Welcome to Cottage in the Court

#garden

Ready – Spring, Cicadas, and More

By Leave a Comment

Ready to toot their trumpets, Daffodils are beginning to open and start the Spring garden party.

Ready is a phrase that many gardeners are using these days. After a period of unintentional pausing, followed by an unpredictable winter, we are ready. For what one might ask? To get back outside, feel the soil between our fingers, and experience floral bliss in our own space.

It is the beginning of March. The bulbs planted last fall are showing up and bursting into bloom. Some bulbs are a tad earlier than expected. While others, although ready, patiently wait their turn. Early daffodils stand tall sounding the alarm of spring, while the crocus choir waits patiently at their feet. Oh…I am so ready for Spring!

The intoxicating scent these little flowers emit carries you further into the garden to see what is next. After all, there is something always happening in the garden.

The Sarcococca hookeriana invites me into my side garden with a scent as intoxicating as the scent of Spring. The insignificant bloom invites us to simply embrace the earth’s awakening. Did we leave some leaf litter to protect the beneficial insects as they lay ready and waiting to be helpful to our gardens? Are we cautiously uncovering the garden, careful not to damage the tips of the peony buds rising from the earth? It is a time of year when we must gingerly observe the signs of a season that is slowly unfolding.

These crocus were a favorite of my parents. My garden holds so many memories…and I welcome each and every one.

As we wait, is there a plan for this year’s garden? Is there a color scheme or theme? Will we seed or simply just buy plants? Have you invested in good potting soil? Do you have all of your soil amendments on hand, ready to apply at the right time? Remember, good soil – whether in a pot or the ground – is the foundation. A good soil foundation is essential for a successful garden. Preparing for a garden filled with what brings us joy truly matters.

CICADAS -READY OR NOT

Are you considering planting young trees, like fruit trees? Perhaps you should wait until fall or next year. In certain areas, we have guests coming in numbers too big to ignore. Cicadas are coming whether we want them to or not. Young trees, particularly fruit trees will show some damage. Cicadas will create slits in the tips of young or even diseased branches to lay their eggs. ‘Flagging’ occurs as recognizable damage when these branches tend to die. Despite all the rumors, Cicadas will not dine on the leaves of your plants or vegetables. They are root lovers. As the babies drop from the tender branches to go underground for the next seventeen years to eat roots. The damaged branches will be noticeable. For those of us with children, we KNOW the kids have to eat, right?

ARE YOU READY?

This miniature Daffodil was planted in honor of my niece Lexi. We were not ready to lose her, however, her spirit shines each year these bloom, and the clump increases.

What a year! We have the lingering effects of the ‘so- not-over’ pandemic as we anticipate (not really) the Cicadas cruising. Are you ready to embrace the next season with cautious abandon?

As I decide where to find my scented begonias for the shady side of my garden, my readiness is questionable. Do I want white to brighten up the area or pink and white? Will I plant edibles with my annuals? Should I plant more perennials in my pots and simply add an annual or two? Decisions, decisions… every day another vignette comes to mind. Right now, I am ready to welcome Spring – and more – with total abandon.

Sitting inside the Cottage, sowing seeds to share,

Teri , Cottage In the Court

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

Hillside Help When You Need It

By Leave a Comment

Hillside plantings are easy when you use Hillside Planters.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I could not think of a better time to share the ingenuity of a particular woman. You might not know Coleen by name, but you will remember how she made hillsides not as challenging. The Hillside Planter has evolved as a way to solve a problem in the landscape.

Many of us have been confronted with a slope that needed a bit of beautification. Thoughts might have entered your mind of digging without falling. After planting, would the plants follow you down the hillside after watering? Would the water go to the roots or make a river? Coleen had to contend with these thoughts and more. What’s a woman to do? Create Hillside Planters of course!

KNOW HOW TO HOLD THEM!

No need for complicated scenarios, railroad ties, or wood terracing for an entire hill just for a plant or two. When Colleen had to replant her runaway hillside, she knew it had to be a better, simpler, safer way. An expensive retaining wall was out of the question. With a determined spirit and winning mindset, she created what will be a gamechanger. The first prototype of the Hillside Planter was shown at the National Hardware Show in May of 2019.

REALITY CHECK = TRUTH

To go from this…

Without a little frontal under support, this shrub would follow its owner down the hill on a mud slick from watering.

To a planting that stays put like this, Coleen realized this was a dream come true.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Hillside-Planter3.jpg

A Hillside Planter that could keep plants in their place is a winning idea. An additional benefit is a way it holds the water a little longer at the root zone. This is a need that is right on time. Coleen realized this idea that could save homeowners a lot of time. Many landscapers are in need of something simple to get the job done. This is a cost-effective answer to the erosion discussion that begins every season. Homeowners, beginning gardeners, and especially seasoned women like myself are sure to find this product to be a dream come true.

Imagine what this would look like without a little stabilizing that is virtually invisible.
This product even helps the irrigation source stay put.

HILLS, SLOPES OR BANKS? – YOU GOT THIS!

I am happy to see that the Hillside Planter handles six-inch pots to five-gallon trees. Once the weather stabilizes, I will share how the Hillside Planters are making this DIY’er just a little less hesitant to beautify my backyard slope.

Coleen, Thank you for creating the Hillside Planter which will make gardening a bit easier. Creative, ingenious women like you, are our history makers!

Dreaming of planting my Cercis canadensis when the mud dries up. Honestly, I am thinking of the money saved for all the plants I will buy.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

Self-Care In Anticipation of Embracing The Garden

By Leave a Comment

Self-care at this time of world-wide chaos is so important.

Self-care in a time of chaos and crises is a good thing. It does not matter if you are a Weekend warrior, one who lightly dabbles in the garden, or employed fulltime. In the wonderful world of horticulture, taking care of your self is key. Social distancing is actually a thing. For some of us who thrive on personal interaction, this is a gamechanger. I am one of those people lovers. It is even more critical at this time for me to practice self-care.

SELF CARE DAY STARTERS

Starting the day with fresh blooms and your favorite warm beverage is an excellent way to practice self-care of the senses.

Mental self-care should be the first line of defense. Not being around people to laugh, share stories and connect can be hard. Setting the stage for positive thoughts is the perfect way to start the day. Gather a bloom or a few from your garden. No garden – OH MY!! Consider finding a photo on-line of your favorite bloom, print, and place where you can see it. Why not print several and place them throughout your residence. I would consider this positive placemaking. Focus and imagine the fragrance, the feel of the leaves, or the texture of the stem. This is a positively simple way to embrace the start of the day.

MENTAL SELF-CARE

Organizing your daily tasks could prove crucial to a productive day.

Becoming overwhelmed can be a trap. Look at your business tools and prioritize the items of importance. We all have a list of low priority items that we almost never get to. What better time to do them? Unfinished projects or paperwork can big down the mind and affect the spirit.

Need to see your co-workers? Consider video conferencing. It is a terrific way to stay connected and collaborate. Even if it isn’t business, check in with your co-workers or clients virtually. Keep each other uplifted. This will speak volumes when the chaos dies down.

This is a perfect time to delve into those projects or reports that require research. I find that uninterrupted time for thorough research is time well spent. Organizing your files or purging reading material is productive as well.

In my neck of the woods, I had a “Snow Pile” of things for a snowy day or blizzard. Since we had no snow, I renamed it my “Moment of Chaos” file. Mental self-care is addressing those things that linger in the back of our minds.

PHYSICAL SELF-CARE

One of my favorite self-care phrases is “Make time to enjoy life”. I adopted this phrase as I listened to my co-workers talk about time. Work, life balance is one of the hardest things to do. I was one of those “always busy” people at one point in my life as well.

One day, while sharing my calendar with my Dad, I realized that I rarely stopped. I seldom paused to really enjoy what I was doing. There was always a deadline or I had to quickly rush from event to event. I considered it never allowing myself to be bored. The act of taking time for self-care just didn’t happen or not often enough.

One evening while talking with my Dad, he shared three words with me. He said, “Just Be Still”. “Teres, You are just going and doing. It is impossible for you to really enjoy the moment. Just be still…” What wonderful words of wisdom. I miss my Dad immensely. One of the gifts he left me were these three words. When I start going, going, and planning to go more – I pause. Taking moments to breathe deeply, I am still. If only to reassess the importance of my why – I am still.

Taking time to get outside is a great way to practice physical self-care. As a gardener – stuck indoors with my garden just out of reach as I work indoors – I am dreaming. Dreaming of ending my day and walking outside to make use of the remaining daylight hours. Sitting all day is not healthy for anyone. Try leg lifts, Tai Chi from your chair, or planking at least once an hour. Don’t just sit and do nothing, do some squats, lift a hand weight or two. Something as simple as walking up and down the steps inside can make a difference. Self-care means coming out on the other side of this National crisis healthier – mentally and physically.

What perfect time to use a moisturizing mask on your face. Indoor heat can be drying to the skin. No-one will see you in your face mask as you make time to take care of your self. After a day of sitting in sedentary solitude, run a warm bath and soak. A bit of aromatherapy, exfoliating salt scrubs, and soft music, will go a long way in reducing stress or angst.

One final tip – meditate and be Thankful. Meditate about the things you are grateful for. Your family, your pet, a job, or even your greenspace. Think about how gorgeous your garden will be when we get through this. Start some seeds or just go to your favorite garden center and practice just being. Being able to make the choice of embracing the ability to realize all is not lost. Things are certainly a mess right now, but we know that change will come. Even after a long grey winter, looking forward to the signs of Spring is always a welcome relief.

Don your sun hat, open up the door, receive your dose of Vitamin D and boldly practice a bit of Self-care.

Here are a few fun resources to check out that focus on self-care:

Tiny Buddha, Habitsbuzz, or The Little Book of Self Care. Each of these references offers great ways to get started.

Looking forward to getting outside and into the garden. Are you?

Dreaming of better days and practicing self-care,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

Heartfelt Valentines for Gardeners

By Leave a Comment

Heartfelt Valentines Day gifts can be carefully curated with just a little special attention to the message you want to send.

Heartfelt gifts for Valentine’s day come in many forms. Especially for the Gardener in your life. Finding unique ways to say I Love You for those who enjoy having their hands in the soil is easier than you think! Here are a few heartfelt ideas that keep on giving.

GROWING RED WITH PURPOSE

Heartfelt flowers in red can be more than a bouquet of roses.

Floral bouquets are so easy and practical, right?? How generic is that? As a gardener, a perfect heartfelt gift would be flowers for the garden. A plant that has a red bloom or stem that might be deer-proof would be ideal. Some suggestions are Yarrow “Red Beauty”, Dianthus “Odessa Red” or Salvia Microphylla “HotLips” – all seem appropriate.

If you really want to show off, order a peony in the fall and pot it up for gifting on this day of love. There are also online reputable resources for peonies purchased in the Spring. Usually, these will arrive at the proper planting time. Suggested cultivars are Itoh “Scarlet Heaven”, “Red Charm”, “Red Magic”, “Kansas” or “Blaze”. This would show you put a little thought into selections that become more voluptuous year after year. Even if you order a gift certificate for these cultivars, the message would be clear. Your heartfelt intentions will convey a lot.

EDIBLE REDS FOR HEALTH

Red peppers can be heartfelt in more ways than one. Especially homegrown, mixed into avocado spread on whole-grain bread. A little sizzle in the morning…what fun!

It is the time of year to sow seeds. In my zone, February is the optimum time to sow pepper seeds. Red peppers would definitely show you care about a healthy lifestyle. Did you know red peppers are simply loaded with nutrition?? When you consider they have almost eleven times the beta-carotene of green peppers, that shows you care! There is also that higher Vitamin C component – 1.5 times more in red peppers. Not sure what seeds to buy? Visit your local garden center and choose red pepper seeds to start indoors.

The other option is mail order. I love the selections from Botanical Interests. Sweet choices of something like Jimmy Nardello Sweet Peppers or Yolo Wonder Sweet Pepper seeds. For those who like it hot, Santaka Chile Peppers or some real sizzle, Scotch Bonnet Chile Pepper seeds.

Amaranth seeds or Scarlet Emporer Runner Bean seeds are great edibles that make a statement in the summer garden. One obvious choice is the ever loved tomato. If you want options, a terrific resource that shares online tomato love all year is RennaisanceFarms.org. I look at the tomato photos and simply adore the descriptions. As I move more towards container plantings, Micro dwarf and dwarf varieties are piquing my interests. Varieties like Geranium Kiss is one that I will try to grow this year.

Heartfelt plants in a box with a bow can leave a perennial message of love.

Other edible red options are strawberry plant roots, Rhubarb roots, Thornless Red Rasberry Canes, or Lingonberry plants. Make certain your Valentine has room to accommodate these perennial plants. Also, know what zone your Valentine lives in.

HEARTFELT HOUSEPLANTS

An in-home oasis created by heartfelt houseplants is a unique idea. Especially if they are red.

Houseplant offerings have increased over the years. After all, everybody is not inclined to play in the soil outdoors. There are houseplant offerings that are quite unique. If purchased in advance, the Amaryllis “Red Lion” is a great choice. After bloom, this bulb can summer outdoors or in a bright room. Care and instructions are given for reblooming when purchased or can be found online.

Other heartfelt choices are the Anthurium, Bromeliad, and the Red Christmas Cactus. There are other houseplants that might be a favorite of your Valentine, so choose wisely. Stay away from houseplants that have artificial dyes in the foliage or blooms. If they survive the blooms will not be the same color and the new growth will be green.

Sometimes known as Christmas Cactus, this is one of the easiest plants to grow and share.

Heartfelt gifts for this day of showing your Valentine can be as unique as you want. It is how much thought you put into the selection, that will show just how much you notice and care.

Here’s hoping your Valentine reads this…skip the chocolate, please.

Growing Love for humankind…

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

Heart Health Month – Grow Red On Purpose

By Leave a Comment

Heart Health Month should be celebrated all year long. February has been declared the designated month to focus on heart health.

February is American Heart Month. President Lyndon B. Johnson made this a designated month of recognizing hearth health via Proclamation 3566. On the first Friday of this month of love, we celebrate Women’s Heart Health with a GoRed Campaign. Heart disease should be the focus for each of us as we eat, sleep and play…. every day.

What does GORED mean? If you break it down by the letters, this is what it means:

G = GET YOUR NUMBERS. Knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers are important. You can easily ask your doctor. Monitoring your blood pressure daily or as often as possible is easy. Check your drugstore or online resources for affordable approved AHA devices.

O = OWN YOUR LIFESTYLE. Some ways to take control of your healthy lifestyle are to quit smoking. Stress is not our friend. Alleviate stress by moving more. Take a walk, exercise, jog if you can. Moving is one of the most important acts of self-love. Healthy eating habits are key to optimum heart health. Go easy on the salt and sugar. Eat more foods in their natural state or incorporate good things into your daily diet. Ask your doctor or dietician how you can incorporate healthy food choices for optimum heart health.

R = REALIZE YOUR RISK. Did you know that heart disease still kills 1 in 3 women?? Ladies, if we cannot practice healthy living for us, how can we show our families that we love them? Think about how much we do for our families and our communities. Don’t you think we can show just as much attention or more on ourselves?

E = EDUCATE YOUR FAMILY. Consider educating by example. This is the easiest way to practice healthy lifestyles. Creating family outings to encourage movement. Hiking, biking, nature walks, or gardening are popular ideas.

D = DON’T BE SILENT. The best gift you can give this month and every month is to share the truth about heart disease. As the #1 killer, heart disease needs to be taken seriously by everyone. This disease affects all of us and is not gender specific.

EAT RED FOR HEALTH

Did you know that red vegetables have Lycopene and anthocyanin? Lycopene is an antioxidant. Research has shown that this naturally occurring ingredient is effective in reducing heart disease. Lycopene fights infections and aids in keeping our eyes healthy. Anthocyanin is showing promise in reducing blood pressure, inflammation, and eye health.

GROW RED

A few red vegetables to incorporate into your diet are beets, red cabbage, red bell peppers, red chili peppers, and red leaf lettuce. All of these vegetables can be grown in many zones or in a greenhouse. Everyone can’t eat tomatoes. Having other choices are key. Let’s not forget rhubarb, red onions, and red potatoes. If you are a gardener, try something new like radicchio. Red radicchio in a pot with some white pansies. What a colorful edible spring display!

Sow seeds of red for the summer garden as well. Ruby Red Orach, Red Malabar Spinach, or Red Leaf Amaranth, also known as Red Callaloo are great choices for warm-season gardens. These vegetables love heat and humidity found in the summer months. Try sowing them to keep the red growing for the summer garden.

Attention to heart health should be more than a month. It should become an act of self-love. GORED is a lifestyle!

Why not commit to making heart health a priority all year long. Practicing self-care is important. It is the best way to show love to those you care about.

Sowing seeds for a healthier lifestyle,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather