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#gardentravels

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.

Lucinda’s Garden – Love On Earth

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Lucinda’s garden lingers in my mind even after The Garden Bloggers Fling has passed. It is imprinted in my heart after wandering through one early morning in May. The colors ever cheerful, the whimsical art and coveted pieces from Lucinda’s life journey.

Lucinda’s garden welcomed us with a smile…and made our departure bittersweet.

Lucinda’s garden persona can be found around every corner, peeking out from under eaves and cozy nooks. She has left her mark of love everywhere imaginable.

From the colorful pots to the statuary, carefully placed memories seen through the eyes of Lucinda were scattered throughout the garden.

Using bold colors reminiscent of her travels to Mexico, Lucinda Hutson created a memory. Paying homage to the people, the culture, and Tequila, Lucinda has authored several books. “Viva Tequila”, is the latest book written by Lucinda Hutson. Nationally known as a food, garden and lifestyle writer, as well as a colorful lecturer, Lucinda has gardened here for 40 years. She welcomed Garden Bloggers from around the country to see her creative use of space. What a perfect place to visit for the 10th Anniversary of The Garden Bloggers Fling. This Texican garden truly celebrated the diversity found in Austin Texas…and in its gardens!

This bench beckoned me to sit, pause and stay awhile as I smiled at the color popping before my very eyes. A visual breakfast of sorts!

Hesitant about color? Not Lucinda! Second-guessing what coordinates with what? Not in this garden! Having some of your peers do a bit of creative tile work to tie things altogether? You can find the work of her talented artisan friends here.

As we wrapped up our visit to this colorful oasis in Austin, this little garden room was perfectly situated. In front of the trickling fountain, many of the Garden Bloggers gasped in awe of the beauty surrounding them.

This is a place that leaves you shaken and stirred like a Drunken Sugar Plum Cocktail (pg. 168, Viva Tequila!). I remember the art, the plants, the tiles and the smiles. All of this, I mentally captured on a beautiful morning in Austin, Texas. I relished in this beautiful moment in Lucinda’s garden.

Starting our day in such a vibrant space, was truly a living alarm clock for the senses. This Garden Bloggers Fling gave me a lot of perspective on how other people garden. Whether on the East Coast, across the Pond, or the Southwest, gardening can be as unique as the gardener. Lucinda’s garden gave us permission to garden with total abandon.

It was here that I realized Lucinda’s garden had released my inner inhibitions to garden with passion and without fear. Afterall the garden should make you smile…

Do you garden with total abandon? Does your garden – whether formal or unique – leave you shaken and stirred?

To find out more about Lucinda Hudson, click here Lucinda. You just might learn a few things about cooking or the history of Tequila as well!

What is a Garden Bloggers Fling? Click to find out about The Garden Bloggers Fling2018.

Heritage Harvest Festival – Community, History, Gardens

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Heritage Harvest Festival at Historic Monticello, Charlottesville, VA

The Heritage Harvest Festival on the grounds of historic Monticello brought back many memories. Having lived in Virginia, while raising my daughters, an escape to the countryside always led to historic adventures.  Trips to Charlottesville to visit Monticello was within reach, as well as country markets along the way. I had not been to the Heritage Harvest Festival in a few years, so this was a welcomed road trip.

Not feeling 100%, my Aunt Yvonne and made the trek to the Heritage Harvest Festival just to get away from it all. I instantly felt better when I saw the Celosia….

Celosia…Red Cockscombs on the grounds of Monticello.

Or did I feel better when I saw this bed of horticultural delights…

A perfect Heirloom patch of mixed flowers for cutting and enjoying on the grounds of Monticello.

Despite the negative publicity that Charlottesville has received of late, I felt a bit better and right at home. Perhaps because I am a country girl at heart. Perhaps because the Ladies who worked at the Michie General Store made us sincerely feel welcome. It did not matter, we were on a mission. Our mission was to say “Hi” and give a big hug to Ira Wallace of Southern Seed…to buy my garlic for Fall planting.

You see, Ira Wallace is a fellow Garden Writer, Master Gardener, Author and worker/owner of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. This is the short list of everything Ira Wallace does or has done. Most importantly, Ira has become a cherished friend. Ira and I bonded at this year’s Garden Bloggers Fling after spending three days sharing and exploring the many gardens in the DMV (more about the Fling later). When I get an invitation to visit, I take it seriously. Ira invited me to come on down and so I did.  It was the perfect day, perfect weather and there was no drama. Ira even helped my Aunt Yvonne select seed for cover crops for her raised beds.

Ira Wallace advising my Aunt Yvonne on what are the better cover crops for the winter garden.

I was not only glad to see Ira Wallace but elated to purchase some garlic cloves from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange as well.

