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Planting Seeds of Kindness Along The Way

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Planting seeds impacts the future in many circumstances. Here is a glance at how seeds sown into my world this February have inspired me.

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

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Seeds are one of the most economical ways to begin gardening. Pass along or purchased, seeds are the gift that keeps on giving.

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

Seed Swap bags packed with just enough room left over for collecting seeds, of course.

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!

Seeds are the best investment to get you in the mood to garden!

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

Debby Ward, Prior Unity Garden helped us release our fears of transplanting and more.

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!

Our first winner of the raffles was quite overjoyed! He shared how awesome this prize was.

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.

Linda L. Jones, Elements of Nature shared tips on Companion Planting and using this process to our best advantage.

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.

Attendees perusing the Annual seeds and bulb table during a break. Plotting, planning their seed grabs…for when the swap begins.

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 sharing information about an Organic Seasonal Farm Share. CSAs are always good to support!

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.

The crowd sits attentively waiting for the first group to be called. The Seed Swap was about to get real!!

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!

I wonder what seeds I can use to start my Pollinator Victory Garden early??

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.

Seeds of Celosia, squash, Castor beans to ward off the groundhog and more. This was a terrific day!!

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

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Nasturtiums are considered the party girls of the summer garden. Used here and there, she can bring joy to a gardener’s 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.

Light on the lettuce? Does your salad need a picker-upper? Nasturtium brings the party to the table.

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

A few nasturtium leaves, mixed greens, a smattering of blossoms, craisins, add one boiled egg…the perfect salad. I call this disco on a plate!

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.

A simple vase of nasturtium leaves can prove to be an asset in the kitchen.

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

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2019…this was quite the year in more ways than one…

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.

2019 – I took a lot of notes…but life was too hectic to write consistently.

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??

Precious – better than an alarm clock!

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.

As I close the book on 2019…wins, losses, and memories made.

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.

My “clip-on” friend.

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.

The “Just In Case I Didn’t Like It Friend”

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.

Time to buckle down and 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!

I am cleaning up my office, clearing up the clutter, taking time to reflect, lighting a candle for ambiance and patiently awaiting 2020.

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?

Taking a seat and gathering my thoughts as I look forward to being PRESENT in 2020!

2019…Bye!

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Vines, Divines, or De-vine – The Choice is Yours

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A vine can have multiple functions in our lives. How we recognize and utilize the vines in our lives is a personal choice.

Vines can be found almost anywhere in nature. Along the ground, growing vertical or crawling horizontally, vines in the landscape are easy to discover. There is a vine for all kinds of purposes.

There are perennial vines for beauty. We can count on their return most years. Clematis vines are a part of the seasonal bloom time spectacular.

Some vines are perennial and others are annuals. The annual vines tend to grow quickly to fill a space or to conceal a structure. Annual vines seem to grow overnight and can sometimes drop seed. Depending on the climate and zone they can become an unwanted guest.

Some vines, eaten in excess, can be poisonous to animals…even when they are pretty.

Power can be found in vines of all types. Vines have the power to lift our spirits. By wrapping and weaving along the branches and up the trunks of trees, vines make a statement.

Vines can intermingle, wrap around anything available as it gains support to thrive…at any cost.

There are times in our lives when assessing the value of vines becomes crucial. On a Champion Tree walk a few Saturday’s ago, we were shown how much damage can be done from vines.

Porcelain Vine is beautifully invasive. If you see it, pull it. Eradication of this thug vine is essential. Don’t let the beauty fool you!!

There are times when the identification of invasive vines can be a matter of life or death. There are two common vines in the local landscape. Honeysuckle blooms evoke memories of their sweet nectar. A treat I enjoyed as I collected blooms from the fence line on my way to school. The fragrance wafting through the air encouraged me to find the source.

Known for the sweet nectar found at the base of the bloom, Honeysuckle vines are familiar to most.

Trumpet vine is quite beautiful but can become an unwanted guest in any landscape.

Trumpet vines produce the most beautiful orange blooms…but you MUST watch where they want to climb and cling.

Semi- shade, full sun, shrub, fence or wall – Trumpet Vine can be quite the task to remove. Allowed to climb into the canopy of tall trees, Trumpet Vine can choke out and eventually totally consumed anything it grows on.

I had the opportunity to consider the vines that can be found in our lives. Peering into the tree canopies, behind shrubs, and along the woods line, I saw thick vines that had been growing for quite a while. Looking inside my perennial beds, there were some vines only there for this season. This made me think about the vines in our lives. It is easy to allow people we encounter and invite into our lives to become vines. Vines that are not kept in check can affect our livelihood.

A pile of vines, ready for the burn pile, made me rethink their purpose. After all, we can’t burn everything.

As I paused, I remembered how vines were reused when I lived in Virginia. My daughters were younger and I made a lesson from the results of my foraging for vines. As I collected vines from the woods, I made use of them. I shared with my daughters how to identify a friendy vine and the unfriendly vines. To this day, my daughters are able to identify poison ivy with its vivid red leaves and the hairy appearance. I tugged, unwrapped and collected the vines wrapped in the tree branches. Releasing the tree that had been held hostage all summer by this quick-growing shackle.

As I reminisced about these lessons shared, I started doing what comes naturally. Sitting in the sun, I wrapped and tucked each tendril. As I twisted and turned this vine in my hands, I smiled. Creating a few natural wreaths, to adorn with seasonal decor, a vine (or two) brought joy to my day.

Removing, wrapping, tucking and reusing the vines in our lives to bring us joy can be a task worth taking on. Unless it is a vine that lifts our spirits, our souls or brings beauty to our lives.

What are the vines in your word that keep you from finding joy in your day? Are they annual (there for a minute) or do they seem to keep recurring like a perennial? Do you find creative ways to reuse these vines as life lessons as you clear them away? Why do you allow vines to weigh you down? Are vines covering your canopy and not allowing you to thrive? How are you creatively choosing ways to de-vine your world?

To find out how to use collected vines, click here

Need information on Trumpet Vine or Trumpet Creeper, click here or Honeysuckle, click here

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