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She Sheds – A Gift To Remember

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She Sheds - by Erika Kotite (Hardcover) - image 1 of 2
She Sheds – A Room Of Your Own by Erika Kotite is the perfect last minute gift. It can inspire anyone to create a room of your own.

She Sheds are a necessity to some and a luxury to others. As a gardener, a She Shed or a place to call my own is essential. Erika Kotite has written a book that helps with the planning and optional uses of a She Shed.

The owner of a She Shed should undertake the processes outlined in the book, She Sheds – A Room of Your Own. The initial step involves identifying your style. Seems easy, right? Well, not exactly. Choosing from modern or Classic and everything in between – even mixing the style up. Remember it is your She Shed, the choice is yours. Erika outlines the desired characteristics of each style in good detail.

I paid particular attention to the chapter, Sheds for Gardeners. Creature comforts and extra detail all play a role in the appropriate space for any Lady of the Land. Sometimes this includes a greenhouse feature or even an oversized window. Anyone should have room for sitting to enjoy the view. As a gardener, I cannot imagine a She Shed without a garden embracing it?

One of my favorite examples was the Year-Round Potting Shed. Using recycled items, this She Shed (page 32- 35) had the light and flair that really spoke to me. This model included a table for potting up plants or showcasing a vase collection. What gardener doesn’t have vases? I could always use more room for my collection of pots and hand tools.

There are a few changes that I would enjoy on my She Shed. Most importantly, I would add a green roof. A great example is found on page 52. With the right construction partner and the proper plants, my She Shed would be as eco-friendly as possible. I can almost visualize the assorted trailing sedums organically cascading from the roof and dancing with the rain chain. As John Lennon once sang, “You may say I am a dreamer, but I’m not the only one…”

There are so many uses for a She Shed or a He Shed. This book identifies a few options. A room for painting, additional sewing space, adult playhouses, retreats, to old soul sheds. The options are endless. What is helpful are the case studies provided near the end of the book. Remodeling, minimal revisions, or simply starting a project from scratch are included in this book. Just when you have decided which shed is for you, turning the next page can change your mind. For me, the French Farmhouse Style She Shed truly caught my eye. Let me just say DIVINE.

Belle of the Garden, in the Williamsburg historic style, ushers in the list of resources. After reading this book, you can easily justify the need for a She Shed, or He Shed, of your own. What is more perfect than a shed as THE gift that will keep on giving. You could explore all the options with some chocolate-dipped strawberries. A decision could be made and agreed upon with a glass of bubbly. While we are unintentionally pausing, you could actually build your loved one (or yourself) a room of your own. No time to build it yourself? You can always hire someone to build it for you.

If Anne Spencer’s husband, Edward, could build Edankrall, I deserve a She Shed.

She Sheds can also embrace my love of all things French, even in the garden. French Country Cottage always inspires me.

Always dreaming of my Year-Round French Farmhouse style She Shed. I can always justify having more space of my own.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Schlumbergera – A Cactus Blooming In Winter

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Schlumbergera is the cactus that blooms in winter.

Schlumbergera is one of the best alternatives to the poinsettia for holiday decor. At this time of the year, it is easy to find Schlumbergera in your local garden center. I have even found them in the grocery store. If you find Poinsettia’s, the Schlumbergera is somewhere nearby. One secret of this plant is the ease of care versus the Poinsettia. In the midst of the chill outside, this Christmas Cactus blooms with total abandon. 

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This Princess of the holiday season bloomed prolifically in my parent’s house.

I consider the Schlumbergera the Princess of this season. Did you know that there are many different types of Schlumbergera? I found that there are not only Christmas Cactus but Thanksgiving Cactus, Crab Cactus, and Holiday Cactus….hmmm…the Holiday Cactus is better known as Easter Cactus, due to the bloom time.

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This is the Mother Schlumbergera which I use for making more plants. This is one of the easiest houseplants to share!

There are two major groupings of Schlumbergera – Truncata and Buckleyi.  The Truncata group is an early blooming species that encompasses the Easter or Holiday Cactus. The flowers of this cultivar are more upright, instead f hanging down. There is also a difference in the upper and lower leaves of the bloom. The Buckleyi group blooms later, the flowers hang down and are more symmetrical.  What we know as Christmas Cactus is generally in this group.  

Originally from the tropical climate in Brazil by plantsman Charles Lemaire, the first recorded species was in England in 1852 by Mr. W. Buckley.  Christmas Cactus were commonly used as ornamental plants in the heated greenhouses found in England.  The late-season flowering was a hit among those that enjoyed new and different plants.  At one time, there was another species called russelliana. As breeding of the original three species in the early 1950s created different strains, the older more original strains became extinct.

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A Christmas Cactus that my Dad cherished. The pink bloom was so vivid!

The care and feeding of what we know as Christmas Cactus is rather simple:

  • a small, free-draining container, with free-draining soil with a touch of grit;
  • cool, but humid indirect sunlight area.  Cooler nights will induce bloom;
  • water once a week and mist the foliage.  Too much water will cause rotting and bud drop.  Too little water will lead to its demise.  Wet feet are a definite NO!;
  • stop watering around October if you want it to bloom at Christmas.  A saucer with pebbles and water below the pot will create the humidity needed for optimal growing conditions;
  • Schlumbergera flowers best when it is in a half pot or root bound pot.  When transplanting in the Spring make sure that your new pot is not too big.
This Schlumbergera bloom is so vivid. The plant is full of blooms. The bloom on this one is more upright.

Schlumbergera or the Christmas Cactus, thrives on casual care. It is easy to share with friends and family.

I can’t wait for the other Schlumbergera to evolve over the holiday season. This year I mixed the colors in my container, however, I might need to increase my collection. It will be amazing to see if I can identify whether it is a Truncata or Buckleyi.

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This bloom reminds me of a bird in flight. The fantasy found in the bloom is always amazing.

With dreams of Schlumbergera all over my house, I am also dreaming of the holidays! This cactus blooming in winter evokes memories and makes me smile.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

To find out more about Schlumbergera, click here

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Useful Gifts for the Gardener

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Useful gifts for the gardener come in many forms. The Cobrahead tool is just one of the many useful tools for gardeners of any level.

It is that time of the year where anyone can be overwhelmed with what to give as a gift. This year many people are on a budget. More than ever before, the act of gifting is taken seriously. I want to share a few options, as well as ideas of useful gifts for the gardener.

USEFUL STOCKING STUFFFERS

Stockings can hold a myriad of small gifts that any gardener might find useful. One of my favorite tools is the Cobrahead tool. It is small, cute for gardening in tight spaces, and guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of any gardener. It comes in multiple sizes and I am certain that once you share one as a gift…YOU will need one as well.

What real gardener does not want a GOOD Corona tool?? Having a Corona in your stocking is truly a gift of love. One of my favorite Corona tools would be the snips…or the ComfortGELpruners or… I simply cannot decide!! One thing for sure, each of these (and more) will fit into a stocking.

USEFUL CURATED GIFTS

Espoma anything says that you care.

It’s important to know what you are using to grow good plants. Espoma has been around since 1929. That is quite a track record. I personally know that Espoma was and continues to be a household name. I cannot remember a season when I didn’t see a bag of Hollytone amidst my Dad’s garden supplies. Here is a great idea. Choose your best cutting or two. Add a bag of the appropriate Espoma product, a cute container, and a personal note of encouragement.

No cutting? Purchase a small houseplant from your favorite garden center. Provide all the necessary tools from soil to food from the trusted line of Espoma products. Tried, tested and true, Espoma is the most trusted name in organic gardening products. This will be the gift that will provide confidence in growing for any gardener.

Another useful gift…SEEDS! Seeds are a hot commodity right now. There are so many people beginning to garden, seeds are HOT! A gift certificate to almost any seed resource is not just useful, but it will show that you are in the know. Consider a gift card to a local garden center as they will offer seeds, starter mix, and more.

USEFUL KNOWLEDGE

Gardening isn’t going anywhere. Having the knowledge to know how to garden in any space you have is powerful. Kim Roman is offering a Square Foot Gardening Class Bundle. This bundle of classes offers a wealth of knowledge. Kim Roman is our local expert on Squarefoot Gardening. An excellent teacher, as well as a practitioner of Squarefoot gardening, Kim is offering an online course that is a terrific deal!

The regular price is $65, but you’ll get them ALL for just $50! Let Kim show you how to “Confidently Grow Your Own Food!” The Garden Class Bundle includes – Small Veggie Gardening (SVG) + Microgreens, Square Foot Gardening (SFG) 101 – The Basics, SVG/SFG 201 – Beyond the Basics, Grow Up! Vertical Gardening, and Fall and Winter Gardening Without a Greenhouse. There are also two FREE courses !! For more information, contact Kim at SFGKimRoman@yahoo.com.

You can’t have veggies without pollinator-attracting plants! Heather Andrews is offering an online course called “5 Weeks to a Fabulous Fall Pollinator Garden”. For only $49 you’ll receive a week-by-week video guide and a bonus guide to the best vendors & products! This is perfect for the gardener that recognizes the importance of having a garden that welcomes pollinators. You can find out more by clicking here.

Useful gifts are always appreciated. When a gardener receives a useful gift, it is an invitation to get outside to garden.

I wonder what will be in my stocking and under my tree this year…a book, a pair of gloves, seeds, or a useful item I am longing for.

Dreaming of a useful garden item…

Teri, Cottage In The Court

***Remember, know your zone and ask questions.

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The Lifelong Gardener – A Book Review

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The Lifelong Gardener advises us on how to garden at any age.

Lifelong, wow what a word. Merriam Webster defines this word as lasting or continuing through life. As a gardener, how we would love this concept to be very true at all stages of life. As we age or have disabilities, this word might be questionable. The possibilities of lifelong gardening is no longer a challenge, but a reality.

The Lifelong Gardener – Garden With Ease & Joy At Any Age, published by Timber Press is just what we need! Toni Gattone has written a book that examines how this word “lifelong” can become a reality. We are all aware of the challenges that reveal themselves to us as we mature. If you are used to gardening, bending, stooping, and squatting might be words of the past. There is a way, as this book demonstrates, to garden with ease and joy at any age.

BASTA

Basta is one of my favorite new words as I #gardenwhileaging. An Italian word meaning “Enough”. Toni gives us permission to say, know, and realize when we have had enough gardening for the day. Utilizing tips from this book has allowed me to be honest and stop when I feel like it. Gardening smart is just common sense. Pushing it to the point of “Oh So Tired” is not something we can continue to practice safely. Using some simple tricks, we can garden safely and wisely as well. There are examples of this throughout the book, such as:

  • adding a pouch for tools if you are using a walker
  • sit down to work in the garden
  • make those large projects digestible by making them several mini-projects
  • find help for the tasks you can no longer comfortably do

It all seems like common sense, right? Toni honestly shares advice on functioning through, as well as easing the pain as our bodies change. Defining items like knee pain, hand strength, stamina, and more. What a great way to encourage embracing the inevitable so we can be lifelong gardeners.

LIFELONG TOOLS

Toni even advises the reader on tool decisions. Parting with our “garden friends” or tools to some can be hard. Instead, reassess what you really need and define its function. Determining the comfort, sentimental value, as well as the real purpose, is important. Whether or not you will ever really use it again will save time and possibly some pain. Some items just might be considered garden art – still usable with a memory attached.

From pruners, spades gloves, and more, Toni offers useable advice on how to garden no matter what age or disability. Lifelong as it pertains to gardening is something that at one time was inconceivable. As we age we might slow down. Just the thought of not gardening due to age or circumstance is unfathomable.

At the end of the book, Toni provides a space to create an action plan for lifelong gardening. It seems as though Toni wrote this book for any age or for a person with disabilities. The Lifelong Gardener – Garden With Ease & Joy At Any Age is perfect for gifting or for the aging gardener!

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Heartfelt Valentines for Gardeners

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Heartfelt Valentines Day gifts can be carefully curated with just a little special attention to the message you want to send.

Heartfelt gifts for Valentine’s day come in many forms. Especially for the Gardener in your life. Finding unique ways to say I Love You for those who enjoy having their hands in the soil is easier than you think! Here are a few heartfelt ideas that keep on giving.

GROWING RED WITH PURPOSE

Heartfelt flowers in red can be more than a bouquet of roses.

Floral bouquets are so easy and practical, right?? How generic is that? As a gardener, a perfect heartfelt gift would be flowers for the garden. A plant that has a red bloom or stem that might be deer-proof would be ideal. Some suggestions are Yarrow “Red Beauty”, Dianthus “Odessa Red” or Salvia Microphylla “HotLips” – all seem appropriate.

If you really want to show off, order a peony in the fall and pot it up for gifting on this day of love. There are also online reputable resources for peonies purchased in the Spring. Usually, these will arrive at the proper planting time. Suggested cultivars are Itoh “Scarlet Heaven”, “Red Charm”, “Red Magic”, “Kansas” or “Blaze”. This would show you put a little thought into selections that become more voluptuous year after year. Even if you order a gift certificate for these cultivars, the message would be clear. Your heartfelt intentions will convey a lot.

EDIBLE REDS FOR HEALTH

Red peppers can be heartfelt in more ways than one. Especially homegrown, mixed into avocado spread on whole-grain bread. A little sizzle in the morning…what fun!

It is the time of year to sow seeds. In my zone, February is the optimum time to sow pepper seeds. Red peppers would definitely show you care about a healthy lifestyle. Did you know red peppers are simply loaded with nutrition?? When you consider they have almost eleven times the beta-carotene of green peppers, that shows you care! There is also that higher Vitamin C component – 1.5 times more in red peppers. Not sure what seeds to buy? Visit your local garden center and choose red pepper seeds to start indoors.

The other option is mail order. I love the selections from Botanical Interests. Sweet choices of something like Jimmy Nardello Sweet Peppers or Yolo Wonder Sweet Pepper seeds. For those who like it hot, Santaka Chile Peppers or some real sizzle, Scotch Bonnet Chile Pepper seeds.

Amaranth seeds or Scarlet Emporer Runner Bean seeds are great edibles that make a statement in the summer garden. One obvious choice is the ever loved tomato. If you want options, a terrific resource that shares online tomato love all year is RennaisanceFarms.org. I look at the tomato photos and simply adore the descriptions. As I move more towards container plantings, Micro dwarf and dwarf varieties are piquing my interests. Varieties like Geranium Kiss is one that I will try to grow this year.

Heartfelt plants in a box with a bow can leave a perennial message of love.

Other edible red options are strawberry plant roots, Rhubarb roots, Thornless Red Rasberry Canes, or Lingonberry plants. Make certain your Valentine has room to accommodate these perennial plants. Also, know what zone your Valentine lives in.

HEARTFELT HOUSEPLANTS

An in-home oasis created by heartfelt houseplants is a unique idea. Especially if they are red.

Houseplant offerings have increased over the years. After all, everybody is not inclined to play in the soil outdoors. There are houseplant offerings that are quite unique. If purchased in advance, the Amaryllis “Red Lion” is a great choice. After bloom, this bulb can summer outdoors or in a bright room. Care and instructions are given for reblooming when purchased or can be found online.

Other heartfelt choices are the Anthurium, Bromeliad, and the Red Christmas Cactus. There are other houseplants that might be a favorite of your Valentine, so choose wisely. Stay away from houseplants that have artificial dyes in the foliage or blooms. If they survive the blooms will not be the same color and the new growth will be green.

Sometimes known as Christmas Cactus, this is one of the easiest plants to grow and share.

Heartfelt gifts for this day of showing your Valentine can be as unique as you want. It is how much thought you put into the selection, that will show just how much you notice and care.

Here’s hoping your Valentine reads this…skip the chocolate, please.

Growing Love for humankind…

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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