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Beatrix Farrand, Landscape Gardener

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Beatrix Farrand, Landscape Gardener, and well-known Landscape Architect is a woman who has certainly left her mark on many landscapes around the country. If you admire Dumbarton Oaks, Beatrix designed this very special estate garden for the Bliss Family. This is a woman in landscape architecture that deserves to have her story told.

Beatrix Farrand, a truly unique visionary who forged her own path in Landscape Design

Karyl Evans took the time to actually document this story from Maine to California. Using interviews and footage of over 50 remaining gardens that Beatrix Farrand designed, we have a great story of her life. Beatrix started as a Landscape Gardener and by the end of her life, had become a highly respected Landscape Architect.

As an avid admirer of Beatrix Farrand, I had to seize the moment and attend this showing at Greenspring Gardens in Virginia. Karyl takes the viewer on a trip that gives us insight on how passionate Beatrix was for plant material and design. Beatrix Farrand’s finished landscapes had lots of color, form, heights, and texture.

Karyl Evans speaking to the attendees of her film on Beatrix Farrand at Greenspring Gardens, Virginia.

Karyl Evans placed us in the midst of some of the finest gardens that have survived the test of time. A documentary film has never existed about Beatrix Farrand. A six-time award-winning documentarian, Karyl has captured the story of a young woman who initially grew up in a well to do family. Beatrix Jones father was a well to do industrialist and her Mother was a Social Worker. The marriage was an unhappy one and unfortunately, her parents divorced. Beatrix had to figure out how to make a living to help support herself and her mother.

Employed by her Aunt Edith Wharton and mentored by Dr. Charles Sprague Sargent, Beatrix found herself doing quite well as a Landscape Gardener. With clients from coast to coast, Beatrix made a name for herself as she pursued this career. Not a traditional career choice for women, Beatrix Farrand excelled in Landscape architecture. A career that included being one of the Founders of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Conversations shared with Scholars like Diana Balmori, Landscape Historian Judith Tankard, and Shavaun Towers, Landscape Architect are peppered throughout the film. These conversations give a bit of information on how Beatrix Farrand is an integral part of the conversation on Landscape Architecture to this day.

This film can be purchased by clicking: http://www.beatrixfarranddocumentary.com

There is an opportunity to see this film at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. On November 1, 2017, from 6:30 – 8:30. Karyl Evans will share this long overdue documentary called The Life and Gardens of Beatrix Farrand. Joining Karyl will be Darwina L.Neal, FASLA and Maureen Joseph, ASLA, National Park Service.

Tickets are $20.00 for non-members of the National Building Museum, $12.00 for Members and pre-registration is required.

Walk-ins will be allowed if there is room.

To purchase tickets click here:

http://go.nbm.org/site/Calendar/1848501233?view=Detail&id=122563

Earning a coveted award as Most Outstanding Director, Karyl Evans is someone to get to know as well. She is on the Speakers List for the Garden Club of America and has had a 30-year career in public television, producing historical documentaries. A Fellow at Yale and a degree in Horticulture/Landscape Architecture, Karyl Evans saw a need for this story to be shared. It is truly a labor of love.

Thank you to the Darwina L. Neal Cultural Landscape Fund for recognizing the need for programming like this. As a Garden Writer, I hope to see more programming like this. It will help encourage other women to consider the garden as a place of beauty as well as a career. Thank you, Karyl Evans, for pursuing – from Maine to California – the story of Beatrix Farrand and documenting it on film.

To find out about a quick trip I took to Bellefield click here

Click for more information on the National Building Museum 

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Garden Bloggers Fling 2017…Anticipating Bliss

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Garden Bloggers Fling 2017 in the DMV

I have been anticipating this year’s Garden Bloggers Fling 2017 for quite some time. Maintaining my composure as I waited has been challenging. Trying to hide my excitement when people have asked the question “What is a Garden Bloggers Fling 2017?” has been difficult!I even tried to not give away too much information about the sponsors, speakers and raffle items that we will have the opportunity to win. (Did I mention the Swag Bags – you will need a personal crane…oops!)

One of the hidden gardens on Our National Mall

What is the Garden Bloggers Fling??

No, it is not a group of Gardeners flinging things at each other. It IS an intimate gathering of like-minded passionate garden bloggers who come together and share the experience of visiting bodacious gardens in a specific region. The Garden Bloggers Fling 2017 will encompass the awesomely wonderful, fabulous and unique Washington, DC region – DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Four days of horticultural BLISS, starting right in the Nation’s Capital. I am holding back because it has been killing me to NOT go to my favorite haunt, The United States Botanic Gardens to share how gorgeous it is RIGHT NOW!!!!   OUR National Mall is the first stop – how exciting, right?  If you are not aware of what is happening on the National Mall, I’ve got a little news for you.

Wikipedia Image of the Historic Lockkeepers House on Our National Mall

Did you know that the Trust For The National Mall is in the process of managing the relocation of the infamous Lockkeepers House?  You know that beautiful stone structure at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 17th Street that is 180 years old. I know you have seen it and wondered what are they ever going to do with that?? Well, I have it on good authority that its re-birthing will be awesome.  Lack of funding will NOT keep us from enjoying this beautiful building.

Thank you to the Private Donors who are making the move and restoration possible. Without the Private Donors, the choice to keep this jewel of a building has become a reality. It will become the beacon of historical light, as we welcome visitors to the National Mall. After all, it is the oldest structure on Our National Mall. To keep up on the latest news or to donate, check out the National Mall. Personally, I am still excited about the effort to install Constitution Gardens….one day!!

The Garden Bloggers ae Flinging for 4 days straight!!

Our National Mall has so many gardens and museums that offer education and beauty.  The United States Botanic Gardens offers us inspiration, beauty, programming and so much more. Admittedly, I tend to stalk the United States Botanic Gardens. It is amazing to see the combinations of plant material in the planters as well as on the grounds, the seasonal blooms, and new plant introductions.  Then there is that fountain…

Bartholdi Park and Fountain – a true work of genius…surrounded by teaching gardens…

The fountain of my desire is known to many as the Bartholdi Fountain. Located in the Bartholdi Park, just beyond the rain garden display at United States Botanic Gardens, one simply must pause to see this work of art. Bartholdi Park was completely renovated for the first time since it was created in 1932 last year. It is now considered a SITES Certified garden.  Certification for SITES Projects found just about anywhere from private homes, streetscapes, national parks and more is worth investigating. To find out about SITES Certification click here.

There is so much in store for the attendees of this year’s Garden Bloggers Fling!!! Did I mention I am a Bus Captain??? This is a hard job but someone has got to do it!!! As a native Washingtonian, Avid Volunteer, Supporter of The Trust for The National Mall, Member of The Association of Garden Writers, I am honored to be a part of this awesome event. Did I mention that this is all just a taste of  DAY ONE???!!!

How To Find Out More

Although registration is closed, if you blog about gardens, you might want to click here to check out the Garden Bloggers Fling, for more information. I am dreaming about cultivating new friendships with people I have admired by reading their blogs. Taking tons of pictures of local gardens in late June, I am packing my personalized smelling salts and enjoying the moments will be the mission.

Special smells to revive me if I am overcome by all the beauty that is sure to surround The Garden Bloggers Fling 2017!

I would never have known about the Garden Bloggers Fling if I had not joined The Association of Garden Writers. You would never know what members of The Association of Garden Writers have available upon joining. The opportunity to meet passionate gardeners, experts in horticulture, vendors and free plants –  Did I say FREE PLANTS?? To find out more click #GWA.

Follow me daily starting Thursday, June 22 through Sunday, June 25 on my social media garden plots (Twitter, Instagram, Tumbler, and Facebook) to stay in the loop on all things beautiful. I am considering this Pre-Game Practice for #GWA2017, #BUFFALOGARDENWALK Registration is still open for the 2017 Garden Writers and Communicators Conference. It will be a great way to end the summer and quite the unique vacation idea!

Mentally Flinging,

Teri

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Hillwood – Beautiful No Matter the Season

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Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens , is simply one of my favorite off the beaten path places to visit.  I am in love with two words in the mission statement “to delight and engage”. Not just the public, but the employees that greet us and make us feel at home when we visit.  The quality and professionalism that is required, speaks to how Marjorie Merriweather Post would want it to be.  Mrs. Post demanded excellence, gracious hospitality as she embraced the arts, history and of course, her gardens.IMG_2095

Needing a moment to catch up with two avid Master Gardener friends and neighbors, I suggested a Ladies Day Out starting with lunch and then touring the grounds.  It was the perfect opportunity to pause, dine and aimlessly wander the grounds of Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens.

We started at the Café and had a rather healthy lunch ….until the dessert came. Deborah Turner, District Heights Community Garden Lead had a delicious gazpacho – appropriate as it was a tad warm outside) and Sandra Womack, all around good neighbor and assists with the District Heights Community Garden had one of my all time favorites – the curried chicken sandwich.  That was where the healthy idea paused as the dessert menu called our names!!!  I had the Tiramisu, Debbie had the fruit crepe’s and Sandra had the cookie trio…all accompanied by the signature iced tea.

I could not think of a better place to walk off calories….so we embarked on our journey to explore and enjoy the Deco Japan: Shaping Art and Culture Exhibit….as well as the gardens.  We peeked…

We cooed and ahhed at the wonderfully abundant plantings that caressed the paths and we finally made our way to the Japanese Gardens.

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Sandra Womack (foreground) and Deborah Turner enjoying he chance for a photo op in the Japanese Gardens at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens

I could barely tear the ladies away from the intimate walkways throughout.  It proved to be the perfect place to pause.

Of course I had to venture into the rose garden where Mrs. Marjorie Merriweather Post ashes are interred in the base of the tasteful pillar.

I like to pause here and dream about what her world entailed as one of the Grand Ladies of Washington.  Ever a gracious hostess, independent thinker and a very giving soul, Marjorie Merriweather Post still shares the beauty that can be found in Washington, DC in her gardens.  Even in her physical absence, she is ever-present in the garden.

While we enjoyed the ambiance and beauty of the summer gardens, I can’t wait to go again and see the autumnal fall color. As the trees gracefully change their party dresses in shades of yellow, red and brown, the Winter structure allows us to dream about the promise of Springtime blooms at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens.IMG_2095

Will I see you there as the season unfolds???

Always Mentally In the Garden,

Teri

click here To find out more Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens

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Abundance in this Season

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Abundance, abundant or abundantia, this season – known as Autumn – has offered up an abundance of blessings……and it’s just getting started!!! I am not quite sure where to begin, but I want to highlight a few things.  I met so many wonderful people at the Garden Writers and Communicators Conference, I am still addressing cards, just to say how happy I was to meet a fellow Steward of the Land. So many moments to remember that linger in my mind.

Drawn to a table with books, of course, I met a very nice young man from Nature Hills Nursery – Chris Link. We were both admiring a book on Trees.  As our conversation gathered steam, we shared many thoughts from what his company offered (great mail order resource of QUALITY plant material from trees to vines).  I had to check them out since they are family owned – gotta LOVE a small business!!! I understand that they have an amazing selection of popular varieties…..and a Buzz Magenta Buddleia.   I am excited about this resource and look forward to utilizing them in the very near future.  I am also noticing that they  have plant pads…..no longer is there an excuse to not at least TRY to garden with confidence!!!  Check out their website – Nature Hills  If we support the small business or grower, we support community. Not only have I met a new friend, I am also happy that Chris calmed my fears about SEO trials and tribulations!!!

Visiting the State Botanical Garden of Georgia located  in Athens, Georgia was such a grand opportunity! The gardens were absolutely divine and it is definitely a MUST SEE whenever  you are in Athens,Georgia.  The gardens were well maintained and simply alive with color, shape and form.  The evidence of life was quite evident not only by the presence of pollinators, but by the sound of happy Garden Writers clicking away to save memories of an awesome visit.  Thank you State Botanic Garden of Georgia for the goodie bag and the native plants.  I can’t wait til Spring to have that memory included in the beauty at the Cottage!!

The abundant visions of beauty that I have experienced this season, leave me with dreams filled with inspiration from Chihuly in the gardens of the Atlanta Botanic Garden…wp-image-2004729035jpg.jpg

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Tours of private hoes throughout Atlanta, with signature touches of art as well…

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The abundance of beauty that I have experienced this season continues locally as well.  As we embrace the spirit of gardening and reconnect with the earth, I want to give a huge virtual hug to W. Atlee Burpee and The Burpee Foundation which  has established a $2.5 Million gift to permanently maintain, develop and fund the White House Vegetable Garden.  It will be gifted to the National Park Foundation which is the entity that maintains the White house Garden.  Thank you Mrs. Obama for your Let’s Move Campaign and sharing how we can be motivated to move just by growing something good and edible!!! HOW AWESOME IS THIS????  To find out more click here White House Kitchen Garden or Let’s Move I am grinning from ear to ear as I watch this reconnection with the earth happen organically…so to speak!!  To find out more about an awesome event happening today, click here White House.

How does the news just keep getting better???  There is a terrific exhibit at one of my favorite places Hillwood. Think about this – 15 foot tall, fiberglass sculptures recreate “The Seasons”, originally conceived by Giuseppe Arcimboldo.  Philip Haas has recreated this well-known theme in a way never before interpreted on such a large-scale.  It is in place in the gardens through March 31, 2017.  In case you did not know, Hillwood is open most of the year and if you are a member (like me) there are all types of special events that you receive notification of in advance.  I am looking forward to seeing this exhibit as the leaves gingerly grace the landscape…..not to mention the abundant leaf color that will add a colorful backdrop to an already gorgeous landscape. Did I mention the Fall Tours are given at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm until Sunday, November 13, 2016. Perhaps I will see you there??

There is a lot going on this Fall and it all embraces the abundant joy that can be found in the garden.  If time does not allow you to add one more thing to your Fall plans – then plan ahead.

If you are a Garden Blogger, you might want to attend the first Garden Bloggers Fling in the DMV!!!  Imagine that.  Never heard of a Garden Bloggers Fling??  Click here Garden Bloggers Fling 2017 to find out more.  It is going to be the event of the season!!! Thank you Tammy for bringing the world to us as we have some beautiful gardens to share!!

SAVE THE DATE

Capital Region Garden Bloggers Fling

June 22-25, 2017

You see, the abundance of all things beautiful in this season and as we look forward to the coming seasons, just has me filled with joy and absolutely full.  Full of hope that more people will embrace gardening, nature and all things beautiful.

Join us as we kick up our legs and embrace the abundance of activities that are available to us .

I hope to see and interact with you in a garden soon……..

Always Mentally In The Garden,
Teri
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Lotus….Beauty in the midst of the City

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IMG_1450Lotus? In DC?  Yes – the flower that symbolizes serenity, knowledge, majesty and purity, among other things, can be found right in the heart of Washington DC.  A celebration of the Lotus is not just a one-day event but an ongoing event that just gets better and better.  Walter Shaw was onto something when he moved a few wild water lilies from Maine to the adjoining wetlands of the property he purchased in Washington DC.  With a little girl-power from his daughter Helen, Mr. Shaw began utilizing what was formerly used as the local ice pond for winter activities to a beautiful oasis of waterlilies and lotus.

Helen joined here Father in developing a business, Shaw Gardens, that turned many garden enthusiasts into water gardeners and provided financially fruitful income as well. When the National Park Service threatened to take away this land, dredge it and backfill it, Helen went to battle by lobbying Congress to save this important parcel from destruction and it was added to what we now know as Anacostia Park. Helen Shaw Fowler continued to live on the property enjoying the eternal gift of the season until her death.  Thank goodness one of the gardeners who worked for our National Park Service – Fred Lundy – took an interest in continuing the maintenance and care of what we now know as Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

Think it’s all about the Lotus??  Goodness – NO!!!

There are all sorts of local amphibians that can be heard as you walk through the wetlands filled with majestic blooms rising above the muck. Also if you are a birder , finding Wood Ducks, Green Heron, Great Egret and if you are lucky, a Bald Eagle or two just might make your day! This is definitely the place where sandpipers might  skirt across the landscape or the sound of a Pileated Woodpecker might turn into background music as you aimlessly wander along the pathways found amidst the lotus gardens.wp-image-2094558849jpg.jpgIf you were not able to attend The Lotus Festival on yesterday, here are a few other opportunities on the horizon that you just might want to mark your calendar and enjoy:

Blossoms at Twilight Friday, July 22, 2016     5:30  9:00 pm

Did you know that there are some cultivars of Lotus that bloom at dusk….and the fragrance….OH – THE FRAGRANCE!!!  If you have not witnessed this first hand, head on over after work and enjoy something to start the weekend in a peaceful, serene environment….right here in our hometown!! There are even activities for the children.

Lotus Jazz Night  Saturday, July 23, 2016   5:00 – 7:00 pm

Did someone say unique date night???  For the first time, Kenilworth Gardens is hosting Jazz Night in the midst of the Lotus. Featuring Akua Allrich Jazz, DC Native, and local jazz artist will bring music to relax your world.  The local venue, local artist….this should be something that should be supported and perhaps it just might become a series of concerts that will build community.

Lotus – bringing long season beauty to our Nations Capitol that all can enjoy….and it’s all FREE!!!IMG_1503Maybe I will see you there???

Always mentally in the garden……Teri

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