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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

 

Tropical Plant Experience in January

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Oh how beautiful tropical plants are in the landscape…

Tropical plants are not usually on my brain in January. The Cottage is in zone 6b. The ability to grow tropical plants is utterly impossible. If you have an indoor garden room, tropical plants are a bonus in the midst of winter. At this time of the year checking for heaving plants is the task at hand. This year, a fellow GardenComm member Sylvia Gordon encouraged me to come down to TPIE in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I know quite a few snowbirds who leave the cold at Christmas for tropical plants and warmer climates. I never felt the need to miss the seasonal weather surprises. As the snow fell in my garden, I could not get to the airport soon enough. Oh, what a journey this was!

The first day we toured some of the most beautiful gardens with tropical plants that I have ever seen in January.

TROPICAL PLANTS IN THE LANDSCAPE

Sylvia Gordon took us to handpicked properties showcasing tropical plants used in Florida landscapes.

We started with the more formal landscapes.

Tropical plants embracing a beautiful stage in the middle of the lawn for evening performances or daytime theater, of course.
This is a totally different perspective on garden art. The perfect accent for the surrounding yard.
This pool was simply beautiful tucked neatly behind a historic home.
This was one of the detailed gates which lead up to the driveway of a gorgeous home and a landscape with tropical pants galore.
Tropical plants in front of this estate provided most of the color on this property.

A beautiful Chalice vine graced the area above the garage. This is a tropical plant I wish I could grow in Maryland.

Chalice vine, a Florida tropical plant, neatly manicured clung to an area which was bare. A beautiful statement for this historic property.

We visited properties that were not historic, but simply elegant.

Blissful nooks that made us pause to capture the moment.
Whimsical doors that led to secret spaces…
More garden art that caused us to smile.

We also visited landscapes with unique touches…

This landscape contained pavers with fossil imprints. Talk about unique.

President of GardenComm Becky Heath, Sally Cunningham, Buffalo Garden Walk, and another guest paused as we waited for lunch before boarding the bus.

This was a perfect day coordinated by two stellar ladies.

Sylvia Gordon, Landscape by Sylvia, (L) and Debra A.DeMarco, D.D.M Horticultural Service and Me, Cottage In The Court, basking in the glow of a perfectly planned day! Perfect for me because I made the January journey to experience tropical in the landscape.

With my partners in crime in tow, it was a beautiful experience and this was just day 1!

Teresa Watkins, Denise Schreiber, and I…we truly enjoyed the day!

CAPTURED GLIMPSES OF TROPICAL BLISS…

Here are a few more pictures of how beautiful the tropical plants made a typical January day beautiful.

A white garden…
Our guide Brian Rogers did not realize so many people would enjoy his garden.
I think the group could have stayed and looked out over the water….just dreaming.
Another reason to pause…water…and a reason to rest our eyes. The tropical plants added the perfect touch.
Just a little more water…with a few tropical plants.

Sylvia Gordon checked in with each of us as we made our way to the final garden for the day – Patch of Heaven.

Reliving my tropical adventure in January,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

 

Sharing Boxing Day Traditions at Christmas

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Sharing on Christmas Day is usually a given. After carefully shopping for friends and family, sharing a meal and hunkering down is usually a common practice. This year I decided to do something a little different and uniquely share with my community.

After making arrangements for my office using greenery from the garden gifted to me, the wheels in my head started turning. My garden club, Capitol Hill Garden Club, had a few bags left over from our Greens Party as well. I took advantage of this gift from the garden. When it comes to getting the public excited about gardening, I try to be creative. I quietly planned to share some Holiday joy with those who might miss out.

Christmas Eve I started my mission by washing and wrapping over 30 miniature vases that I no longer wanted. Tying each with a bow, I boxed them up. I was then ready for the next part of my exercise in sharing. In my opinion, the best gifts are not purchased. They are created, by hand and finished off with love. A supurb gift is one that comes from nature. I chose two nice sized containers that sat gathering dust. Next I found two chunks of oasis in my studio and began my elfish adventure.

BOXING DAY FUN FACT 

A little sharing about the history of boxing day which was celebrated on the day after Christmas in the UK.  This tradition started around 1833. It was a day where people gave back or shared their Christmas excess. Holiday food, goods and gifts were shared with those less fortunate. In some instances money was collected by the local Churches and given to the needy. Usually the well-to-do citizens gathered trinkets, money and left over food, boxed it up and gave it to their servants, their poor relatives, as well as to the slaves.

CHRISTMAS ON THE PLANTATION 

Usually on many plantations, the only time the slaves had off was at Christmas – MAYBE. If the plantation owner was considered nice he allowed a slave to pick a yule log. As long as the yule log burned, the slaves had those days off. I can only imagine that there was a lot of praying going on for the log to burn as long as possible. On some plantations, owners allowed a feast to be prepared specifically for the slaves. Sharing the finer meats, vegetables, wine and downtime, this celebration could last for a day or a few days. Each plantation was different. Why Christmas MAYBE?  If you were not in the good favor of the plantation owner, there was no Christmas or downtime.

Christmas was also a time for romance on the plantation. Quite a few marriges took place between plantations. It was a time when slaves were allowed to go from plantation to plantation to visit. When courting a potential spouse, a yearly visit was quite special to many.

Some slaves began a celebraton known as Jonkonnu. Creating makeshift costumes with uniquey designed masks, the celebration went from home to home. Dancing to music made with makeshift items, they were gifted with whatever was on hand to share. The women made quilts and repaired clothing during this downtime on the plantation. Songs of hope (including cryptic messages) were commonly called Spirituals. It has been documented that many slave revolts happened at Christmas.

A NON TRADITIONAL DAY OF SHARING

I wanted to give back in a uique way to my community. There will always be someone who might not have a gift to give. Usually there is someone who might feel forgotten during the holiday season. I chose to make a little bit of difference in my own way. I chose the Forestville Health & Rehabilitation Center as the place to be the recipient of some horticultural holiday cheer. The decision to deliver my festive creations on Christmas Day and not Boxing Day, was intentional.

What better place to share a festive arrangement or two of live evergreens. I also presented the box of wrapped miniature vases for those who might not have a gift to bring to a loved one. The staff could also brighten someone’s day with a small bouqet or simple stem as needed. The Greeter’s name was Arlene. We had a warm and informative conversation about the facility.

One thing rattled me, as we chatted. When I gave her the box of wrapped vases, she told me I had to distribute them to whoever I wanted to have them. Crushed, I sadly stated “I dont know anyone here”. I sat up all night choosing vases, wrapping them individually, tying the perfect bow with the intention of making a difference. Arlene could sense my sadness and said she woud give them to the Director of Activities. As I began to breathe again, I thought to myself, I will keep giving back so I will not have to say those words again.

As gardeners, we usually have an abundance of something. A few blooms or an armload of bodaciousness, how often do we think to share? Not just at Christmas time, but throughout the year the garden can be shared. You never know the impact of the unexpected “share”.

Creating the arrangements on Christmas eve, singing and reminiscing about my blessings was not intentional. I was excited about the thought of sharing unexpected joy. My mission going forward is to to get to know more about my community, engage others in the art of gardening and share.

Thank You Arlene for making this Christmas extra Special for me!!!

Are you familar with the underserved in your community? Will you consider sharing your garden gifts in the next season? You could make a new friend who will light up and smile after being gifted with unexpected horticultural bliss from the garden.

I did use a box to carry the arrangements. However what I shared could not be contained in a box.

Merry Christmas and Happy Boxing Day!!!

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.

Philadelphia Flower Show…Ushering In Spring

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Ushering in Spring this year meant traveling to the Philadelphia Flower Show to embrace all that Spring has to offer…in advance.  Usually, I am either sponsoring or a participant on a bus trip to see the Philadelphia Flower Show. It has been an odd year of unanticipated changes, so I thought I needed to experience this Spring Advance Showing with a different set of eyes.  In a way, I am glad I did.I have visited the Philadelphia Flower Show for over 20 years and have never regretted going. Some of the themes were not appealing to me at the time, but when I look back, an exhibit, a vendor or a moment, always lingered in my mind….at least until the next show. To anticipate my personal Flower Show in my mind always starts with my yearly trek to the Philadelphia flower Show.This year, the theme was Holland. When I think of Holland…well bulbs naturally come to mind. All kinds of bulbs from Tulips to Daffodils, Muscari to Galanthus to Hyacinths – bulbs mean Spring no matter where you go.  This year’s Philadelphia Flower Show did not disappoint from the inspirational bulb displays to the creative combinations.  Distinctive displays shared how plant material, such as trees and shrubs, can be integrated into the Spring landscape and complimented by a underplanting of bulbs.Greeted by a phenomenal arch of assorted bulb combinations, the fragrance of spring, the fresh foliage filled the aired, causing the world outside to be a distant memory. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that some of the bulbs I would see were from a familiar vendor, Brent & Becky’s Bulbs out of Gloucester, Virginia. Such an awesome merchant with such a wide range of bulbs not just for Spring, but for any season.  There were some very soft, feminine, as well as bright, bold and colorful tulips, artfully arranged in diverse landscape interpretations.There were large displays with outrageous interpretations of landscape options.   Big displays, small displays, minimalist displays… and over the top displays. There was the theme of bikes, alternative means of transportation made beautiful simply by adding flowers. I also seemed to find a lot of wire and floral collaborations.  The diversity of bikes, wire and light bulbs…yes light bulbs, was uniquely integrated into inspirational floral fantasy. This yearly trek always includes a little shopping with the vendors located on site.  From a simple souvenir to ornamental flags to whip in the breeze in front of my house as a constant reminder of a wonderful day. Light shopping this year…but this year, it was all about the memory as well as the escape from the world as I know it. A limited edition pin, mug, GROW magazine, and key ring, were just what I needed. When I sip from my coffee mug at work, my smile merely reflects the memory of a great day at the Philadelphia Flower Show.The Philadelphia Flower show ushers in Spring and has for quite some time.  Quite honestly, I cannot imagine Spring without my yearly trek to be in the City where I can immerse myself and find the creative interpretation of all things Spring.  Thank you, Philadelphia Horticultural Society for all you do to help us embrace a new season, every Spring.

The theme for the 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show is Wonders of Water. Featuring how water is used in the landscape as well as creative features on sustainability and conservation….alas…something to dream about until next March. The show dates for the Philadelphia Flower Show 2018 are  March 3 – 11. See you there???