Garlic with planting/harvesting instructions from a reputable resource – Southern Exposure Seed Exchange.

It is important to support…and I do when I can!! Thank you, Ira, for Being YOU!!

 

There were many things to see and do at the Heritage Harvest Festival.  We tasted many different varieties of tomatoes…

The tomato tasting table…all delicious in unique ways.

Next, we headed to the melon counter…..

Yellow melons, white melons, pink melons and red melons – I never had so much melon!

There were a few that Aunt Yvonne made it clear she did not like. I, on the other hand, have never met a melon that I did not like. We moved through the booth and happened upon some heirloom greens.

Heirloom Kale, Collards and Creasey greens. Luscious greens. The taste of some properly cooked collards crossed my mind.

With information sheets to guide the novice gardener, there were also many folks who were ready and available to help. Even the people in the line started sharing memories and recipes as we continued to move through the tent. I happened upon Kamala, a young lady that was sharing the virtues of ginger and turmeric. Her Mom, Ann was just chatting away with the customers who crowded her booth. The naturally unsweetened tea was perfect as the afternoon became a little warm.

Momma Ann was making the tea and serving it up in the midst of fresh ginger root as well as ginger plants for sale.
Locally made tea with fresh ingredients – ginger and turmeric. Nisani Farm actually operates in Takoma Park, MD. and Phenix, VA.

I can not wait to chat with Ann of Nisani Farm to hear about her journey. Every woman has a journey and the next vendor we happened upon, shared a unique journey indeed. Lady Farmer – we have been waiting for you! With a sustainable clothing line and more about to hit the DMV, as well as the web, conscious clothing choices are within reach. Emma and Mary have lots in store to share! I am excited!

Lady farmer – offering unique sustainable clothing – locally! I need NEED the overalls, Lady Farmer!
They will be promoting their wares once the website goes live….
I just had to have this really cool carryall bag – so much better than plastic and easy on the shoulders!

It was a full day in Charlottesville at the Harvest Heritage Festival. Triggering memories of my daughters running in the lawn and stopping at the Tavern for candy and ice cream.

I am certain that some people stayed away due to the National attention Charlottesville received a few weekends prior to the Harvest Heritage Festival. Let me tell you, it was a day where trouble was not welcome. Community, history buffs and those who embraced gardening all shared the West lawn and grounds of Monticello in peace. I am so glad I was not scared away! What a great day experiencing community, history, and gardening at the Heritage Harvest Festival!

My Aunt Yvonne and I pausing before the long trek home…

Til next year Harvest Heritage Festival,

 

Teri – at the 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???

Musee d’Orsay……A Evening with Monet…

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img_3710On a cold December evening, I had the opportunity to enjoy a long overdue date.  A date I had never found time for in past visits, but one I longed to enjoy.  I love art that depicts peace and oneness with nature. I think that is how I fell in love with the works of Monet. Yes, there are other great Masters but Claude Monet’s art simply stole my heart many, many years ago. So I stood in 28-degree weather, in the evening and waited for our date to begin.

One would think that the cold would minimize the lines, but oh the French, as well as the tourists, do love their art. With the swirl of many languages around me, the smell of roasted peanuts and chestnuts piercing the evening air, and the Seine River behind me, waiting did not seem long at all. At the thirty minute mark, I refreshed my lipstick and adjusted my hat. This would be an evening to remember, I was simply certain of it. I had visited Giverny twice, touched the soil and breathed in the air. That alone was an experience to remember. However now, I was going to see the originals of the work from this man I admired so. img_3623Here in the Musee d’Orsay, there are many works from Art Masters displayed and viewed by many. Musee d’Orsay is a former railway station, that at one time housed a hotel and a huge reception area. A pausing point for travelers near and far, this building served it’s purpose around the time of the World’s Fair. When times changed, the French Government thought it best to use this building as a museum. In 1986, the Musee d’Orsay was opened. The works of art contained within these walls date from 1848 to 1914. img_3607One can find the works of Degas, Van Gogh, C’ezanne, Delacroix and of course…Monet. I was pleasantly surprised that since it was after 6:00, my entry fee was only 9 euro. I was simply overjoyed when I saw the great reception hall filled with such beautifully cared for sculptures and paintings….img_3704I saw the works of Rodin…img_3632a little Van Gogh…img_3617and of course the works of Monet…img_3636and more Monet….img_3679It was time for the best part of my date with Monet. I was simply not ready emotionally to see what I had longed to see in person. One lady in her wonderful accent asked if I was okay as my eyes glistened and eventually overflowed with tears of joy. I am sure we were quietly crying together.img_3657 My world is ever changed. My date with Claude Monet and his works are forever etched in my mind. Savoring the moments, I slowly walked away ready to dream of revisiting Giverny in a warmer season….perhaps later this year as I continue to discover Paris…