Wakanda Lives Within Us
Wakanda is a mystical, fictional, un-colonized small nation in equatorial Africa. Depicted as a third world country, this beautiful place was surrounded by Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia. Although technologically advanced, there is a message in this movie. This place of beauty has weighed heavily on mind since seeing The Black Panther.
If you have seen the Black Panther movie, the clouds open up to a village. This colorful village brings utopian beauty to the big screen. What would our natural green spaces look like if left untouched? In most countries, people use the weekend to escape the City. Heading to the beaches or mountains we long for a place of peace. Whether it is the sound of water dancing or trickling from a hidden spring, the reason for escaping is real. The sound of the wind causing the leaves to rustle and create a subtle song, brings peace to those who listen. When you think about it, escaping the woods or water is a modern-day escape to Wakanda.
Why is Wakanda fictional? Is it so hard to imagine a self sustainable existence? This fictional place called Wakanda actually could exist in each of us. We have the ability to recreate a personal version of Wakanda. Here at a few ideas that I thought of to create Wakanda in your life:
- Grow Your Own Green space. Whether you create a garden for lush, visual beauty or for your health by growing an edible’s, growing your own is beneficial. Growing and eating seasonally, as well as supplementing from the market when necessary, means you have a hand in your overall well-being.
- Embrace the great outdoors. This fictional place had a thriving technological existence. If you paid attention, the scenes throughout pictured people at the marketplace talking and laughing with each other. I did not notice anyone on a cellphone or a tablet. The Wakandan’s were walking, talking and engaging with each other. Recognizing the benefits of technology, disengaging from it once in a while could enable us to create our own Wakanda.
This mystical, beautiful place was considered a third world farming community by other advanced communities. Perhaps there are some third world countries that hold the secrets to a Wakandan existence.
Wakanda lives in each of us, however we must take the time to find it.
Southern Sonnet Honoring My Roots
As I embrace my Southern roots, I tend to think of little ditties to share. Things that perhaps Aunt Lucy or Uncle Willie would have thought as they performed the chores of creating a sustainable existence in Grey Court, South Carolina. Reading these words with a Southern flair, I share the joy of the season. I woke up with these words in my mind….
What is that golden glo
In the sky outside my do’
The chirping, tweeting song
Tho winter’s not gone
Let’s not rush the season
Although Spring is teasin’
Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall
Yep…at the Cottage, I Love Them All
As I anticipate sharing “Passionate About My Roots – History, Heritage and Heirlooms” at Magnolia Plantation, I have imagined how my Great Aunt Lucy would feel as the seasons changed. I often think of how any good Southern woman would embrace this time of the year. How would the fields be prepared and what was the planting plan for the season?
As a single woman farmer and the last surviving daughter of Albert S. Hunter, this was her responsibility. Aunt Lucy demonstrated the characteristics of everything I imagined a woman farmer would be. She took in laundry, babysat the little child across the way, balanced her checking account and did whatever odd jobs she could find to stay afloat. The essence of the typical African-American Southern woman was my Aunt Lucy. Only my Mom, knew how much I wanted to be like my Great Aunt Lucy.
I am a Native Washingtonian. A City made up of people who migrated up from the south for better opportunities. The Southern roots embedded in my DNA, speak to me every time I go into the garden.
Passionate About My roots – History, Heritage and Heirlooms shares what I know of my Southern roots. The roots that have continued to grow as I garden. From how I garden to familiar plants that were on the home site, memories keep me forever in a gardening state of mind. Memories enable me to embrace the beauty that surrounds me each and every day.
Click this link for more information about Magnolia Plantation
Valentine Gifts for Your Favorite Gardener
For the gardener, Valentines Day can be a creative way to say I Love You. All things Valentine can be found in most stores and is usually a repeat of last year. From the chocolates to the heart-shaped gummies to the boxed chocolates….absolutely BORING!! If you have a favorite gardener, here is the opportunity to show your love. I have a few things that just might go over very well for that gardener in your life.
If your favorite gardener loves chocolates, a gift of Botanical Interests Gardener’s Scrubbing Soap could be the calorie-free answer. In fact, there is a Chocolate Collection offered by Botanical Interests that includes the soap as well as seeds. Offering Chocolate Flower, Nigella Love In A Mist, Ipomoea Chocolate, Helianthus Shock-O-Lat and a Chocolate Cherry Tomato. A unique mix of chocolate for the gardener in your life!
I have never met a gardener that didn’t love to read. Well among the many new books that are available, one particular book comes to mind. A longtime friend and cut flower farmer Lisa Mason Ziegler has a new book called Vegetables Love Flowers. This book is a must-have on your shelf as you prepare to garden in the coming season. Lisa instructs the reader on how to incorporate vegetable gardening alongside your cutting garden. Answering the questions any gardener might have including learning how to grow and enjoy a pesticide-free garden. Lisa has always had products that were easy to use, seeds that really grow well and growing systems that work. The soil blocker is another loved item offered by The Gardener’s Workshop, Lisa’s business. The Gardener’s Workshop is a wonderful resource for unique seeds and garden related items any gardener would love!
As winter lingers, most plantaholics are studying catalogs.The opportunity for a gardener to pick out their “dream” plants or even pre-planned gardens is the perfect gift! Bluestone Perennials has both of these offerings and more. Known for growing their own plant material in 100% biodegradable pots, Bluestone Perennials is the gift that keeps on giving. The love of your life will learn to look for that email with the weekly specials and coupons. With a 100% guarantee, gifting bluestone perennialsis like introducing your loved one to a family member.
Who doesn’t want roses on Valentines Day? After all it is the symbol of love and passion. Not just any rose but a perfect rose for gift giving. If you are looking for a rose with a natural growth habit, highly resistant to disease, clean foliage, and a wonderful scent, consider a David Austin Roses Known for the quality of his superior breeding practices, David Austin roses truly say you care. A gift like this is more than just a vase of cut roses. It is a day spent with your loved one choosing the proper site, digging the proper hole, amending the soil, and planting the rose bush. Talk about romance in the garden that keeps evolving, David Austin roses just keep on giving!!! In lieu of a week’s worth of roses, your loved one could enjoy a season’s worth of bodacious blooms!!
Think outside the heart-shaped box for your Valentine this year.
Le Primitif – Featured Art at MANTS
Le Primitif is an unexpected pleasure each year at MANTS – The Mid Atlantic Nursery Trade Show. MANTS is an event which takes place every January in Baltimore, Maryland. For those who work in horticulture, MANTS is THE networking event that starts the seasonal garden party. Vendors come from near and far to reconnect with old friends, make new friends and share what’s new. It truly is like a grand family reunion.
I have visited MANTS for the past 20 years and each year, I rekindle friendships and make new friends. There is one old friend that I reconnect with every time year. Amidst the plant plugs, tractors, mechanized watering systems, there is my friend David McCabe, Owner of Le Primitif Galleries. Le Primitive Galleries offers Recycled Oil Drum Sculpture in all shapes, sizes, signed, unsigned, painted or in its natural state.
I first became familiar with David while working in Fredericksburg, VA. One of the best winter activities was heading to Baltimore to attend this wonderful trade show. Tucked away in the front corner was a booth that featured art. The raw form of this hammered steel was quite appealing. I admire Haitian art when I visit galleries in DC and New York. I had to hear this man’s story.
David became familiar with the Haitian community in his travels and fell in love with this art form. One of the first blacksmiths who made this technique popular was Georges Liataud. Intrigued by the natural beauty of this art, David realized that each piece had a story to tell.
Steel drums are in abundance in Haiti. Reusing them as art was a creative way to secure income to local artisans. To create this art, steel drums are flattened and stories in the form of art are drawn. Each piece is cut out by hammer and chisel finishing a story in the form of art. Proud of their work, each piece carries the artist’s signature. Le Primitif artists each have a unique story which makes each piece special.
The first few pieces I purchased for my garden. The style and whimsical stance of these ladies spoke to me. Their dance spoke to the spirit of my personality as well as my garden. Each year I visit MANTS, I make sure to visit with David. A simple “Hello” just to say hi and to see what I need for my collection.
Over the year’s, I have acquired more pieces from Le Primitif and not just for my garden.
Each of the pieces that I have purchased from Le Primitif has held up extremely well in my garden with no care at all. The bronzed patina that comes with weather changes has only made my original pieces more beautiful.
MANTS has continually given me the gift of connecting with Le Primitif every year.
Here is a link to see what else can be found at Le Primitif Galleries
Click MANTS to find out more about the Mid Atlantic Nursery Trade Show.