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Secret Gardens of East Anglia – A Book Review

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Secret Gardens of East Anglia: Segall, Barbara, Harpur, Marcus ...
Secret Gardens of East Anglia is one of the best armchair adventure books to make unintentional pausing easy.

Secret gardens are always amazing to discover. If secret gardens are in England they become magical adventures. Barbara Segall has written a wonderful book, Secret Gardens of East Anglia – A Private Tour of 22 Gardens. This book was beautifully and lovingly photographed by Marcus Harpur. With a foreword written by Beth Chatto, the English garden enthusiast realizes this book will be a treat to enjoy.

Beth Chatto refers to the curators as ‘garden artists’. The people who have created East Anglia gardens had to realize the challenges of the area. With climate, space, and other limitations, beautiful gardens were created. The owners of these secret gardens, want to inspire others to create beauty in their own green space.

SECRET ESTATE GARDENS

To achieve the secret garden feel, one of the landowners had to learn how to manage a windy site. By creating shelter belts, carefully curated areas to garden passionately became a reality. Gardens rooms that focused on a certain style of landscaping were created. Two different personalities invested time, effort, and a lot of love to create quite the garden. The pictures of East Ruston Old Vicarage speak volumes!

I have recurring dreams of creating deep floral borders. Helmingham Hall has deep borders that are quite exquisite. Researching styles, creating plant combinations, and incorporating abundant color was executed very well by Lady Tollemache. Better known as Xa, this homeowner is now a seasoned garden designer who is familiar with creating secret gardens that pop!

A SECRET TERRACE GARDEN

What is the main ingredient of a secret terrace garden? Walls. High walls that embrace whatever is behind them. Every English inspired garden does not have to be an Estate.

In this example, a terrace became a secret garden. The residents had a track record of creatively designing properties from London, Italy, and now Cambridge. A voluptuous secret garden is artfully curated in less space. These gentlemen used colors that allow the plants to be the focal point. The hardscaping is not overwhelming, simply beautifully present. Subtly painted columns creatively hide garden necessities. The glass doors invite the garden to be an integral part of the day.

A pool, voluptuous pots overflowing with color and hardscaping mimicking Spain with a Moroccan feel…I can only say AH-MAZING!! This garden has the wow factor of a small scale estate. In this secret garden, size truly does not matter!

A SECRET BEYOND THE MEADOW

Imagine finding a 500-year-old farmhouse, a parcel of land, and no garden. After renovating the house, the next task was to create a meadow. A meadow is merely the gateway to creating more gardens. Adding pathways to define the space, Emily Shelley curated a secret front yard garden. Her philosophy consists of two words – random and relaxed. By allowing the plants to chart their course, the front yard garden is amazing! With silver foliage, shades of purple, and accents of pink, this garden speaks to me.

There are more gardens in this book. Barbara Segall and her team did a fabulous job. I did not even mention Wyken Hall or the other bodacious gardens. Barbara also graciously provided a list of open garden information in this book. The possibility of visiting on Open Garden dates is an added value to the reader.

Barbara, you have made my armchair trip quite the adventure. I want to experience the garden’s first hand. I recommend this book to the avid gardener who loves to dream.

Clicking my heels three times as I wish I was in the garden at Hoveton Hall…

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Saplings of Strength and Survival

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Acorns are the seeds that grow saplings of strength that survive in times of crises and chaos.

Saplings are often overlooked when we think about the landscape. We adore the gift of shade that trees like maples and oaks provide. The autumnal leaf color is a visual gift as we anticipate the nakedness of nature during the winter months.

A SEEDS TALE

In the midst of the forest, seeds fall. Seeds fall, laying in stillness until conditions are right.

Acorns covered by leaves, tree debris or earth scattered by the wind help saplings grow. The best natural mulch on earth!

As the season’s change, the seed is covered by the loving leaves or natural debris. The seed sometimes awakens from within and sets down roots. If it is a tree, the roots produce top growth and become saplings.

SAPLINGS SETTING ROOTS

Saplings of strength happen when roots find optimal conditions for good growth…and survival.

I observed the growth of a favorite sapling which I see daily. While walking my dog about 12 years ago, she would love to eat acorns. I wondered if this was a good idea or not. No matter how hard I tried to wrestle them from Aminia’s mouth, the acorns were her treat. The crunching sound from that happy face was hilarious.

There was one area where an abundance of acorns fell. I noticed an acorn, nestled among crunched acorn caps had taken root. Seeing the two leaves signaled that it had found a home. I placed two handfuls of mulch in a baggie. Carrying it to the site, I covered its base. I wanted to keep an eye on this baby. How long would it take an oak sapling to grow into a majestic species if left alone? This was my prized sapling, the same age as Aminia. I committed to caring for this sapling, making sure that no large branches fell to hurt or harm it.

Time passed and I admired the growth from year to year. Amazed at the silent strength of this oak sapling, it began to branch out and reach towards the sky.

The year Aminia passed away, I purposely did not walk that way for 6 months. I knew the sapling was standing tall, on her own strength, firmly rooted in her native soil. Funny thing, I had to allow the memory of Aminia to settle inside my inner garden. The seed of what type of dog would I look for was planted and had to take root as well.

The sapling called Precious that has given me the strength to survive whatever comes my way. The exact dog I was looking for.

Precious and I now take the daily walk past this same sapling. However, now it is a young tree. Increasing branches and a widening trunk is a comforting sight to see. It has weathered the storm of severe drought, extreme temperatures, and heavy rains. I have seen children hugging its trunk, playing games around it and yet, it still grows.

During this time of uncertainty, we need to be like saplings of strength. Standing strong, staying in place, and considering the alternatives to our communities if we do not. Putting down our roots by reading the books we were going to read one day or re-connecting with our families is a good thing. Reacquainting ourselves with our homes or even starting a garden are great ways to patiently pause.

I am like that oak sapling. Exhibiting strength in the midst of this chaos and prayerfully will be a survivor. How are you showing the strength of a sapling in your home or community? Are you the sapling that will survive after the chaos is over?

Waiting to walk past our sapling that stands for strength…and survival.

Sinking my roots in thoughts of my garden,

Teri, from the Cottage In the Court

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Autumn Bliss in Delaware Gardens

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Autumn beauty at the Delaware Botanic Garden…a long-awaited visit to the latest botanic garden on the East Coast.

Autumn is a season I look forward to every year. The heat of this summer made me realize that some features of my garden need to be reconfigured. Autumn tells a special garden story. The success or failure of certain plants becomes quite visible. The gardens I recently visited in Delaware were inspirational and instilled a sense of hope for next year’s garden.

Members and friends of GardenComm – Region II recently ventured to Delaware and explored several select gardens. John Boggan, Region II member, curated a day in Delaware featuring various gardens for a taste of autumn near the shore. It was a beautiful day to escape and enjoy gardens anywhere. I missed the first garden filled with annuals and tropicals in a planned golf course community. The second stop of the day at the Delaware Botanic Garden at Pepper Creek is where I met the group.

AUTUMN AT DBG

The Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek have been the talk of the horticultural community. Located in Dagsboro, Delaware, the latest Botanic garden on the East coast offers five different garden rooms to inspire all who visit.

Raymond J. Sander, President of DBG Board of Directors welcomed us and answered as many inquiries as possible about the beginnings of the garden as well as the mission.

The mission of the Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek is to create a world-class, inspirational, educational public garden in southern Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of all. One can only envision the future of this garden and the effect it will have on the landscapes of the future.

THE GARDEN ROOMS

Brian Trader was our official tour guide as we wandered about the property and embracing autumnal bliss.

Brian Trader escorted our group through the five gardens found at the Delaware Botanic Gardens. The Meadow Garden is a design of Piet Oudolf. He is known for his highly acclaimed naturalistic landscapes around the world. What an honor to visit this special place. This garden is beautiful in every season. Planted with 85% native and pollinator plants, the colors in autumn are just magnificent. A ribbon of soft-toned grasses and perennials danced in the middle of the field.

