution and less thinning. It isn’t too late for a few marigolds or onions as a way of maximizing the space and keeping the pepper roots cool.

Basil will fill out the rest of the garden behind the peppers. I can never grow to much basil. Large leaf basil is great for making wraps in lieu of bread. Sweet basil, cinnamon basil, as well as lemon basil is great for enhancing iced teas or even water. . A basil patch is a great way to have enough basil for pesto, salads, and more. Basil infused olive oil is simple and delicious for used for dipping assorted breads. Chop basil leaves and add to soup or stews. Here is a fun tip – add to spreadable butter on warm bread for a flavorful and aromatic treat. Try mixing a variety of basil cultivars for a unique blend.

Diversity in plant material introduced with intentional interplanting, contributes to the beauty of the garden. In the book I co-authored with Kathy Jentz, The Urban Garden – 101 Ways to Grow Food and Beauty in the Garden , we explore many different types of gardening concepts, including potagers and raised beds. Did you know you can interplant in a pot? Spring is the perfect time to begin interplanting. If there are gaps in a plot or a pot, add a few seeds or starter plants. Many times these plants will disguise fading blooms or foliage. As the season warms up, crops like Cilantro or Lettuces will begin to bolt. What a great opportunity to save the seed and plant something else.

Sit with your garden and explore any opportunities to interplant. It does not matter if it is for food or beauty, add an unexpected touch to your greenspace. Intentionally introducing diversity into the garden has never been easier than interplanting throughout the season. Interplanting also gives any gardener a head start on second season gardening.

Pausing in my garden with a glass of cucumber basil water. It is quite refreshing on a hot day like today.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

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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

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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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Pollinate – Spreading the Love of Gardening

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Cottage In The Court
Cottage In The Court believes in stimulating conversation to pollinate the mind about all things gardening.

Pollinate, as defined by Merriam Webster is a verb. It means – to give (a plant) pollen from another plant of the same kind so that seeds will be produced. I compare garden podcasting as a way to pollinate the mind. As a garden communicator, I have recently found joy outside the garden, as a podcaster. In my opinion, podcasting is a way of pollinating my listener’s minds, thereby sowing seeds to encourage gardening.

POLLINATE BY PODCAST

Just like the garden, this world of podcasting is diverse. Each podcast has a style that reaches the mind of the listener. Depending on your style, there is a podcast where information is shared which fits your taste. The perception that there is only one way to learn about the garden is as extinct as the dinosaur. Here are a few local ways that podcasting is a conduit to pollinate the mind.

WORDS, PEOPLE, PROSE

I love to read, meet all types of people, visit great gardens, and well, a good poem always brings me joy. Anchor.fm is the allotment where I plant a few seeds. It is on this platform I share people in horticulture, poetry, or a few words about finding the beauty that surrounds us. I try to introduce others to the coolest plants people, horticulturists, plants, books, and whatever else I find interesting. Of course, it is called Cottage In The Court.

It is all about the garden in my world. I must warn you…my world is truly the world. My best friend is an affordable trip to a garden, of course! Why not listen here. Subscribe…I have so much to share!!

GARDENS’N’PLANTS…OH MY!

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Two garden communicators talking about what’s growing in their gardens, places they have been, and things to do in the DMV.

This is a collaborative podcast that a friend of mine, Peggy Riccio of PegPlants.com, and I are growing. Together we co-host, Gardens’nPlantsPodcast where we talk about what is going on in our gardens, places we visit, and activities throughout the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia). We are two Garden Communicators and members of GardenComm, International who share our love of gardening. It is a great way to know what is blooming, where to go, and activities that embrace gardening. At the moment we are bi-weekly. However, as we begin to move about freely, you just might hear from us a bit more. You can listen to us here. Subscribe…we are growing!

WAIT A MINUTE…HOE ON!

The world of garden podcasting world is amazing. The University of Maryland has even been bitten by the bug!! Proving that collaborative efforts are meaningful The Garden Hoes are a thing. These hosts have some serious “garden cred”.

Emily Zobel, Mikaela Boley, and Rachel Rhodes are The Garden Hoes. A podcast supported by the University of Maryland is chock full of certified, verified information anyone can use. Once a month The Garden Hoes disseminate information that is seasonally appropriate. There is also a Q&A email to ask and get qualified answers about the garden. The University of Maryland has so much to offer, subscribe, and stay in the know!!

NATIVELY SPEAKING…

John Magee is a successfully transplanted garden communicator in the DMV. He is quite the resource when considering what to plant for the insects we need to pollinate our gardens.

For a discussion about natives, my friend John Magee hosts The Native Plant Podcast. First of all, for over 20 years, John Magee has earned the recognition and respect of his peers in the world of horticulture. John is known for designing sustainable, as well as eco-friendly spaces. On his podcast, John delves deeply into native plants, truly cool people, and discussions on ecology. You really learn a lot about the topics, as well as the people John chooses for The Native Plant Podcast. If you subscribe, I promise you will not want to miss an episode.

WASHINGTON GARDENER MAGAZINE…AND PODCAST TOO!

Washington Gardener Magazine is a part of the Washington DC landscape. This magazine is one of the reasons many in the Mid Atlantic have discovered the joy of gardening. Beginners, as well as seasoned gardeners, have looked to Washington Gardener magazine to pollinate thoughts of bodacious gardens. Now, Kathy Jentz has been bitten by the bug. GardenDCPodcast is where one can find plant profiles, seed swap discussions, voices of people in horticulture, and more. Remember…subscribe and follow.

When resources are needed to amplify the voice of gardening, there are many I can name. There is a community of garden communicators who are unique. Each has diverse listeners, with similar interests, and different listening styles. Just like the insects that pollinate our gardens, each listener will have a different perspective on how they want information delivered. From Blogs, talks, interviews, and now podcasts to pollinate our minds…gardening just got better!

Here are a few other podcasts you might want to listen to:

Plantrama.com, The Gardenangelists, Cultivating Space, Steven Biggs, …just a few of my favorites. Pollinate your need to garden and listen to a podcast on gardening. Don’t forget to subscribe!! It is a great way to feed the soul.

Putting on my headset, turning on the microphone, and chatting with friends who pollinate my heart,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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