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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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Kaleidoscopes of Color in Autumn

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Kaleidoscopes of color are found almost anywhere at this time of the year.

As I embrace the beginning of a new season, the colors I observe are amazing. Reminding me of looking into a seasonal kaleidoscope that amazes and makes me pause. I bend to retrieve any leaf that makes the words “oh my…that is beautiful”, fall from my lips. Gently tucking them into my pocket, it is a way of capturing the moment. You see, tomorrow, the leaf color will change. The seasonal kaleidoscopes are all around us if we just open our eyes along the way.

The first kaleidoscope of colors that I tucked into my sweatshirt pocket. We always remember our firsts, right?

One early morning, as I visited Montpelier just after daybreak, the colors just popped. In amazement, certain trees stood out to fluff their leaves as if to say “notice me…make this part of your memory”.

Montpelier’s trees decided they were going to show off first thing in the morning.

The wine-colored leaves were lifted into their glory by the patient trees in the background. Whether too early to begin a colorful show or an evergreen, each tree will have their turn on nature’s stage.

The trees at Montpelier were in different stages of fall displays of seasonal bliss.

No matter where I am, the kaleidoscope of fall is never too far behind. As I look outside my dining room window, the colors of the redbud are golden trinkets, falling to enrich the soil below.

Golden leaves of the Cercus Canadensis gently release to add nutrients to the ground below.

A Yoshino Cherry tree gives me a reason to smile. It shines with golden leaves that drip, one by one, into the garden. Imagine a necklace has broken and each bauble dropping in slow motion. What a beautiful addition to my compost these leaves will become.

Kaleidoscopes can change with the twist of the wrist. I can look at this Yoshino in the morning and by evening, it has a totally different hue.

As I stroll in my garden, the Hydrangea quercifolia stops me in my tracks. The kaleidoscope on this shrub changes each day that adds excitement with each glance. Is it the wine in the leaves? Could it be the amber as it evolves like a flame throughout the shrub? I cannot answer honestly these questions. With each leaf I see, my mind changes moment by moment.

Hydrangea quercifolia can make me pause in amazement with it’s colorful display.

As I continue to collect moments to include in my kaleidoscopes of color, imagining how many combinations to include, simply bring me joy.

Do the kaleidoscopes of color found along the way add to your autumn experiences in nature? Do you collect leaves to capture the unique memories of autumnal bliss?

This week’s colorful capture from walks embracing nature.

Gathering moments along the way…

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Wine, Women, and Discovering The Legacy Wine Trail

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Wine, Women, and the Legacy Wine Trail are all worth a day trip into Southern Maryland.

Wine is a part of life for many people. For some, it is the perfect drink for winding down at night. It is also a great drink to share with friends. For many years I looked forward to September.

You see, September was the month of Wine Festivals. The Maryland Wine Festival and the Virginia Wine Festival have been a part of my autumnal fun for over 15 years. Due to this period of unintentional pausing, I am exploring local wineries solo.

ROBIN HILL FARM AND VINEYARDS

Robin Hill offers wine, a welcoming environment, and a venue for celebrating just about anything.

An invitation on social media to visit and enjoy a local wine tasting seemed interesting. It was welcomed as Prince Georges County entered Phase II of this pandemic. I was eager to cautiously get out of the house, embrace a change of scenery, and take a drive.

Bubba was a strong but silent type. He kept me company until the other guests arrived.

I was welcomed by Bubba and Pumpkin. The setting was beautifully maintained and quite serene. Bubba, a handsome goat kept me entertained until the other guests arrived for the tasting. Masks were required and all of the tables were appropriately distanced. I was greeted by Susan and Bob, the owners of Robin Hill Farm and Vineyard. What a wonderful Maryland welcome it was.

The complete tasting experience included the samples, signature glass, a package of crackers to cleanse the palette, a bottle of water, and a smile.

As the tasting began, I made sure to get a front-row seat. Susan filled us in on the history of Robin Hill and included a few fun facts. The labels on the bottles share the love of land and family. Memories of moments with her Dad to meeting Bob were all a part of the tasting journey. The five acres of grapes are harvested by hand in late August or early September.

Susan was the highlight of the tasting including family history and stories about helping the community stay connected.

I was not aware this Vineyard was formerly a nursery. According to Susan, when you visit National Harbor and see the Cherry Blossoms – they came from Robin Hill. When they decided to close the nursery, little did they know the soil was perfect for new adventures. The soil where Tobacco was previously grown was also great for growing grapes. A winery was born. Robin Hill has also become a destination for weddings and more.