Autumn ribbons of color grace the landscape at the Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek.

We visited the Inland Garden which featured plantings that mimicked how the landscape would have appeared many years ago. Karen Steenhoudt explained to us the significance of an Inland garden. We were invited to visit often and see how it continues to evolve.

Signage helped us identify the different areas like the Inland Dune garden.
The Learning Garden, sponsored by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is considered an outdoor classroom. This compliments the Inland Dune garden and has a freshwater pond as well. The perfect demonstration of what the landscape would have looked like over 30,000 years ago.
When visiting the Learning Garden, guests will see nature up close and at the water’s edge so to speak.
The Folly Garden offered a sense of whimsy. A wrought-iron gate was left standing where it was used as an entrance years ago. The homestead is long gone. Bricks found on the property lined the walkways.
A crevice garden is also found in the folly Garden. Even in autumn, crevice gardens intrigue and excite me.

The Woodland Edge Garden featured a branch border. Branches from the trees along the way are used to define the pathways. There were benches along the way for pausing and just enjoying the view.

The views of Pepper Creek leaves visitors wanting to return. Membership, as well as donations, are needed to keep this vision alive. Funding will allow development to continue.

The Woodland Gardens offered the familiar sounds of nature. From the whisper of the wind to the chirping of the birds…serenity was all around us. Oversized manmade nests were tucked among the trees. Educational whimsy created smiles in our group. Imagine 12 acres in its native state. With vernal pools edged with ferns, tall native coastal trees and more. There is a lot to envision and explore.

One of the coolest things was the nest. It was HUGE!! The entire group gathered inside one for a photo. As the twigs breakdown and return to the soil, one could consider this a living earth science space to discover life in the garden. It was amazing!!!
Dotted along the woodland paths, these nests created a stirring in my heart. I could imagine incorporating a small scale nest in my garden. Public gardens are meant to intrigue and inspire!!!

REVISITING NEXT SEASON

This was just the start of a wonderful day in Delaware. Exploring new gardens for inspiration in autumn is refreshing. I highly suggest visiting the Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek in any season. Embracing nature and imagining the possibilities of what this site will become is quite intriguing. One of the latest Public Gardens that will educate and inspire all who visit.

Find out more information about the Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek by clicking here

Wondering how Piet Odoulf has designed and touched the world of horticulture and landscapes around the world, click here

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Pot Culture

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TPIE shared ideas of a different type of pot culture. Using simple houseplants to calm the eye in a semi shade garden is an unexpected pleasure.

Pot culture is a great way to embrace seasonal color up close and personal. The possibilities depend on the look that you want to achieve. Summer offers tropical options that we might not think about. In January I had the opportunity to attend TPIE -The Tropical Plant International Expo in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. When I left Maryland I had just shoveled the snow from my walkway. My flight could not have been at a better time. I was not sure what to expect in Florida in January. I knew I wanted to expand my familiarity with using tropical plants. TPIE was just the place to explore creative pot culture.

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A strawberry pot used for assorted succulents and topped off with a fern. Easy care display of pot culture.

What is considered a tropical plant in the DMV is what is in the landscape in Florida. I found it amazing to see a bed of begonias as a ground cover in the exterior landscape. Basic plantings like snake plants surrounded by impatiens can inspire any inner gardener. Perhaps not in the ground but what a statement in a pot. Height, structure with a soft skirt in the semi-shade garden…who would have thought about this?? Take those houseplants outside and give them a taste of the tropics. Pot culture has endless possibilities.

Anthuriums and Bromeliads…what a colorful combination. Perfect for a protected spot by a doorway or as a corner accent.

There were combinations of succulents with orchids as a mixed planting. Succulents in varying heights, natural color combinations as well as tropicals hung high to draw the eye up as well as around. A pitcher plant in a hanging basket, instead of a trailing petunia – exotic vs. traditional. Succulents planted on the bottom and sides of moss covered baskets – hanging or tilted on the ground are unique. One such succulent that would drape is the donkey tail cacti.

Pitcher plants are an eclectic option for a hanging basket that is bound to evoke a conversation or two.

Consider the container as well. There are so many creative options to contain beauty. From paint cans, tires, broken pots, rotted bottom wheelbarrows, chairs, and more. A rectangular planter hanging at eye level with an assortment of bodacious tropicals adds interest to any setting.

Eclectic, creative containers add interest to the most basic plantings.
Succulents in a trough hanging is always a different option for pot culture.

No place to hang a planter? Pots at assorted heights with textural foliage, assorted blooms or not. Using cinder blocks, assorted wooden blocks or even bricks, assorted height combinations add interest in a basic way.

Bougainvillea is a great plant for trailing or climbing for a long blooming pop of color. Excellent for a statement pot to anchor a sunny spot.

In a sunny corner, a collection of pots can add pop. A lush bougainvillea, sun-loving coleus, a Brugmansia in a pot underplanted with Vinca graced with Dichondra Falls…just a few options for pot culture. Exploring the options for what can be planted in a pot was a lesson well learned at TPIE.

This is a great silver accent plant that trails or adds sprawling interest on the ground. I love it cascading from pots and then gracing the ground…amazing display!

I am glad I took the time to go to TPIE. As I begin to create bodacious planters for my terrace, I am inspired to think out of the box for my unique expression of pot culture. Will you think beyond the usual annuals and perennials and consider personalizing your pot culture?

Considering tropicals for my pots,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Patch of Heaven – A Love Letter

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Patch of Heaven Director and Horticulturist, Mr. Hubbard welcomed us for the experience of a lifetime.

Dear Patch of Heaven,

You made me fall in love with nature more than ever before. There was a consistent phrase I kept hearing from several attendees on my trip to TPIE. Day 1 of the Tropical Plant International Expo Road Show included a tour of private gardens. I kept hearing murmurings. “I wonder how long we will have to spend at Patch of Heaven?” Another said, “Remember last time we were here and went to Patch of Heaven?” What was it about you that I did not know. I was about to find out.

Mr. Frederick Hubbard and a few members of his staff met us as we disembarked from our bus. He shared a little insight and history of this beautiful place.  There was no way we could see everything in the time allotted. Mr. Hubbard gave the group insight on key features we might want to see. One way would take us to the bat house, which is under construction. Another way led to the many garden rooms found on the property. We split up and followed Mr. Hubbard to explore the grounds.

Some of the art was bigger than life and truly commanded a presence…

Doorways at a Patch of Heaven always led to another vision of breathtakingly natural beauty.

As I wandered and paused, in every direction I found a carefully curated room that spoke of peace…

I looked up and there was a chandelier, lazily hanging in this tree. No time for me to linger for there was so much more to see.

Not just waterfalls but Koi ponds as well. Plantings growing naturally in their near perfect surroundings…

 

 

 

 

Patch of Heaven Sanctuary, you have garden rooms that inspire, as one strolls along the pathways. I had to catch my breath as tears quietly fell. You made my heart full and filled my mind with inspiration.

I still cannot forget the vision of elegantly appointed accents, perfectly placed in the garden.

I could have sat in this garden room and listened to the silence for hours…

An off the beaten path place to pause and reflect on my garden travels…and how I long for more

Art that simply spoke to the curiosity of those who love nature and the opportunity to discover all of nature’s attributes together…

Thank you for existing. From your historic structures to your wonderfully peaceful trails…I continue to be awestruck. I find comfort in knowing that you are a 501c3 committed to things that speak to me:

  • Restoration of the native grounds;
  • Building community through education and participation;
  • Innovating ideas to keep this Sanctuary protected and available for use. Committing to offering venue options that are environmentally friendly and sustainable is a terrific concept.

You made me fall in love with you…now I can’t get you off my mind.  Patch of Heaven…I am hopelessly in Love and I need to say Thank You.

I still pinch myself because I can not believe I was in Florida, in January, strolling through Patch of Heaven Sanctuary…

Regards,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

To find out more click here, Patch of Heaven Sanctuary

To find out more about TPIE, click  here Tropical Plant International Expo

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