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Hillside Help When You Need It

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Hillside plantings are easy when you use Hillside Planters.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I could not think of a better time to share the ingenuity of a particular woman. You might not know Coleen by name, but you will remember how she made hillsides not as challenging. The Hillside Planter has evolved as a way to solve a problem in the landscape.

Many of us have been confronted with a slope that needed a bit of beautification. Thoughts might have entered your mind of digging without falling. After planting, would the plants follow you down the hillside after watering? Would the water go to the roots or make a river? Coleen had to contend with these thoughts and more. What’s a woman to do? Create Hillside Planters of course!

KNOW HOW TO HOLD THEM!

No need for complicated scenarios, railroad ties, or wood terracing for an entire hill just for a plant or two. When Colleen had to replant her runaway hillside, she knew it had to be a better, simpler, safer way. An expensive retaining wall was out of the question. With a determined spirit and winning mindset, she created what will be a gamechanger. The first prototype of the Hillside Planter was shown at the National Hardware Show in May of 2019.

REALITY CHECK = TRUTH

To go from this…

Without a little frontal under support, this shrub would follow its owner down the hill on a mud slick from watering.

To a planting that stays put like this, Coleen realized this was a dream come true.

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A Hillside Planter that could keep plants in their place is a winning idea. An additional benefit is a way it holds the water a little longer at the root zone. This is a need that is right on time. Coleen realized this idea that could save homeowners a lot of time. Many landscapers are in need of something simple to get the job done. This is a cost-effective answer to the erosion discussion that begins every season. Homeowners, beginning gardeners, and especially seasoned women like myself are sure to find this product to be a dream come true.

Imagine what this would look like without a little stabilizing that is virtually invisible.
This product even helps the irrigation source stay put.

HILLS, SLOPES OR BANKS? – YOU GOT THIS!

I am happy to see that the Hillside Planter handles six-inch pots to five-gallon trees. Once the weather stabilizes, I will share how the Hillside Planters are making this DIY’er just a little less hesitant to beautify my backyard slope.

Coleen, Thank you for creating the Hillside Planter which will make gardening a bit easier. Creative, ingenious women like you, are our history makers!

Dreaming of planting my Cercis canadensis when the mud dries up. Honestly, I am thinking of the money saved for all the plants I will buy.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Illuminating Calm In The Garden

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Illuminating Sunflowers are like planting smiles in the garden.

Illuminating yellow and Ultimate gray are the 2021 Pantone colors of the year. Two colors that are indicative of what we need right now in this garden I call life. Pantone has chosen a color of the year for the past 21 years. The color of the year reflects current trends. In my opinion, the colors chosen this year are indicative of the times we live and garden in.

The increase in people who began their garden journey in 2000 was quite amazing. Their exuberance and sometimes disappointments were all part of the experience. Consider this thought as we think of illuminating and ultimate experiences seasoned gardeners have endured. Seasoned gardeners are familiar with this feeling. The yellow symbolizes a sense of excitement. The gray exudes a sense of calm.

ILLUMINATING YELLOW

The blooms of this Rudbeckia triloba are quite illuminating in my front garden when other blooms are past their prime.

Our summer gardens are usually sizzling and overflowing with hot colors. Blooms are found in abundance. By including yellow in the flower border, there is a sense of optimism. Yellow daffodils represent the cheerfulness of Spring. One must admit, a totally yellow border might be a bit much – to some. Too much yellow can be overwhelming and overstimulate our senses, blurring out the rest of the garden.

There are some flowers that one can never get enough of. According to the National Garden Bureau, this the year of the Sunflower. This multitasking plant that gives back to nature from its nectar to its seeds is simply beautiful. The diversity found in the abundant cultivars is sure to be a game-changer as it causes a stir in any border.

ULTIMATE GRAY

Senecio cineraria is just one of the plants used as a supporting actress for seasonal plantings.

Gray has a calming effect. This is just one of the virtues of including gray in the garden. This color suggests an opportunity to pause. Gray tends to be one of those colors which is subtle, not screaming for attention. The quiet presence of gray represents balance. It can tie a garden together and create a place for the eye to rest. According to Sensational Color, gray is a dignified color. Gray represents diplomacy. In our life gardens, a little gray is welcome. Gray can help us get through some unsettling situations.

COLOR IN THE GARDEN

As gardeners use the Pantone colors this year it will reflect current trends. Illuminating yellow offers excitement in pots or borders. Here are a few suggestions for Illuminating yellow:

Helianthus salicifolius, Coreopsis – tinctoria or Zagreb, Hemerocallis – Happy Returns or Stella de Oro, Achillea x ‘Moonshine’

Using Ultimate gray will offer a softening effect that goes a long way. Some suggested plants to look for are:

Artemesia – Powis Castle, Valerie Finnis, Silver Mound, Athyrium Ghost, Dichondra, Lavender

The silvery-green foliage of Lavender (as well as the scent) beckons the gardener to pause. Pausing to rub the leaves between the fingers, sniff, and just enjoy being in the garden.

Each of these plants has a role in the landscape. One creates an exciting pop. The other sets the stage for a sense of balance. Thank you Pantone for a color combination that reflects the times we live in. There are many things that we can relate to life in the garden.

HOW WILL YOUR GARDEN TREND?

The new gardener experienced Gardening 101 – The First Season. Through trial and error, a new season is within reach. The excitement of what’s new in the world of horticulture is paramount. For some, the uncertainty of breaking ground “again” looms large. Either way, gardens will be made and colors will be important.

Sunflowers tend to bring joy and smiles to all who grow them.

Will you grow Sunflowers to illuminate your garden? Will you seek out gray foliage to add a sense of calm along the way?

Looking through catalogs imagining ways to illuminate the ultimate plant combinations for my patio.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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England – Bliss, Blooms, and Blessings

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England was quite the treat or a tease. Not sure which – however, I really need to return.

England is memorable for more than just the Royal Family. The gardens in England are diverse, memorable, and often captivate the heart. As much as I love the gardens of Paris, the gardens found in England have always fascinated me.

I traveled to London in 2019. The memory of that adventure lingers in my thoughts almost daily. With my garden club member, Eileen, and my Aunt Yvonne, this trip promised to make a few dreams come true. I was planning on seeing ALL the gardens. With the time I allotted that would not be possible. Each of us had a reason for this trip. my Aunt wanted to see the museums, palaces and just explore something different. Eileen really wanted to see gardens and Selfridges, one of the oldest department stores in England. I of course wanted to see gardens.

The David Austin Rose Gardens was my first mission. That was a birthday gift to me. I also wanted to go to Kew Gardens, The Chelsea Physic Garden, and anything else along the way. Some of the gardens I wanted to see, I found out were in the outskirts of England and accessible via train. Planning is everything. Confirming plans months in advance will be one of the most critical action items for the next trip.

The Glasshouse at The Royal Botanic Gardens – KEW was simply amazing!

We arrived via train from Paris to England, figured out the Underground, connected with Eileen, and checked in. Eileen flew from the United States to England. Our accommodations were quaint but divine. We were not there to stay in the room but to explore and make memories. We definitely made memories. On day one, we made time to visit KEW Gardens.

There is something about Chihuly, England and The royal Botanic Gardens – KEW that just blows me away.

I had to pinch myself often, pace myself, and breathe. It was quite amazing to see Chihuly in the greenhouse and gardens at The Royal Botanic Gardens – KEW, I have to admit, the gift shop was awesome as well.

A few items from the KEW giftshop that I needed to remember my trip to England.

STRATEGIC TRAVEL PLANNING

Eileen and I planned on visiting Chiswick, The Garden Museum, and Selfridges. Eileen was in charge of scheduling which mode of travel was most efficient. Chiswick was the proper starting point. From rugby, rowing, nature preserves to gardens, Chiswick has a sacred spot in history and horticulture. The landscape has many historical plants that have survived over many years. Did you know the Beatles performed there? The Camellias in the glasshouse. As you meander along the grounds, you can sense the importance of the site. The grounds are open to the public for events like hiking and biking. Traveling on the London Underground connecting with the Tunham Green and Piccadilly lines allowed for a short walk to Chiswick. We paused, took photos, and grabbed a bite to eat at the cafe on the grounds. We watched our time as we paused before heading to the next destination.

THE GARDEN MUSEUM

A simple sign directed visitors to the Museum’s entrance. Understated, this little gem of a museum offered a café and gift shop as well.

Wandering the streets of London to find what we were looking for was rewarding. It was a terrific way to get a sense of not being a foreigner, but a local. Each neighborhood had a different garden-sense. The Garden Museum was absolutely awesome. This was a place I should have planned on spending an entire day. England has been on my list of dream places to visit. Many of England’s gardens are featured in travel brochures. Finding the lesser-known gardens can be a gift. There was so much to see and do in England, in addition to quite a few options for gardens to visit.

The Garden Museum was like an unexpected treat in the early afternoon. This simple display was being tended to by a lone gardener.

The Garden Museum shared moments of how we gardened in the past. Visitors can see the cumbersome clogs, uniforms, metal flower pots, and more. Visitors can view a collection of original seed cases. Seeds from foreign lands were stored inside after they were collected. These cases provided protection for the journey back to England. One of my favorite people, Beth Chatto, was captured on a video. talking about the garden. It was almost as if I was in her living room chatting about her perspective on gardening. I really didn’t want to leave. We did make time to pause by the gift shop, much to my delight. Fun fact – John Tradescant is buried in the garden at The Garden Museum.

CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDENS

On the day Eileen left England, Aunt Yvonne and I took our time and went to the Chelsea Physic Garden. It was a delightful morning to calmly enjoy our final day in England. We took the bus – I am not a bus person, but I did it. Fortunately, it dropped us off right in front of the garden. We experienced the daily tour. Several medicinal plants were brought back from the Caribbean and are still in use today. Island women were feeding their babies this concoction later called milk chocolate. It made me quite happy that the Islands played a role in plants that were useful and necessary. The importance of including this truth in the tour meant quite a lot. It was representative of acknowledging the role of diversity and understanding different cultures. Thank you Hans Sloane for appreciating milk chocolate and sharing that knowledge with your peers.

The garden rooms we toured were amazing. History is always intriguing. However, there is something special about a well-stocked gift shop. England’s gift shops had little tokens for capturing the memories of a terrific trip.

I love giftshops and England had some pretty nice offerings of memento’s.

One day, I will return to England with enough time to linger. The planning is underway for the next big adventure. Discovering gardens near and far bring me joy. It is a way to see how others – including Mother Nature – embrace the beauty that surrounds us.

Do you enjoy traveling to dream gardens in far off lands? Are you a minute-by-minute planner or do you linger along the way?

Ordering seeds, dreaming of gardens and planning my next trip to England.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

England, Chihuly, and memories linger in my mind.

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Camellias – Blooming Rosettes In Autumn

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Camellias blooming in autumn are the rosettes of fall. They are quite the distraction in the garden at this time of the year.

Camellias in autumn remind me of rosettes. These bodacious blooms draw me outside, sometimes, before I have my coffee. Simply stated, I love them. I can’t get enough of them. Most likely, l have too many for some people. Good thing they don’t live here! There are Spring and Fall blooming Camellias. Luckily I have both.

JAPONICA JAMMING

In mid-winter, Camellia Japonica starts jamming in the garden. The buds swell all season, scattered along the length of the branches. As Spring bulbs break the surface of the soil, Camellias signal an awakening. Blooms like the skirts of a Flamenco dancer stand out in an otherwise dormant landscape.

Camellia japonica “Fimbriata” is an elegant white bloom that pops on the shiny evergreen leaves.

Camellia japonicas have blooms in many different shades. When inviting a Camellia into the garden, certain conditions must be considered. Hardy in zones 6 – 9 this plant must be grown in moist, well-draining soil. Part sun is what she prefers, This will keep the blooms from dissolving as the dew dances on the petals.

A bit of protection from the strong winds of winter will ensure multiple buds and blooms. This easy-care shrub requires minimal pruning. A snip here or there for shaping is all that is required. Did you know Camellias are a water-wise shrub? Watering during extremely dry spells will keep this shrub healthy. It does not require excessive watering.

A smattering of mulch to break down and feed the soil is beneficial to the Camellia. Two common diseases that can destroy this bodacious beauty is petal blight or root rot fungus. Maintenance is simple, clean up any petals that are discolored and fall to the ground. Well-draining soil is a must to avoid root rot. One tip, plant a bit high and not level to the ground – this helps with drainage. The joy of adding a Camellia to the garden is truly endless. Jamming to jazz in my Spring garden always involves Camellia Japonica.

SASSY SASANQUA

This sassy little number is like a soft pink negligee on satin sheets of green leaves.

Camellia Sasanqua blooms are truly the rosettes of fall. Imagine a hint of pink from an inside window. It beckons you to come outside. Once outside, the sassy blooms open wide, revealing the gold underskirt within. Sasanquas taunt this gardener to put down the rake and simply enjoy.

This beauty blooms in late October and lasts for quite some time. I have cut bouquets for Christmas in warmer winters. Almost everything in my garden has an underplanting of sorts. My classic combination for the Camellias at the Cottage involves perennials. There is nothing like a Camellia with an underskirt of Hellebore, crocus, or Galanthus. I even have a few Muscari that have crashed the party, adding an unexpected spot of color. There is something about Hellebore buds rising as the Camellia finishes her show in mid to late winter.

Camellia cultivar? Who knows…however I can look outside my bedroom window and smile at this beauty as I rise.

I cherish my Camellias. The first time I knew it was going to be a love affair forever was in a Fredericksburg garden. “April Tryst” was the name and it was simply amazing. That name has stuck in my mind for the past 20 years. When I purchased my house, I knew that Camellias would dot the landscape as often as possible, along with peonies.

April Tryst Camellia, my first love.

There are cold hardy Camellias and with the proper conditions, you can grow them as well. A true morning delight is a simple cutting in a vase, bloom half open with a perfect cup of coffee.

Enjoying these blooms in a simple vase with my coffee causes me to smile.

Do you grow Camellias? Do they taunt and tease you to simply enjoy their presence in the landscape? Would you take a snip to bring the beauty inside? Invite this seductress into your garden and embrace the bloom. It changes the perception of the autumnal landscape with just the right pop of color.

I wonder which Camellia to plant next? There has to be a spot…

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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