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Planting Seeds of Kindness Along The Way
Planting seeds can be accomplished in more ways than one. The opportunity for us to share positive seeds as we practice kindness are everywhere. This month of February has been a month where I have received positive messages from the seeds sown my way.
PLANTING SEEDS FROM THE MOVIES
Where do I start. Earlier this month I went to see a movie,“Just Mercy” and it was quite moving. An injustice recognized and after awhile grew into a mission. One man – Bryan Stevenson – on a mission of preparing the local “soil” to accept a wrongful conviction and right that wrong. This bad seed was planted and grew in the community. Mr. Stevenson put in the time and effort to find a way to eradicate this seed of negativity and right the wrong as best he could. Sometimes disturbing the soil brings weed seeds of negativity to the surface. With proper conversation, we can instead plant seeds of positivity, to overwhelm and crowd out the negative seeds.
PLANTING SEEDS FROM A FEW SPOKEN WORDS
I attended a discussion at Bus Boys and Poets. Owner Andy Shallal has been planting seeds of positivity in communities that welcome good food and honest conversation. When I read that Lonnie Bunch was going to discuss his journey, I KNEW I had to be there. The book, A Fool’s Errand, written by Lonnie Bunch is a fascinating read. Hearing him share his experiences was monumental.
One of the stories he shared was how a seed of not being accepted, helped make him who he is today. As a child playing with his friends on a hot summer day, a seed was sown. One of the mother’s served some nice refreshing drinks to everyone but Lonnie Bunch. As he drank from the hose and being the only one of color, reality set in. That seed of “why” was planted in his mind and…well…just look at where he is now.
For those who do not know, in 2005 Lonnie Bunch became the Director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Mr. Bunch is now Secretary of the Smithsonian Institute. He is a seed that has certainly grown into an interesting plant, bearing fruit for the world to enjoy.
PLANTING AND HARVESTING SEEDS OF SUCCESS
Seeds of success were shared on a recent visit to Hillwood Mansion, Museum, and Gardens. A’Lelia Bundles shared the story of the magnificent Madam C.J. Walker’s journey. From losing her parents at an early age, being transplanted to live with relatives, to losing her hair. This strong seedling of a woman did not falter, she thrived. Madam Walker came up with a concoction that saved her hair, provided jobs for other African American women and provided lifelong income as a legacy to her kinfolk. This is a terrific example of a strong seedling that was destined to thrive, in spite of it all.
PLANTING SEEDS FROM THE WRITTEN WORD
A friend sowed seeds in my virtual garden this week. It was a story about a farmer and his wheat. This farmer shared his wheat seeds so that his neighbors could sow good quality wheat as well. When asked about this, the farmer explained the wind, cross pollination and how important it is to help his neighbors have success in their fields as well.
In my opinion, there is a very important moral to this story. When we sow seeds of positivity, they grow into positive thought processes which build positive communities. Positive seeds sown in fertile soil have the ability to grow a society that helps each other grow.
What seeds are you growing in your community?? Are they seeds of love? Seeds of peace? Seeds of unity?? Are you preparing the soil first so that these seeds will grow and the harvest positive??
I will be planting seeds of positivity in as many places as I can. It is important that each of us does the same. Let’s do this for the future..
Sowing seeds of Kindness as I go…after all, there is no seed to small to sow.
Teri, Cottage In The Court
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Seeds – Fellowshipping and Swapping
Seeds can plant memorable moments of joy for the home and the garden. A mere seed from a favored plant or an item one has dreams of growing can invoke happiness. Every January, in the middle of the nesting season, seeds are on the minds of many gardeners. After all, National Seed Swap Day celebrated on the last Saturday in January is a moment to fellowship and share.
WHAT IS THIS ALL ABOUT?
Since 2006, devotees of the seed world can credit Kathy Jentz, Washington Gardener Magazine for creating this wonderful day of seed love. Those who enjoy growing from seed, pick through their unsown seeds from the prior season, find a seed swap, and participates in a day of information, education, and seed swapping. Groups large and small line up tables, acquire speakers and create an organized activity day. Others simply find unique ways to share the love of seeds. For some, it is an opportunity to gather seeds of rare plants or just something they consider “new”. For others, it is a way to obtain answers to their seed questions or to bolster their hutzpah to just sow something different. Any way you look at it – seeds are cool, engaging and present endless opportunities to engage with the earth.
This year I volunteered to assist with the Washington Gardener Seed Swap I. Brookside Gardens, one of the most supportive entities for engaging in nature in Montgomery County, was the site for this day of seed swapping. I am so glad I did!!
EARNING AND LEARNING ABOUT SEEDS
Arriving early, we packed swag bags with products from some of the sponsors. Filling each swag bag with seed starting information, product samples, and more! I chose a pink one that I hoped would accommodate my haul. I came to volunteer …but I also came to swap!
As we waited for the attendees, I perused the items featured on the Free tables. Three tables of information for gardeners of all levels. From books to catalogs to egg crates, all for free. I knew it was the calm before the storm. We had to open the doors early to accommodate the attendees.
SPOKEN WORDS ON SEEDS
Our first speaker was Debby Ward, Prior Unity Garden located in Northern Virginia. I have heard Debby speak before and once again she did not disappoint. This year she shared a story about Hardening Off and Transplanting Seedlings. We have all had seedling failures. Not enough light, too much light, too much water, dampening off and more. Debby shared tips on our zone, frost/freeze dates, how to simplify the transplanting process and more. Her approach to addressing these topics was quite empowering. YES, I can cut that seedling back so the stronger one can thrive (you had to be there). Listening to Debby’s words and really identifying with her story, I found myself starting seeds at midnight!
Next, we had a few raffles of everything from pond kits to books. The raffles took place throughout the day. Each of the attendees scanned the table to know what they wanted should they have the winning ticket.
Our next speaker was Linda L. Jones, Elements of Nature, Certified Master Gardener, curator of Botanicals and Farmeceuticals for personal use. Linda shared tips on Companion Planting for Pest Management in the Home Garden. From Cosmos to Sedum we learned what to plant with what and why. We discovered how certain plants encouraged good bugs and some not so good bugs as well.
Once again another empowering moment for anyone who just might have hesitations about playing in the dirt. Companion planting is the art of knowing what to plant near what. This practice of companion planting also focuses on plant health. Trust me, I am definitely growing Cosmos this year. I had already noticed some collected seeds from Linda’s garden on the Annual table.
Each Seed Swap is different. The Washington Gardener Seed Swap is very well organized, with a great selection of seeds. Kathy Jentz makes sure there is a break for snacks.
Pam Stegall Roberts of Calvert Farm donated the snacks for the day. This CSA operates on sustainable and chemical-free practices. Calvert Farm accepts Maryland Market Money and accepts donations to help families in Maryland stretch their food budgets. We are all aware that sometimes the opportunity for access to healthier, fresh food options can prove difficult. There are drop off locations and Pam has begun to offer a payment plan for a share of produce per season. Coming up with a lump sum of money for a share of organic produce can now be affordable. What a terrific idea. Even I am pondering this as an option, so I can grow more flowers.
Finally, it was time for some serious seed swapping. The attendees had hovered over the tables, noting where their Wish List seeds were located. We listened to the announcements and positioned ourselves to be ready for the first pickings. It was a pleasantly tense moment for this room full of “Seed Heads”. Each attendee was on a mission and quite focused on the task at hand.
THE BEGINNING OF MY WINNING
This year there was a houseplant cutting table. I noticed a cutting of something I was going to order from a catalog this week. When Kathy announced, “all those from Prince Georges County you may now pick one packet of seeds,” I knew where to head. While the bulk of the attendees went to gather seeds…I headed over to the cutting table. The Brugmansia cutting was mine. I could have done a Brugmansia dance!
The day wore on until the tables were empty and the room packed up. Elated when I won a book, there was also that moment when I collected three more books from the free table. I was one happy “Seed Head”.
SECOND CHANCES
I know you are thinking…wow…I missed this day of Intentional Love of Seeds. There are seed swaps going on almost all Spring long. In fact, Washington Gardener Seed Swap II is Saturday, February 1, 2020, at Greenspring Gardens, Alexandria, Virginia. Two new speakers – Niraj Ray, Cultivate the City ( Seed Starting 101) and Carol Allen, Horticulturist (The Lost Art of Plant Sharing: Taking Cuttings, Saving Seed and Dividing). This will be another can’t miss Seed Swap for those who love seeds. To purchase a ticket click here.
I gathered some additional seeds for flowers and squash. I love stuffed squash blossoms. As I drove home, I was daydreaming about winter sowing, potting up my Brugmansia cutting, Christmas Lima Beans, and reading the book I won, The Pollinator Victory Garden by Kim Eierman. Thank me later, but rumor has it that Christmas Lima Beans are a thing.
Have you attended a seed swap? Do seeds help get you through the winter when you can’t put your hands in the dirt? Try to find a seed swap near you and swaps some seeds. Even if you do not have seeds to swap, someone has donated more than enough. Better yet, create your own Seed Swap Day!
Off to check my winter sowing jugs, grinning from ear to ear with my Nasturtium Alaska seeds, and dreaming of our next season!
Teri, Cottage In The Court
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Nasturtiums – Party Girl In the Garden
Nasturtiums are an annual that should be considered for any summer garden. Planted in the ground or in a container, this easy to grow annual should be invited to your garden party. Mostly known for the red, orange, and yellow party dresses or blooms, nasturtium is a muli-asking Diva.
A simple pot or plot of less than perfect soil will usually do the trick. First, decide what you want – more leaves or more blooms. If you want more leaves, enhance your soil with organic matter. If you want more blooms, provide a dry slightly humus soil with low fertility. The beauty of this party girl is she is low maintenance.
SOW AND GROW
Soak the seed to soften the shell-like coating. I use a kelp/water solution when I soak any seed to hasten the germination period. Sow the seed two times as deep as the length of the seed. Nasturtiums require darkness to germinate. If you are sowing inside, seeds can be started as early as 3 weeks prior to the last frost date in your zone. In Zone 6/7, mid-April or early May, is a terrific time to start these seeds.
Be sure to watch the outside temperatures. Keep in mind, this young lady is not a fan of frost, extremely hot sun, or strong winds. If they become weather-beaten, pinch off the leaves and more leaves will surely sprout. Follow the leaf to the main stem and pinch it off. This will trigger the nasturtium to sprout more leaves. This leaf dance party will continue until the first frost of autumn.
Once the seedlings have been hardened off and planted outside, provide protection from the strong summer sun. After all, no girl wants to get sunburn or scorching on her leaves. Nasturtiums will happily consider part shade without skipping a beat.
MULTI-TASKING MOMMA
Now that she is flourishing from a lack of attention, the nasturtium is ready to show off. From the leaves to the blossoms, certain foods can be taken from ‘okay’ to ‘dancing in your mouth!’
The leaves can be sliced up or left whole. A milder taste can be appreciated in the smaller leaves. The spicy, mustard-like bite is found in the larger leaves. If you harvest the leaves for later use, rinse, dry, and refrigerate them in a baggie. Consider using them within 3 to 5 days. Without light, the leaves will yellow.
Sliced, diced, stuffed, stir-fried, and more are just a few of the ways the nasturtium leaf can be used. Easily flavored vinegar, using the leaves and the buds make a colorful addition for use from the pantry. Tied with a bow, a jar of spicy nasturtium vinegar makes a great gift from the garden.
Imagine a large nasturtium leaf with a dab of chicken salad and rolled up as a mid-afternoon snack. Such a different twist to enjoy a chicken wrap with a little zing!
Did you know that the leaves also have an antiseptic quality? By grinding the leaves and straining in water, this solution can be used to clean up simple wounds. A natural antibiotic, fresh from the garden. Leaves of the nasturtium can also be used as a tea to soothe sore throats and minimize cold symptoms. Nasturtium leaves also contain Vitamin C…what’s not to love?
Nasturtiums are ready to dance to almost any tune from the garden to the plate! I marvel at the ways one can use this resourceful plant.
SAVOR THE FLAVOR
Stuffed blooms make such a statement at a dinner party. The unexpected mingling of herbs or dried fruit bits in goat cheese, cottage or ricotta cheese is purely delightful. Add blossoms to a jar and mince a clove or two of garlic. Allow this to settle in a pantry for a week or so. Strain and use to flavor a nice pasta, or add to a mashup of nasturtium leaves for pesto. Chopped blossoms mixed in soft butter makes a colorful spread on toast for a bit of morning joy!
CHOOSING YOUR MIXER
These are just a few ways to grow this wonderful annual. As a mixer in the garden, Nasturtium is a graceful socialite. She can hang down to cascade over the side of a planter, climb up a low fence, or be used as a groundcover. Such a tasty way to cover a barren area and have an edible border at your fingertips! There are also compact dwarf cultivars. Consult your seed catalogs to choose wisely.
WHEN THE PARTY IS OVER
What to do with the stems that are pinched back? Consider using them in a vase. This plant mixes well as a filler with just about any cut flowers. A simple vase placed in the kitchen will remind you to use every part of this plant as often as possible.
For my summer garden party, Nasturtiums will always be welcome guests. What will you invite to your summer garden party?
Seeking Nasturtium ‘Alaska’ seeds as I nest…
Teri, Cottage In The Court
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2019…Cultivating My Garden
The past decade was filled with unanticipated life-changing events. 2019 had more hiccups than the other 9 years. As a gardener, when I pause to consider this decade or season, everything that I could not imagine happening …kind of happened. 2019 made me realize that time is precious. Yes, I knew this, but somehow it was more evident.
I anticipated the best garden season ever… until a groundhog took up residence in my back forty. Deciding to plant in pots to deter him was my plan. The groundhog threw out my plants like they were in his way. I built a wire barrier and I think he watched while laughing at my efforts. By the way, throwing shoes out the window as he terrorizes a once beautiful terrace garden does not work. Oh, the countless hours I spent trying to discourage him are embarrassing! I declared a truce of sorts.
JOYFUL MEMORIES
There were many memories created in 2019. The Garden Bloggers Fling allowed me to enjoy other like-minded Garden Bloggers for a relaxed adventure as we enjoyed Denver. The Denver Botanic Garden is one of my favorite gardens, so I made sure I spent an extra day. I even found time to send with a dear friend, Winston Walker. I got a personal tour of the African American community in Denver and we shared a wonderful meal at Le French Bakery and Cafe.
The Garden Bloggers Fling and Botanical Interests made sure we saw some of the best gardens in Denver. I m sure I was not the only Blogger who was inspired by the gardens we visited. The GB Fling is not just an opportunity to see gardens, but a chance to cultivate new friendships as well. Luan is not just a person I met in Denver, but a new seedling, I call friend, in my life garden. As hosts, seeing their specialized operations up close and personal was quite the treat. Knowing where your seeds come from, how they are handled and recognizing quality is important to me as a seedaholic. I am perusing their 2020 seed catalog to place my order early.
Sharing a journey back to Buffalo, New York to see more gardens included in the 2019 Buffalo Garden Walk. Supporting my peers in GardenComm is very important to me. I also discovered that there were other interesting things about Buffalo that I could relate to from a historical perspective. From the Michigan Avenue Baptist Church to Broderick Park to the Niagra Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center – I took note that Buffalo is more than just it’s gardens.
August Reset 2019 was unlike other years. I included England to my Paris adventure…and a few fellow travelers as well. My Aunt who had never been out of the country, a couple of friends, including Eileen (a garden club member) were a part of this year’s journey. It was a test to see if I could make this dream of exploring garden tourism a reality. While it did not actually give me time to reset, I did realize that this is something I truly enjoy and will do again. I definitely took a lot of notes and have a plan in place.
IMPACTFUL MEMORIES
Memories made in 2019 were not all pleasant. I realized that salt is not my friend, rest is important and that I too need to realize that I am aging in place. Eating healthy, followed up by a few more chips than needed, reading the night away, squeezing in a little gardening, and putting in 9+ hours of a full-time job – not to mention lack of sleep was beginning to take its toll. I have been forced to put things into perspective. The superwoman cape has been donated to GoodWill. I am actually okay with this.
One of my favorite uncles lost his fight to live in spite of dialysis. I did not know as we planned for a revisit in 2020, that my meal with Winston was the last one. Looking forward to seeing Toni Morrison in person was now really never going to happen. I allowed my words and my thoughts to be interrupted by watching the news daily, incessantly and being overly cautious. Like many people, current events began to infiltrate my spirit, my joie de vivre. The words of my favorite guy, my Dad resonated in my head and heart. Dad would often say “Teres, just be still. Just enjoy some quiet time.” So I did and it has been great. I even got rid of the bubble on Precious butt – it was not cancerous!!! We still play tug of war at 4:45 in the morning…doesn’t everyone??
I will not linger on the other losses of 2019…beause 2020 represents clarity. After all, things that a hard for us, inevitably makes us stronger…or so it has been said.
CULTIVATING MY LIFE GARDEN
One of the most important things in 2019 involved committing to realizing who I am. One of my favorite things is to share how wonderful it is to garden organically, be as natural as possible and being authentic. It is one thing to talk the talk, but to walk the walk takes courage. I decided to go natural – gray, no hair accessories (as my daughter called them) and be authentically ME. In July, I decided to trust the journey and just be naturally, authentically me.
I did not announce it because this is a personal journey. Feeling unsure about how I would be accepted, was quiet. I even clipped on a “friend” to make others comfortable.
I even had a “backup friend for the just in case”. The things women go through for so-called beauty.
For years, I had assimilated for what the world accepted as a professional ethnic hairstyle. From braids, half wigs, wigs, weaves and more, I assimilated. In 2019, on a rather hotter than hot day, I decided to make good on a promise I made to myself. It is a decision I will not regret in the foreseeable future. For once I realize that my personal comfort matters. I matter and I have a say in my existence. I also offer a unique perspective of what is important to me – especially all things garden. It is time to be authentically ME.
2020 – CLARITY ON THE HORIZON
Cheers to Clarity! Time to say goodbye to what I call the “Silent Drama of 2019”. I will not tiptoe into 2020, but I will go boldly and be ready for whatever comes my way. Most people who really know me know that I am not the resolution type of woman. I make commitments to myself. My major commitment to myself is to be PRESENT. I might even revisit a quarterly newsletter or a podcast…STAY TUNED!
What are you leaving in 2019 as a memory? What is the one word that speaks to how you will walk into 2020? Will you be authentic or will you assimilate?
2019…Bye!
Teri, Cottage In The Court
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