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Wine, Women, and Discovering The Legacy Wine Trail

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Wine, Women, and the Legacy Wine Trail are all worth a day trip into Southern Maryland.

Wine is a part of life for many people. For some, it is the perfect drink for winding down at night. It is also a great drink to share with friends. For many years I looked forward to September.

You see, September was the month of Wine Festivals. The Maryland Wine Festival and the Virginia Wine Festival have been a part of my autumnal fun for over 15 years. Due to this period of unintentional pausing, I am exploring local wineries solo.

ROBIN HILL FARM AND VINEYARDS

Robin Hill offers wine, a welcoming environment, and a venue for celebrating just about anything.

An invitation on social media to visit and enjoy a local wine tasting seemed interesting. It was welcomed as Prince Georges County entered Phase II of this pandemic. I was eager to cautiously get out of the house, embrace a change of scenery, and take a drive.

Bubba was a strong but silent type. He kept me company until the other guests arrived.

I was welcomed by Bubba and Pumpkin. The setting was beautifully maintained and quite serene. Bubba, a handsome goat kept me entertained until the other guests arrived for the tasting. Masks were required and all of the tables were appropriately distanced. I was greeted by Susan and Bob, the owners of Robin Hill Farm and Vineyard. What a wonderful Maryland welcome it was.

The complete tasting experience included the samples, signature glass, a package of crackers to cleanse the palette, a bottle of water, and a smile.

As the tasting began, I made sure to get a front-row seat. Susan filled us in on the history of Robin Hill and included a few fun facts. The labels on the bottles share the love of land and family. Memories of moments with her Dad to meeting Bob were all a part of the tasting journey. The five acres of grapes are harvested by hand in late August or early September.

Susan was the highlight of the tasting including family history and stories about helping the community stay connected.

I was not aware this Vineyard was formerly a nursery. According to Susan, when you visit National Harbor and see the Cherry Blossoms – they came from Robin Hill. When they decided to close the nursery, little did they know the soil was perfect for new adventures. The soil where Tobacco was previously grown was also great for growing grapes. A winery was born. Robin Hill has also become a destination for weddings and more.

Two selections that came home with me from Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards.

The wines were absolutely divine! The labels are artfully designed by family members. The stories Susan shares are heartwarming and speak to faith, family, and community. Due to the pandemic, Robin Hill had to pivot, like most venues to stay alive. They offer limited small group tastings, food trucks on weekends, music, and a terrific view of pastoral bliss.

Hogshead will be a great sipper as I begin to embrace fall.

I can’t decide if it was Rooted, October Glory, or PI’Goat Blend that brought joy to my tastebuds. I know that I am saving Hogshead for the perfect autumn evening. Home Sweet Home will be enjoyed as I begin my garden cleanup. It was an amazing experience and I look forward to returning.

ROMANO VINEYARD AND WINERY

A warm Labor Day and the opportunity to try another Legacy Wine Trail Vintner.

It was a perfect Labor Day Monday and other wineries were not advertising as being open. The Romano Vineyard and Winery were open for business and I accepted the invitation. What a terrific surprise to find out I was visiting another woman-owned winery. The Legacy Wine Trail consists of four wineries. According to Jo-Ann Romano, this was the first winery in southern Maryland to open to the public.

Romano had tables with umbrellas and a staff eager to sanitize between patrons.

As I sat in the shadow of the sun, the setting was perfect for a day away from it all. A few couples, a group of four friends, all seemed to be enjoying the moment.

Each patron can select which wines they want in their tasting. You can also order snacks.

I nibbled my snacks and savored each wine sample. It was clear that the Chambourcin Reserve made me fall in love. In the past, several Maryland Wines I experienced were a bit sweet. It seems as though Maryland wines have matured and are now savory. Perhaps my palette has changed and I choose more savory selections. I am certain there is a Maryland wine to adapt to a variety of palettes. Trying several wines can help you decide which one is right for you.

The Chambourcin and the Shiraz were two wines that I found delightful!

There are two more wineries on the Legacy Wine Trail :

Gemeny Winery and Vineyard

Janemark Winery and Vineyard

All of these wineries are in a nine-mile radius. A nice drive watching the leaves float gracefully from the trees, a good book, or a friend is the perfect way to see Maryland Agriculture at work. After this beautiful day at Romano Vineyard and Winery, my taste buds are willing to try more local wines. Have you experienced the Legacy Wine Trail in Southern Prince Georges County?

The Legacy Wine Trail offers a glimpse into a thriving agricultural community in Southern Prince Georges County.

Waiting for the perfect crisp evening, with a shawl, on the patio enjoying a glass of Chambourcin…

Chambourcin…perfect for a cool, calm fall weekend.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Contemplating “C” In My Garden

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Contemplating positivity in the letter “C” has been challenging this season. Although considering how it connects me to my garden, I see that it brings me joy!

The art of contemplating anything is an act of consideration. A few ways that Merriam Webster defines the word contemplate, definitely applies to the garden. Particularly when the first definition is… to view or consider with continued attention..or to meditate on. As we practice unintentionally pausing, I have meditated on a few things, for sure. Contemplating the letter C” was just the beginning. I began to consider exploring how “C” connected my garden.

EXPLORING “C”

As we paused this Spring, I began to abhor the letter “C”. Contemplating the thought of hearing anything that began with “C” for who knows how long was worrisome. I had to reassess my thought processes. Was there a way to find the beauty in this third letter of the alphabet? I began to explore the positive attributes of “C” as it pertained to the garden. I found a way to share a little street cred to the letter “C”.

PERENNIALLY “C”

Coneflower instantly came to mind as I contemplated the letter “C”.

Mulling over just a few of the perennials I could find in my garden that started with “C” was amazing. Changing my thoughts on “C” has broadened my perspective on this letter. It does not matter if it is the botanical name or the common name. Plants starting with the letter “C ” in my garden bring me joy. Coneflower, Catmint, Candytuft, Chrysanthemum, and Calendula all add joy to my garden. Clematis, Canterbury Bells, Cleome, and Cosmos all rise to salute the letter “C”.

Candytuft, also known as Iberis Sempervirens is a Springtime pleasure of the sunny border.

Let’s not forget the trees and shrubs like Cornus Mas, Camellia, Chaste Tree, or Cotoneaster. For those semi shady areas we often contemplate adding Coleus, Coral Bells, Columbine, or Cardinal Flower.

Vitex or Chaste tree is a terrific alternative to the butterfly bush. This tree invites life into any sunny garden.

“C” – ENHANCING IT’S REPUTATION

Cringing when I hear anything starting with “C” no longer happens. Going into my garden has made this act disappear. The reputation of this alphabetic third child (like myself), is not a cheerful one. Rethinking ways to embrace “C” was easy when in my garden. There is a sense of contentment with not always working in my garden. Enjoying the imperfect garden is perfect right now. This unexpected opportunity of time to simply be in the garden. The chance to consider the needs of my garden in a timely manner. Sometimes I find myself calculating how much a fence will cost? The joy of seeing Precious run aimlessly in her backyard is wishful thinking. In my mind, I am creating more garden rooms. Giving “C” some credit is actually lifting my spirits. The possibilities of adding more plants with “C” to my garden cheers me up!

Contemplating cool coleus…an option for the shady border.

How are you doing as we cautiously contemplate the future? Do you spend time contemplating upsizing or downsizing your garden as we pause? Are you or have you created beautiful vignettes in your garden? Can you find plants starting with “C” in your garden?

Consciously planting more of the letter “C” in my garden.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Inspiration In Preparation of Gardening Mindfully

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Inspiration in the palm of your hand is wonderful!

Inspiration, as we unintentionally pause, can easily be found on the internet. Reading to stir the creative mind is one act that can get us through. To have a book with examples of uniquely inspired green spaces is a gift. As I considered renovating my back yard, I knew I needed inspiration. Thank goodness for Gardenista – The Definitive Guide to Stylish Outdoor Spaces by Michelle Slatalla. The landscape of my dreams became an achievable reality as I read this book.

Every book has a mission. The mission of this book is to inspire and encourage the reader to create a green space of their own. Project size or the level of experience is not initially important. The contents of this book left me encouraged that I could create a space that reflected me.

