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Hope Reflected In The Garden

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The Oakleaf Hydrangea offers the gardener hope whether we get bloom or simple autumnal leaf color.

Hope. These days it is always on my mind. The anticipation of positive outcomes has kept me silent for most of the year, as I hoped for the best. Hope for things like making sure my parents house sold. Making sure I found help in resurrecting my garden – Thank you Freddy. Finding and keeping a good home improvement resource – Thank you Candy. Hoping that my garden travels were affordable, educational and fun – Thank you GWA. Keeping an eye on my unreachable garden as the seasons changed and beauty was captured briefly as I rushed off to work, traveled and connected with the public to grow my business.

Pink Camellia’s embrace the corners of the Cottage…

In the midst of this…I kept hope on my mind. Things will calm down, come together and a certain level of peace will return. The beauty of this word sometimes catches me off guard. I woke up this morning, threw back my curtains and could not believe my eyes.

The Exbury Azalea is one of the Spring blooms I look forward to. However it is November…

The Exbury Azalea “Northern Lights” was the beacon of hope I needed today. This is a spring blooming species that blooms prior to the leaves showing up. It is November and the blooms are nestled amidst the leaves. When things like this happen I know that anything is possible. and this makes me smile.

I am embracing a mindful existence while gardening, as well as in the words I share. To slow down and be “present” in my joy of gardening is a gift. I reflect on my journey, lessons learned and the anticipation of future experiences. A little something I figured out – to have hope is to…

Have Optomistic Perspectives Eternally

Is there hope in your garden? Is there an unexpected pleasure in your garden? Are you present in your garden? Make time to embrace the beauty that surrounds you.

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Secret Garden Tour – Annapolis, Maryland

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The Secret Garden Tour began just beyond this banner. The Hammond Harwood House Staff handed out brochures and gave gentle direction to attendees.

Secret Garden Tours are always fabulous and fun. The 2018 Hammond Harwood House Secret Garden Tour was a welcome surprise. When tourist’s come to the Nation’s Capital, the first and sometimes last stop is the National Mall. If you garden and love history, Maryland has something to offer as well. The Secret Garden tour has made a believer out of me.

WHAT IS THE HAMMOND HARWOOD HOUSE?

Built in 1774, the Hammond Harwood House is an Anglo-Palladian home in Annapolis Maryland. Beautifully preserved and built for Mathias Hammond, the Hammond Harwood House is known for its 18th and 19th-century artifacts. Tours are offered that discuss everything from the structure’s history to the enslaved people to the paintings. This National Historic Landmark is open Wednesday through Monday, Noon to 5:00 pm. With a modest fee for the tours, the gardens remain free of charge.

WHY A SECRET GARDEN TOUR?

Homeowners refreshing their landscapes for a worthy cause.

The Secret Garden Tour raises money that goes towards more in-depth educational programming. On the Hammond Harwood House website , one can find the numerous programs that are offered. With support from great companies like Oehme, Van Sweden and What’s Up Magazine, as well as numerous individual donors, I can see how this is a great investment. When I saw the guidebook with a colorful, well laid out design I knew I was in for a treat. With advertisers like Homestead Gardens, Beechbrook Landscape Architecture, Bartlett Tree and Sandy Spring Bank (to name a few) this Secret Garden Tour was just what I needed on a gray Saturday afternoon. I was not disappointed.

WHERE DO I START?

Along the way, one could see the effect of being along the way for a Secret Garden Tour. Every nook and cranny had a spot of color.

There were 15 homes on the tour. Ranging from bungalows to estates in the historic part of Annapolis. Wandering through the private yards and sometimes through low hanging alleyways, each home had a Docent to answer any questions.

Ruth Clausen, Docent on The Secret Garden Tour was amazed I knew the REAL Ruth Rogers Clausen, noted Author and Fellow GWA member.

Some of the Docents shared aspects of the gardens that one might not consider.  Hidden in a quiet nook at the first garden, I discovered an Olive tree. All along the way, the Docents shared special aspects of each garden.

While on the journey of the Secret Garden tour, I also looked at other gardens. One must have open eyes to appreciate the horticultural jewels found in the gardens of Annapolis.

Each garden captured the Patriotic style and spirit of Annapolis gardens.

ALONG THE WAY

You could not ignore this horticultural eye candy as you walked down the street.

Like the Georgetown Garden Tour, the Secret Garden Tour route allowed the attendees to wander through intimate neighborhoods, ducking under low overhanging alleyways and paths narrow enough for one. The anticipation as delightful, as I sought out the floral cutouts defining the exact locations.

Each home on The Secret Garden Tour had a distinctive floral cutout with a number. Keeping track is important when the weather was less than perfect. 15 gardens, looming rain clouds and spotty drizzle, would not stop this die-hard gardener.

I peeked over white picket fences, looked beyond the narrow view and sought out Docents that beckoned me while dodging lite raindrops. I was not sure if I would make it to all of the Secret Garden Tour sites. Each site had eager Docents, willing to share the highlights of each intimate space. Marylander’s are quite friendly and I love a good conversation, but I was on a mission and had to press on.

A basic azalea border can be clean and beautiful. A easy way to prepare for Tour Day.
A colorful combination of Fuchsia, Begonia and Sunpatience. Mounted in dappled shade, by August this container will be quite voluptuous.
Even along the linear walkways, the Hydrangea’s soften the wall, the purple door draws your eye and beckons passersby’s to enter.
This Secret Garden shared a healthy mix of shrubs and perennials. Tastefully done and definitely a Secret Garden. You would not know this was back here…

Approaching the final house, I captured a rabbit posing on the driveway beckoning me to more Hydrangea bushes around the bend.

PARTING THOUGHTS…

Discovering the Secret Garden Tour as well as the Hammond Harwood House was such a treat. One of the deals in purchasing a ticket for the Secret Garden Tour was half price membership. I took advantage of this and look forward to exploring more of Annapolis, the gardens. the historic homes and the food.

This was the BEST burger EVER!! The staff was welcoming and allowed me to linger over the Lavender Fields of Kentucky

I paused at Dry 85. The tag line is Bourbon, Beer and Provisions. Not a beer lover, the Lavender Fields of Kentucky was divine. The burger was cooked to perfection and the special local seasoned fries were finger-licking good. So good, I will be back, even if there is no garden tour. I create a garden party wherever I go.

Next year, I will make room on my calendar to attend The Secret Garden Tour of Annapolis and seek out other authentic garden tours throughout the State. Oh those Maryland Gardens, will be my Garden Party battle cry. Some of the best, authentic local gardens I have seen so far in Maryland.

This is the herb garden and grilling area. This way the herbs are a mere few paces away for ease of cooking.

 

To find out more about events like the Secret Garden Tour click here: https://www.hammondharwoodhouse.org/

To find out more about growing Hydrangea’s click here: http://cottageitc.wpengine.com/allaboutthegardenife/success-with-hydrangeas/

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Lucinda’s Garden – Love On Earth

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Lucinda’s garden lingers in my mind even after The Garden Bloggers Fling has passed. It is imprinted in my heart after wandering through one early morning in May. The colors ever cheerful, the whimsical art and coveted pieces from Lucinda’s life journey.

Lucinda’s garden welcomed us with a smile…and made our departure bittersweet.

Lucinda’s garden persona can be found around every corner, peeking out from under eaves and cozy nooks. She has left her mark of love everywhere imaginable.

From the colorful pots to the statuary, carefully placed memories seen through the eyes of Lucinda were scattered throughout the garden.

Using bold colors reminiscent of her travels to Mexico, Lucinda Hutson created a memory. Paying homage to the people, the culture, and Tequila, Lucinda has authored several books. “Viva Tequila”, is the latest book written by Lucinda Hutson. Nationally known as a food, garden and lifestyle writer, as well as a colorful lecturer, Lucinda has gardened here for 40 years. She welcomed Garden Bloggers from around the country to see her creative use of space. What a perfect place to visit for the 10th Anniversary of The Garden Bloggers Fling. This Texican garden truly celebrated the diversity found in Austin Texas…and in its gardens!

This bench beckoned me to sit, pause and stay awhile as I smiled at the color popping before my very eyes. A visual breakfast of sorts!

Hesitant about color? Not Lucinda! Second-guessing what coordinates with what? Not in this garden! Having some of your peers do a bit of creative tile work to tie things altogether? You can find the work of her talented artisan friends here.

As we wrapped up our visit to this colorful oasis in Austin, this little garden room was perfectly situated. In front of the trickling fountain, many of the Garden Bloggers gasped in awe of the beauty surrounding them.

This is a place that leaves you shaken and stirred like a Drunken Sugar Plum Cocktail (pg. 168, Viva Tequila!). I remember the art, the plants, the tiles and the smiles. All of this, I mentally captured on a beautiful morning in Austin, Texas. I relished in this beautiful moment in Lucinda’s garden.

Starting our day in such a vibrant space, was truly a living alarm clock for the senses. This Garden Bloggers Fling gave me a lot of perspective on how other people garden. Whether on the East Coast, across the Pond, or the Southwest, gardening can be as unique as the gardener. Lucinda’s garden gave us permission to garden with total abandon.

It was here that I realized Lucinda’s garden had released my inner inhibitions to garden with passion and without fear. Afterall the garden should make you smile…

Do you garden with total abandon? Does your garden – whether formal or unique – leave you shaken and stirred?

To find out more about Lucinda Hudson, click here Lucinda. You just might learn a few things about cooking or the history of Tequila as well!

What is a Garden Bloggers Fling? Click to find out about The Garden Bloggers Fling2018.

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Book Review – The Budget-Wise Gardener

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The Budget-Wise Gardener by Kerry Ann Mendez is like having a best friend on the bookshelf!

“The Budget-Wise Gardener” With Hundreds Of Money Saving Buying & Design Tips for Planting the Best for Less by Kerry Ann Mendez is a mouthful – but worth having on your bookshelf.

Kerry Ann Mendez, I am asking, ‘Can we just be best friends?’ This book actually spells out how to have a beautiful garden on a budget. We can all use constructive tips to save money no matter if you are a professional or a homeowner with a big dream. When the official gardening season starts our ideas never seem to match up with our “in real life” budgets. The Budget-Wise Gardener teaches the reader how to have that dream garden without breaking the bank.

Starting in Chapter 1 – How to Score Great Plants For Less…or for Free, who would NOT want to find out how to do this???  The planting season can prove to be a costly proposition to some. Often we spring for the high dollar plant and try to patiently wait for a sale. Kerry Ann instructs the reader in the art of saving money and then breaks it down by plant class –  perennials, annuals, biennials, grasses, bulbs, trees and even shrubs. I am not going to give any of these tips away because, the money you will save is enough to buy this book. Kerry Ann’s tips are tested and proven, so there is a form a science in the at of Budget-Wise gardening.

Other chapters include “Plant Sources and Treasure Maps”, “Regal Containers on A Dollar Store Budget” and my favorite, “Design Secrets that Save Money and Time”. Why is this my favorite chapter??  I am busy working full-time, writing part-time and gardening part-time. I want my gardens to be self sustainable. The need for beautiful gardens all the time or as much as possible is real. I am a firm believer in Xeric landscaping and meadows. Kerry Ann discusses Xeric Gardens and The Right Size Meadow in the design chapter. For those that do not know, Xeric is a Greek word that means “dry”. Choosing the correct plants and considering natives can be the answer to seasonal beauty. Most native plants have the ability to withstand drought and less than perfect soil. The author also shares the secrets to the everlasting beauty in the gravel gardens at Chanticleer (mentioning Chanticleer is the quickest way to my heart!) Two categories of plants make this garden a perennial success – ‘re-seeders’ and ‘plants that stay in place’. Who knew that this was one of the secrets to a budget-wise garden?

The Right Size Meadow garden  – how can the average homeowner achieve a meadow like effect that is voluptuous in bloom??  Following the tried and true tips on page 128, you will be the talk of the neighborhood. Your neighbors will want to know what kind of budget it will take for them to create their dream garden. With a sustainable garden on a budget you can sit back and smile or take a walk to say ‘Hi Neighbor’ while they are weeding away.

Kerry Ann, seriously, ‘Can we just be friends?’  Suggesting creative planters and options for plant combinations to show off your budget-wise savvy is so smart. Offering criteria for planter success and end of season storage is the perfect way to end this book.

If you are looking for an easy to read, information over loaded book that will make you the envy of your neighborhood – this is the book for you!

St. Lynne’s Press you have done it again by publishing such an awesome book for gardeners of all levels.

 

 

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Perspectives – Healing Gardens

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The Schneider Healing Garden. Photo courtesy of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. What a serene and peaceful design.

Healing Gardens are the topic of a terrific article in Landscape Architecture Magazine. Mind, Soul, Design focuses on the concept of designing gardens for healing. Virginia Burt, FASLA was seeking more depth and meaning to this topic.  Landscaping that incorporated functionality to help healthy human interaction was something that captured her attention. Healing gardens aid us in the processing of the less than palatable things in life. A garden designed with purpose can certainly help heal what derails our joy.  Already working with this mindset, Virginia’s design work is considered to have a sort of “emotional intelligence”.

Virginia Burt’s work has been celebrated  by receiving numerous awards such as the 2017 National Award of Excellence by the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, 2017 Honor Award by the Ohio Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects, the 2017 Presidents Award by the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects and the 2017 Acanthus Award by the Chicago-Midwest and Ohio Lake Erie Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, to name a few.

Paying attention to the finer points of how our gardens affect us has allowed Virginia to successfully create healing gardens. While all gardens are healing gardens, she has and continues to practice and support the research which embraces this theory.  The concept of functionality in the garden is key. All parts must work or it is just a pretty design, without purpose. Even when the plants are decided for a design, Virginia has been known to be a zone pusher. Making sure that any plant chosen can not just survive, but will thrive in less than suitable conditions.

I love Virginia’s concept that nonfunctional beauty in the garden, is just good. The real beauty of the garden is discovered when it has a proven function. Virginia Burt understands the importance of how gardens should be designed to include not just people, but art and nature as well. I hope to possibly visit some of the gardens designed by Virginia Burt in the future. To find out more about the work of Virginia Burt, click here.

Looking forward to discovering more women in Landscape, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, and Design as I celebrate Women’s History Month!

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