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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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NCAGC Presidents Trip

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NCAGC stands for the National Capitol Area Garden Clubs. A Federated Garden Club with some of the most interesting people I have met.

As a member of the Capitol Hill Garden Club – District I, the opportunities are exceptionally exciting. Under the Leadership of President Edwin Peterman, Capitol Hill Garden Club continues to be a welcoming and growing Garden Club. I am proud to be a member and glad to represent CHGC on this journey.

The President of NCAGC is Robin Hammer and I can’t tell you how enthusiastic she is about NCAGC. Starting today, we are embarking on a 4 day trip to the Newport Rhode Island Flower Show. Four days with like minded NCAGC members and guests, interested in exploring Newport Mansions and Flowers, of course.

Our Presidents Trip Tour Directress is Ronnie Levay.

Ronnie chose Haymarket Bus Lines to get us to Newport safely in cool and comfortable conditions.

Clinton, our driver, checked his GPS to make certain we are on the best possible route.

SENIOR TRAVEL

Senior travel definitely has a more relaxing feel. Everyone is simply kicking back and enjoying the ride. We are talking to each other and few are performing the “cellphone prayer” position. Hearing words has never been so good! We are engaging with each other or reading real books. One NCAGC member even brought along assorted magazines to share. Thinking and sharing as a collective group is wonderful!

One of the NCAGC members even took over the microphone to inform and assist everyone on how to connect to the Haymarket bus WIFI. Anyone having difficulty, she happily walked down the aisle to assist. Did I mention our group consists of Senior men and women? The camaraderie demonstrated within this group is amazing. From sharing stretching techniques at rest stops, crying at the movie “Parental Guidance” to simply starting good conversation – NCAGC continues to be the perfect bloom in my life garden.

Why even old friends have come along for 4 days of exploring Newport Mansions with the NCAGC.

I had to dig up my travel buddy,Mary Alice O’Halloran to enjoy this excursion, perhaps to meet other Seniors or just to enjoy the experience.

BUS VS. PLANE?

Why take a bustrip? The opportunity to meet other people who are interested in flowers and gardening for the pleasure of it. There is time to chit chat, share garden stories, time to take naps. and no baggage check. In a less than perfect world, the pleasure of escaping into floral bliss with the NCAGC is certainly the break I needed.

WISE WORDS

As Blaise Pascal once said “In difficult times, one should always carry something beautiful in your mind”.

This bus, filled with Senior and a few Potential Senior NCAGC members and guests are in the mood to embrace the beauty that will surround us. Follow our journey over the next few days as we enjoy our Presidents Trip to the Newport Rhode Island Flower Show.

GARDEN EXPERIENCES WITH COTTAGE IN THE COURT

Stay tuned for small group Garden Experiences curated by Cottage In The Court. If you desire a “garden experience” instead of a garden trip, wait til you see what surprises are in store. A Girlfriend’s Day Out, Horticultural Bridal Showers, Small Group Garden Chats, a simple Garden Club Travel Guide to discovering all things beautiful, there is something about the garden for everyone.

Stay tuned and consider a Garden Experience with Cottage In The Court.Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

Garden Bloggers Fling 2017…Anticipating Bliss

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Garden Bloggers Fling 2017 in the DMV

I have been anticipating this year’s Garden Bloggers Fling 2017 for quite some time. Maintaining my composure as I waited has been challenging. Trying to hide my excitement when people have asked the question “What is a Garden Bloggers Fling 2017?” has been difficult!I even tried to not give away too much information about the sponsors, speakers and raffle items that we will have the opportunity to win. (Did I mention the Swag Bags – you will need a personal crane…oops!)

One of the hidden gardens on Our National Mall

What is the Garden Bloggers Fling??

No, it is not a group of Gardeners flinging things at each other. It IS an intimate gathering of like-minded passionate garden bloggers who come together and share the experience of visiting bodacious gardens in a specific region. The Garden Bloggers Fling 2017 will encompass the awesomely wonderful, fabulous and unique Washington, DC region – DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Four days of horticultural BLISS, starting right in the Nation’s Capital. I am holding back because it has been killing me to NOT go to my favorite haunt, The United States Botanic Gardens to share how gorgeous it is RIGHT NOW!!!!   OUR National Mall is the first stop – how exciting, right?  If you are not aware of what is happening on the National Mall, I’ve got a little news for you.

Wikipedia Image of the Historic Lockkeepers House on Our National Mall

Did you know that the Trust For The National Mall is in the process of managing the relocation of the infamous Lockkeepers House?  You know that beautiful stone structure at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 17th Street that is 180 years old. I know you have seen it and wondered what are they ever going to do with that?? Well, I have it on good authority that its re-birthing will be awesome.  Lack of funding will NOT keep us from enjoying this beautiful building.

Thank you to the Private Donors who are making the move and restoration possible. Without the Private Donors, the choice to keep this jewel of a building has become a reality. It will become the beacon of historical light, as we welcome visitors to the National Mall. After all, it is the oldest structure on Our National Mall. To keep up on the latest news or to donate, check out the National Mall. Personally, I am still excited about the effort to install Constitution Gardens….one day!!

The Garden Bloggers ae Flinging for 4 days straight!!

Our National Mall has so many gardens and museums that offer education and beauty.  The United States Botanic Gardens offers us inspiration, beauty, programming and so much more. Admittedly, I tend to stalk the United States Botanic Gardens. It is amazing to see the combinations of plant material in the planters as well as on the grounds, the seasonal blooms, and new plant introductions.  Then there is that fountain…

Bartholdi Park and Fountain – a true work of genius…surrounded by teaching gardens…

The fountain of my desire is known to many as the Bartholdi Fountain. Located in the Bartholdi Park, just beyond the rain garden display at United States Botanic Gardens, one simply must pause to see this work of art. Bartholdi Park was completely renovated for the first time since it was created in 1932 last year. It is now considered a SITES Certified garden.  Certification for SITES Projects found just about anywhere from private homes, streetscapes, national parks and more is worth investigating. To find out about SITES Certification click here.

There is so much in store for the attendees of this year’s Garden Bloggers Fling!!! Did I mention I am a Bus Captain??? This is a hard job but someone has got to do it!!! As a native Washingtonian, Avid Volunteer, Supporter of The Trust for The National Mall, Member of The Association of Garden Writers, I am honored to be a part of this awesome event. Did I mention that this is all just a taste of  DAY ONE???!!!

How To Find Out More

Although registration is closed, if you blog about gardens, you might want to click here to check out the Garden Bloggers Fling, for more information. I am dreaming about cultivating new friendships with people I have admired by reading their blogs. Taking tons of pictures of local gardens in late June, I am packing my personalized smelling salts and enjoying the moments will be the mission.

Special smells to revive me if I am overcome by all the beauty that is sure to surround The Garden Bloggers Fling 2017!

I would never have known about the Garden Bloggers Fling if I had not joined The Association of Garden Writers. You would never know what members of The Association of Garden Writers have available upon joining. The opportunity to meet passionate gardeners, experts in horticulture, vendors and free plants –  Did I say FREE PLANTS?? To find out more click #GWA.

Follow me daily starting Thursday, June 22 through Sunday, June 25 on my social media garden plots (Twitter, Instagram, Tumbler, and Facebook) to stay in the loop on all things beautiful. I am considering this Pre-Game Practice for #GWA2017, #BUFFALOGARDENWALK Registration is still open for the 2017 Garden Writers and Communicators Conference. It will be a great way to end the summer and quite the unique vacation idea!

Mentally Flinging,

TeriFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

Fragers Garden Center….I will Miss You

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As a native Washingtonian, I take it personally when I notice that finding resources that are mainstays in the community are disappearing.  As I drove down Pennsylvania Avenue the other day, I noticed what I thought was a rumor become a reality.  Frager’s Hardware Garden Center is moving….or pausing (my prayer).

If you remember there was a fire and then talk of renovation.  The fire truly took its toll on the surrounding Frager Community, as well as the customers – like me.  I anticipated the pots of Primrose, Stock and other early cool season annuals that welcomed us in late winter….but not this year.  I have to tell you I am devastated. When things like this happen to make way for housing or small businesses, I truly understand.  I also understand that finding affordable land or space within the City limits, is difficult at best. It just deepens my efforts to be mindful of my environmental footprint as I seek to keep my dollars in the communities that I care about.  I prefer to shop small local business in lieu of big box stores.  I want vendors to remember me from a conversation, a plant request or simply because I am a regular. I have not found this when I shop the Big Box stores.  Customer Service is key to winning and maintaining clientele.  I found excellent customer service at Frager’s and Christine was always there to answer any questions or special order plant material I needed for a project.  I want to say Thank You Christine and Staff for making my world easier in so many ways.

I understand that Frager’s is looking for affordable space to put down some roots as soon as possible.  As they await the renovation of the garden center and storefront on Pennsylvania Avenue, this Spring will be different in so many ways.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that consideration is taken for a location in Prince Georges County, perhaps just over the line.  It would be the best of both world’s – close to DC and trust me – Central Prince Georges County could use a garden center with a local, highly regarded name.

In the meantime, I will stop by to support til the store closes at the end of February and prayerfully by that time, a new location will present itself and Spring 2017 will once again be something to look forward to.

Frager’s you are in my heart and on my mind….as I am heartbroken. My drive home will be changed until you return ………..and I am counting on your return!!!Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather