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GWA – A Perennial Resource

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What would our gardens be without perennial? For once I am not talking about a perennial in the outdoor garden. I am thinking about the perennials in our day-to-day lives. If we look at the many definitions of perennial, the common theme is the ability to keep occurring. I became familiar with the attributes of this perennial on the way to Niagara Falls Parks.

The Association of Garden Writers Annual Conference (more about that later) was held in Buffalo, New York. This was such a great event and the memories linger in my mind. From educational opportunities, garden tours, food, and fun – it is an event that I had been anticipating all year.  I had no idea that the best take away from the event was a new perennial for my life garden.

When I attend this conference, I always look for someone new to spend time with and get to know. As I looked for an empty seat on the bus, I noticed this swath of gray hair barely visible from behind the seat ahead. It was this little guy who just seemed to always show up. Whether it was for the Karaoke or the food – this perennial character continually showed up. My new perennial is not a plant, his name is Eddie Rhoades.

Eddie is from Marietta, Georgia and he can crack some memorable jokes. A dutiful husband, a loving grandfather, and lover of trees in the landscape. Eddie has grafted a secret citrus tree that will rock the world one day. Caring for a perennial in any garden means you have to get to know the plant. I had to get to know Eddie as we rode to Canada to enjoy the day viewing the gardens of Niagara Park.

I clearly remember Eddie’s eyes – the twinkle and amazement of looking out at the American side.  Noticing the people at different levels across the rushing waters and pointing this out to me. I hope Eddie did not see the gentle tear that slid down my face as I shared this moment with him.  Our earth has me quite emotional at times.

Eddie was insistent on capturing me as well, so I turned the camera over for my photo session.

Eddie and I stood in awe of this phenomenal moment in time. I thought about how our perennials are like the Senior citizens in our life gardens. Sometimes we have to feed them differently, most seniors are careful about the amount of food they eat. We often consider what we plant next to our favorite longstanding perennial, so the beauty will not be lost from a new introduction. New neighbors can sometimes be overwhelming to our Seniors. Natural pruning of the circle of life occurs as our seniors lose spouses, family, and friends. I had to seize this opportunity with Eddie Rhoades since seeing Niagara Falls was something he never imagined.

I have much more to share about The Association of Garden Writers and Communicators Conference. There were phenomenal tours, tons of takeaways from awesome vendors, a gracious swag bag and of course plants – even more perennials. THIS kind of gift for my perennial garden of life has just captured my heart. The bus trip to and from Niagara Falls Park was a reminder of the importance of perennials in the garden.

How does your life garden grow? Is it filled with annuals or perennials? Do you carefully tend to your perennials to encourage recurring beauty?

From the Cottage,

Teri

 

Connecting With Our Eco Community

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Eco Community is not a trend it is a way of life.  What is the definition of an Eco Community??  Upon comparing many different definitions of “Eco Community”, I have summed it up  to basically mean a traditional or intentional community that is striving to become more sustainable in social, cultural, economic as well as ecological practices. A mouthful, right??? However, it is achievable.

Kevin Alsop – Alsop Growers…thinking about his community’s needs.

In the Town of Capitol Heights, there is an aspiring Farmer. His name is Kevin Alsop, Alsop Growers. If you have an hour or so, Kevin is more than happy to fill you in on his vision of feeding the masses and sharing his methods of growing as well as reconnecting with the land. I met Kevin and his lovely wife, Alana at the Washington Gardener Seed Exchange. He was anticipating with much joy the Prince Georges County Master Gardener Program and learning more about horticulture. Sharing opportunities as I often do, Kevin and I ended up at the same Community Garden last year, where we both gardened with a passion. Let me tell you – that man can grow some tomato’s!!

Kevin has found greener pastures this year and what a pasture it is!!! In the Town of Capitol Heights, just up the street from the Capitol Height’s Metro Station, you just might notice a fenced in area behind the bus stop. You also might see Kevin passionately laboring in his place of peace…..more than likely Kevin will welcome you to come and garden with him.  There is no sign, however there are some gorgeous sunflower seedlings, strawberries, peppers, tomato’s, Kale, garlic and much, much, more!!

Kevin has spotted some weeds and is on the job! No chemicals here!!

I remember when this area was dedicated to the residents of Capitol Heights a few years ago. The following Spring I gave a talk to the residents that rented plots there. At the time this Community effort to re-engage the residents with the earth was promising…or so it seemed. Nikita Floyd, Green Forever Landscaping, even built beautiful raised beds to accommodate young, old or even the disabled. It seems as though the interest was not long-lasting and that is where Kevin, Alsop Growers, seized this opportunity to share the joy of growing.

Working with the Town of Capitol Heights, as well as local Ministries like Mission of Love Charities – Kevin is putting his feet behind his faith…as well as his mission. His eco-community mission? The Feeding 5000 Initiative. The purpose is to provide naturally grown, locally sourced food for 5000 families annually within the next 5 years. How will The Feeding 5000 Initiative be achieved??  Kevin’s plan is to utilize direct producer to consumer marketing, education as well as hands on training to achieve this goal. What a special opportunity for the 5000 families that will be a part of a local up and coming eco community.

Imagine a delicious pot of beans grown locally in your own community…awesome!

Tomorrow is Capitol Heights Day. Kevin will open the gates to his Eco-Community to share activities with families from children’s events to inspirational talks on the importance of growing ones own or knowing what to grow and how to grow it. The garden plot will welcome the residents of Capitol Heights tomorrow from 10:00 until 6:00 pm at 5400 Emmet Street, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. It will be a great day to enjoy the festivities for residents, friends and families in Central Prince Georges County, Maryland. After all, when it comes to our Temple, isn’t it great to know that you are eating things as fresh as possible???

What is going on in your local eco community? Do you have an active role in building a sustainable initiative that will positively affect where you live?

Good News From The Cottage,

Teri

Alsop Growers, please click this link to discover more about Kevin.

Green Forever Landscaping, please click this link to find out more about Nikita Floyd, Green Forever Landscaping

Pleasures From Our Earth – Pause, Enjoy, Repeat…

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Today I took the time to enjoy a few pleasures from the earth. It has been an unusually busy Spring and I know that in the midst of my busyness, I might have missed some of the early gifts from the earth. Now it is time for me to savor whatever daily treats I witness. To witness the garden evolve is certainly a treat that makes me smile from ear to ear, as I leave the Cottage and plan my hasty return. As summer gracefully dances in our midst, some blooms open as others begin their departing waltz. There is a fresh face to the pleasures this earth shares with us, unique to the seasonal moment. Unexpected buds, as well as blooms, have made my garden stroll much like a Christmas morning.Each fresh bud offers the promise of something beautiful. All blooms are not perfect, but unique to their own beauty and perfect for the moment at hand. This shell pink rose was tossed aside and all hope of it ever blooming was al but lost. I rescued it, loved it and it has continuously bloomed one bud at a time, faithfully for the past 4 years. Raindrops settle and linger on every petal, taking in the beauty up close and personal. How I wish I was in the midst of this rose. To savor the velvety feel of the petals, to sniff the gentle fragrance and wonder how anyone could have tossed this garden gem aside. When gifted with pleasures like this, one should be ever mindful of how we treat our earth daily. As the winter of 2016  ended, there were days when it was rather warm followed up with a period of colder temps. The Hydrangea was putting out the prettiest leaves as every gardener I know was working towards making certain that no buds were lost. Late season cold blasts can be detrimental for the Hydrangea…as well as the Gardener that loves them. Much to my delight, the pleasure of the prettiest conical blooms of the hydrangea can be seen throughout the grounds of The Cottage.To welcome the end of Spring with its diversity of buds and blooms, perfect or otherwise……is to welcome a new day, a new season and a special appreciation of the pleasures of the earth. Do you pause, enjoy and repeat in the gardens that are all around us?  I was once told that practice makes for near perfect situations.  I am approaching an Advanced Garden Pleasure Seeker status, as I practice this daily!

With Pleasure,

Teri, Cottage In the Court

Are You Considered An After Work Gardener?

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Monday through Friday, I am a dedicated AWG – After Work Gardener. If I don’t stop by a garden, a garden center, attend a Garden Club Meeting or walk on Our National Mall embracing the gardens, I rush home and become the…After Work Gardener. Don’t get me wrong. I dream, think and anticipate the joy of gardening 24/7/365. I look at reams of paper and I think..I can recycle that box in my garden. Newspaper….its my weed block. Six sheets thick, overlapping 3-4 inches, so no weed has a chance to emerge. When steaming veggies or in the shower, I think, “I can use this gray water for my plants.” It’s bad I tell you, bad. My co-workers ask me “can you use this for your seeds?”….before they recycle it.

When I get home, my neighbors find that I can garden in a dress and heels just as good as I can in my overalls and boots. I have no problem dressing up for a Happy Hour in my garden. It all has to do with the tools that one chooses to use. Everyone has a favorite tool or two. I have a few that are a part of my After Work Gardener arsenal. Old favorites and a new one that I just knew would not really be useful – however, I was seriously proved wrong!!

THE AWG TOOLKIT

Upon entering the garden, the first thing anyone needs is something to hold a liquid of one’s choice. I choose my favorite glass. It puts into perspective who is in charge at The Cottage In The Court.
I LOVE my TRAKE. A combination trowel and hand cultivator, I bought my first TRAKE about 15 years ago and used it anytime I went into the garden. I could use either end to plant small plants in the soil or cultivate the soil with a simple flip of the wrist. There a few measurements on the trowel part to help with determining depths. I have never regretted buying this tool. I have my original TRAKE purchased at Roxbury Mills in Fredericksburg, Va. and I still cherish it.I gifted my Dad with two TRAKE ‘S over the past few years. How he wore one out is beyond me. I guess passion for this earth runs through my veins…I just have to figure out how Daddy wore his TRAKE out!

Another tool I consider an old favorite is my shovel. Not just any shovel, but a shovel that is an asset in the garden. I am in love with my Earth Talon. I have the long-handled version of this awesome tool. The shape of this blade allows the user to pluck rocks out, slice the earth, slice tree roots like cake and makes digging any hole a bit easier. I have only great things about this shovel. It is the perfect shovel that enables me as a woman to get that hole dug in lickety split time without asking for help. This makes the work for an After Work Gardener so much easier.

A lot of my friends wear exercise tracking devices that look like they are on release from a penitentiary. I use the Bellabeat LEAF. Still a tracking device of sorts,  but it has options on how you wear it. As a wristlet, a necklace or clip onto your clothing, the Leaf is not just pretty. The Leaf is also functional as s stress tracker and you can tap into quick meditation sessions right from your cell. The Leaf has a 6-month battery and options for what type of bracelet or necklace you can interchange the leather wristband – I LOVE my LEAF. I can also look at my week’s activity level to see if I need to garden more or walk more. Depending on how it is programmed, a gentle buzz reminds me to move, I am too sedentary. A terrific tool to wear as you monitor your steps daily and especially in the garden.

The last tool in my After Work Gardener kit absolutely amazed me. I grew up with all types of odd things that my Dad ordered through the mail for the garden. I inherited this gene of experimentation honestly which is why I saw these and wondered if they would really work.I know, I am laughing myself but for light duty, quick gardening – THE CLAW GARDEN GLOVES WORK! I raked away mulch, dug holes without getting soil under my nails and planted 7 pots in record time…all after work! I could tamp down the soil and not worry about the mud…it was amazing!!! Sometimes there is so very little time to get out into the garden to tackle those simple tasks after work, with the alternative option of waiting til the weekend. With my arsenal of After Work Gardener tools, I make certain I have time to get outside and garden with a passion. What’s in your After Work Gardener arsenal?

DISCLAIMER – I have NOT been paid to endorse any of these tools. I speak from my use of them as often as possible, at The Cottage In The Court.

All America Selections…What’s Not to Love?

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I want to say Thank You to Mr. Ray Hastings, founder of All-America Selections. One of those visionaries in horticulture who realized a need and made it happen. What are All-America Selections?? Well, you just might be growing one or a few in your garden.

As President of the Southern Seedsmen’s Association, Ray Hastings determined that the best seeds with the brightest futures should be grown in test fields throughout the industry. These seed growing experiences would be considered trials and the best of the best would bear the honor of being considered an All-America Selections Winner. After the first seed was given this status in 1932, there have been AAS Winners every year since 1933.Three times a year, All-America Selections are announced – November, January, and July. With the help of Garden Communicators including magazines, nurserymen, garden clubs, Extension Agents, the National Garden Bureau, and Bloggers these selections are promoted.

The National Garden Bureau has been around since 1920 providing education, inspiration, and motivation to the general public.  The goal was and still is to increase awareness about the importance of gardening and using plants, whether it be at home or in the workplace.  If you visit the National Garden Bureau website you can find all sorts of information from what the new plants are, what this is the year of (this year, it is the daffodil), what grants they offer and so much more.  It definitely should be bookmarked on your computer.

I am honored to offer All-America Selection Seeds at the Stewards of Future Harvests Seed Swap, Watkins Nature Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.  The selections that were shared from the National Garden Bureau are absolutely wonderful.  Ranging from perennials like Penstemon Arabesque …

What a gorgeous bloom!!!

Dianthus “Jolt”

Dianthus always brings cheer to a subtle landscape…

and even an all-time favorite, Helianthus annuus Sunflower Suntastic  Yellow with Black Center…just to name a few.

Perfect dwarf yellow sunflower that flowers heavily…a need for any garden!

I bet you have either seen or grown an All American Selection Winner.  I wanted to say Thank You to National Garden Bureau and All-America Selections for supporting this seed swap with Winning Seeds for us to share and grow!!! I also want to say a huge THANK YOU to The Association of Garden Writers. If you communicate about gardening through teaching, photography, community efforts and more, I urge you to check out the website-   GWA  The camaraderie and opportunities to connect with other like-minded enthusiasts of this wonderful gardening community, is absolutely an experience not to be missed.

I hope to see you at the Stewards of Future Harvests Community Seed Swap. 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland.