Welcome to Cottage in the Court
As I sit here at the crack of daylight, the opportunity to share was one I could not pass by. Are you embracing the beauty that surrounds you? Ar ed you practicing being nice? Do you allow poetry to influence your mindset?
As you pause this morning, I invite you to listen as I reflect on moments that positively made me smile.
Enjoy!
Teri, Cottage In The Court
https://anchor.fm/cottageinthecourt/episodes/May-Morning-e42to5
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Tropical plants are not usually on my brain in January. The Cottage is in zone 6b. The ability to grow tropical plants is utterly impossible. If you have an indoor garden room, tropical plants are a bonus in the midst of winter. At this time of the year checking for heaving plants is the task at hand. This year, a fellow GardenComm member Sylvia Gordon encouraged me to come down to TPIE in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I know quite a few snowbirds who leave the cold at Christmas for tropical plants and warmer climates. I never felt the need to miss the seasonal weather surprises. As the snow fell in my garden, I could not get to the airport soon enough. Oh, what a journey this was!
TROPICAL PLANTS IN THE LANDSCAPE
Sylvia Gordon took us to handpicked properties showcasing tropical plants used in Florida landscapes.
We started with the more formal landscapes.
A beautiful Chalice vine graced the area above the garage. This is a tropical plant I wish I could grow in Maryland.
We visited properties that were not historic, but simply elegant.
We also visited landscapes with unique touches…
This was a perfect day coordinated by two stellar ladies.
With my partners in crime in tow, it was a beautiful experience and this was just day 1!
CAPTURED GLIMPSES OF TROPICAL BLISS…
Here are a few more pictures of how beautiful the tropical plants made a typical January day beautiful.
Sylvia Gordon checked in with each of us as we made our way to the final garden for the day – Patch of Heaven.
Reliving my tropical adventure in January,
Teri, Cottage In The Court
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Mulched beds are a sign of this Gardeners autumnal toil,
Protecting plants that are dormant beneath the soil.
A familiar glimpse of foliage pokes through here and there,
New growth, a glistening red stretching up, reaching for air.
Hydrangea, peonies, daffodils and crocus,
Spring bulbs awaken and this Gardener cannot focus.
Oh how I adore my garden…
Overwintered plants in pots not yet planted,
Foliage bronzed by wind and branches not broken, just slanted.
Carefully I remove lingering leaves that have drifted,
Savoring the beauty of the winter garden, so generously gifted.
Oh how I adore my garden…
Some fragrant, all beautiful with an abundance of bloom,
Eager to grow more plants, filling each garden room.
Oh how I adore my garden…
Discovering new plants needing shade to sun,
Off to the garden center I run.
Oh how I adore my garden…
By autumn most sensible gardeners are tired and done,
Not me ! A new season of beauty has just begun.
Gathering and creating compost from freshly fallen leaves,
Laying a light covering while on my hands and knees.
Oh how I adore my garden…
My perfectly imperfect garden matures along with me,
As we dance the gardeners dance, kneeling and stooping happily.
Oh how I adore my garden, as my garden represents me!
From the Garden In My Mind,
Teri, Cottage In The Court
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NCAGC stands for the National Capitol Area Garden Clubs. A Federated Garden Club with some of the most interesting people I have met.
As a member of the Capitol Hill Garden Club – District I, the opportunities are exceptionally exciting. Under the Leadership of President Edwin Peterman, Capitol Hill Garden Club continues to be a welcoming and growing Garden Club. I am proud to be a member and glad to represent CHGC on this journey.
The President of NCAGC is Robin Hammer and I can’t tell you how enthusiastic she is about NCAGC. Starting today, we are embarking on a 4 day trip to the Newport Rhode Island Flower Show. Four days with like minded NCAGC members and guests, interested in exploring Newport Mansions and Flowers, of course.
Our Presidents Trip Tour Directress is Ronnie Levay.
Ronnie chose Haymarket Bus Lines to get us to Newport safely in cool and comfortable conditions.
Clinton, our driver, checked his GPS to make certain we are on the best possible route.
SENIOR TRAVEL
Senior travel definitely has a more relaxing feel. Everyone is simply kicking back and enjoying the ride. We are talking to each other and few are performing the “cellphone prayer” position. Hearing words has never been so good! We are engaging with each other or reading real books. One NCAGC member even brought along assorted magazines to share. Thinking and sharing as a collective group is wonderful!
One of the NCAGC members even took over the microphone to inform and assist everyone on how to connect to the Haymarket bus WIFI. Anyone having difficulty, she happily walked down the aisle to assist. Did I mention our group consists of Senior men and women? The camaraderie demonstrated within this group is amazing. From sharing stretching techniques at rest stops, crying at the movie “Parental Guidance” to simply starting good conversation – NCAGC continues to be the perfect bloom in my life garden.
Why even old friends have come along for 4 days of exploring Newport Mansions with the NCAGC.
I had to dig up my travel buddy,Mary Alice O’Halloran to enjoy this excursion, perhaps to meet other Seniors or just to enjoy the experience.
BUS VS. PLANE?
Why take a bustrip? The opportunity to meet other people who are interested in flowers and gardening for the pleasure of it. There is time to chit chat, share garden stories, time to take naps. and no baggage check. In a less than perfect world, the pleasure of escaping into floral bliss with the NCAGC is certainly the break I needed.
WISE WORDS
As Blaise Pascal once said “In difficult times, one should always carry something beautiful in your mind”.
This bus, filled with Senior and a few Potential Senior NCAGC members and guests are in the mood to embrace the beauty that will surround us. Follow our journey over the next few days as we enjoy our Presidents Trip to the Newport Rhode Island Flower Show.
GARDEN EXPERIENCES WITH COTTAGE IN THE COURT
Stay tuned for small group Garden Experiences curated by Cottage In The Court. If you desire a “garden experience” instead of a garden trip, wait til you see what surprises are in store. A Girlfriend’s Day Out, Horticultural Bridal Showers, Small Group Garden Chats, a simple Garden Club Travel Guide to discovering all things beautiful, there is something about the garden for everyone.
Stay tuned and consider a Garden Experience with Cottage In The Court.
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