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Herb Gardening – Contained Success In The Garden

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Herb gardening is a great way to release your inner creativity. Sue Goetz inspires us to contain and create using herbs.

Herbs can be such great garden friends. If you are growing in the ground or in a container, herbs are indispensable. Sue Goetz, acclaimed Garden designer, writer, and speaker has written a book on herbs. Herb gardening can be creative and fun.

Complete Container Herb Gardening – Design and Grow Beautiful, Beautiful Herb-Filled Pots should be required reading. This book will excite you as the gardening season is upon us. Growing a garden that gives back is a good practice. Herb plants have many different uses. They are known to be used in teas, cooking, and aromatherapy. Deciding which herbs to grow and how to grow them is paramount. Sue walks us through the process and offers awesome ideas and tips along the way.

RESOURCEFUL HERB POTS PROVIDE PLEASURE

Sue guides her readers on a journey of pot selection and proper placement in the garden. She helps us continue the journey by identifying what type of herb garden we want to grow. Her ideas are amazing. We need to think of herbs as something for the garden and not just the kitchen. Herbs are quite diverse. Utilizing the creative side of our brain, we discover additional uses for herbs.

From household cleaning, beauty, and even beverages, herbs are a few of the hardest working friends in the garden. One of my favorite sections in the book referenced using herbs as pollinator attractants. It never occurred to me to consider creating a moveable feast for the pollinators to enjoy. After reading this book, I will be putting a vintage wheelbarrow to use. It will no longer be a stationary garden ornament. This is simply one of the ideas that caused a reigniting of a creative thought process in my garden. There are many suggestions and creative ideas to excite anyone to consider using herbs in seasonal containers.

HERB EXPERIENCE…NOT REQUIRED

This is the perfect book for the beginning gardener who wants to garden with intention. Herb gardening maintenance is covered in the final chapters of this book. Sue shares basic tips on keeping herb planters beautiful all season long. She even includes propagation advice for sharing your bounty. The ideas contained in this book can be useful for the experienced gardener as well. Sharing herbs with friends is always a wonderful thing. I highly recommend this book! Listen to my interview with Sue Goetz here.

Dreaming of painting my vintage wheelbarrow blue and putting her to work with herbs!

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Dr. King – A Sower of Good Seeds

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Dr. King left us with a roadmap towards fairness and freedom for all.

Dr. Martin Luther King was quite influential in moving the civil rights movement forward. I often wonder who will step into his shoes to keep the momentum going. After much thought, it is not up to one person to add movement behind the defined mission. It is up to each of us to aid in fulfilling the dreams of Dr. King.

RECOGNIZING THE DAY

Dr. King spoke about reaching back and uplifting the community. We have come to expect the third Monday in January as the day we celebrate his birthday. President Bill Clinton signed the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday and Service Act on August 23, 1994. Since then, many have come to know this as a “day on and not a day off”. It has become a day when we give back and build community in the spirit of Dr. King’s teachings. In my opinion, we should consider reaching back and building our communities every day.

SOWING SEEDS OF SERVICE

As a gardener, I believe in the positive act of sowing seeds of positivity in society. What is required to do this? Believing that you can be a part of the change or at least make a difference. We see the fertile ground, which is identified as the communities where we live. Fertile ground unplanted will attract weeds of all types, some more aggressive than others. We can assess the site, which could be considered recognizing what the community needs.

Tapping into the community, cultivating friendships, and connecting generations – all help in planning for growth. This would equate to deciding what seeds would work as we work towards positive change in our communities.

Seeds are a symbol of hope, faith and positive energy.

A FEW “SEEDS” ANYONE CAN SOW

Ever wonder what can be done individually or collectively? Here are a few ideas:

Start a conversation with a neighbor. The act of a simple “Hello” will go a long way. Ignore the color of their skin, language barrier or disability…just say “Hi”.

Explore ways to find something in common. Speaking is the first step. If you continue the conversation or some form of connectivity, positive energy will be exchanged. This is when the real work comes into play. I find that sharing a flower, a dessert, or simple gestures of kindness develops into a sort of camaraderie.

Encourage some type of shared experience to show that you are genuine and honestly want to connect. Sharing a small bouquet, a gardening tip, a good book – you must decide what works to encourage some sort of neighborly friendship and trust.

Determine what, if anything, is needed. Finding out how to keep the conversation going and growing. Figuring out what seeds will grow, in what conditions, and where, is likened to preparing the soil. Soil properly prepared will create an environment for growth.

Share with others your best practices or suggestions on how you encouraged connectivity with a neighbor or community. Sown seeds can fall in places where a positive bloom is needed…often at the right time.

Fifty-two years was how long it took for Dr. King’s birthday to become a recognized Federal holiday. Some entities still do not consider this as a holiday, thereby it is optional to take off or not. If it were not for Dr. King and his legacy, the landscape of an inclusive and caring society would be different. In my opinion, being of service to my community is an everyday mission.

SOWING IT FORWARD

From flowers to food, recyclable containers to store-bought, the need to share how to grow is my way of paying it forward to my neighbors.

How will I make a difference this year? We should use our strengths to give of ourselves to our communities. I am giving back to my community by sharing the joy of gardening. By creating a conversation about growing in place. Surrounded by Seniors who are limited in mobility, young families struggling to provide, I am encouraging gardening wherever you can.

We will be swapping seeds, giving away pots, and teaching how to find a way to look forward to the gifts of the earth. It will not matter whether it is a flower or a vegetable. Doing this will promote positivity and reinforce trying something new. It will also help develop a feeling that I care and offer hope. Closer to the time for planting, I will provide seedlings from pollinators to specialty vegetables. During a time when we must be responsibly distanced, we can still give what we can to build our communities. It is my way of tapping into my talents to pay it forward,

Do you give back? How will you commit to honoring Dr. King as we move forward in society? Each of us can do what it takes to plant seeds of trust and hope. The world needs this today. Our communities need to be rebuilt from within. We can do this to honor Dr. King.

Sorting seeds to share that I care as I remember the teachings of Dr. King.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Survival – The Garden Shows Us How

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Survival is often anticipated, but not guaranteed.

Survival is the second item on the list we consider enhancing our landscapes. Usually, we consider if we like it or not and wonder how big does it grow. Sometimes we even wonder about water requirements. In today’s world, survival is often not a prerequisite. Understanding the needs of each plant is essential. The new gardener finds this out by trial and error. A little research often keeps the spirit of gardening alive.

The events of late had me a bit worried. Had the plantings at the United States Botanical Gardens had survived the protests? I had to see for myself what the gardens would look like after a few seasons of pandemic and now protests. The survival of one of my favorite places in downtown Washington, DC was of interest to me. I headed down to the United States Botanic Garden.

The black fencing along with the armed military brought tears to my eyes.

Admittedly, I was not prepared emotionally for our current reality. I quickly turned back to the gardens along the side of the United States Botanic Garden. Briefly turning back to capture this photo, the mission of finding beauty had a sense of urgency. There had to be something to distract from the necessary fencing to ensure the survival of our Nation’s Capitol building.

I noticed the plantings around the sign. Looking forward to the planting combinations is always exciting.

NATURE TEACHES US

Creative seasonal plantings serve as lesson plans for the public. These displays set an example that hopefully encourages the public to the garden. Plants are used which withstand extreme heat, drought, and adverse conditions. The surrounding grounds with minimal maintenance demonstrated survival in the garden.

The late-season plantings reflected that in the midst of stressful times, the garden is a survivor.

We are all students of nature. Mother Nature teaches us that we can leave the garden alone sometimes. Did you know that there are beneficial insects underground? These garden friends welcome above-ground protection to ensure their survival. I have found, leaving some tasks undone, encourages visiting the garden even in the midst of winter.

The ornamental grasses and annuals left standing added winter interest. Tolerant of many unanticipated conditions, these plants will prove to be survivors.

Visiting the garden with no tasks in mind is a good thing. Just visiting and pausing can be a form of self-care.

Just visiting and taking a seat to enjoy the beauty is a great mental reset. With your back turned, you will not see the fencing.

MENTAL ESCAPISM IN THE GARDEN

The horticultural displays and plantings present the opportunity for a mental escape. This method of mental escapism in the garden is one of my favorite methods of survival.

From the exterior exhibits, the plants on display, to the planters, for just a moment the world was at peace.

The garden experience teaches us survival. As we have endured this year of unintentional pausing, the garden has been there for us. The garden has created a new generation of survivors. People from all walks of life who have reconnected with the earth.

The garden encourages each of us to embrace a bit of the earth. Our gardens can provide food for our physical health. The garden provides food for our mental health. To garden is to unknowingly sip an elixir provided by the earth. Survival is a seed we plant in our life gardens and water from the goblet of faith. As this seed grows, we learn lessons from the garden which help us become survivors.

Patiently awaiting the doors to reopen and programming to resume.

The garden continues to teach us the art of survival. Has your seed of survival sprouted in the midst of this madness? Have you watered your life garden with a little faith? We must be survivors.

I am a garden survivor. One who is patiently awaiting the Conservatory to reopen.

One thing I know for sure, when it is safe, I will be there.

Teri, Cottage In The 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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THANK YOU FOR 2020!

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Thank you for 2020 is not a phrase that will be heard much. However, there are those that I want to Thank you for the support and times shared last year.

Thank you. Two simple words that go a long way. In the Spring of 2020, in the midst of a pandemic, I began to explore the world of podcasting. It has been and continues to be quite the ride. From meeting new people, speaking with those who I have always wanted to know and introducing my listeners to the vices in horticulture, they might want to know.

I want to personally thank all of those who were important in the execution of something new as I elevate my voice in horticulture. I want to say Thank You to:

Jennifer Jewell, Kim Roman, Paula Penn-Nabrit, Wendy Kiang-Spray, Sharon Loving, John Manirakiza, John Magee, Mike Lizotte, Barbara Wheeler, Toni Gattone, Ed Ikin, Wendy Brister, Preston Montague, C. Colston Burrell, Denise Schreiber, Tracy Blevins…and a few more.

Derek Haynes, Peggy Riccio, Dr. Sandra Lewis, Carolyn Mullet, Edwina Von Gal, Kim Rush Lynch, Laura Dowling, James Brayton Hall, Lady Farmer, Louise Clark, April Thompson, Linda Jones, Rob Cardillo, David Culp, Chris Sabrese, Heather Andrews, Katie Dubow, Alisha Lampley, and Carol Michel

WOW…WHAT A YEAR IT WAS!! I look forward to reconnecting with each of you as we navigate the wonderful world of horticulture in the coming year.

To my listeners – Thank you as well. Please share my podcast, blog, Instagram, and virtual presence until we can gather again in person. I promise you a few giggles, lots of information, my perspective, and more.

If there is someone in the world of horticulture that you think would make an interesting guest on the podcast, feel free to let me know. I welcome your suggestions!

Let’s continue to have great garden conversations that encourage others to get outside and embrace the beauty that surrounds us!

Deep into nesting season and buying more seeds…

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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