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Denver…Thoughts on Flinging

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Denver has a blue bear that stands tall by the Convention Center. Curiously peering into the window, just checking up in what might be happening.

Thoughts about Denver have been on my mind since the Garden Bloggers Fling. In June, I was packing for the Garden Bloggers Fling 2019. This year, Denver, Colorado was the host City. For 5 days, it was this gardener’s mini-vacation or as some called it Garden Camp for Adults. Yes…we had fun, got to know new people and rekindle friendships with others.

As usual, after a trip, I digest my memories and find the words to share. On this journey, I was thinking about how I could spend more time at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The last time I was there, I did not have enough time to see every nook and cranny. This time, it would be different.

A floriferous garden in Denver as we strolled to our closing dinner at the Denver Botanic Garden, Chatfield Farms location in Littleton, Colorado.

Camaraderie and inclusiveness demonstrated to me and other new Flingers was amazing. I can’t speak for everyone but my personal experience has been delightful. As I continue my journey of discovering, sharing and encouraging others to garden, I am choosing to linger along the way. The people I have met and continue to meet are supportive, encouraging, and willing to help.

This garden bloggers fling community has deep roots. The seeds of wisdom are scattered in the communal soil along the way and sprout when the time is right. It is a group where new garden bloggers find a home. We are diverse and encourage the voices that are not in the forefront. With a committed effort to open the garden gates for ALL levels of garden bloggers, garden vloggers, and garden storytellers. If there is a garden, there is a story. If we write about the possibilities, we educate each other along the way.

Denver is more than rock gardens and crevice gardens. However, there were some awesome examples of both!

A few words that come to mind when I think about the garden community that has given me a voice and a sense of peace. Words that are familiar to some, but perhaps new to others…

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away… Maya Angelou

As I travel, experience community, and embrace the beauty that surrounds me, there will be more moments that will take my breath away. These are moments I look forward to. Are you engaged in a community that is positive and encourages memorable experiences? Does your passion take your breath away? Do you share your experiences with others to encourage?

Thinking about Denver allows me to reflect. A few things that came to mind as I smile while remembering this year’s Garden Blogger’s Fling. I will hopefully make you think and reflect on breathless moments.

D is for Diversity. There was so much diversity in the landscape.

E is for the environmentally savvy gardens we visited.

N is for the natural beauty found everywhere we explored.

V is for the vertically appealing mountains that graced the sky

E is for the enhanced color of every single bloom we saw

R is for the rejuvenation of spirit when you attend a Garden Bloggers Fling.

Denver shared diversity in nature, promoted camaderie within the group and created memories along the way.

A few breathless moments as I reminisce about the Denver Fling 2019.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Denver – Garden Bloggers Fling 2019

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Denver, Colorado was this year's location for the annual Garden Bloggers Fling
Denver was the location for the Garden Bloggers Fling 2019. A new adventure for some, a different state for others and meeting new friends for all. Everyone had a terrific time!

Denver was a Garden Bloggers fling I was certain to attend. Having visited once before, this Midwestern city was definitely etched in my mind. A friend of mine, Winston Walker piqued my interest in Denver about 5 years ago. On that visit, Winston took me hiking, rock skipping and taught me to drink from the palm of my hand at a roadside stream. The water was so clear..and I did not get sick. That adventure-filled visit made it clear, I had to return. From the mountainous views to the varied plant material, I knew that the Denver Garden Bloggers Fling was the perfect opportunity.

WHAT IS A GARDEN BLOGGERS FLING?

The Garden Bloggers Fling is a reunion of sorts. Like most garden-related events, like-minded people gather to collaborate and discover. The Fling brings like-minded bloggers together to see how landscapes vary from State to State and have fun. To attend a Garden Bloggers Fling, one must have an active. blog. There must have been activity on the blog for six months prior to the current Fling. I always like to share – if you have a blog, it is all YOURS and reflects your authentic voice. It is refreshing to know that you have a platform that you control even if other social media is challenged. This year’s event was no different. Botanical Interests showed off Denver in a most spectacular way!!! Where do I begin?

Denver’s Hyatt Regency greeted us with a bodacious floral display. The Bellhop was not ready for this bunch of Garden Blogger Flingers!

Our accommodations were at the Hyatt Regency near the Convention Center in downtown colorful Colorado! The view from the room was amazing – a little skyline and a little blue bear butt. The Denver Fling Committee provided loaded swag bags and badges. We met in the hotel lobby to register and greet Garden Blogger Flingers from all over the US and Canada.

Just peek of the mountains in the morning was a beautiful sight.

DENVER FLINGING AND THE GROWHAUS

The GrowHaus serves the surrounding Elyria – Swansea community. Economic opportunities via food production, education, and distribution are integral to its mission. As a non-profit indoor farm, it was the perfect setting for a tour and dinner with my fellow Flingers. The GrowHaus is in a neighborhood that holds the title of the most polluted zip code in Denver. A neighborhood anchored by the Interstate, with contaminated soil and considered a food desert, the GrowHaus has found its purpose in this community. One would think that this is a dismal situation – until you see the GrowHaus and understand it’s the mission.

Emily Hoel sharing an overview of the mission and meaning behind GrowHaus, Denver, CO.

This 20,000 square foot facility raises fish, uses the fish poop as fertilizer and sells produce to local restaurants. The food grown at the GrowHaus is consumed by residents in walking distance. What a great way to share the authentic environmental footprint of a community. We were able to take a brief tour of the facility after dinner and door prizes.

DENVER NEWBIES AND NETWORKING

The lull between eating our dinner and returning to the hotel, I met first-time Flinger, Luan Akin of Tagawa Gardens. Luan is a fellow Master Gardener and curates programming for Tagawa Gardens. The Garden Bloggers Fling is such a terrific opportunity to meet new people, explore, exchange ideas, and cultivate friendships. Luan did not know what to expect, so I had to show her the ropes.

I even met a new Flinger from the DC area who is nuts for natives…literally! Shari Wilson blogs about being Nuts for Natives. Formerly Maryland’s Secretary of Environment, Shari had the opportunity to connect with like-minded Marylanders. We love our Chesapeake Bay Watershed. It is important to help maintain the health of this important watershed. Planting natives and embracing their beauty helps us achieve this goal. Minimal fertilizer and low maintenance are the gifts of a native landscape.

Frequent Garden Blogger Flingers, (L-R: Kathy Jentz, Teri Speight, Newbie Shari Wilson, and Clair Jones) enjoying a fun photo opportunity at the GrowHaus in Denver, Co.

After meeting these two newbies, I knew this was going to be a great Fling! I could only imagine that this Fling would be one to remember, after a night like this. New friends, tacos, The GrowHaus and a swag bag that piqued my interest. Heading back to our hotel, made me wonder what Day 2 would bring. The Denver Garden Bloggers Fling 2019 was definitely melting my heart…and it was just day 1.

The Denver Garden Bloggers Fling swag bag was bulging with gifts from our fabulous sponsors!

Need more information about the Garden Bloggers Fling, click here. To explore more about the GrowHaus, click here. To see why Denver should be on your list of places to visit, click here.

The convenience of staying in downtown Denver near so many modes of transportation, shopping and coffee were amazing. The Hyatt Regency Convention Center was not just beautiful but convenient, check out all they have to offer here.

Denver, The Garden Bloggers Fling, fine dining, and Blue Bears on my mind. I can’t wait to share more about the gardens and Denver garden style.

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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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

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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.Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather