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Blue Bins – A Christmas Gift

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Blue bins often hold gifts, memories, and surprises. Sometimes opening them can bring you joy from another realm.

Blue bins safely tucked away in my workshop are genuinely cherished. They belonged to my favorite garden buddy, my Dad. As long as I have them, it is confirmation that he is still with me. Most holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, bring the memory of my parents to the surface. I will never stop missing them. In a way, I am so glad that they are not witnessing how the world has changed. They would be very disappointed.

However, let me tell you about the blue bins, as they have certainly brought me joy today. All four of us, The Happy Bunch, have bins. Like our parents, we store things in bins…lots of Rubbermaid bins. When Dad passed, there were two blue bins on the carport. My siblings told me to take them, as they were sure it had garden items in them.

I brought them home and placed them in my workshop. This was the perfect spot that would allow space for me to safely store and sort through them. There was no rush to sort them, so tucking them out of harm’s way was important. I knew the day would come when I would be ready to actually open them. Occasionally, I look at them and touch them. It has never been the right time to actually open them. I knew that my favorite gardener had touched and strategically placed every item in the blue bins for a reason.

I found a non-descript brown box inside one of the blue bins.

Something made me actually open one bin today. Immediately I noticed a brown box – right on top of other assorted items. Gently picking it up, there was something inside. My heart instantly melted. The box had been unopened. I closed the blue bin and wondered what was inside. When I opened the box, there was a tool encased in plastic and a few pamphlets.

The contents found in one of the two blue bins. What a Christmas blessing.

I pulled the contents from the safety of the cardboard box and noticed a folding pruning saw. There were also two pamphlets on pruning techniques. This was just like my Dad. I think he joined every garden club on earth at some point. Laughing and crying at the same time, it was as if my favorite gardener had left me a gift. Why did I open the bin today, the day after Christmas? Was there a reason this brown box was right on top? Imagining my parents in heaven laughing at my reaction, made me laugh even harder. It was as if they were right there with me.

A heavenly gift from my parents found in one of two blue bins. These items will be cherished.

One day, I will attempt to sort through the contents – but not today. Today, I am going to place this gift from my parents in my tool bag. I may never use it, but it will always be with me.

The blue bins in my workshop hold gifts and surprises. My Christmas has been blessed by a folding saw. I wonder what I will find next time?

Do you have memories waiting to be unpacked from loved ones who have passed? I will always miss my parents. They seem to continually let me know that I am not alone. It is such a wonderful feeling!

My mom gave me the gift of sewing. My dad gave me the gift of gardening. The gift of working with my hands is eternal. Grinning from ear to ear and feeling special with a Christmas gift from another realm.

Cutting up my mom’s jean jacket to make memory quilts for my siblings and dreaming of Spring.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Bliss In A Brandywine Garden – A Book Review

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Bliss is a personal emotion felt when enjoying the garden. In my opinion, A year at Brandywine Cottage by David L. Culp can be compared to seasonal bliss in a book.

Bliss should be the name of the soil found in the Brandywine Valley. I am a firm believer that this soil is what might be found in heaven. The Brandywine Valley is famous for its history, historic homes, and beautiful gardens. From Longwood to Chanticleer, it offers a multitude of diverse horticultural entities that inspire. David L. Culp has written a book that takes us on a six-season visual journey at the Brandywine Cottage. Known by many for his Galanthus events and Hellebore introductions, this is David Culp’s second book. The first book is called The Layered Garden. Each book offers a different aspect of gardening at the Brandywine Cottage. Both books offer inspiration to fellow gardeners. The art of encouraging anyone to find inspiration in your personal green space is the shared message.

David L. Culp – a man who is passionate, understands the possibilities found in the garden, and a serious plant lover!

BLISS IN A BOOK

The book, A Year at Brandywine Cottage – Six Seasons of Beauty, Bounty, and Blooms by David Culp, Denise Cowie, and Rob Cardillo, reveals the six seasons of the gardening year. Think of each season as a meal. Consider the gardening year a six-course meal. Thirty years of creating a garden filled with love, experiments, and possibilities set the table for each season to be embraced.

Whether the season includes ephemerals of Spring or the colorful leaves appreciated in autumn, Brandywine Cottage is a garden story. David shares how he made his garden with the help of his partner, Michael Alderfer. Beautifully plated, shared, and enjoyed, each season could be considered a short story.

I began reading this book in March. Like many this year, I had quite a bit of time on my hands. I seized the opportunity to review this book as my cottage garden evolved right before my eyes. I fell in love instantly and knew I needed to see this garden for myself.

A Brandywine Hellebore, elegantly captured and centered on a single page, provided a perfect distraction to the worries of the day. The handsomely photographed bloom hypnotized me. Mesmerized, it nearly took my breath away. My attempts to focus were unsuccessful as my eyes repeatedly drifted back in amazement. Perhaps it was how David described naming his cultivars. Most named cultivars were defined by moments experienced in the garden. I realized this book was feeding my soul. Wondering how to deal with a pandemic, I had found my escape.

My view of the Brandywine Cottage in an August to remember…

NOTICING BLISS IN THE SEASONAL GARDEN

As I began to read the story of David’s garden, the month of March was merely an appetizer. Each word allowed me to appreciate the garden in a different way. I understand this month offered an opportunity to pause and observe. At Brandywine Cottage this was the time to embrace the garden in the present. It was the beginning of a six-course seasonal journey into a garden. A cottage garden created by hard work and lots of love.

Month by month I settled into the new reality of unintentional pausing and this book has been my companion. Fortunately, A Year at Brandywine Cottage has encouraged me to anticipate what’s next in the garden. Imagining each chapter – month by month – as a course at a unique floral feast. As I savored March and April…I knew that this book was different. This is not a novel. It is a story about embracing seasonal beauty as an intentional act of love. To truly receive the gift this book offers, I suggest savoring it month by month. To be honest, I will not consider reading the chapters in the fifth and sixth seasons. It is merely November…known as late fall.

This was a scene that caught my eye as I enjoyed visiting with David at the Brandywine Cottage.

VISUAL BLISS

I consider the photos as a blessing in this book. Each one was a moment captured by an appreciative eye. Graceful blooms captured by the lens of Rob Cardillo, a fellow gardener, and photographer. As I gasped at Thalictrum rochebruneanum, my heart actually skipped a beat. Captured at the right time of the day and a perfect introduction to a course called Summer. The leaves of cabbage, veined with hints of plum accented by the dark foliage of the perilla below. The artist called Nature held her paintbrush high at the right moment and was captured by Cardillo.

Embracing each season with ideas is like tapas for the gardener. Simple bites for making a Cottage garden fill the pages of this book. David’s perspective allows the reader to consider each idea as a possibility. David advises us about the seasonal beauty we can find in our own gardens. This book is an open invitation to experiment with a diverse plant palette. David Culp suggests many easy options as he shares his garden story.

EDIBLE BLISS

A Year at Brandywine Cottage also includes simple recipes offering ideas of what is edible in the garden. This book on gardening as a lifestyle provides a blueprint enabling us to reconsider our sense of taste. Each month teases the reader with edible delights. I was hesitant about eating my dandelions. The Dandelion Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing seemed to call out to me. I adhered to the warning – only use dandelions collected from a chemical-free garden. Encouraged, I gathered dandelions from my chemical-free garden. My adventurous spirit was rewarded with this delicious dish.

I considered the Sauteed Fiddlehead Ferns for April. The Fiddleheads in my garden were beautiful. The fronds offered hope for healthy, full-bodied ferns this season. Cooking with them was not an option this year. I made the Funny Cake for a delicious snack. One day I will have enough Fiddleheads to sacrifice. I will enjoy the fern’s beauty allowing them to unfurl in my garden. I dream about growing more to use for edible cooking.

Each chapter encourages the reader to discover a simple sip, a soup, or even a dessert. Imagine using watercress from your own garden for Watercress Tea sandwiches. David teaches the reader to understand the joy of simplicity found in our gardens.

MEMORIES CONTAINED OR CAPTURED

Vases or containers are traditional ways of sharing floral expressions from the garden. David encourages us to look beyond the vase. Containing blooms and creatively displaying them is an idea from this book. He reminds us that still life has been around for centuries. Collecting a leaf, bloom, or stem aids in creating a still life. Even placing pots artfully on a bench or a collection of seasonal items placed on a Taboret can capture moments otherwise lost. David encourages us to be present in the garden. Select memories of a day in the garden and place them anywhere. After all, moments savored throughout the day are important.

If we pause, memorable moments in the garden can be discovered. There is a certain joy when finding something that can be artfully arranged and enjoyed in the present. From a bud, a bloom, or even a leaf, David shares how A Year at Brandywine Cottage has something for all of us to mimic at home.

RECOMMENDED READING AND GIFTING

While we continue to be apart from each other, I highly recommend A Year At Brandywine Cottage. It is one of the best inspirational books that encourages each of us to garden in a way that speaks our language. What a great gift David shares. Like a flight of wine, A Year at Brandywine Cottage is unique to the individual reader’s taste. This book offers ideas, recipes, and simple ways to embrace life from the garden. Imagining possibilities, creating vignettes to delight, and examples of placing memories throughout the garden are on every page.

Envisioning opportunities to linger is one unexpected gift found in this book. Imagine looking at a space and allowing it to speak to you about what it needs. This is a naturalistic garden story designed to complement and add seasonal bliss. As new gardeners begin an ever-evolving journey, this book is a great gift. David Culp offers observations, as well as possibilities of what can be achieved in the garden for gardeners of all levels. The joy found in each month will encourage and inspire even the seasoned gardener.

Patiently embracing November at The Cottage In The Court as I remember walking with David Culp at the Brandywine Cottage in summer.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

To hear the podcast where I chatted with David L. Culp, click here

To read more about David Culp, click here.

For information about co-author Denise Cowie, click here

Inquiries about photographer Rob Cardillo, click here

To find out more abut Timber Press click here

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Gifts – When The Garden Says Thank You

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Gifts…we Love them…but do we say Thank You?

Gifts are to be received with joy. Usually gifts are given out of love and appreciation. Given with minimal expectations, except for one or two. The giver would like for the recipient to use the gift. The other expectation should go unsaid, if you have manners, a Thank You is in order and appropriate. What does this have to do with the garden?

OUR WORDS AS GIFTS

As a Garden Communicator, we are often asked to review various items. It can be a plant, a book or other just about anything pertaining to the garden. Last year, I was asked to sample a Vinca called Plug and Play Combo Seaside Delight. These sample gifts came from PanAmerican Seed. First of all – Thank you Pan American Seed!! The name was certainly appropriate. I planted it in my front garden and YES IT SHOWED OFF! Seriously- I plugged it in and it played well with my other plants. Of course, I neglected to take photos. 

Gifts can sometimes be more than anticipated- in a good way. Wandering through my garden, I noticed a distinctive leaf. Much to my surprise, I found Plug and Play babies. This annual Vinca seems to have forgotten that this is Zone 6B.

Plug and Play Vinca self seeding in Zone 6B

These are the special gifts from last years garden – Plug and Play Vinca seedlings. Who would have guessed this?

I couldn’t wait to see these babies grow and bloom. I am heeding the advice of one of my trusted GardenComm mentors and sharing. As Garden Communicators, it is our unique and trusted voice that connects vendors with the consumer. Vendors share an ask or a gift of something to be trialed. When we share our thoughts, our audiences listen. 

Seaside Plug and Play finally is in bloom in the midst of the dry weather.. Thank You!!

This past weekend Plug and Play bloomed. In spite of the dryness we are experiencing, without fertilizer, and unanticipated neglect. Joy and hope, special gifts from a few trial plants, courtesy of Pan American Seed. Did I say THANK YOU ??

CONFERENCE ETIQUETTE

If you go to a conference or trade show and you are given a sample, asked to trial an item or to give a review,  remember an honest response is worth a thousand words. Are you practicing good manners and sharing? Are you saying Thank you after being given a gift? 

When you plant your garden in the Spring, what if the results were not fruitful after toiling all season?? Share the love and respond accordingly. 

Mixing up some fish emulsion to keep this growing and blooming til the weather changes…

Teri, Cottage In The Court

To find out more about Gardencomm, click here

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Le Primitif – Featured Art at MANTS

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Le Primitif offers unique art for the garden. My inner garden loves the birds in the tree…

Le Primitif is an unexpected pleasure each year at MANTS – The Mid Atlantic Nursery Trade Show. MANTS is an event which takes place every January in Baltimore, Maryland. For those who work in horticulture, MANTS is  THE networking event that starts the seasonal garden party. Vendors come from near and far to reconnect with old friends, make new friends and share what’s new. It truly is like a grand family reunion.

I have visited MANTS for the past 20 years and each year, I rekindle friendships and make new friends.  There is one old friend that I reconnect with every time year. Amidst the plant plugs, tractors, mechanized watering systems, there is my friend David McCabe, Owner of Le Primitif Galleries. Le Primitive Galleries offers Recycled Oil Drum Sculpture in all shapes, sizes, signed, unsigned, painted or in its natural state.

I first became familiar with David while working in Fredericksburg, VA. One of the best winter activities was heading to Baltimore to attend this wonderful trade show. Tucked away in the front corner was a booth that featured art. The raw form of this hammered steel was quite appealing. I admire Haitian art when I visit galleries in DC and New York. I had to hear this man’s story.

David became familiar with the Haitian community in his travels and fell in love with this art form.  One of the first blacksmiths who made this technique popular was Georges Liataud. Intrigued by the natural beauty of this art, David realized that each piece had a story to tell.

Le Primitif Girl On A Bike…This spoke to the freedom of life to me….and the time to garden.

Steel drums are in abundance in Haiti. Reusing them as art was a creative way to secure income to local artisans. To create this art, steel drums are flattened and stories in the form of art are drawn. Each piece is cut out by hammer and chisel finishing a story in the form of art. Proud of their work, each piece carries the artist’s signature. Le Primitif artists each have a unique story which makes each piece special.

My first pieces of Haitian art that have made Le Primitif an integral part of my garden.

The first few pieces I purchased for my garden. The style and whimsical stance of these ladies spoke to me. Their dance spoke to the spirit of my personality as well as my garden. Each year I visit MANTS, I make sure to visit with David. A simple “Hello” just to say hi and to see what I need for my collection.

Over the year’s, I have acquired more pieces from Le Primitif and not just for my garden.

Le Primitif has many different ways to enjoy the beauty of trees and birds.

Each of the pieces that I have purchased from Le Primitif has held up extremely well in my garden with no care at all. The bronzed patina that comes with weather changes has only made my original pieces more beautiful.

Le Primitif had this one just for me. I will place this beside my door that leads to my garden.

MANTS has continually given me the gift of connecting with Le Primitif every year.

Here is a link to see what else can be found at Le Primitif Galleries

Click MANTS to find out more about the Mid Atlantic Nursery Trade Show.

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My Favorite Things for Gifting

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Each of us has favorite things. As we approach the holiday season, I would like to share a few of my favorite things for gifts.  Two items, in particular, are sure to please gardeners and non-gardeners alike.

I used this favorite item earlier this year. While attending The Garden Writer’s Conference in Buffalo, New York, I had no problem staying charged up. Needing a charger that was priced right, had adequate charging power, was quick charging and portable, I checked out Amazon.  Amazon helped me find this wonderful charger from iclever. What a lifesaver this little item has been on more than one occasion. It came with a wonderful pouch to protect the elegant exterior.

I can charge two items at one time – my phone and my Kindle Fire. I was even at a blogging conference and was able to charge my phone and allow a friend to charge her phone at the same time!! Who would not want a gift like this??

The subtle blue lights to let you know that your favorite item is charging. I pulled this out after not using it for a few weeks. It was still fully charged!

The charging notification lights are not glaring…they are reassuring!

The added bonus is the emergency flashlight. Great for those moments when you just want to keep reading or finding the right way to plug your charger cord.

I must say this is a gift that I would want if I had not gifted it to myself. Definitely, something to consider if you are taking a lot of photos of the garden, vacations or recording presentations. I love my iclever portable power bank. Someone on your list would love it as a stocking stuffer as well!

My next favorite thing is called the Bella Fitness Tracker. I am interested in making sure I get my daily steps in, get ample rest and aware of my stress levels. I also need “cute”. The Bella Fitness Tracker gives me all of this and more. I first purchased the Bella Leaf. I have worn it on my wrist, clipped to my shirt and once clipped to the waistband of my pants. Lately, I have worn it as a necklace – even while working out in my Tiara.

My Bella Leaf as a necklace while exercising with the Go Red Team at Blogalicious9. It captured my steps over 12k per day!!

While it does not come with a Crown, the Bella Leaf or urban is available in bundle form with a necklace or a leather double-wrap wristband.

I have two clips, 2 necklaces (1 silver and 1 rose gold) and 2 double-wrap wristbands (1 beige and one anthracite), as well as a tool for changing the battery.

A few of the highlights the Bella focuses on are activity levels, sleep patterns, stress levels, and a gentle alarm to remind you to get up and get moving. Getting better all the time the Urban also offers reproductive health monitoring and water resistance. Did I mention there is no need to worry about nightly charging? The battery lasts for 6 months and you can synch the Bella wirelessly to your favorite device.

I have a few other items to suggest for this holiday season or anytime. Monitoring how we are recharging our bodies,  is so very important. Equally important is how equipped we are to stay charged up on our devices.

Hopefully, this will jumpstart some ideas for quick gifting!Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather