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Community Gardens: Building Community by Gardening & Digging In the Dirt with Your Neighbors

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Talbot County Garden Club Free Winter Lecture Series
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 – 11 AM to 12:30 PM
Talbot County Free Library, Easton, MD

Learn about a stellar community garden model and what it takes to create a successful green space venture for a community.

Get practical tips on the following:

  • earth-friendly gardening practices that involve drought tolerant plants, small space gardens, shade gardens, and more.
  • Discover the treasure that African American gardeners have passed along in their appreciation for the life-sustaining gifts of the soil.
  •  Expect to be inspired by Teresa’s visionary approach to gardening that reaches back to an ancestral love for the earth and forward to creative possibilities for every community!

As a passionate Community Gardener, Teri enjoys inspiring others to create community spaces which brings people together to celebrate diversity in community.

First Day, First Snow, and Time to Sow

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The first snow of the season is usually magical. This first snow seemed to melt quickly after falling from the sky.

Happy New Year. I awakened early on this first day of 2026 to witness the first snowfall. My imagination allowed me to assume it would be plentiful after driving on heavily treated roads the past two days. 

We bundled up, cracked open the door, and witnessed golden Amsonia branches glistening with shimmering flakes of snow. Powdered snow dusted the pansies and the leaf blanket that covered them.

Arms locked together, we walked on the first day, looking up in hopes a snowflake would gently rest on our faces. Our cheeks facing the heavens were greeted with gentle snowflakes. Each one instantly melted upon contact. This was an innocent moment, frozen in time.  

Precious sniffed here and there, for once, slowly strolling as if appreciating the silent start to this day. Walking at daybreak encourages me to fall in love with my sleepy urban community. The unique tree canopies carry stories of the past. Each homeowner creates a garden or strives toward having the perfect lawn. Every yard writes a new chapter in this neighborhood story. 

First bulbs of the next season are eager to emerge from the frozen earth to prepare for Spring.

Upon our return home, I notice bulb tips emerging from the earth in my garden. I realize it’s time to select and sow seeds for the next season, not just in my garden, but also in my life. What seeds will I sow? Only seeds of positivity, perennial seeds preferably, or biennial seeds. Sowing seeds reminds me to avoid any distractions or things that might discourage me from sowing seeds of joy for the next season. Sown correctly, the next season’s blooms will remind me to hang in there, witnessing all things beautiful!

What was your impression of the first day of 2026? Did you have snow? Did you rest and reflect? I hope you made time for a memory and a plan for sowing seeds of joy.

I love the times of rest, reflection, and preparation that occur on the first day of each year. 

Teri, Cottage in the Court

Commitments Matter in Life and the Garden

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Commitments in life, as well as the garden can make a difference in our existence.

Commitments are all the rage at this time of the year. We make all sorts of commitments such as working out more , eating healthier, dry January, less phone time and more. Usually these words or statements are made with a determined spirit that slowly dissipates by mid or late January. We realize that perhaps we overstated what our intention really was and that we can get creative with the concept.

Commitments matter IF you are intentional about the end result. Are you doing something for YOU or is it for those around you? If you change your mind mid-commitment, who will know?

I find that one commitment to myself and staying true to the commitment is worth it’s weight in gold. In 2025, I committed to being joyfully present for me more. This allowed me to savor every moment as if it were my last. I realize that if I did not share my achievements, no one would know. Speaking up for myself with a smile and presence was difficult at first. By the fall, it was easy and empowering as well.

Finding joy in my garden, while finding help was harder this year than ever before, despite the heat and drought-like conditions. I was able to take time to see what plants will survive without supplemental water and which ones can create drama without it. Joy was reconnecting with my garden and seeing all the beneficial insects and birds enjoying it even when I was not home. There was a bird who was intrigued with my surveillance camera and made an appearance daily for over a month. Random acts of nature like this warms my heart and provides joyful, memorable moments.

I purchased a flag earlier this year and never found time to hang it. As 2025 rapidly comes to a close, the time to hang this flag is more important than ever. It will not just be a reminder for me, but to all who see it. While each of us is on our own journey, we might need a reminder from time to time of how important kindness is. A kind word, a simple smile of acknowledgement can go a long way to an unsuspecting person. A saucer of water for a travel weary bird, a seedhead to munch on during the winter months as sustenance – just being kind matters.

I will hang my flag because commitments matter…

As I embrace 2026, I am expanding on my joyful commitment and increasing it to include being more kind. Intentional kindness in life and in the garden will bring me joy from day to day. Sitting in the doorway at the Cottage figuring out creative ways to spread more kindness in this world…we really need it.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

Gifts to Inspire the Gardener All Year

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Gifts to inspire family members and friends who garden should be meaningful and memorable at any time of the year.

Gifts are shared throughout the year. When seeking something special for the gardener in your life, choose carefully. Gifting should be an intentional act with purpose. As we approach a season where many people exchange gifts, meaningful and memorable gifts can be effective.

I have taken my time considering what kind of gifts can be shared that would inspire, delight, and be meaningful to gardeners. There is no specific order to this list. I was recently ill, rest was a requirement, and shopping was not an option. Many of these items can be obtained online and arrive before the holiday. Others might be a bit late. Providing a photo is always a clever idea to show what the gift will be once received.

STAMPINGTON – in her garden

A great magazine subscription filled with inspiration is always a winning idea. Stampington has captured the art of inspiration in a publication in her garden. This is a publication I look forward to receiving seasonally, and I covet ALL the back issues.

I fell in love with Stampington as I discovered a few of the other titles they publish. In Her Studio, Willow and Sage, Belle Armoire, and Mingle are other titles I have enjoyed reading over the years. Reading these magazines has always left me yearning for the next inspiring issue.

When I look for innovative ideas or themes for the garden, Stampington publications always offer fresh concepts. Many of the ideas are easy to execute. Most gardeners are dreamers. Many gardeners can reimagine just about anything for their gardens. in her garden or any of the Stampington publications – the perfect gift for inspiration and reimagined possibilities.

COBRAHEAD TOOLS

There is something about a small business that makes me smile. Knowing how enthusiastic the owner is makes quite a difference. Cobrahead is a family-run business that has supported communities near and far. Purchasing gifts from a company offering quality tools, while winning awards in horticulture, is a good thing. My favorite tool is a Cobrahead Mini. I keep one in my car and in every tool bucket I own. Ergonomically designed, which means using it is quite a pleasurable experience. The Original Cobrahead is a tool that allows the gardener to dig, weed, open soil amendment bags, and more, without wrist discomfort. Cobrahead tools are a very conscientious small business. This tool is a great gift for gardeners of all levels.

FOXGLOVES

The perfect gift for any occasion, I love Foxgloves…

If you have ever peeked inside my garden bucket, I am certain you have seen many different colors of my Foxgloves Collection. Do you know how hard it is to eat one piece of good chocolate? Well, I am not sure I have ever had just one pair of Foxgloves. Using these in the garden is a fantastic way to protect your hands. It is a good safety idea to cover your hands when gardening to avoid any mishaps. Foxgloves have evolved over the years, now offering textured grips, a gauntlet glove, and new colors.

When you have a collection, it is fun to figure out what color is for what task. My pink ones are great to keep in the car – because you never know when the urge to garden will strike. Hunter Green is great for sowing seeds. The tan gauntlet gloves were perfect when I pruned my climbing roses.

As a small business, Foxgloves, will always be in my car, my bucket, and a must-have gift for my gardening friends. It is also their 25th Anniversary this year. I KNOW they will be around for another 25 years for future gardeners everywhere.

Black Flora – Inspiring Profiles of Floriculture’s New Vanguard

Some people feel dreams do not come true. I used to be one of those people. With a lot of hard work, Black Flora Inspiring Profiles of Floriculture’s New Vanguard became a reality. The stories in this book truly reflect how dedication, tenacity, and persistence can change lives.

This book provides the reader with a brief look at how our passion for flowers has proven beneficial in providing an outlet for showcasing our talents. From flower farming, floral design, set design, floral curated events, as well as reimagining agricultural offerings – from fresh flowers to wreaths, yet, we are thriving.

In the world of Floriculture, opportunities have not always been extended. However, behind the vase, African Americans have been paying attention and uniquely embracing floriculture. I dream of seeing this book in schools, libraries, gift shops, and more. It is a fantastic way to show how a dream can become a reality. This hardback book, with stunning photography, is great for gifting at any time of the year.

Choosing a gift for the gardener, even if it is last-minute, can still be meaningful. Most of these gifts can arrive on time and be ready for use by the end of the year. I sincerely hope this helps those who are short on time and ideas.

Enjoying nesting season as I dream of writing more, new plants, unique seeds, creating garden-related crafts, booking more speaking engagements, and a snowy end of the year.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

I received no compensation for endorsing these products…I merely love them!