https://www.wavehill.org/calendar/black-flora-floriculture-and-the-art-of-living
Dr. King – A Sower of Good Seeds
Dr. Martin Luther King was quite influential in moving the civil rights movement forward. I often wonder who will step into his shoes to keep the momentum going. After much thought, it is not up to one person to add movement behind the defined mission. It is up to each of us to aid in fulfilling the dreams of Dr. King.
RECOGNIZING THE DAY
Dr. King spoke about reaching back and uplifting the community. We have come to expect the third Monday in January as the day we celebrate his birthday. President Bill Clinton signed the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday and Service Act on August 23, 1994. Since then, many have come to know this as a “day on and not a day off”. It has become a day when we give back and build community in the spirit of Dr. King’s teachings. In my opinion, we should consider reaching back and building our communities every day.
SOWING SEEDS OF SERVICE
As a gardener, I believe in the positive act of sowing seeds of positivity in society. What is required to do this? Believing that you can be a part of the change or at least make a difference. We see the fertile ground, which is identified as the communities where we live. Fertile ground unplanted will attract weeds of all types, some more aggressive than others. We can assess the site, which could be considered recognizing what the community needs.
Tapping into the community, cultivating friendships, and connecting generations – all help in planning for growth. This would equate to deciding what seeds would work as we work towards positive change in our communities.
A FEW “SEEDS” ANYONE CAN SOW
Ever wonder what can be done individually or collectively? Here are a few ideas:
Start a conversation with a neighbor. The act of a simple “Hello” will go a long way. Ignore the color of their skin, language barrier or disability…just say “Hi”.
Explore ways to find something in common. Speaking is the first step. If you continue the conversation or some form of connectivity, positive energy will be exchanged. This is when the real work comes into play. I find that sharing a flower, a dessert, or simple gestures of kindness develops into a sort of camaraderie.
Encourage some type of shared experience to show that you are genuine and honestly want to connect. Sharing a small bouquet, a gardening tip, a good book – you must decide what works to encourage some sort of neighborly friendship and trust.
Determine what, if anything, is needed. Finding out how to keep the conversation going and growing. Figuring out what seeds will grow, in what conditions, and where, is likened to preparing the soil. Soil properly prepared will create an environment for growth.
Share with others your best practices or suggestions on how you encouraged connectivity with a neighbor or community. Sown seeds can fall in places where a positive bloom is needed…often at the right time.
Fifty-two years was how long it took for Dr. King’s birthday to become a recognized Federal holiday. Some entities still do not consider this as a holiday, thereby it is optional to take off or not. If it were not for Dr. King and his legacy, the landscape of an inclusive and caring society would be different. In my opinion, being of service to my community is an everyday mission.
SOWING IT FORWARD
How will I make a difference this year? We should use our strengths to give of ourselves to our communities. I am giving back to my community by sharing the joy of gardening. By creating a conversation about growing in place. Surrounded by Seniors who are limited in mobility, young families struggling to provide, I am encouraging gardening wherever you can.
We will be swapping seeds, giving away pots, and teaching how to find a way to look forward to the gifts of the earth. It will not matter whether it is a flower or a vegetable. Doing this will promote positivity and reinforce trying something new. It will also help develop a feeling that I care and offer hope. Closer to the time for planting, I will provide seedlings from pollinators to specialty vegetables. During a time when we must be responsibly distanced, we can still give what we can to build our communities. It is my way of tapping into my talents to pay it forward,
Do you give back? How will you commit to honoring Dr. King as we move forward in society? Each of us can do what it takes to plant seeds of trust and hope. The world needs this today. Our communities need to be rebuilt from within. We can do this to honor Dr. King.
Sorting seeds to share that I care as I remember the teachings of Dr. King.
Teri, Cottage In The Court
Culture and Diversity -Between Harlem and Heaven
Culture is celebrated as we experience new foods, as well as ways to cook. Figuring out what to try in our gardens can be defined by the foods we are familiar with or something new we want to try. The Afro-Asian American style of cooking is shared between the pages of a wonderful book.
Between Harlem and Heaven – Afro Asian American Cooking for Big Nights, Weekends, and Every Day by J.J. Johnson and Alexander Smalls with Veronica Chambers. Not really a cookbook, but a story of a collaboration of two men who enjoy ethnic cuisine. Two restaurants in Harlem celebrate this story, Minton’s and The Cecil.
BIRTH OF A BOOK
Alexander Smalls is a one-man novel. A former acclaimed opera superstar, as well as an accomplished Chef, can add Food Genius to his repertoire. My head simply spins as he shares tales of his youth in South Carolina and New York. Balancing time with his West African grandfather in the garden, as well as time with family in New York, has created quite a successful man.
Mr. Smalls is on a mission to document the diversity found in the kitchen. In Africa, China, Brazil, the Caribbean, Europe as well as America, culture, and food play a role in our lives today. Finding the right Chef to collaborate on this story and write this book was important. Joining forces with Chef J.J.Johnson, these men wowed Harlem with not one, but two award-winning restaurants.
The jazz-themed restaurant, Minton’s is a Harlem landmark. This former hotel turned bar is where bebop was born. Many African American musicians entertained the crowds and were regular patrons as well. Minton’s Playhouse offers a real jazz experience on stage, which enhances the menu items offered. The Cecil features a more diverse menu based on the Afro-Asian-American style of cooking.
J.J. Johnson grew up in the kitchen where his Puerto Rican Grandmother unknowingly directed his path towards the culinary arts. The sights, taste, and scents he experienced on a trip to Ghana brought back many memories. On this journey with Alexander Smalls, J.J. connected with the culture and history of his lineage. J.J. describes this cookbook as a “choose your own adventure” book. These two Chefs suggest the readers try the sauces on different things. Use the recipes by adding a little here as you change things along the way – in essence, cook your own way.
SALADS
The first chapter has some delectable takes on refreshing salads using many items that can be grown at home. From the Daikon Radish Salad to the Harlem Market salad, my tastebuds danced at the thought of the taste. I dreamt of what I could grow in my garden to authenticate the taste experience. J.J. recommended trying the Mother Africa Sauce on just about anything. Let me tell you, it was quite delicious over steamed squash with brown rice.
MEAT AND POULTRY
Culture meets the soul when cooking Afro-Asian-American Gumbo. No matter what culture you embrace, this dish awakens the readers tastebuds on an International level. Imagine using homegrown oregano, thyme, bay laurel, or garlic to make the Gumbo Spice mix.
SO MUCH MORE…
From Hibiscus syrup to the history lesson tracing the journey which introduced Chinese food to Harlem, this book makes you hungry for more. Not just a cookbook, the importance of culture, and how it affects our foodways is important. Afro-Asian American food has a tendency to create conversation, as well as the discovery of the things from our culinary familiar.
There are more chapters with tasty recipes to try. As I embrace my culture, Between Harlem and Heaven will provide ideas to make this a journey to remember.
As the season for gardening is within reach, I highly recommend this book. Try to grow an ingredient from a recipe, harvest it when the time is right, and use it to enhance the recipes in this book.
Planting seeds for the Apple Cider Glazed Brussel Sprouts (page 208)…yummy!
Teri, (gardening with a passion) Cottage In The Court
Adore My Garden
Mulched beds are a sign of this Gardeners autumnal toil,
Protecting plants that are dormant beneath the soil.
A familiar glimpse of foliage pokes through here and there,
New growth, a glistening red stretching up, reaching for air.
Hydrangea, peonies, daffodils and crocus,
Spring bulbs awaken and this Gardener cannot focus.
Oh how I adore my garden…
Overwintered plants in pots not yet planted,
Foliage bronzed by wind and branches not broken, just slanted.
Carefully I remove lingering leaves that have drifted,
Savoring the beauty of the winter garden, so generously gifted.
Oh how I adore my garden…
Some fragrant, all beautiful with an abundance of bloom,
Eager to grow more plants, filling each garden room.
Oh how I adore my garden…
Discovering new plants needing shade to sun,
Off to the garden center I run.
Oh how I adore my garden…
By autumn most sensible gardeners are tired and done,
Not me ! A new season of beauty has just begun.
Gathering and creating compost from freshly fallen leaves,
Laying a light covering while on my hands and knees.
Oh how I adore my garden…
My perfectly imperfect garden matures along with me,
As we dance the gardeners dance, kneeling and stooping happily.
Oh how I adore my garden, as my garden represents me!
From the Garden In My Mind,
Teri, Cottage In The Court