Two selections that came home with me from Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards.

The wines were absolutely divine! The labels are artfully designed by family members. The stories Susan shares are heartwarming and speak to faith, family, and community. Due to the pandemic, Robin Hill had to pivot, like most venues to stay alive. They offer limited small group tastings, food trucks on weekends, music, and a terrific view of pastoral bliss.

Hogshead will be a great sipper as I begin to embrace fall.

I can’t decide if it was Rooted, October Glory, or PI’Goat Blend that brought joy to my tastebuds. I know that I am saving Hogshead for the perfect autumn evening. Home Sweet Home will be enjoyed as I begin my garden cleanup. It was an amazing experience and I look forward to returning.

ROMANO VINEYARD AND WINERY

A warm Labor Day and the opportunity to try another Legacy Wine Trail Vintner.

It was a perfect Labor Day Monday and other wineries were not advertising as being open. The Romano Vineyard and Winery were open for business and I accepted the invitation. What a terrific surprise to find out I was visiting another woman-owned winery. The Legacy Wine Trail consists of four wineries. According to Jo-Ann Romano, this was the first winery in southern Maryland to open to the public.

Romano had tables with umbrellas and a staff eager to sanitize between patrons.

As I sat in the shadow of the sun, the setting was perfect for a day away from it all. A few couples, a group of four friends, all seemed to be enjoying the moment.

Each patron can select which wines they want in their tasting. You can also order snacks.

I nibbled my snacks and savored each wine sample. It was clear that the Chambourcin Reserve made me fall in love. In the past, several Maryland Wines I experienced were a bit sweet. It seems as though Maryland wines have matured and are now savory. Perhaps my palette has changed and I choose more savory selections. I am certain there is a Maryland wine to adapt to a variety of palettes. Trying several wines can help you decide which one is right for you.

The Chambourcin and the Shiraz were two wines that I found delightful!

There are two more wineries on the Legacy Wine Trail :

Gemeny Winery and Vineyard

Janemark Winery and Vineyard

All of these wineries are in a nine-mile radius. A nice drive watching the leaves float gracefully from the trees, a good book, or a friend is the perfect way to see Maryland Agriculture at work. After this beautiful day at Romano Vineyard and Winery, my taste buds are willing to try more local wines. Have you experienced the Legacy Wine Trail in Southern Prince Georges County?

The Legacy Wine Trail offers a glimpse into a thriving agricultural community in Southern Prince Georges County.

Waiting for the perfect crisp evening, with a shawl, on the patio enjoying a glass of Chambourcin…

Chambourcin…perfect for a cool, calm fall weekend.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Lady Banks…Welcome Home

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Lady Banks is a rose I grew in my Virginia garden.

Lady Banks rose is a familiar sight in many southern cities. Having lived in Virginia, wandering through the historic neighborhoods in late Spring was magical. A bright spot in my day was catching a glimpse of the Lady Banks rose as she danced among the branches of nearby trees. I could not move my Lady Banks rose from my Virginia garden, as she was well into her journey towards the sun.

ROSA BANKSIAE

Need a little privacy? Have 15 – 20 feet to spare? Let me introduce you to the Lady with attitude. Rosa banksiae is The Lady Banks rose. Her rule is easy to remember. Allow her to roam, climb, and drape. This is the only rule. Lady Banks will climb over, through and around almost anything she wants. She owns where ever she is planted. You would not want to contain her too much, as she blooms on old wood. Some cultivars are delicately fragrant with thornless branches. This rose will flirt with your plant sense until you realize…you need her. After all, the vision of Lady Banks is like yellow pearls dotting a wall of slender green leaves.

Thornless, slender green leaves on lanky stems, the Lady Banks rose is easy to care for.

She is the ultimate Lady. Diseases and pests ignore her presence. Virtually undemanding, she silently caresses anything in her way, as she reaches for the heavens above. Who would not want such a Lady in their garden, if room to grow was not an issue?

FINDING THE LADY

My garden buddy, Mary Alice, and I traveled to Winchester for an apple festival. We stopped by a nursery and found some very good deals. Behind some traditional roses, I also found an unexpected prize. There was a one-gallon container of the Lady Banks rose. I think I ran to the register, happily claiming my prize. Finally, I had a long-awaited addition to my Maryland garden.

Realizing her needs, I knew, like any free-spirited Lady, she would need room to roam freely. Room to climb, drape and perhaps even gently overwhelm anything that stood in her way. At the edge of the woodland, on a sunny, but partly shady slope, she was home. I placed the Lady in her forever spot and patiently waited.

When the world was considered normal, I never really found time to see how she was doing…but never forgot she was there. Now at this time of unintentional pausing, I am noticing parts of my garden in a different way.

I purposely planted her in a spot where she would simply glow when in bloom. When she had reached a point of sharing the golden ruffled blooms, I knew she would call out to me. Today, she called my name, “Teri, “I am here, just for you. Enjoy.”

I had to reach out and answer as Lady Banks called me closer…

This morning I noticed a weeping branch with yellow blooms and I was star struck. The yellow pearls of bloom lazily draped over and through the trees within reach. Such an amazing sight to see.

Under skies of gray, clouds bulging with heavens tears, I captured a bloom. I was reminded of a Virginia garden, in my past. I look forward to more memories in my new life, a different garden, being present, and making time to pause.

With petals soaking wet from today’s rain, a hydrangea displayed yellow confetti signaling the end of the show. In a partly shady corner, at the rear of my front garden, raindrops resting on my cheeks…I smiled.

Sitting in the shadows. a hydrangea captures the confetti which signals an end to the Spring show.

Finally, Lady Banks rose is at home in my garden to stay. I welcome her presence. It reminds me to slow down and enjoy the beautiful, albeit brief dance of Spring.

A small bouquet that let’s me know, Lady Banks has arrived.

Do you have a memory of a well-loved plant that evokes memories? Is it finally in your garden or are you still on the hunt? A well-loved plant is like welcoming an old friend home to stay.

Welcoming familiar faces and old plant friends …

Teri, Cottage In The Court.

To find out more about the Lady Banks Rose, click here

The abundantly beautiful Lady Banks rose.

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Scent of Winter – A Sweetness In The Air

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The scent of the season can be brought inside and enjoyed while nesting.

Scent during the cold months of winter are welcomed indoors and out. There are some fragrances that we anticipate and others we do not. Scents play such a role in our lives. As a gardener in the off season I seek out seasonal scents whenever I go outside.

Now that the holidays are over, the smell of balsam, fir and pine, still linger lightly in the landscape. In my yard, this fragrance comes from recycling wreaths with home-made edible ornaments for the birds.

Each flower looks like a ballerina. In my mind, the imaginary skirt twirls as it emits the sweet scent of winter.

As I wander down by the woods line, I lift my nose there is a faint sweet smelling scent. A scent that in some circles is known as “Sweet Breath of Spring” or “Kiss Me At The Gate”. In other circles it is known as January Jasmine or Chinese Honeysuckle. When I lived in Fredericksburg, Virginia, we called it “Winter Honeysuckle”.

Botanically speaking, it is “Lonicera fragrantissima”. A honeysuckle with the sweetest scent in the middle of winter. This shrub has an expected height and girth of 6 – 10 feet. Great for those who have space, as every branch that touches the ground takes root. If you are considering a shrub that will create a thicket if left alone, the added value of this shrub is the scent.

This scent would waft through the air as I walked past the downtown train station in Fredericksburg. In a neglected corner, this shrub did not look like much. We often forgot to water it, yet the sweet scent it shared was one of forgiveness. We could see passersby looking around in wonderment as they tried to figure out where the scent was coming from.

Left on it’s own devices, Winter Honeysuckle can become gangly in appearance. Full or part sun, it will only require moderate water to survive. A decent pruning after bloom will keep this shrub happy and healthy as it flourishes in the landscape.

The pale pink, almost white sheath holds the subtly sweet scent of winter.

The delicate bulb like buds are held tight on each limb. Covered in a sheath of soft pink, a gentle squeeze of these buds, tickle your sense of smell. Perfect for cutting and placing in your vase of choice, Winter Honeysuckle branches add a sweet scent to the air. Although some consider this a thug shrub, placed properly it has value in the landscape.

When there is nothing else in bloom, try Winter Honeysuckle. Whether it is in the ground or in a vase, it is sure to brighten up any gray winter day!!

The scent of Winter Honeysuckle dances in the air on slippers of gold…only in my mind.

I hope you add a bit of fragrance to your world as we continue nesting til Spring!

Teri, Cottage In The Court

To find out more about this fragrant shrub, click here.

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