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Life Imitates the Garden – Cheer Up Mrs. Obama

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Life imitates the garden in so many ways. There are ups and downs, good seasons and bad. No matter what happens, we can find solace in the garden.

Dear Mrs. Obama,

Congratulations on your new podcast journey. It always helps to have a friend to talk things through, no matter the topic. I too have found my voice in podcasting. The joy it adds to life is amazing. I wish you much success n what could be considered a perennial journey.

I have listened to a few people who have expressed concern about your admission of feeling a little low and perhaps a tad depressed. Join the Club. Many of us feel the same way. Would many people actually admit it in public or to strangers? Probably not. It is sometimes easier to walk past our life weeds and act as if they do not exist.

LIFE – FLOW IN THE GARDEN

Life springs forth offering promises of floral bliss.

Spring brings thoughts of bulbs bursting through the soil, buds swelling on branches, and a fresh perspective after nesting season. Just as things are filling our minds with thoughts of the next, a hard freeze comes along. That is when we worry. Will the buds be damaged? Some wonder if the daffodils still open. Will the hydrangeas survive this last gasp of winter? Most plants will survive as they are strong. Other plants will suffer damage, yet this is a reality of the garden. Life in the garden comes with a lot of faith, a well as hope.

The anticipation of Mother’s day shopping for the unusual annual or specialty plant is a ritual. Adding new annuals and tropical plants to excite the gardener is a familiar practice nationwide. This year in my Zone 6b garden, I was not sure when it was safe to plant. The ground was too cold or too wet. The evening temperatures were a bit colder than normal. Some of us lost plants that typically would have been okay, as they were planted at the proper time…or so we thought. In the midst of unintentional pausing, we needed the joy of the garden. A pandemic threatened to interrupt the flow of the garden.

As our gardens peak, it signals us that the time has come o enjoy it as we entertain, pause, and simply let it be beautiful.

LIFE AS THE GARDEN PEAKS

Summer has now arrived in our gardens. If we have planted the right plants, it is overflowing with bodacious beauty. However, if we planted the right plant in the wrong place, we are experiencing gaps, plant failures, and disappointment. I am sure that many of us thought we would be able to vacation, enjoy gatherings with friends, and enjoy life as usual. With this new reality, we are experiencing, life as we knew it has certainly changed. In ways that were once unimaginable, our beautiful life garden has major weeds. These weeds are dragging our spirits into the muck and mire. This sobering reality has left many of us dragging our hopes and dreams to the compost bin. However, it is a known fact, Gardeners do not give up on our gardens.

Reading during this time of unintentional pausing gave me encouragement. If seeds are sown correctly, they will grow. The fruit harvested is worth the labor of planting. There are also some less than positive seeds. It is up to us to choose which seeds we sow.

SEASONAL TRANSITIONS IN LIFE

I want to invite you to read a book, American Grown The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America, by Michelle Obama. On page 165 there is a sentence. Allow me to share…

“Those first seeds we planted in our garden helped start a conversation that grew into a nationwide movement as people across this country united to address childhood obesity. And together, with determination and creativity, we have begun building the foundation for a healthier generation and a healthier nation.“

What we are going through might not be obesity, but the words apply to what has deposited into our life garden. You helped build the foundation. The seeds that were planted are the young people who showed up for the cause. Your words and positive imagery is the soil of the foundation. Soil enriched and fertilized with love, hope, and faith. It is the existing foundation for the new type of garden. A garden that is quite diverse. Although every garden has a weed or two.

Phytolacca americana, commonly known as pokeweed often invades the garden.

POKEWEED IN OUR LIFE GARDEN

Pokeweed is good at subtly growing amidst other plants in the garden. The garden might look lush and simply gorgeous. All of a sudden, the gardener realizes that it isn’t new growth next to the plant, but pokeweed. Rising from a dropped seed or roots left in the soil. This plant pops up beside almost anything, anywhere…imitating something we planted on purpose.

When gardeners realize that pokeweed leaves are a bit different and the growth a bit out of order, we take action. Do we snap it off at the top, only to allow the root to remain and resurface? Do we chemically treat it and hope we don’t kill other surrounding plants? Or do we dig deeply, aiming to eradicate as much root as possible?

As an avid gardener, I dig deeply – even though disturbing the soil just might bring up more weed seeds. Disrupting the soil to allow all the negative seedlings to expose themselves, reveals what is under the surface. The foundation of my garden should harbor seeds of positivity, beauty, and should provide joy. I can address what lies beneath the soil if I can see it and alleviate aggressive weeds before they grow deeper roots.

Yes…it makes me mad and downright sad to see the Pokeweed pop up here and there. Some days the weeds are overwhelming. Just when I think I have finished weeding my garden, I stand, gazing and admiring the beauty before me. Beside the hydrangea, standing, almost hiding behind a bloom, I see it. If I allow it to stay, drop its poisonous seeds, sink its roots, and become a bigger problem, it will continue to invade my garden. Pokeweed is not welcome in my garden.

Others find it beneficial, even attractive for wildlife. All parts of the Pokeweed plant are toxic. It is a source of food for wildlife, so it does serve a purpose. Perhaps in a meadow, but not in my pleasure garden. My garden consists of plants that bring me joy!

LIFE…EVER EVOLVING – LIKE THE GARDEN

Like the gardens at Chanticleer, our gardens are ever evolving.

Dear Mrs. Obama, I understand feeling low. It is all a part of life. Just like the garden, we have disappointments and sadness. We cannot allow the pokeweed in our midst to overrun and destroy our life garden. Can we do anything abut the seeds we cannot see? No. We can help uplift the seeds that have grown into strong, vocal plants in or current life landscape.

Sorry this was so long, but I just wanted you to know we are all emotionally at our wits end, but Fall is on our doorstep. I noticed this morning leaves dropping from the trees. Signals of change are in the air, in the garden and in the foundation of our life gardens. We are here to witness this garden of life change, as a new season is beginning.

From one gardener to another, when this world moves too fast, go into the garden. Perhaps go into the garden with friends. The garden is there for us…let’s embrace its imperfections. Let’s enjoy its diversity, fertilize it with self-care, and water it with love. It will need us in the next season. I have a sense, we will be quite busy.

Off to enjoy the garden with friends,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Abernethy and Spencer – A Local Horticultural Jewel

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Abernethy & Spencer is the oldest Greenhouse in the Mid-Atlantic.

On a long winding road with such breathtaking scenery, Peggy Riccio and I found a Jewel in the Crown of Loudon County Virginia. Exploring almost anything that has to do with horticulture – from gardens to plants – offers us the opportunity to dig deep into the Mid-Atlantic region. Abernethy & Spencer was the best-unexpected treasure of this year.

SURVIVAL AND REVIVAL

Variegated Bleeding Heart Vine was simply stunning as I entered the huge greenhouse. I knew that I was in for a treat!

110 years of continually bringing horticultural bliss to the Mid-Atlantic is something that David Lohmann of Abernethy & Spencer can be quite proud of. Ask any local, David knows what grows in Western Loudon County, as well as the contents of the five acres of plants, trees, and shrubs ifound at Abernethy & Spenceer.

In 2016, a snowstorm threatened to interfere with Spring at Abernethy & Spencer. A cracking sound could be heard in Springdale. It was a sound that totally caught David by surprise. Upon realizing that the sound came from his nursery, inspecting the damage was quite the shock. The largest greenhouse on the property had collapsed under the weight of the snow. The beauty in the midst of disaster – none of the Historic Greenhouses were damaged. This is how our ancestors let us know they are there for us.

The other Blessing was in the way the community pitched in to help save anything they could from further ruin. Rebuilding took place and the nursery opened that year on March 1. When you are a perennial asset to the community and tragedy happens, the community becomes the fertilizer to aid in rejuvenating growth. Spring flowers, trees and shrubs were once again available for gardeners near and far.

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Ixora “Nora Grant” was quite the vision as strolled in the greenhouse.

Abernethy & Spencer has been Organic for 15 years. Knowing that Virginia has rather strict rules on what can and cannot be considered Organic, this speaks volumes to me personally. I did not have to worry about chemicals that could harm me. I had plans for the scented geraniums and herbs I purchased.

Nine hundred. Yes nine hundred varieties of perennials grown on the premises. This is in addition to over two hundred varieties of shrubs and one hundred varieties of trees. This is NOT your big box store!

Customers can currently find seven Macaws and Cockatoo’s on the premises. They are quite talkative and I am certain their chatter keeps the friendly staff entertained when they pause. There are also six dogs that are onsite to welcome anyone they might see. Did you know that Abernethy & Spencer rescues animals? As a plant and animal lover, this speaks to the love of nature which the owners and staff clearly share.

I love this tropical number commonly called “Popcorn plant”. Senna didymobotrya is a fun conversation plant…but not for eating!

The new greenhouse is quite cognizant of the impact on the environment. It will generally will reduce water usage by at least 60 percent , electricity by at least 50% and heating costs by minimally 40%. Once again, this says a lot about the dedication to being in touch with setting one of the best examples of environmental stewardship.

TROPICAL BLISS IN VIRGINIA

The Brugmansia selection was quite amazing.

I am so glad that there were no horse flies in this gorgeous garden center of my desire. It was quite hard to keep my mouth closed as I witnessed horticultural bliss unfolding with every step I took. I become quite happy when visiting a garden, garden center, or meeting someone who understands this gardeners needs is something I enjoy. Every time I turned around, I saw a “need”. So maybe it wasn’t a real need, but a desire. There is not much difference in my book when it comes to gardening. I can honestly say, Abernethy & Spencer made me feel quite at home.

There was one tropical pant that really caught my eye.

Calotropis gigantea or Giant Milkweed simply took my breath away!
The velvety foliage and elegant stature made my heart flutter. Glad I could provide it a home.

Abernethy & Spencer…Thank you for being a dependable resource on a hot day in Virginia.

Dreaming of Vitex and my next visit. Yes they have Vitex (I checked!)!

Teri, Cottage In The Court

To find out more about this Virginia jewel, click here

To discover what else there is to do in Loudon County, click here

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Contemplating “C” In My Garden

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Contemplating positivity in the letter “C” has been challenging this season. Although considering how it connects me to my garden, I see that it brings me joy!

The art of contemplating anything is an act of consideration. A few ways that Merriam Webster defines the word contemplate, definitely applies to the garden. Particularly when the first definition is… to view or consider with continued attention..or to meditate on. As we practice unintentionally pausing, I have meditated on a few things, for sure. Contemplating the letter C” was just the beginning. I began to consider exploring how “C” connected my garden.

EXPLORING “C”

As we paused this Spring, I began to abhor the letter “C”. Contemplating the thought of hearing anything that began with “C” for who knows how long was worrisome. I had to reassess my thought processes. Was there a way to find the beauty in this third letter of the alphabet? I began to explore the positive attributes of “C” as it pertained to the garden. I found a way to share a little street cred to the letter “C”.

PERENNIALLY “C”

Coneflower instantly came to mind as I contemplated the letter “C”.

Mulling over just a few of the perennials I could find in my garden that started with “C” was amazing. Changing my thoughts on “C” has broadened my perspective on this letter. It does not matter if it is the botanical name or the common name. Plants starting with the letter “C ” in my garden bring me joy. Coneflower, Catmint, Candytuft, Chrysanthemum, and Calendula all add joy to my garden. Clematis, Canterbury Bells, Cleome, and Cosmos all rise to salute the letter “C”.

Candytuft, also known as Iberis Sempervirens is a Springtime pleasure of the sunny border.

Let’s not forget the trees and shrubs like Cornus Mas, Camellia, Chaste Tree, or Cotoneaster. For those semi shady areas we often contemplate adding Coleus, Coral Bells, Columbine, or Cardinal Flower.

Vitex or Chaste tree is a terrific alternative to the butterfly bush. This tree invites life into any sunny garden.

“C” – ENHANCING IT’S REPUTATION

Cringing when I hear anything starting with “C” no longer happens. Going into my garden has made this act disappear. The reputation of this alphabetic third child (like myself), is not a cheerful one. Rethinking ways to embrace “C” was easy when in my garden. There is a sense of contentment with not always working in my garden. Enjoying the imperfect garden is perfect right now. This unexpected opportunity of time to simply be in the garden. The chance to consider the needs of my garden in a timely manner. Sometimes I find myself calculating how much a fence will cost? The joy of seeing Precious run aimlessly in her backyard is wishful thinking. In my mind, I am creating more garden rooms. Giving “C” some credit is actually lifting my spirits. The possibilities of adding more plants with “C” to my garden cheers me up!

Contemplating cool coleus…an option for the shady border.

How are you doing as we cautiously contemplate the future? Do you spend time contemplating upsizing or downsizing your garden as we pause? Are you or have you created beautiful vignettes in your garden? Can you find plants starting with “C” in your garden?

Consciously planting more of the letter “C” in my garden.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Mourning and Celebrating Life In The Garden

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Mourning the loss of a family member or friend is always hard. You never want to forget them…

Mourning is defined by Merriam-Webster as the act of sorrowing. An outward sign of grief for a person’s death. We know that nothing is forever, but when our lives are touched by this thing called mourning, the garden can become the healer. Life is temporary. Like seasons in the garden, mourning happens as the season’s change. In order to survive, we learn to adapt as well as adjust to the new normal. Yet, in the same garden where we mourn a loss, we can also find emotional healing.

Losing family is hard. This is one thing I have realized. As I get older the reality of life, as well as its brevity, is real. My brother-in-law, Michael Hollis, has joined our ancestors. My sister did not expect this turn of events on the last Sunday in April. As a way to comfort her, in the midst of her grief and mourning, I suggested that she go into the garden.

The garden is a healer. Peace, calm, as well as the aura of reflection, remembering can be found in the garden. Flowers often reflect emotions of the day, the moment, and most often of life in general. As I thought about Mike, several things came to mind.

Initially, I was going to share what flowers I would use in a bouquet of mourning. However, as I realized Mike would no longer be present on this earth, his spirit can live on in flowers. Allow me to share what I would include in my perennial garden to celebrate my brother-in-law, affectionately called Mike.

DEFINING MIKE IN FLOWERS

The perfect flower when mourning is the Forget-Me-Not.

Myosotis would be a necessity. Without encouragement, it would be allowed to bloom and spread just like Mike’s love for family. Myosotis is commonly known as Forget-Me-Not. A reliable biennial that quietly shows up along the way. That was Mike. Mike would quietly saunter into the room, observe his surroundings, and offer to pitch in as necessary. As he greeted everyone, you knew the jokes were about to start and laughter would fill the room. Mike loved everyone and particularly his family – Candy, Michael Jr., and Kia. His love and his personality is one that we will NOT forget.

Iberis Sempervirens does not require a lot of attention in the garden. A snip after blooming…and sometimes no need at all.

Iberis Sempervirens would also be a part of this garden. Commonly known as Candytuft, Mike did not require a lot of fanfare. We always knew he was there, quietly making sure my sister was loved and cared for. Iberis does not need a lot of attention. Planted in the proper soil and a little sun, this perennial proves to be reliable each and every year.

Kniphofia, also known as Red Hot Poker – Mike was all that and more when it came to being the life of the party!

Kniphofia is always the life of the garden party. I remember Mike dancing at the parties we attended at the University of Maryland. Standing out on the dancefloor, swerving to the beat, he was so full of life as his Fraternity brothers, Phi Beta Sigma, embraced his antics. Kniphofia is the life of the summer garden. Making a long blooming statement from top to bottom, the common name is Red hot poker. One could say Mike will be an eternal bloom in our familial garden.

Mike’s passion as a Corrections Officer was sure to be a career choice for all…at least in his world.

Epimedium leaves spread slowly filling empty space in the garden. At family gatherings, Mike would start up a conversation about his experiences as a Corrections Officer. His jokes and sometimes tales to share how Blessed he was, would fill the after-dinner silence. Mike shared bizarre tales that were hilarious and sometimes quite sad.

I remember after divorce, I pondered how to make ends as a single Mom. Mike recommended I apply for a job in his field. I got as far as receiving the application, as I knew that was not for me. I am willing to bet, had I pursued it, Mike would have been there to encourage me.

Anyone who would listen to Mike’s advice was encouraged to be a Corrections Officer. The leaves of the commonly known plant called Barrenwort covers the good and the bad in the semi-shade garden. Mike was our Epimedium.

MOURNING

Gonna miss you, Mike. As I mourn your presence in our lives, we are better for knowing you. The garden will be a healer for my sister in the midst of deep sadness. Gardens are the perfect place to mourn as well as a place to reflect all the memories left behind.

Mike taking a few moments enjoying the garden my sister created for them to enjoy.

Remembering Mike, in my own special way….

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Feelings…Embracing Nature In Difficult Times

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Feelings of joy warm my soul whenever I am in the garden.

Feelings are usually triggered in reaction to an external event. Emotions and feelings are two different reactions to certain situations. If we look around us, feelings of sadness are everywhere. The current worldwide situation has many of us, wrapped up in our suppressed emotions. Social distancing to save our lives is important. The act of wandering in the garden is the best place to reconnect with your inner thoughts and emotions.

Touching a nearly finished bloom from one of my Dad’s Hellebores, conjure up memories.

The rain from today lingers on the leaves and plants throughout my garden. I always glance at this Hellebore, as I leave to walk Precious. Dad was elated to have a Hellebore in his garden. I remember watching him carry it about and finding just the right spot. We planted it together, digging the quarter size hole for the dime-size plant. That was one of his favorite sayings as he chuckled. His face shared feelings of love for his garden and me as well.

This Iris, one of the first to open made me smile.

It is almost as if this Iris is wearing her feelings on her petals. Tearful images of a fleeting bloom. A gorgeous bloom, silky to the touch, standing tall amidst the existing unfurling buds. This particular bloom will be mush by morning. More blooms will be open in the morning. Right now, this Iris represents a beautifully elegant bloom.

The sweet smell of seasonal bliss wafts through the air. Feelings of comfort, peace, and wellbeing come to mind.

Winter Honeysuckle is a scent I seek out in the spring. Never tiring of the scent, it reminds me of my grandmother’s hugs. The scent filled the air as she hugged us close to her bosom. A grandmother’s touching, hugging, and showing love is simply wonderful! Scent can often trigger all types of emotions – good and bad.

What we are experiencing has some people shocked. A feeling of dismay is felt throughout society. Being numb is a symptom of a depressed society. We are an emotional society, and a loving one as well. I love my grandsons. Thoughts of hugging my grandsons, cross my mind daily. I would love to pinch the cheeks of my oldest daughter or simply cuddle with my youngest daughter. Right now, it is important for us to practice safe distancing, just to stay alive. In my mind, Morris Albert sings “Feelings”. I can feel the “teardrops rolling down my face”…

The term “social distancing” prohibits us from feeling the hug of a friend, a parent, or even a grandmother. It does not prohibit us from going into nature. Nature is there for us and if we embrace it, the emotions will flow. Emotional health and wellbeing can be affected by embracing nature. It only takes two minutes a day for nature to lift your spirits and shake up some positive endorphins.

Staying in touch with your feelings by going into nature is easy. In your own backyard, engage with nature. Go into nature to touch a leaf, hug a tree, or smell a rose. As we practice social distancing, we need to stay in touch with our emotions. Nature is here to help us stay in touch with our feelings.

In two minutes the simple act of smelling a rose can positively affect our state of mind.

Embracing nature and staying in touch with my feelings…are you?

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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