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Gardening In Community – A Greener World

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Gardening has increased in recent years. As we embrace our earth, there are many different perspectives to consider. The Healthy Garden – Simple Steps For A Greener World is a book that many have been waiting for.

Gardening within a community is a common practice nowadays. Community gardening has become quite a loaded phrase. It can mean collaborating with others who garden or physically gardening in the community. Gathering to learn more about gardening is a way to connect with other gardeners.

The Healthy Garden: Simple Steps for a Greener World has touched upon these and other ways to garden in the community. A greener world is something many people, gardeners or non-gardeners desire. Mary-Kate Mackey and Kathleen Norris Brenzel provide diverse perspectives on how we can achieve this goal. As I read this wonderful book, the conversations presented truly gave me hope.

Design, selecting plants, and the wellness benefits of gardening, are discussed in the first few chapters. Offering tips from some well-known horticultural voices, this book gently breaks down the definition of a healthy garden. Embrace your place, frame a view, forever and for now – each of these topics are defined, giving gardeners permission to garden uniquely.

Answering the question of why grow your own food is answered in this book. Knowing where your food is sourced is important. Growing what you consume is a great way to stay engaged with a vegetable plot or pot. It is a fantastic way to explore other cultures and growing methods. Making a small investment for a pack of seeds can provide unimaginable amounts of produce to share. Having a good mix of vegetables, herbs, and flowers to provide for our pollinators is key. From foodscaping to what size pots you will need – this book is quite the resource.

Exercise is all a part of gardening. Stretching underused muscles and constant motion all help keep our bodies in shape. Mental clarity is a bonus benefit. Imagine spending an afternoon gazing at a butterfly or hummingbird. The joy of pausing to discover the simple serenity of the garden is almost like medicine. Making time to pause in the garden is the perfect way to find balance in life. A garden is a useful tool for healing.

This book gives the reader permission to engage with the earth, as they see fit. Permission to enjoy what you have or to borrow from examples in other gardens. Who wouldn’t want to feel good about changing a landscape as you see fit? Utilizing the plant ladder concept in your garden offers a heightened awareness of the beauty found in layers. No matter where you are planting, multi-level plantings encourage the eye to look up and down. The higher plants become the focal point as they utilize groundcovers to create a living much.

Let’s talk about critical, touchy viewpoints – growing native plants. From the benefits to the drawbacks, growing with an emphasis on diversity is key to a greener, healthy garden.  No matter what part of the country, no matter what your climate is (this year), this book has digestible information. These authors interviewed over sixty horticulturists. The information shared provides a buffet of perspectives and immeasurable knowledge.

Every seasoned gardener knows that creating spaces and laces to pause is an essential part of enjoying the garden. A single chair placed near a specific plant is an act of gardening with intention. It allows the gardener to pause and rest. It is a perfect example of how pausing is as essential as weeding. Actually, pausing to appreciate the art of gardening allows us to connect with nature in our familiar greenspaces. Taking time to enjoy and not just work in our green spaces, enables us to enjoy calm, serenity, and peace.

Community gardens are great places to find like-minded neighbors. Green spaces where neighbors can gather provide opportunities to hone great gardening skills. By participating in community gardens, there is magic in what is shared. The obvious successes as produce is shared and enjoyed by all, take precedence over the failures. The conversations enjoyed in these spaces often lead to lifelong relationships as they build strong communities.

In my local community garden, we are growing together. We gather for plot-to-plate events where we share the items we grow. Gathering in community gardens provides fertile ground for sharing recipes or offering up canning advice. Gardening in the community is a way to experiment with unfamiliar foods and flowers. Listening to the elders, experimenting with the youth, and staying abreast of the latest trends, keeps the conversations exciting and engaging – no matter the perspective or experience.

This book is a gift for all types of gardeners. The words ring true as each segment of this book offers digestible bites of perspectives on a healthy garden and greener world. As the heat of the summer sun suggests we linger longer in the shade, this is a perfect book to have on hand.

Did I mention, that you just might find someone you know on page 178? There are a few books that single out one topic. By looking at the topics that matter to most gardeners, these ladies offer a fresh perspective. I am glad these authors knew this book was necessary. Gardeners young and old want useful information. Finding the words to create a plan of action for gardeners everywhere is right on time.

I am working on unique ways to use what I grow in my community garden and sharing it with my plot partners. If you want a book filled with useful ideas, consider adding this book to your library.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

All Up In My Feelings – The Meditative Gardener

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All books on mediation or being mindful are simply not the same. Cheryl Wilfong has made this very clear by writing the book, The Meditative Gardener.

Of all the books on my shelf that I reached back to read, this book fit the moment. The Meditative Gardener – Cultivating Mindfulness of Body, Feelings and Mind is worth the re-read. Most books I review become part of my reference library or I find a fellow gardener to share it with. This is not one of those books to give away.

From time to time, there are words that suggest actions. These words tend to have me “all up in my feelings”. Cheryl has words that echo in my mind and cause me to reflect inwardly. Particularly because this year. I will not have the opportunity to #resetrenewrestore in my usual manner. My annual pleasure of choosing a faraway place, commit to seeing all of the gardens, and acting like a local has been revised. Cheryl Wilfong has helped me revise my mindset by immersing myself all in this book.

During this time of unintentional pausing, making tie to meditate allows me to feel ALL of my senses. It is mind blowing! Cheryl Wilfong is not just a Psychologist, but a Meditation Practitioner, and a Master Gardener, as well. Gardening is a great way to reduce and release stress. Meditating only enhances feelings of peace, as we consider how we garden.

Cheryl begins by using the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as the hardscaping for this book. The act of connecting us with our inner feelings as gardeners is important. Simple instructions provided by Cheryl asks the reader to choose one of the contemplations provided in the text. Readers can choose one daily, weekly or monthly. Choosing a contemplation enables the reader to practice mindfulness in the garden.

THE TOOKIT

There are two mental tools that Cheryl advises us to carry into the garden. Mindfulness of the body is number one. This tool allows us to touch on all of our senses as we garden.

Goodwill towards the garden, as well as the gardener, is the second tool. In short , this translates into gardening for joy. Cheryl reminds us to garden simply for the joy, not perfection or overabundance. Simply garden for the joy of being in the garden.

Whispering phrases of love and acceptance fertilizes our existence. Phrases like “May I feel safe”, May I feel happy” or “May I abide in well being ” all affect how we garden. By repeating phrases such as these, we harness the energy found in our minds. One of my favorite phrases is “May I feel safe”. I find myself repeating this important phrase daily.

THE ART OF MEDITATION

Cheryl suggests many options for meditating. As I read this book, an awareness came over me causing me to think of how I meditate. The innocent ways I engage with nature are a form of meditation. As a child growing up, I spent summers in the garden just laying amidst the flowers. I would stare up at the clouds and look through some of the petals on the blooms. Allowing my mind to wander, my extremities to feel the warmth of the sun, and my nose to capture all the scents wafting in through the air. I did not know at the time, I was practicing a meditative mindset in the garden.

Meditation in the garden should be an easy practice. I often wonder if my parents knew this as they taught us how to garden? From selection, sowing, watering to nurturing a simple seed. We were encouraged to be optimistic, to care and to give. The garden is the natural place to learn, reflect and of course…meditate. There are many different ways to meditate in the garden.

It is hard for me to actually say what the best part of the book is after reading it. The entire book was informative. All of the meditations can be applied to our daily life. One chapter that I really spent time on was THE ROOTS OF STRESS: Greed, Aversion, and Delusion. I found this chapter to be enlightening, informative and insightful on many different levels.

There are many topics covered in the MIND -Mind and Body Contemplation segment of this book. Cheryl followed up with a chapter called CONTEMPLATIONS. This chapter allowed the reader to investigate things like aging, change, even karma.

A particular exercise that melted my heart was called A Bouquet of Joy. The reader was advised to pick flowers from the garden. Utilizing all the senses, the reader should not look at what is missing in the bouquet. Explore how the bouquet makes you feel inside. It is suggested that the reader share the bouquet.

This book is a must read, in my opinion, for those who garden for the pleasure of gardening. The enlightenment of the mind and senses is a bonus.

Meditating in the garden should encompass all the senses…

Today I meditate, reflect and embrace the beauty that surrounds me…in my garden. Do you meditate in your garden?

Teri, Cottage In the Court

Pollinate – Spreading the Love of Gardening

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Cottage In The Court
Cottage In The Court believes in stimulating conversation to pollinate the mind about all things gardening.

Pollinate, as defined by Merriam Webster is a verb. It means – to give (a plant) pollen from another plant of the same kind so that seeds will be produced. I compare garden podcasting as a way to pollinate the mind. As a garden communicator, I have recently found joy outside the garden, as a podcaster. In my opinion, podcasting is a way of pollinating my listener’s minds, thereby sowing seeds to encourage gardening.

POLLINATE BY PODCAST

Just like the garden, this world of podcasting is diverse. Each podcast has a style that reaches the mind of the listener. Depending on your style, there is a podcast where information is shared which fits your taste. The perception that there is only one way to learn about the garden is as extinct as the dinosaur. Here are a few local ways that podcasting is a conduit to pollinate the mind.

WORDS, PEOPLE, PROSE

I love to read, meet all types of people, visit great gardens, and well, a good poem always brings me joy. Anchor.fm is the allotment where I plant a few seeds. It is on this platform I share people in horticulture, poetry, or a few words about finding the beauty that surrounds us. I try to introduce others to the coolest plants people, horticulturists, plants, books, and whatever else I find interesting. Of course, it is called Cottage In The Court.

It is all about the garden in my world. I must warn you…my world is truly the world. My best friend is an affordable trip to a garden, of course! Why not listen here. Subscribe…I have so much to share!!

GARDENS’N’PLANTS…OH MY!

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Two garden communicators talking about what’s growing in their gardens, places they have been, and things to do in the DMV.

This is a collaborative podcast that a friend of mine, Peggy Riccio of PegPlants.com, and I are growing. Together we co-host, Gardens’nPlantsPodcast where we talk about what is going on in our gardens, places we visit, and activities throughout the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia). We are two Garden Communicators and members of GardenComm, International who share our love of gardening. It is a great way to know what is blooming, where to go, and activities that embrace gardening. At the moment we are bi-weekly. However, as we begin to move about freely, you just might hear from us a bit more. You can listen to us here. Subscribe…we are growing!

WAIT A MINUTE…HOE ON!

The world of garden podcasting world is amazing. The University of Maryland has even been bitten by the bug!! Proving that collaborative efforts are meaningful The Garden Hoes are a thing. These hosts have some serious “garden cred”.

Emily Zobel, Mikaela Boley, and Rachel Rhodes are The Garden Hoes. A podcast supported by the University of Maryland is chock full of certified, verified information anyone can use. Once a month The Garden Hoes disseminate information that is seasonally appropriate. There is also a Q&A email to ask and get qualified answers about the garden. The University of Maryland has so much to offer, subscribe, and stay in the know!!

NATIVELY SPEAKING…

John Magee is a successfully transplanted garden communicator in the DMV. He is quite the resource when considering what to plant for the insects we need to pollinate our gardens.

For a discussion about natives, my friend John Magee hosts The Native Plant Podcast. First of all, for over 20 years, John Magee has earned the recognition and respect of his peers in the world of horticulture. John is known for designing sustainable, as well as eco-friendly spaces. On his podcast, John delves deeply into native plants, truly cool people, and discussions on ecology. You really learn a lot about the topics, as well as the people John chooses for The Native Plant Podcast. If you subscribe, I promise you will not want to miss an episode.

WASHINGTON GARDENER MAGAZINE…AND PODCAST TOO!

Washington Gardener Magazine is a part of the Washington DC landscape. This magazine is one of the reasons many in the Mid Atlantic have discovered the joy of gardening. Beginners, as well as seasoned gardeners, have looked to Washington Gardener magazine to pollinate thoughts of bodacious gardens. Now, Kathy Jentz has been bitten by the bug. GardenDCPodcast is where one can find plant profiles, seed swap discussions, voices of people in horticulture, and more. Remember…subscribe and follow.

When resources are needed to amplify the voice of gardening, there are many I can name. There is a community of garden communicators who are unique. Each has diverse listeners, with similar interests, and different listening styles. Just like the insects that pollinate our gardens, each listener will have a different perspective on how they want information delivered. From Blogs, talks, interviews, and now podcasts to pollinate our minds…gardening just got better!

Here are a few other podcasts you might want to listen to:

Plantrama.com, The Gardenangelists, Cultivating Space, Steven Biggs, …just a few of my favorites. Pollinate your need to garden and listen to a podcast on gardening. Don’t forget to subscribe!! It is a great way to feed the soul.

Putting on my headset, turning on the microphone, and chatting with friends who pollinate my heart,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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!

Then What for The Garden…

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From one season to the next, while we wait for the next bloom, we often wonder…then what?

Then what? A message that has been planted in my mental garden. Message’s are sent to enlighten, advise and to share knowledge. Sometimes we are sent messages to make us think. If you listen carefully, the garden sends us message’s that we might miss if we are simply too busy.

As I become more seasoned, I listen to my garden and listen carefully to the messages of gardens I visit as well. Quiet time spent mentally communicating with the garden leaves me full and rejuvenated.

Neighbors and Friends…

Last Fall, my neighbor George informed me that John had passed away. They were not just neighbors, but brothers in law. The three of us were friends. If you saw one, you saw the other …or the other one was not far behind. Both of these gentlemen are gardeners. I was honored when they came across the cul de sac and asked me to identify a plant. I walked over and handled the task at hand and they both grinned from ear to ear. George shared that they discussed whether I could identify it or not. I am so glad I did not disappoint them. They understood the message my garden across the cul de sac shared. They often watched in wonderment as I planted flower after flower.

All flowers and no lawn signals that I want to be surrounded by beauty and enjoy my garden each and every day. I plant closely so that weeding is kept to a minimum, use mostly perennials and seed the areas where I want unexpected flashes of color. I have no need for a manicured suburban lawn. George and John’s lawn’s are perfect. Especially from where I can see them…from the sidewalk.

As I walk by John’s place daily, it is almost as if he will be out in a minute. The buckets are still strategically placed for gathering weeds, and the mulch bags lay in place, ready to be slit and spread. Some mornings I convince myself the John will be deadheading the Iris’s and strategically moving the yellowing daffodil foliage later in the day.

A bench sits empty on the shady side of the house. Perfectly positioned to sit and pause on the hottest of days. John would welcome me to chat and discuss all things gardening, of course. John’s garden, with what appears to be a fishing pole leaning against the lamp post, appears to be silent. Although, the message I hear is, “Who will take care of us? ” What a meaningful message from a well loved garden.

Uncle Shorty…

Let there be collards…and a lot of them!

“How many plant’s did you grow?” he asked. “I think I have 12 or so”, I answered. Uncle Shorty in his own way said “That’s all you grew? I am gonna need more than that.” So I started more collard seeds (even though I grow more than collards) because Uncle Shorty needed more collards. Mostly because he was my very “Real, OG” Uncle, I grew a whole packet of collards. I was going to show him that he would eat those words.

I knew Uncle Shorty was quite ill. All of us assumed we would have more time to listen to his wise words, extreme logic, as well as discuss current events…HIS way. Uncle Shorty had raised beds built last summer to accommodate a substantial crop of assorted greens. Not kale, no tomato’s…just collards.

My Uncle Delman, the last sibling, shared a moving eulogy at the funeral. He shared a message that applied to life…and the garden. A eulogy that asked a question which is now always on my mind. The words from Uncle Del planted deep thoughts in my mind.

Then What?

Then what about the garden…

A question – “Then What?” – was the title of the eulogy. As I age, this has crossed my mind on occasion. We select, install, coddle and adore the gardens we create. After all is said and done, then what? Our gardens are personal, in a sense. It is our tastes that matters – rarely anyone else’s. The gardens we curate and maintain reflect a personal version of what we consider beautiful. If we do not love and care for them…then what?

We debate on buying that expensive tree. Justifying another hydrangea comes easy. 20 just might not be enough, 21 is better. If we don’t stay on top of watering and things wilt while we vacation, then what? Not feeling like consistently maintaining the “perfect” garden, then what? If you can never just sit and enjoy the beauty of the garden, in the early morn or in the still of the evening…then what? Is it a garden, more work, or is it just something else to do?

Make time to listen to the messages that your garden is sending you. At the end of the day, if it brings you joy, buy that expensive tree. Purchase all the annuals you want, take that trip to the far off garden, and eat gelato for breakfast (so good first thing in the morning in the summer with melon). When is the perfect day, the right time or that special moment? The garden, just like life is ever evolving. There will always be a weed to pull, a limb to prune or a perennial to divide. If we choose to do everything right now, we are missing the message from the garden.

Listen to the message from your garden. If you do not make the time to listen now…THEN WHAT?

I am going to wallow in the midst of my hydrangea blooms til I figure out my Then What?

Make time this month to pause and listen to what your garden is saying…

From My Heart…Teri, Cottage In The Court