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Philadelphia Flower Show – Seasonal Bliss in the City

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Philadelphia offers gardeners the perfect kickoff event as we anticipate the next season. For 195 years, The Philadelphia Flower Show has offered seasonal bliss in the City of Brotherly Love. This event happens at the perfect time of the year. As the garden begins to evolve into its next act, most gardeners cannot wait to get outside to see what is in bud or even what might be in bloom.

Every year there is a different theme. United by Flowers was the theme of 2024. Gardening and flowers can uplift communities. This show was the perfect example of the magic which occurs when gardeners gather.

This year, the Philadelphia Flower Show made it a point of accommodating the crowds. The aisles were wider, location of places to pause, and the focus on community, made me smile. There was a sense of graciousness as many allowed others to move to the front for better visibility. The floral displays were within reach and something achievable if one used their imagination.

Every year there is a different theme. United by Flowers was the theme of 2024. Gardening and flowers can uplift communities. The Philadelphia Flower Show displayed the magic which occurs whenever gardeners gather.

This year, the Philadelphia Flower Show made it a point of accommodating the crowds. It appeared the aisles were wider, the location of places to pause, and the focus on community, made me smile. There was a sense of graciousness as many allowed others to move to the front for better visibility. The floral displays were within reach and something achievable, if one used their imagination.

Philadelphia welcomed Black Girl Florists for the second year in a row.
We embraced the ritual of gathering at the salon.

Black Girl Florists offered up their interpretation of Cultivating Communal Sanctuaries. There is a relationship between Black hair salons and flower shops. Using a mix of vibrant flowers, magazines, mirrors, and paraphernalia – these ladies pulled off a stunning display. I had to laugh at the many visitors who ignored the sign to not sit. Many took a seat and enjoyed selfies and more. As I walked around the display there were memories of Black hair salons from back in the day. The conversations and the lessons free with every hairstyle flooded my mind. I wondered how we can reclaim those special times in the hair salon.

Susan Cohan tastefully designed a backyard which demonstrated working in unison with nature. The display was a terrific example of what the single gardener could maintain. This added a layer of interest for many in attendance. It was simply beautiful. YES – I am a fan. It was a display sharing a sense of serenity and peacefulness. Most homeowners want a place of peace. An outdoor space which is ecologically sound and promotes enjoyment being outside.

Philadelphia is like most cities…there are abandoned spaces found everywhere. Reimagining these spaces should be a commitment to bringing nature back and working with it.

Unused overgrown spaces exist in most urban environments. I have to say, the display by Kelly Norris truly exhibited A Beautiful Disturbance. It demonstrated his concept of reimagining former industrial spaces into sites where beauty can bring life as it revitalizes communities. We must allow nature to enhance and uplift our spirits. From every angle this display of attainable urban excellence touched me to my core. The future is brighter if we follow this example of adding nature to the relics of our past. I am grateful for this inspirational exhibit. It provides inspiration for what our communities can create.

Working with underused spaces can make a difference…

I am proud of the efforts in my community to beautify our public spaces. By example, we encourage the residents to work with nature. Some of the older trees which had disease and decay have been removed. Younger, healthier native varieties that are beneficial for the community have taken their place.

Tree and garden installations are occurring nationwide. Research continues to prove how beneficial this is to any community. As we reclaim and enhance our communities for the greater good. These plantings add beauty and value. They encourage communities to enjoy connecting outdoors with wellbeing. Research continues to prove a positive connection between nature and thriving communities. Residents spend more time outside enjoying the view as the seasons evolve. I am personally looking forward to walking paths, benches and naturalistic gardens for my community to enjoy.

I am proud of the efforts in my community to beautify our public spaces. Education is the best way to encourage the residents to work with nature. Some of the older trees which had disease and decay have been removed. Younger, healthier native varieties that are beneficial for the community have taken their place.

Tree and garden installations are occurring nationwide. Research continues to prove how beneficial this is to any community. As we reclaim and enhance our communities for the greater good. These plantings add beauty and value. They encourage communities to enjoy connecting outdoors with wellbeing. Research continues to prove a positive connection between nature and thriving communities. Residents spend more time outside enjoying the view as the seasons evolve. I am looking forward to walking paths, benches, and naturalistic gardens for my community to enjoy.

Philadelphia always invites us to get excited about Spring!

Encouraging others to unite by gardening was this year’s theme. This theme was artfully defined with impactful and educational exhibits found at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Gardening is a way of uniting those of us who dare to get our hands dirty.

Here are a few displays I captured by taking photos …

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I can imagine creating and hanging these in a big window or on a mantle.
Color pops and welcomes all to come outside!
The vibrancy of this color palette is quite inviting.

I suggest attending the Philadelphia Flower Show every year.

Philadelphia is merely a road trip away for most…

Amtrak is the most relaxing way to go. I figured this out after years of driving, paying tolls, and avoiding potholes. A weekend getaway offers the opportunity to see the show at your leisure, alone or with friends. There are hotel packages offered to encourage getting to know Philadelphia. Reading Terminal Market is located across the street from the Philadelphia Convention Center. This unique market offers an assortment of items from food to crafts.

Check out the display presentation to see exactly what gardens you have experienced in Philadelphia. If you have seen them all…revisit your favorites. I never tire of the gardens in and near Philadelphia. This city has much to offer at any time of the year. The City of Philadelphia offers more than just Cheese Steaks, it has gardens as well. Usually there are a few Philadelphia Flower Show trips offered locally. Check your local travel listings.

The seasonal bliss shared annually is the medicine we need as winter slowly slips away. As I write this, you have three more days to see this year’s show.

Sigh…sitting here dreaming of the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

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Madison – Reunion of Garden Bloggers and More

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Madison, Wisconsin is where the 2022 Garden Bloggers Fling will reunite old friends and greet new voices.

Madison, Wisconsin is not exactly a place that was on my list of ‘must-visit’ places to go. However, when I began thinking about the people that would draw me there, my mindset quickly changed. You see, there will be a gathering of Garden Bloggers in Madison this June. A bit delayed, but finally, as gardeners, we notice the buds in life. They are swollen with anticipation of travel, new experiences, and the realization that we need each other to fully bloom.

MY FLING JOURNEY

My Garden Bloggers Fling journey began in 2017…

I have been attending the Garden Bloggers Fling since 2017. This Garden Bloggers Fling was in Washington, DC. Actually, it encompassed Washington, Maryland, and Virginia. I quickly realized this was my kind of garden party. Little did I know that rich friendships were the remnants of a few hot days in the DMV. Did you know, if you smile nicely, commandeering the driver of a 55 passenger bus is really not that hard when it comes to the comfort of your guests? I still remember the unplanned water run while touring our National Mall.

AMAZING AUSTIN

Austin led us to colorful gardens filled with joy and abundance. It left me truly inspired to embrace what brings me joy in the garden.

2018 we visited Texas. Austin, Texas is fertile ground for garden adventures and excitement. I never imagined seeing the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in my lifetime. Of course, we also experienced a Texas-sized rain shower. A class on photography at the Wildflower Center was amazing and informative. Many of us wanted to tour the gardens and visit the gift shop before the rain. Standing under the protection of the overhang, my imagination allowed me to think that Ladybird Johnson would appear to welcome us. Admiring her vision of beauty was meaningful to me as a child. It was surreal realizing I was at her Wildflower center. All because of the Garden Bloggers Fling Committee, led by Pam Pennick. In my opinion, we saw the best of Austin that year.

DENVER DREAMING

Denver shared diversity in nature, promoted camaraderie within the group, and created memories along the way.

Who knew that 2019 would be such a meaningful year. Denver was simply amazing. The clear skies, perfect cloud formations, lunch at the farmer’s market, and of course the Denver Botanic Garden. I could visit the Denver Botanic Garden every year, just to see how each plant evolves under extreme conditions. The art, carefully placed, adds a different kind of beauty. Perfect for wandering, the Denver Botanic Garden truly represented the beauty of diversity in the landscape. I remembered lingering in the Mordecai Children’s Garden. The joyful sound of children laughing, as parents watched them play outside, truly melted my heart.

Botanic interests also showed us a bit of Denver hospitality as we toured their facilities. Lauren’s Grape Bread Seed poppies continue to remind me of that visit. The karaoke event was when we really let loose in a beautiful garden setting with a view. The memories of each Garden Bloggers Fling bring a smile to my face.

In 2019, I created this collage at the Denver Art Museum. It shares how each member of the Garden Bloggers Fling reaches out to meet someone new.

Cherishing and making memories when traveling has its virtues. I had the opportunity to have dinner with a dear friend, Winston. We had a fabulous time enjoying Le French Bakery & Café. I highly recommend it. Afterward, Winston showed me different parts of the city. I discovered the rich heritage of the African American community. We even visited a tea shop. I never imagined the magic that could happen when attending a garden gathering with bloggers. Making time to visit Winston before he began his heavenly hike is an unexpected memory of 2019.

LOOKING FORWARD TO MADISON

A new social media logo to embrace inclusivity in the way we share the joy of gardening.

Fast forward cautiously towards 2022. Madison is still on the map. Our hotel reservations are in the Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club. We will take all of the necessary safety precautions as we plan for our reunion. The 2022 Garden Bloggers Fling IS happening in Madison, Wisconsin. This reunion of garden bloggers will be quite meaningful to all who participate.

Several Botanical Gardens, a Farmers Market, private garden tours, and more. I peeked at the itinerary, in advance. The Allen Centennial Garden has me excited about the beauty it holds within. There will be so much to see before we end the Madison Garden Bloggers Fling. I will need a lot of ice cream tastings and squeaky cheese curds.

Madison, we are grateful you are ready for this reunion of Garden Bloggers and more. We look forward to three days in June for connecting with each other, exploring new places, and sharing new experiences. Thank you to the Madison Garden Bloggers Fling Team Anneliese Valdes and Beth Stetenfeld! I would love to treat you to cheese curds and ice cream.

Dreaming of Madison…

Teri, Cottage InThe Court

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England – Bliss, Blooms, and Blessings

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England was quite the treat or a tease. Not sure which – however, I really need to return.

England is memorable for more than just the Royal Family. The gardens in England are diverse, memorable, and often captivate the heart. As much as I love the gardens of Paris, the gardens found in England have always fascinated me.

I traveled to London in 2019. The memory of that adventure lingers in my thoughts almost daily. With my garden club member, Eileen, and my Aunt Yvonne, this trip promised to make a few dreams come true. I was planning on seeing ALL the gardens. With the time I allotted that would not be possible. Each of us had a reason for this trip. my Aunt wanted to see the museums, palaces and just explore something different. Eileen really wanted to see gardens and Selfridges, one of the oldest department stores in England. I of course wanted to see gardens.

The David Austin Rose Gardens was my first mission. That was a birthday gift to me. I also wanted to go to Kew Gardens, The Chelsea Physic Garden, and anything else along the way. Some of the gardens I wanted to see, I found out were in the outskirts of England and accessible via train. Planning is everything. Confirming plans months in advance will be one of the most critical action items for the next trip.

The Glasshouse at The Royal Botanic Gardens – KEW was simply amazing!

We arrived via train from Paris to England, figured out the Underground, connected with Eileen, and checked in. Eileen flew from the United States to England. Our accommodations were quaint but divine. We were not there to stay in the room but to explore and make memories. We definitely made memories. On day one, we made time to visit KEW Gardens.

There is something about Chihuly, England and The royal Botanic Gardens – KEW that just blows me away.

I had to pinch myself often, pace myself, and breathe. It was quite amazing to see Chihuly in the greenhouse and gardens at The Royal Botanic Gardens – KEW, I have to admit, the gift shop was awesome as well.

A few items from the KEW giftshop that I needed to remember my trip to England.

STRATEGIC TRAVEL PLANNING

Eileen and I planned on visiting Chiswick, The Garden Museum, and Selfridges. Eileen was in charge of scheduling which mode of travel was most efficient. Chiswick was the proper starting point. From rugby, rowing, nature preserves to gardens, Chiswick has a sacred spot in history and horticulture. The landscape has many historical plants that have survived over many years. Did you know the Beatles performed there? The Camellias in the glasshouse. As you meander along the grounds, you can sense the importance of the site. The grounds are open to the public for events like hiking and biking. Traveling on the London Underground connecting with the Tunham Green and Piccadilly lines allowed for a short walk to Chiswick. We paused, took photos, and grabbed a bite to eat at the cafe on the grounds. We watched our time as we paused before heading to the next destination.

THE GARDEN MUSEUM

A simple sign directed visitors to the Museum’s entrance. Understated, this little gem of a museum offered a café and gift shop as well.

Wandering the streets of London to find what we were looking for was rewarding. It was a terrific way to get a sense of not being a foreigner, but a local. Each neighborhood had a different garden-sense. The Garden Museum was absolutely awesome. This was a place I should have planned on spending an entire day. England has been on my list of dream places to visit. Many of England’s gardens are featured in travel brochures. Finding the lesser-known gardens can be a gift. There was so much to see and do in England, in addition to quite a few options for gardens to visit.

The Garden Museum was like an unexpected treat in the early afternoon. This simple display was being tended to by a lone gardener.

The Garden Museum shared moments of how we gardened in the past. Visitors can see the cumbersome clogs, uniforms, metal flower pots, and more. Visitors can view a collection of original seed cases. Seeds from foreign lands were stored inside after they were collected. These cases provided protection for the journey back to England. One of my favorite people, Beth Chatto, was captured on a video. talking about the garden. It was almost as if I was in her living room chatting about her perspective on gardening. I really didn’t want to leave. We did make time to pause by the gift shop, much to my delight. Fun fact – John Tradescant is buried in the garden at The Garden Museum.

CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDENS

On the day Eileen left England, Aunt Yvonne and I took our time and went to the Chelsea Physic Garden. It was a delightful morning to calmly enjoy our final day in England. We took the bus – I am not a bus person, but I did it. Fortunately, it dropped us off right in front of the garden. We experienced the daily tour. Several medicinal plants were brought back from the Caribbean and are still in use today. Island women were feeding their babies this concoction later called milk chocolate. It made me quite happy that the Islands played a role in plants that were useful and necessary. The importance of including this truth in the tour meant quite a lot. It was representative of acknowledging the role of diversity and understanding different cultures. Thank you Hans Sloane for appreciating milk chocolate and sharing that knowledge with your peers.

The garden rooms we toured were amazing. History is always intriguing. However, there is something special about a well-stocked gift shop. England’s gift shops had little tokens for capturing the memories of a terrific trip.

I love giftshops and England had some pretty nice offerings of memento’s.

One day, I will return to England with enough time to linger. The planning is underway for the next big adventure. Discovering gardens near and far bring me joy. It is a way to see how others – including Mother Nature – embrace the beauty that surrounds us.

Do you enjoy traveling to dream gardens in far off lands? Are you a minute-by-minute planner or do you linger along the way?

Ordering seeds, dreaming of gardens and planning my next trip to England.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

England, Chihuly, and memories linger in my mind.

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Chiswick – Memories of An English Garden On My Mind

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Chiswick House and Gardens in London was a treat to visit during my August reset.

Last year, England was part of my August reset. Thoughts of leaving Paris on a high-speed train underwater to a place I daydreamed about was exciting. The two hours from Paris on the Eurostar was uneventful. London was closer than I anticipated. One of my garden club members Eileen met me in London for this brief, but full trip. My Aunt Yvonne was just as excited but our journeys were different. While she visited other historic sites throughout London, Eileen and I were on the hunt for gardens. Eileen had investigated places to see, one of which was Chiswick.

WHY CHISWICK?

In 1819, a portion of the Duke of Devonshire’s Estate called Chiswick was purchased to be used for flower shows and events. The group that started this included many people who were passionate about the plants they were acquiring. Now known as the RHS or Royal Horticultural Society, this group kept Chiswick at the forefront of many plant aficionado’s minds. The RHS even maintained the grounds until around 1904.

Chiswick has quite a long history of being passed down from family to family, being sold, and even a short stint as a mental hospital. After nearly falling into total disrepair, The English Heritage set up the Chiswick House and Garden Trust. A major overhaul of the gardens was initiated and the results are what we see today.

SAVORING THE SPLENDOR

The underground ramp safely delivered us to the other side of a busy street.

Eileen and I followed the walking directions from the train. The walk was delightful and there were so many gardens along the way. Our desire was to see more than one garden that day. We were looking for the underground tunnel that would take us under the busy street, to safely approach the grounds of Chiswick.

Such a beautiful planting at Chiswick.

A mixed garden greeted us and we were simply excited to imagine what was beyond this beautiful naturalistic distraction. As we wandered between the clipped hedges, we could feel the excitement in the air.

Pub in the Park at Chiswick seemed as though it was going to be a fabulous event.

We checked out the map to see what the quickest way was for us to get to the glasshouse. Chiswick has a glass house that is home to quite the historic Camellia collection. We were seriously on a mission to see all we could, before lunchtime.

The Deer House and the garden behind the glasshouse was not open to the public as other events were scheduled.

As we approached a clearing on the side of the Doric Column and Rosary, the vision was simply amazing! The gardens were the appetizer that drew us in.

This perennial planting was duplicated on both sides of the walkway.

As we made our way to the glasshouse, it was hard to not be in awe of the magnificent structure. Although it had been renovated, I could only imagine the entertaining that took place here many moons ago.

The glasshouse that held many dignitaries, celebrities, as well as families for quite a few years.

One of the most memorable guests who performed at the glasshouse were the Beetles.

The Beetles gave a stellar performance at Chiswick. A photo proudly displayed inside the glasshouse memorializes that moment.

Another notable item in the glasshouse was a duo of original urns. These were quite beautiful and I could have looked at them for hours. The detail was amazing. Due to potential damage, the urns are now kept inside to protect them from the elements.

One of two urns that are impressive in stature and simply beautiful.
Some of the intricate details found upon closer inspection of the urns.

Imagine a sincere plantsman building a 300-foot glasshouse to protect his plant habit. What a devotee of the garden, to make sure that all his plant gifts or purchases were given a home. One of the plants he loved was the camellia. The Duke had collected quite a few of these “Exotic” plants for the garden from near and as far as China.

As I stood inside the doorway of the glasshouse, my imagination allowed me to mentally dance on the lawn. The view, along with the perennial beds, encouraged me to daydream vividly. In my mind, there was a soiree of plantspeople enjoying the beauty that surrounds them.

Daydreaming in the doorway of the glasshouse at Chiswick.

Dotted throughout the interior of the glasshouse, were large containers of scented geranium’s and assorted annuals.

Indoors, a pot of scented geraniums leaned out to touch any who passed it by.

As the morning wore on and hunger settled in, Eileen and decided to grab a quick bite as we continued on our journey. The sandwiches were delightful.

The egg salad was light, yet filling. The onsite snack shop was a welcome sight. As we ate, the rest of the day was waiting for us to find all the gardens we could.

I am glad we started the day at Chiswick, the place where English gardens were cultivated, plants traded and people gathered – all for the love of plants.

As we continue to unintentionally pause, are you dreaming of traveling to places unknown? Have you sorted your photos, organized new pictures on-line, or considered taking a tour? I think each of us has imagined the possibilities and can’t wait for 2021.

Considering an organized tour, to a garden, of course!

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Abernethy and Spencer – A Local Horticultural Jewel

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Abernethy & Spencer is the oldest Greenhouse in the Mid-Atlantic.

On a long winding road with such breathtaking scenery, Peggy Riccio and I found a Jewel in the Crown of Loudon County Virginia. Exploring almost anything that has to do with horticulture – from gardens to plants – offers us the opportunity to dig deep into the Mid-Atlantic region. Abernethy & Spencer was the best-unexpected treasure of this year.

SURVIVAL AND REVIVAL

Variegated Bleeding Heart Vine was simply stunning as I entered the huge greenhouse. I knew that I was in for a treat!

110 years of continually bringing horticultural bliss to the Mid-Atlantic is something that David Lohmann of Abernethy & Spencer can be quite proud of. Ask any local, David knows what grows in Western Loudon County, as well as the contents of the five acres of plants, trees, and shrubs ifound at Abernethy & Spenceer.

In 2016, a snowstorm threatened to interfere with Spring at Abernethy & Spencer. A cracking sound could be heard in Springdale. It was a sound that totally caught David by surprise. Upon realizing that the sound came from his nursery, inspecting the damage was quite the shock. The largest greenhouse on the property had collapsed under the weight of the snow. The beauty in the midst of disaster – none of the Historic Greenhouses were damaged. This is how our ancestors let us know they are there for us.

The other Blessing was in the way the community pitched in to help save anything they could from further ruin. Rebuilding took place and the nursery opened that year on March 1. When you are a perennial asset to the community and tragedy happens, the community becomes the fertilizer to aid in rejuvenating growth. Spring flowers, trees and shrubs were once again available for gardeners near and far.

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Ixora “Nora Grant” was quite the vision as strolled in the greenhouse.

Abernethy & Spencer has been Organic for 15 years. Knowing that Virginia has rather strict rules on what can and cannot be considered Organic, this speaks volumes to me personally. I did not have to worry about chemicals that could harm me. I had plans for the scented geraniums and herbs I purchased.

Nine hundred. Yes nine hundred varieties of perennials grown on the premises. This is in addition to over two hundred varieties of shrubs and one hundred varieties of trees. This is NOT your big box store!

Customers can currently find seven Macaws and Cockatoo’s on the premises. They are quite talkative and I am certain their chatter keeps the friendly staff entertained when they pause. There are also six dogs that are onsite to welcome anyone they might see. Did you know that Abernethy & Spencer rescues animals? As a plant and animal lover, this speaks to the love of nature which the owners and staff clearly share.

I love this tropical number commonly called “Popcorn plant”. Senna didymobotrya is a fun conversation plant…but not for eating!

The new greenhouse is quite cognizant of the impact on the environment. It will generally will reduce water usage by at least 60 percent , electricity by at least 50% and heating costs by minimally 40%. Once again, this says a lot about the dedication to being in touch with setting one of the best examples of environmental stewardship.

TROPICAL BLISS IN VIRGINIA

The Brugmansia selection was quite amazing.

I am so glad that there were no horse flies in this gorgeous garden center of my desire. It was quite hard to keep my mouth closed as I witnessed horticultural bliss unfolding with every step I took. I become quite happy when visiting a garden, garden center, or meeting someone who understands this gardeners needs is something I enjoy. Every time I turned around, I saw a “need”. So maybe it wasn’t a real need, but a desire. There is not much difference in my book when it comes to gardening. I can honestly say, Abernethy & Spencer made me feel quite at home.

There was one tropical pant that really caught my eye.

Calotropis gigantea or Giant Milkweed simply took my breath away!
The velvety foliage and elegant stature made my heart flutter. Glad I could provide it a home.

Abernethy & Spencer…Thank you for being a dependable resource on a hot day in Virginia.

Dreaming of Vitex and my next visit. Yes they have Vitex (I checked!)!

Teri, Cottage In The Court

To find out more about this Virginia jewel, click here

To discover what else there is to do in Loudon County, click here

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