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Valor – Perennials Found In Life’s Garden

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Valor found in my family was James A. Speight, Jr, My Dad was quite proud of serving his country,

Valor as defined by Merriam Webster means strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness. The word “valor” defines our Veterans. Men and women who have served in the military are honored as they exhibited the absence of indecision as they faced life or death in battle. This is valor at the highest level.

HISTORY

On Memorial day, many simply view this as the beginning of summer. This was not the intended purpose of this weekend. According to History.com, in 1868, General John Logan declared May 30th as a day to recognize soldiers killed in the Civil war. After World War I, the United States changed this day to honor Veterans of all wars. All things change over time. In 1968, The Uniform Monday Holiday Act passed by Congress changed the date. We now recognize Memorial Day on the last Monday of May.

Reading the book, Race and Reunion by Professor David Blight (Yale), adds a different date and perspective. Mr. Blight identified an 1865 Memorial day event. Documented in The New York Tribune and The Charleston Courier, the Washington Race Course was significant in recognizing those lost in battle. After digging up and properly burying 260 Union soldiers, there was a Memorial event. 10,000 people gathered to properly “send off” the deceased. The 54th Massachusetts Regiment, other African American regiments, white missionaries, and even freed African Americans participated in the events of the day. Mr. Blight faced adversity as he validated his research. The events beyond the newspapers of the day are suppressed.

Recognizing valor is a part of our lives. Being dependable, steadfast, and honestly reliable is important. Our lives have perennial people that have served in the military. These people have shown valor in serving our country. As I think about life, there are a few plants that exhibit valor in our life gardens.

PLANTED VALOR

Perennials are dependable plants in our gardens. They thrive and multiply, ensuring that they stand firmly as placeholders in our gardens. Veterans are there for us always. Perennials are dependable and represent valor in the garden. Allow me to break down a few perennials that spell out valor.

V – Verbena Bonariensis

Verbena Bonariensis is a perennial that stands on rigid stems, rising above the garden, as it attracts beneficial insects to the garden. Newer cultivars come in shorter heights to accommodate any size garden.

A – Achillea

Achillea, also known as Yarrow is a spreading hardy perennial. Proven to be dependable in spite of the drought, great as a cut flower and year after year.

L – Liatris

Liatris is a pollinator magnet for birds and butterflies. This corm is durable and hardy even in clay soils. A native prairie plant that is also great as a cut flower.

O – Oenethera

Long blooming, dependable, and eager to spread, Oenethera certainly exhibits horticultural valor. It is known for attracting moths and other nighttime beneficial insects.. This plant also has a delightful fragrance.

R- Rudbeckia

Most are familiar with this long-blooming ray of sunshine in the garden. It bridges the gap in a perennial border as well as attracts beneficial pollinators.

Perennials sometimes have annuals with similar names. These plants show up with such grandeur for one season. After one season, they fizzle out. Sometimes, they will sow seed. The valor shown by a perennial is reliable, noteworthy, and often priceless.

REFLECTIONS ON VALOR

My dad was such a big part of my life. Often sharing his experiences good and bad as the only African American in his platoon. Dad traveled to the Philippines snd even California to build military bases. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1961 to join the love of his life. Together, they raised us as a team. I am glad to have had a parent who served in the Armed Forces. The experiences my Dad shared have been quite valuable.

A good friend of mine reminded those on social media platforms of the proper words to say on this Veterans Day. It is not appropriate to say Happy Memorial Day, per Kim. She is a proud Veteran. I asked if she had words to share, “As a military brat, veteran, and spouse, Memorial Day has always been very important to me. It’s the day I honor my Uncle Herman and all the men and women who died in the war.”, Kim Roman, SSgt USAF 1977-1982. I am proud to know Kim and I appreciate her service.

Many people reading this know a Veteran who lost their lives in battle. Some Veterans came home with have battles continuing in their minds. There are some Veterans who are in need of mental health services. For several years, I rode with friends in Rolling Thunder. The emotion I experienced as I listened to stories of survival left quite the impression in my heart. These Veterans are proud to have survived. TheseVeterans continue to mourn their brothers and sisters who did not survive to rejoin the world they protected from danger.

This is the designated weekend where we collectively remember those who exhibited Valor. Remember they are the true perennials in our life gardens. We need perennial people who exhibit valor in our life gardens. A garden with perennials of valor is a great way to remember our Veterans.

I honor my Dad and all of the true Veterans this weekend. With a reflective spirit, I appreciation of their service. Are you honoring a true Veteran this weekend?

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Cottage Gardens – A Renewed Look

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Cottage gardens have been considered a classis. This book takes a renewed look at creating a modern twist.

Cottage gardens are simply beautiful. I am not sure if it is the uniquely compatible way of planting everything you love, or the creative chaos. There is a method behind this creative way of gardening. The Modern Cottage Garden by Greg Loades takes the reader on quite the journey.

First of all, the author is in my head. I am THAT gardener who cannot resist the plant in the nursery. I do not always know where it will be planted in my garden, but certain it belongs with me. When an author speaks to you, it is easy to begin falling in love with how one interprets the garden.

COTTAGE VISITS

Two special gardens in the United Kingdom begin this book’s journey. Greg explains the ideology behind the making of these beautiful sites. The gardens at Newby Hall and Scampston Walled Garden are beautifully photographed. Capturing not just the pictures, but explaining their classic styles was of interest. I ventured outside and realized…I can plant more. What is a Cottage garden without a plan?

COTTAGE HOW TO’S

Greg had my heart when he shared the diversity found in a private garden in Cambridgeshire. I quickly realized I need to attend the National Garden Scheme. This will be on the to-do list of garden travels …but I digress. Suggestions on planting the modern cottage garden like being curious, spontaneity matters, and more, are a gentle way of creating a plan. Yes, those flower-filled borders in almost continual bloom do need to have a starting point. With thoughts of garden accessories like pots or a backdrop of some type, help set the tone.

Sharing plant combinations for a multitude of spaces, lawn reconsideration, and more are helpful to the reader. The container chapters were quite the game-changer for me. Pots and containers truly make quite the cottage garden with the proper recipe.

SEASON-BY-SEASON

In every season, a modern cottage garden can delight its owner. It all comes down to what you plant and how it is maintained. The author covers this and more. Timber Press knew this was a book worth having in any cottage gardener’s dreams. The photographs of how the garden evolves in each season are amazing. Each season includes a to-do list as well as maintenance tips. As most gardeners know, the care of our plants equals the joy they bring to our gardens.

PLANTS FOR DESSERT

There are plants and then there are essential plants. I truly love this style of gardening and this plant list has given me confidence. After perusing this list of fifty plants, I realized that I am in good shape. I only need a handful of plants from the list – and perhaps a few more pots.

If a creative, well-planned, chaotic, and diverse garden is in your dreams, I highly recommend this book. From the gardens which were shared to the creative plant combinations, this book is inspirational.

Off to the garden center, I could have sworn I saw a gap in my garden!

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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BloomBox – Plant Joy and More At Your Door

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BLOOMBOX should have a 12-Step Program in it’s online offering’s.

BLOOMBOX – I am in LOVE. I am almost ashamed to admit that I…well…I am a fan. Note I say almost. Please allow me to explain.

A dear friend of mine just happened to share that she was waiting for a plant delivery from BLOOMBOX. Common sense said I should have ignored that – but I didn’t. I asked her to share a photo of her plants when they arrived. My doubtful mind said they will be puny, no roots, and she will wish she had gone to a local nursery. I was SO WRONG (Lord, forgive me for pre-judging.)

BLOOMBOX TRIAL

My first order from BloomBox was a mix of plant material – to test the waters. You know how it is.

Seeing my fellow garden buddy’s photo had me order (for closer inspection – of course) a few items. An assortment of perennials, annuals, and vegetables – all to trial in my garden. I dug deep for the fine print or a disclaimer of some sort. If they were not to my liking, had I made a huge mistake? What if they did not pass the “Teri Test”? What if they were dry upon arrival? Where do they come from? Surely they were joking when the mention of NO SHIPPING was on my invoice. I was delightfully surprised.

BLOOMBOX passed the test – all of them. The plants were moist. There was actually a plant in each pot and not 80% soil with a hint of a plant. I was even surprised that when I turned the pot upside down, the soil was intact and the roots were healthy and not rootbound. The plants were VERY healthy! Oh by the way – the plants were priced RIGHT as well.

BLOOMBOX RATIONAL

Why try BLOOMBOX?

We are in the midst of a seemingly never-ending pandemic. some people are not willing to venture out. It was sad listening to the stories of NOT gardening last year from some friends and associates. I knew there had to be a way for the 2021 garden season to be enjoyed and not be missed. BLOOMBOX seems to be the answer.

What a treat to see the BLOOMBOX truck pull up on time and with a smile!! The driver said, “Good to see you again!” For an instant, the sun was shining in the midst of the rain…

One of the benefits of BLOOMBOX is the variety. Perennials, Annuals, Houseplants, pots, and more. All plants have arrived healthy, handled with care, and delivered with a smile. All from the comfort of your home and computer, delivered within three days, sales, wish lists, and more. You can even earn points when you order. I noticed that they have a pretty good vegetable selection as well, just in case your seeds didn’t come up.

FOMO? BLOOMBOX IS YOUR ANSWER

Life can get busy. Thank goodness there is BLOOM BOX!

I am not getting paid for this – honestly. Between working full-time, in the middle of writing two books, starting a long-term garden project, as well as beginning to travel lightly time is limited. It is important that I am surrounded by beautiful gardens, so I must maintain my garden. The more abundant blooms I have, the happier I am. After ordering, the best part of my day is waiting for the notification of the arrival time of my BLOOMBOX.

FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is real. Especially when it comes to not seeing and purchasing new plants for the garden. There will still be times when you want to go to the local garden center. After all, supporting local matters. However, if you are hesitant to venture out just yet, here is a suggestion. Pour a cup of tea, log on to BLOOMBOX, and shop as if you were at the garden center. We have become experts at online shopping over the past year.

Now back to working on book #1…with a smile and realizing that I was able to find that Hellebore I saw last weekend, it was on sale, and is now waiting to be planted.

Trake in hand and a vision in my mind….

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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FLORATOPIA – 110 Amazing Ideas for the Garden

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Floratopia – 110 Flower Garden Ideas for Your Yard, Patio, or Balcony. Jan Johnsen as left no stone unturned in this book of sound ideas for the garden.

256 pages, 110 ideas, and words that clearly define the term “floral bliss”. I touched every page of this book, not once but more than once. Perhaps I am too embarrassed to share how many times. The book, Floratopia, is as awesome as its author, Jan Johnson.

Jan Johnsen gets it. A garden without flowers is like a cake without the proper ingredients. Flowers add so much to the garden and we incorporate them to our taste. Color and diversity are the flavorings in our gardens. Knowing where, when, and how to add colorful accents in the garden ofttimes escapes us. Jan encourages us to be adventurous, try what is proven to work, and experiment with something new.

Broken down into six chapters, this book is a confidence builder. Whether you have a pot on a balcony or simply want more color in the landscape, I recommend this book. Jan offers tips that are easy and fun. Advice on drainage in pots, pot repetition, and the color blue are tips that are of interest to me. I dare say I know I have a sincere love of blue in the garden. This color just pops, adds life, and draws the eye. My blue fish stand out in the semi-shade garden especially when accented by white shade plants such as begonias.

Blue, yellow, as well as purple, and lime green play an emotional role in the garden. Who knew? Did you know as unstructured as Cottage gardens are, they provide a tight-knit community of plants that thrive together? Information is essential for each of us to learn how to use color in the garden. Jan makes it a very simple process.

Useful tips such as caring for the garden in hot weather are useful. Other tips like caring for perennials, soil secrets for the prefect meadow and more, are on these pages. If I could share the bonus of having this book as a pre-season primer, it would be the plant lists. Imagine a plant list or two which includes perennials and annuals which are proven to work. Durable plants that can handle most conditions such as Shasta daisies, Geraniums, and even a native-like Joe Pye Weed. A few annuals mentioned are nasturtiums – beautiful as well as edible and a summer favorite, cosmos.

Jan Johnsen is a friend of the garden and to all who love the garden. Having a useful tool such as Floratopia is like having the perfect recipe book. Recipes for a garden that is alive with color. This book is an addition to my printed lessons on the garden from Jan Johnsen. Her books Heaven Is A Garden, Spirit of Stone, and Gardentopia are on my bookshelf. Each of these books helps me in my pursuit of acknowledging and embracing the beauty that surrounds me.

Thank you, Jan Johnsen and Countryman Press for a book that is absolutely perfect for gardeners of all levels.

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Ready – Spring, Cicadas, and More

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Ready to toot their trumpets, Daffodils are beginning to open and start the Spring garden party.

Ready is a phrase that many gardeners are using these days. After a period of unintentional pausing, followed by an unpredictable winter, we are ready. For what one might ask? To get back outside, feel the soil between our fingers, and experience floral bliss in our own space.

It is the beginning of March. The bulbs planted last fall are showing up and bursting into bloom. Some bulbs are a tad earlier than expected. While others, although ready, patiently wait their turn. Early daffodils stand tall sounding the alarm of spring, while the crocus choir waits patiently at their feet. Oh…I am so ready for Spring!

The intoxicating scent these little flowers emit carries you further into the garden to see what is next. After all, there is something always happening in the garden.

The Sarcococca hookeriana invites me into my side garden with a scent as intoxicating as the scent of Spring. The insignificant bloom invites us to simply embrace the earth’s awakening. Did we leave some leaf litter to protect the beneficial insects as they lay ready and waiting to be helpful to our gardens? Are we cautiously uncovering the garden, careful not to damage the tips of the peony buds rising from the earth? It is a time of year when we must gingerly observe the signs of a season that is slowly unfolding.

These crocus were a favorite of my parents. My garden holds so many memories…and I welcome each and every one.

As we wait, is there a plan for this year’s garden? Is there a color scheme or theme? Will we seed or simply just buy plants? Have you invested in good potting soil? Do you have all of your soil amendments on hand, ready to apply at the right time? Remember, good soil – whether in a pot or the ground – is the foundation. A good soil foundation is essential for a successful garden. Preparing for a garden filled with what brings us joy truly matters.

CICADAS -READY OR NOT

Are you considering planting young trees, like fruit trees? Perhaps you should wait until fall or next year. In certain areas, we have guests coming in numbers too big to ignore. Cicadas are coming whether we want them to or not. Young trees, particularly fruit trees will show some damage. Cicadas will create slits in the tips of young or even diseased branches to lay their eggs. ‘Flagging’ occurs as recognizable damage when these branches tend to die. Despite all the rumors, Cicadas will not dine on the leaves of your plants or vegetables. They are root lovers. As the babies drop from the tender branches to go underground for the next seventeen years to eat roots. The damaged branches will be noticeable. For those of us with children, we KNOW the kids have to eat, right?

ARE YOU READY?

This miniature Daffodil was planted in honor of my niece Lexi. We were not ready to lose her, however, her spirit shines each year these bloom, and the clump increases.

What a year! We have the lingering effects of the ‘so- not-over’ pandemic as we anticipate (not really) the Cicadas cruising. Are you ready to embrace the next season with cautious abandon?

As I decide where to find my scented begonias for the shady side of my garden, my readiness is questionable. Do I want white to brighten up the area or pink and white? Will I plant edibles with my annuals? Should I plant more perennials in my pots and simply add an annual or two? Decisions, decisions… every day another vignette comes to mind. Right now, I am ready to welcome Spring – and more – with total abandon.

Sitting inside the Cottage, sowing seeds to share,

Teri , Cottage In the Court

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