There is a manifesto at the beginning of the book that defines ten Gardenista “Rules to Live By.” Logical, simple, and easy to remember, these rules were quite practical. There was a specific one that caught my eye.

#10

Choose personality over perfection, a little wildness in the garden is a good thing.

The Gardenista team consisting of Michelle Slatalla, Julie Carlson, and photographer Matthew Williams collaborated on a gift that encourages gardening. Connecting with nature is the theme. The authors believe in helping the reader develop confidence. Confidence in creating unique green spaces is shared in this book. Even the photography was amazing. Each example shared information on the unique concept of the homeowner. I found the information on how to emulate each theme quite helpful.

This book shares gardening from multiple settings. Each example exhibited unique perspectives of a particular style. One concept that I agreed with is getting outside and enjoying the garden. Most gardeners forget that enjoying the garden is a part of gardening. Balancing work and play in the garden can often be overlooked. From artfully curated examples of garden rooms, terraces, and places to pause, the inspiration flows on the pages of this book.

Hardscaping is one area that was difficult for me to decide. There are so many alternatives to choose from. The style of the garden chosen determines how the garden will be connected. What type of path makes sense? Will drainage be an issue? How will the owner’s taste be reflected in the landscape? These questions are all answered in Gardenista.

My favorite part of Gardenista is the ultimate DIY Work Space chapter. Inspirational and simple ideas like a foot shower or dog washing station can be found in this book. Using everyday supplies, the examples are easy to construct for the average homeowner.

Encompassing 100 Gardenista faves and ending with a full-bodied reference section, Gardenista is welcome on my bookshelf any time. The new gardener will find the included hints useful. A curious gardener is inspired to enhance an existing landscape. I would recommend this book as a terrific gift for any gardener.

Now to figure out how the foot shower works,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Feelings…Embracing Nature In Difficult Times

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Feelings of joy warm my soul whenever I am in the garden.

Feelings are usually triggered in reaction to an external event. Emotions and feelings are two different reactions to certain situations. If we look around us, feelings of sadness are everywhere. The current worldwide situation has many of us, wrapped up in our suppressed emotions. Social distancing to save our lives is important. The act of wandering in the garden is the best place to reconnect with your inner thoughts and emotions.

Touching a nearly finished bloom from one of my Dad’s Hellebores, conjure up memories.

The rain from today lingers on the leaves and plants throughout my garden. I always glance at this Hellebore, as I leave to walk Precious. Dad was elated to have a Hellebore in his garden. I remember watching him carry it about and finding just the right spot. We planted it together, digging the quarter size hole for the dime-size plant. That was one of his favorite sayings as he chuckled. His face shared feelings of love for his garden and me as well.

This Iris, one of the first to open made me smile.

It is almost as if this Iris is wearing her feelings on her petals. Tearful images of a fleeting bloom. A gorgeous bloom, silky to the touch, standing tall amidst the existing unfurling buds. This particular bloom will be mush by morning. More blooms will be open in the morning. Right now, this Iris represents a beautifully elegant bloom.

The sweet smell of seasonal bliss wafts through the air. Feelings of comfort, peace, and wellbeing come to mind.

Winter Honeysuckle is a scent I seek out in the spring. Never tiring of the scent, it reminds me of my grandmother’s hugs. The scent filled the air as she hugged us close to her bosom. A grandmother’s touching, hugging, and showing love is simply wonderful! Scent can often trigger all types of emotions – good and bad.

What we are experiencing has some people shocked. A feeling of dismay is felt throughout society. Being numb is a symptom of a depressed society. We are an emotional society, and a loving one as well. I love my grandsons. Thoughts of hugging my grandsons, cross my mind daily. I would love to pinch the cheeks of my oldest daughter or simply cuddle with my youngest daughter. Right now, it is important for us to practice safe distancing, just to stay alive. In my mind, Morris Albert sings “Feelings”. I can feel the “teardrops rolling down my face”…

The term “social distancing” prohibits us from feeling the hug of a friend, a parent, or even a grandmother. It does not prohibit us from going into nature. Nature is there for us and if we embrace it, the emotions will flow. Emotional health and wellbeing can be affected by embracing nature. It only takes two minutes a day for nature to lift your spirits and shake up some positive endorphins.

Staying in touch with your feelings by going into nature is easy. In your own backyard, engage with nature. Go into nature to touch a leaf, hug a tree, or smell a rose. As we practice social distancing, we need to stay in touch with our emotions. Nature is here to help us stay in touch with our feelings.

In two minutes the simple act of smelling a rose can positively affect our state of mind.

Embracing nature and staying in touch with my feelings…are you?

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Lady Banks…Welcome Home

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Lady Banks is a rose I grew in my Virginia garden.

Lady Banks rose is a familiar sight in many southern cities. Having lived in Virginia, wandering through the historic neighborhoods in late Spring was magical. A bright spot in my day was catching a glimpse of the Lady Banks rose as she danced among the branches of nearby trees. I could not move my Lady Banks rose from my Virginia garden, as she was well into her journey towards the sun.

ROSA BANKSIAE

Need a little privacy? Have 15 – 20 feet to spare? Let me introduce you to the Lady with attitude. Rosa banksiae is The Lady Banks rose. Her rule is easy to remember. Allow her to roam, climb, and drape. This is the only rule. Lady Banks will climb over, through and around almost anything she wants. She owns where ever she is planted. You would not want to contain her too much, as she blooms on old wood. Some cultivars are delicately fragrant with thornless branches. This rose will flirt with your plant sense until you realize…you need her. After all, the vision of Lady Banks is like yellow pearls dotting a wall of slender green leaves.

Thornless, slender green leaves on lanky stems, the Lady Banks rose is easy to care for.

She is the ultimate Lady. Diseases and pests ignore her presence. Virtually undemanding, she silently caresses anything in her way, as she reaches for the heavens above. Who would not want such a Lady in their garden, if room to grow was not an issue?

FINDING THE LADY

My garden buddy, Mary Alice, and I traveled to Winchester for an apple festival. We stopped by a nursery and found some very good deals. Behind some traditional roses, I also found an unexpected prize. There was a one-gallon container of the Lady Banks rose. I think I ran to the register, happily claiming my prize. Finally, I had a long-awaited addition to my Maryland garden.

Realizing her needs, I knew, like any free-spirited Lady, she would need room to roam freely. Room to climb, drape and perhaps even gently overwhelm anything that stood in her way. At the edge of the woodland, on a sunny, but partly shady slope, she was home. I placed the Lady in her forever spot and patiently waited.

When the world was considered normal, I never really found time to see how she was doing…but never forgot she was there. Now at this time of unintentional pausing, I am noticing parts of my garden in a different way.

I purposely planted her in a spot where she would simply glow when in bloom. When she had reached a point of sharing the golden ruffled blooms, I knew she would call out to me. Today, she called my name, “Teri, “I am here, just for you. Enjoy.”

I had to reach out and answer as Lady Banks called me closer…

This morning I noticed a weeping branch with yellow blooms and I was star struck. The yellow pearls of bloom lazily draped over and through the trees within reach. Such an amazing sight to see.

Under skies of gray, clouds bulging with heavens tears, I captured a bloom. I was reminded of a Virginia garden, in my past. I look forward to more memories in my new life, a different garden, being present, and making time to pause.

With petals soaking wet from today’s rain, a hydrangea displayed yellow confetti signaling the end of the show. In a partly shady corner, at the rear of my front garden, raindrops resting on my cheeks…I smiled.

Sitting in the shadows. a hydrangea captures the confetti which signals an end to the Spring show.

Finally, Lady Banks rose is at home in my garden to stay. I welcome her presence. It reminds me to slow down and enjoy the beautiful, albeit brief dance of Spring.

A small bouquet that let’s me know, Lady Banks has arrived.

Do you have a memory of a well-loved plant that evokes memories? Is it finally in your garden or are you still on the hunt? A well-loved plant is like welcoming an old friend home to stay.

Welcoming familiar faces and old plant friends …

Teri, Cottage In The Court.

To find out more about the Lady Banks Rose, click here

The abundantly beautiful Lady Banks rose.

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