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John O’Donohue – Words on Beauty Applied to The Garden

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John O’Donohue writes about Beauty – one of my favorite words. I heard a quote by Mr. O’Donohue one day which encouraged me to find out why his words touched my soul. The Invisible Embrace Beauty – Rediscovering The True Sources of Compassion, Serenity, and Hope. As I observe the beauty that surrounds us in the garden, hearing other perspectives on this topic interests me.

John O’Donohue is a philosophical theologian who has authored several books . Two of his books are International Best Sellers “Anam Cara” and “Eternal Echoes“. I will definitely find time to read these books as well.

At the beginning of this book “The Call of Beauty”, Chapter 1, Mr. O’Donohue writes, “When we devote some calm time to the heart and come off the treadmill of stress and distraction we can enter into the beauty within.  Each of us can prepare for that inner arrival: where ‘night holds sway” and the inner forest becomes “free of strangers”. Let this sink in a moment.

I embrace going into my garden or any garden when it is “free of strangers”. Early morning or at dusk is when I find the garden in its most beautiful state. Perhaps it is the quiet, still aura that envelopes the space. I can take my time and discover the phases of each and every bloom. There are sometimes when the finished bloom strikes me as an elegant version of the initial blossom. This word beauty has many definitions in life, just as in the garden.

Mr. O’Donohue’s words allowed me to see the garden in a different way. Observing the many phases of the artichoke’s beauty from beginning to the delicate aging process. Aging…never the ending..

Mr. O’Donohue goes on to write, “When we walk on the earth with reverence, beauty will decide to trust us. Beauty is mysterious, a slow presence who waits for the ready, expectant heart”. I have a hard time rushing through the garden – any garden. For when one pauses, the heart of the garden, the beauty of the garden will wrap its arms around and embrace you. The garden should never be rushed through. It should be savored so that an imprint sinks in and lingers in one’s soul.

I am sure that Mr. O’Donohue ha no idea of how his words can be applied to the Gardener. When words are really read for comprehension, it is amazing how they apply to our passions. I reach out to touch, smell and admire the garden, in its many stages of growth. It fills my heart and I tend to linger, to perhaps catch the ongoing evolution. Alas, it takes time…that I do not always have.

The Joy Of Shapes That Dance is the title of Chapter 5. “…the wisdom of a river has much to teach us”, Mr. O’Donohue writes. Have you ever paused beside a stream or a pond to watch how the water glides past protruding rocks? How the ripples dance throughout the pebbles in the river bed or fall over a waterfall? If you look at the path the water takes, the shapes formed in the water are a gentle act of grace….like a dance. Always different, never the same as in our life gardens.

To some, this would be a castaway. I see the beauty of an almost finished bloom, not willing to fall apart just yet. Mr. O’Donohue shares wisdom on The Beauty of The Flaw.

Chapter 8, The Beauty of the Flaw, I am sure was the reason I was led to this book. One segment in this chapter was called “To Create Beauty Out of Woundedness”. Mr. O’Donohue writes that when we explore our lives through creative expression we make discoveries.

When I lost my Dad, I was devastated. The garden reminded me that he was not on this earth to share news about the latest plant, book or tool.  Dad was no longer here pause after every gardening event to see him cling on my every word about my experience. Having that Father-Daughter relationship was gone…or so I thought. Mr. O’Donohue reminded ME  with these words, “Beauty is not all brightness”.

While this wound of loss was in the process of healing, I discovered a lot about who I am. I learned about the things I cherish and why I choose to linger when I encounter all things beautiful. Those moments are fleeting and beauty today, will be different tomorrow. Knowing my Dad is not in pain and is at rest is a different kind of beauty. It allows me to go into the garden and feel the presence of my Ancestors appreciating each and every bloom.

The perspective of Mr. O’Donohue’s thoughts should be read and interpreted on an individual basis. I recommend this book to any looking for a different perspective. The words just might creatively heal the spirit.

To find out more John O’Donohue

 

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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.

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Book Review – The Budget-Wise Gardener

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The Budget-Wise Gardener by Kerry Ann Mendez is like having a best friend on the bookshelf!

“The Budget-Wise Gardener” With Hundreds Of Money Saving Buying & Design Tips for Planting the Best for Less by Kerry Ann Mendez is a mouthful – but worth having on your bookshelf.

Kerry Ann Mendez, I am asking, ‘Can we just be best friends?’ This book actually spells out how to have a beautiful garden on a budget. We can all use constructive tips to save money no matter if you are a professional or a homeowner with a big dream. When the official gardening season starts our ideas never seem to match up with our “in real life” budgets. The Budget-Wise Gardener teaches the reader how to have that dream garden without breaking the bank.

Starting in Chapter 1 – How to Score Great Plants For Less…or for Free, who would NOT want to find out how to do this???  The planting season can prove to be a costly proposition to some. Often we spring for the high dollar plant and try to patiently wait for a sale. Kerry Ann instructs the reader in the art of saving money and then breaks it down by plant class –  perennials, annuals, biennials, grasses, bulbs, trees and even shrubs. I am not going to give any of these tips away because, the money you will save is enough to buy this book. Kerry Ann’s tips are tested and proven, so there is a form a science in the at of Budget-Wise gardening.

Other chapters include “Plant Sources and Treasure Maps”, “Regal Containers on A Dollar Store Budget” and my favorite, “Design Secrets that Save Money and Time”. Why is this my favorite chapter??  I am busy working full-time, writing part-time and gardening part-time. I want my gardens to be self sustainable. The need for beautiful gardens all the time or as much as possible is real. I am a firm believer in Xeric landscaping and meadows. Kerry Ann discusses Xeric Gardens and The Right Size Meadow in the design chapter. For those that do not know, Xeric is a Greek word that means “dry”. Choosing the correct plants and considering natives can be the answer to seasonal beauty. Most native plants have the ability to withstand drought and less than perfect soil. The author also shares the secrets to the everlasting beauty in the gravel gardens at Chanticleer (mentioning Chanticleer is the quickest way to my heart!) Two categories of plants make this garden a perennial success – ‘re-seeders’ and ‘plants that stay in place’. Who knew that this was one of the secrets to a budget-wise garden?

The Right Size Meadow garden  – how can the average homeowner achieve a meadow like effect that is voluptuous in bloom??  Following the tried and true tips on page 128, you will be the talk of the neighborhood. Your neighbors will want to know what kind of budget it will take for them to create their dream garden. With a sustainable garden on a budget you can sit back and smile or take a walk to say ‘Hi Neighbor’ while they are weeding away.

Kerry Ann, seriously, ‘Can we just be friends?’  Suggesting creative planters and options for plant combinations to show off your budget-wise savvy is so smart. Offering criteria for planter success and end of season storage is the perfect way to end this book.

If you are looking for an easy to read, information over loaded book that will make you the envy of your neighborhood – this is the book for you!

St. Lynne’s Press you have done it again by publishing such an awesome book for gardeners of all levels.

 

 

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Houseplants – The Complete Guide

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Houseplants…what would we do without them? No matter the season, whether it’s to clean the air or add a pop of green, houseplants are the gift that keeps on giving. Houseplants – The Complete Guide to Choosing, Growing and Caring for Indoor Plants by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf provides a wealth of information. User-friendly, easy to read, and offering tips on tools to plant selections it is truly a great book to have on hand.

Now that the winter holiday season is over, the tree is down and we are settling into nesting, a houseplant is the instant pick-me-up. What kind, how do we care for it, can I report my current houseplant? Lise Eldred Steinkopf covers these topics and more in her new book. If you visit a garden center right now, this is usually what you see…

or tons of these…

Did you know that there are so many more options? First things first. How are your existing houseplants doing? Are the roots protruding out of the bottom? are the leaves yellowing? How is the lighting? Did you consider how lighting changes from season to season? Are you over or underwatering? Is this the right time to transplant or re-pot? Does the bigger is always better rule useful when repotting? If any of these questions have stumped you, this is the book for you.

Lisa explains how to know when to root prune existing plants as well as how t do so effectively. This is one of the first things to consider when reviving existing houseplants. Pot size to enhance and not interfere with the health of existing houseplants is key after root pruning.

Beautiful photos share what to look for when root pruning. Watering can be the life or death of a houseplant, so knowing the how to’s are very important as well.  One of the tips mentioned was the act of immersion as a form of hydrating houseplants.  I tend to do this once a month during the winter due to the dry indoor air of household heat. My houseplants thank me with beautiful leaves all winter long.

Lisa even shares a great tip on how to keep your plants hydrated and alive while on vacation – and it is so easy! Here’s a tip – save those clear plastic bags.

Fertilize or not to fertilize – that is always a big question when it comes to houseplant health. One of the BEST houseplant tips offered in this book is in this chapter. I will not divulge the secret but knowing your plant is crucial. Lighting is also key to keeping your houseplants alive and well. I have lost many begonias in my life, all because I loved the leaf in the store. Had I paid attention to the lighting needs required for them to thrive, my collection would be quite large!

I keep trying my hand at Begonia’s because I LOVE the diversity of the leaf!

The author even delves into propagation, grooming and creating awesome environments for houseplant success. This is a great chapter as I for one cannot stand brown tipped leaves – especially in the winter. Knowing what to do about this issue and many others like yellowing leaves are environmental and easily solved.

Know where you are purchasing your houseplants from. It is easy to bring tainted, bug or disease-ridden houseplants into your home. Purchasing from reputable resources is your best bet. Lisa shares what best practices are that help keep your existing plants healthy just in case a pest wandered in on that new houseplant unnoticed.  Once again, great pictures that are up close and personal sharing the little things we might otherwise miss. Hint – purchase a pretty magnifying glass…you will want to use it. (I did!)

The best part of this book?

The sections labeled “Easy To Grow “, “Moderately Easy To Grow” and “Challenging to Grow”.

I love a good challenge, so I am trying a plant from the “Challenging to Grow” list. Wish me luck!

If you need a pick me up, have a gift card burning a hole in your pocket. a break from the seed catalogs, or just need confidence in growing as we nest over the winter, you need this book. I highly recommend Houseplants – The Complete Guide to Choosing, Growing and Caring for Indoor Plants by Lis Eldred Steinkopf . A great resource we can use as we nest over the winter months and prepare for our next season.

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Beatrix Farrand, Landscape Gardener

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Beatrix Farrand, Landscape Gardener, and well-known Landscape Architect is a woman who has certainly left her mark on many landscapes around the country. If you admire Dumbarton Oaks, Beatrix designed this very special estate garden for the Bliss Family. This is a woman in landscape architecture that deserves to have her story told.

Beatrix Farrand, a truly unique visionary who forged her own path in Landscape Design

Karyl Evans took the time to actually document this story from Maine to California. Using interviews and footage of over 50 remaining gardens that Beatrix Farrand designed, we have a great story of her life. Beatrix started as a Landscape Gardener and by the end of her life, had become a highly respected Landscape Architect.

As an avid admirer of Beatrix Farrand, I had to seize the moment and attend this showing at Greenspring Gardens in Virginia. Karyl takes the viewer on a trip that gives us insight on how passionate Beatrix was for plant material and design. Beatrix Farrand’s finished landscapes had lots of color, form, heights, and texture.

Karyl Evans speaking to the attendees of her film on Beatrix Farrand at Greenspring Gardens, Virginia.

Karyl Evans placed us in the midst of some of the finest gardens that have survived the test of time. A documentary film has never existed about Beatrix Farrand. A six-time award-winning documentarian, Karyl has captured the story of a young woman who initially grew up in a well to do family. Beatrix Jones father was a well to do industrialist and her Mother was a Social Worker. The marriage was an unhappy one and unfortunately, her parents divorced. Beatrix had to figure out how to make a living to help support herself and her mother.

Employed by her Aunt Edith Wharton and mentored by Dr. Charles Sprague Sargent, Beatrix found herself doing quite well as a Landscape Gardener. With clients from coast to coast, Beatrix made a name for herself as she pursued this career. Not a traditional career choice for women, Beatrix Farrand excelled in Landscape architecture. A career that included being one of the Founders of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Conversations shared with Scholars like Diana Balmori, Landscape Historian Judith Tankard, and Shavaun Towers, Landscape Architect are peppered throughout the film. These conversations give a bit of information on how Beatrix Farrand is an integral part of the conversation on Landscape Architecture to this day.

This film can be purchased by clicking: http://www.beatrixfarranddocumentary.com

There is an opportunity to see this film at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. On November 1, 2017, from 6:30 – 8:30. Karyl Evans will share this long overdue documentary called The Life and Gardens of Beatrix Farrand. Joining Karyl will be Darwina L.Neal, FASLA and Maureen Joseph, ASLA, National Park Service.

Tickets are $20.00 for non-members of the National Building Museum, $12.00 for Members and pre-registration is required.

Walk-ins will be allowed if there is room.

To purchase tickets click here:

http://go.nbm.org/site/Calendar/1848501233?view=Detail&id=122563

Earning a coveted award as Most Outstanding Director, Karyl Evans is someone to get to know as well. She is on the Speakers List for the Garden Club of America and has had a 30-year career in public television, producing historical documentaries. A Fellow at Yale and a degree in Horticulture/Landscape Architecture, Karyl Evans saw a need for this story to be shared. It is truly a labor of love.

Thank you to the Darwina L. Neal Cultural Landscape Fund for recognizing the need for programming like this. As a Garden Writer, I hope to see more programming like this. It will help encourage other women to consider the garden as a place of beauty as well as a career. Thank you, Karyl Evans, for pursuing – from Maine to California – the story of Beatrix Farrand and documenting it on film.

To find out about a quick trip I took to Bellefield click here

Click for more information on the National Building Museum 

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