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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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Book Review: The Earth In Her Hands…

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Book reviews bring me joy. Especially when they speak my language.

Book reviews are one of my favorite things to do, other than gardening. Especially when they are about gardens, gardening or garden travel. I recently had the opportunity to review a book published by Timber Press. I want to say Thank You to Timber Press for seeing a need and finding the right person to share the message.

The Earth In Her Hands – The Book

The Earth In Her Hands – 75 Extraordinary Women Working in the World of Plants, beautifully written by Jennifer Jewell. Creator of a popular podcast, Cultivating Place: Conversations on Natural History & the Human Impulse to Garden, Jennifer Jewell’s perspective on approaching this topic was truly on point. Choosing the women for this topic had to be quite the ordeal. Who do you leave out? How do you know you have chosen wisely? Jennifers keen instinct on making this a worthwhile book was unique and well-executed.

The conversation throughout the book embraced women in many different fields of work, all pertaining to horticulture. A diverse collection of women who connect with this earth whether in their communities or in the public space.

The Story

In this book, Jennnifer shares not just their story but who inspires them. This is a big question that should actually lead to another book on this topic. Women are often overlooked or minimized in many fields, even horticulture.

Familiar faces are all through this book from Erin Benzakein (Floret), Peggy Cornett (Monticello) to Renee Shepherd (Renee’s Seeds). There are also some women we need to know like Yolanda Burrell (Pollinate Farm and Garden), Leslie Bennett (Pine House Edible Gardens) and Robin Wall Kimmerer (Center for Native Peoples and The Environment).

Finding joy in making bouquets would inspire a carer for Christin Geall. Such a simple act of self-expression has created a life long way of enjoying what she does.

Filling A Need

The need to inspire young women of all ages to just get outside, garden with a passion and see where that passion leads is important. As I read this book the first time, there was something very obvious. Most of the women in this book had been introduced to the garden at a young age. The impact of connecting to the earth always amazes me. One story and quote sticks in my mind. Marta McDowell (NY Botanical Garden) shared after visiting the Emily Dickenson house. “…A door opened that day, and I stepped through it.”

This quote really spoke to me as a Gardener and a Garden Communicator.

I am on the fourth reading of its book as I investigate the Other Inspiring Women recommended by the interviewees. With Mother’s Day gifting in mind, this is a book worth gifting.

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Ruffles of The Peony Party – A Celebration

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Ruffles and flourishes like a crinoline slip as the Peony Parade begins.

Ruffles make me happy. Reminding me of the dresses my Mom would make to celebrate the Spring season. Particularly for Easter. When I was a toddler, Mom’s mindset was the more fabric the better. When I see old photos, I wish she had used fewer ruffles.

I appreciate the abundant ruffles in my garden. Especially when I see the tree peony party begin in my yard. Bursting at the seams, the petals of pink bring back many memories. They remind me of days when I was doing the same, in my Easter dress with fabric galore!

This year, a pink peony was the star of my tree peony parade. As she slowly performed a striptease this week, I became a garden voyeur.

Tight buds held the blooms close until the right time…

Two buds closest to the walkway seemed so excited to see each day. The promise of ruffles, upon ruffles of beauty, was part of my nightly dream.

Two buds…patiently waiting to bring me joy…

One by one, the layers pushed away from the calyx…

Layer upon layer the buds held the petals of pink crinoline tightly.

Being late was not part of this peony’s plan. She wanted to be the star of my garden. Pretty in Pink to capture the attention due to her.

Ruffles pushing through with all their strength…

Until finally, the tree peony fluffed her petals, shook the dew off her crinoline of abundance, sighed, and stretched forth her petals…


Ruffles and more ruffles…let the peony party begin!

Are you familiar with the Tree Peony? Is there a parade of bodacious pompom blooms gracing your garden? I adore the Tree peony blooms for the joy they bring to my garden party!

ODE TO THE TREE PEONY

Up high she stood

Patiently absorbing the dew

As the day brightened

The calyx could no longer hold her back

One by one, the petals began to unfurl

Rosey pink ruffles gently set free

Wafting in the air was music

A Spring sonnet, only she could hear

The song of the earth waking from a winter’s nap

The death orchestra began

Signaling it was time for the dance

She was the party starter this year

As she unruffled her dress

Ruffled and ready for the dance of the season

Teri Speight, Cottage In The Court

Ode to the Tree Peony

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Saplings of Strength and Survival

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Acorns are the seeds that grow saplings of strength that survive in times of crises and chaos.

Saplings are often overlooked when we think about the landscape. We adore the gift of shade that trees like maples and oaks provide. The autumnal leaf color is a visual gift as we anticipate the nakedness of nature during the winter months.

A SEEDS TALE

In the midst of the forest, seeds fall. Seeds fall, laying in stillness until conditions are right.

Acorns covered by leaves, tree debris or earth scattered by the wind help saplings grow. The best natural mulch on earth!

As the season’s change, the seed is covered by the loving leaves or natural debris. The seed sometimes awakens from within and sets down roots. If it is a tree, the roots produce top growth and become saplings.

SAPLINGS SETTING ROOTS

Saplings of strength happen when roots find optimal conditions for good growth…and survival.

I observed the growth of a favorite sapling which I see daily. While walking my dog about 12 years ago, she would love to eat acorns. I wondered if this was a good idea or not. No matter how hard I tried to wrestle them from Aminia’s mouth, the acorns were her treat. The crunching sound from that happy face was hilarious.

There was one area where an abundance of acorns fell. I noticed an acorn, nestled among crunched acorn caps had taken root. Seeing the two leaves signaled that it had found a home. I placed two handfuls of mulch in a baggie. Carrying it to the site, I covered its base. I wanted to keep an eye on this baby. How long would it take an oak sapling to grow into a majestic species if left alone? This was my prized sapling, the same age as Aminia. I committed to caring for this sapling, making sure that no large branches fell to hurt or harm it.

Time passed and I admired the growth from year to year. Amazed at the silent strength of this oak sapling, it began to branch out and reach towards the sky.

The year Aminia passed away, I purposely did not walk that way for 6 months. I knew the sapling was standing tall, on her own strength, firmly rooted in her native soil. Funny thing, I had to allow the memory of Aminia to settle inside my inner garden. The seed of what type of dog would I look for was planted and had to take root as well.

The sapling called Precious that has given me the strength to survive whatever comes my way. The exact dog I was looking for.

Precious and I now take the daily walk past this same sapling. However, now it is a young tree. Increasing branches and a widening trunk is a comforting sight to see. It has weathered the storm of severe drought, extreme temperatures, and heavy rains. I have seen children hugging its trunk, playing games around it and yet, it still grows.

During this time of uncertainty, we need to be like saplings of strength. Standing strong, staying in place, and considering the alternatives to our communities if we do not. Putting down our roots by reading the books we were going to read one day or re-connecting with our families is a good thing. Reacquainting ourselves with our homes or even starting a garden are great ways to patiently pause.

I am like that oak sapling. Exhibiting strength in the midst of this chaos and prayerfully will be a survivor. How are you showing the strength of a sapling in your home or community? Are you the sapling that will survive after the chaos is over?

Waiting to walk past our sapling that stands for strength…and survival.

Sinking my roots in thoughts of my garden,

Teri, from the Cottage In the Court

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Being Present In The Moment

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Being present in the moment helps one appreciate the act of living.

Being present in the moment is a state of mind that might be difficult at the moment. Having to practice social distancing after 4 days gives me a reason to pause. I am such a people person. The reality of more distancing is truly something to think about. I long to see my grandsons, daughters, and co-workers. It really hit today when my oldest daughter said she would drive by just so she could see my face. I gulped, as my tears welled up in my eyes. Those words hit home. The sober reality of being present in the moment was even more important.

Elizabeth Gilbert recently shared some seeds of wisdom on being present in the moment. A practice shared with her by a friend when she was in need. As she shared, the feeling of being sad, frightened or anxious can take us to a place of uncertainty. This particular practice of being in the present is quite simple. 5-4-3-2-1can be practiced throughout the day. I did it several times a day this week and realized this was worth sharing. This is a practice that can be done by anyone and anywhere.

5- CAN YOU SEE THINGS?

Being present starts by counting five things that you see around you. As I wandered through my garden, here is what I noticed.

I saw my Yoshino Cherry Tree with her amazing blooms in my back yard…
One of the midseason peonies has broken ground. A visual treat that made me smile…
The possibly coral bloom of a rescued Camellia was almost fully opened today. I think it is more of a pink color than a coral. I am ok with this. Being in the moment caused me to gasp with glee.
A simple daffodil in the midst of a border I am renovating as I have time. I paused digging when I saw the foliage and gave it time to bloom.
The seedlings that sat in the planter until the proper time finally broke through the soil.

4 – CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

What 4 things can you hear? Two brothers, neighborhood children, were outside riding their bikes. This was a pleasant sound earlier today. It meant there was human interaction – a sound I have missed this week.

The sound of someone with a leaf blower. People can use this time to catch up on last-minute seasonal tasks. Being present in the moment means we do not have to rush right now.

The gentle breeze created the sound of nature’s wind chimes. To hear the subtle rattle in the trees helped clear my thoughts. Clearing one’s mind is a great way to practice being in the present.

What sounded like small jackhammers was actually a chorus of woodpeckers. The art of hunting for food in the deadwood of large trees stood out in the otherwise quiet of the day.

3 – FEELING THREE THINGS

It was a bit challenging deciding on just three things that reflected what I could feel. There was so much in the garden that I could feel.

I love the feel of soil between my fingers. Warm to the touch in the pots, yet colder when grasped from the ground below.

Breathing deeply, in and out, allowed me to feel my lungs expand. The feeling of the crisp air as I breathed in was refreshing to my spirit. I was so thankful to be able to experience this. The chilly air was quite refreshing and helped my body maintain a balanced temperature as I raked last year’s leaves from my walkway. Practicing being present in the moment definitely has kept me in a positive mental place.

A thorn caught my sleeve which caused me to notice the egg sack of a praying mantis.

As I reached under a rose bush, a thorn caught my sleeve. Working to release my sleeve, I noticed an ootheca. More commonly known as a praying mantis egg case. When the female praying mantis creates this protective case it is soft. Eventually, it hardens for the safekeeping of the babies within. Touching this crispy outer shell with its ridges, created a feeling of hope. I caressed it and hoped that they would all survive and be a part of my garden’s eco-system. Not cleaning up the garden has its virtues. I have found more surprises throughout the garden.

2 – TWO FOR YOU

Focusing on two things that I could smell was one of the easiest things to practice. The scent of a frequently used body oil rode the breeze every time I moved.

Oak Moss by Anu Prestonia is a hydrating body oil with an earthy scent. As I raked, my body warmed up and the scent intensified and immersed me into a good mental space. This fragrance allows me to be present at this very moment.

My herb garden offers wonderful fragrances. As I dream of warmer days, I crush the leaves of this oregano and rub onto my hand. The scent of the garden invokes a sense of calm.

The herb pot by my mailbox is coming to life. When I touch the emerging oregano leaves, the scent causes me to daydream. I imagine cooking a nice pot of pasta sauce. Using fresh herbs from the garden like this oregano, fresh basil, or even leaves from my Bay Leaf plant takes me to a place of calm.

1 – JUST PICK ONE

Finally, the one thing I can taste right as I practice being in the moment is ginger. The slightly spicy, tangy ginger is a staple in my world. I cut a few slivers to chew throughout the day. Fresh ginger is considered an anti-inflammatory, and it tastes good to me. I even bruise a knob of ginger and put it in my water overnight for flavor. A simple act worth trying.

Practicing this method will help in being present in the moment. How do you practice being here..present at this very moment? Let’s continue to stay in touch as social distancing has been rescribed for each of us.

Time to sow more seeds in this period of social distancing.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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