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National Public Gardens – Thank You

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National Public Gardens Week as we practice social distancing is more important this year than ever!

Did you know that National Public Gardens Week started May 8th and will end May 17th?? Although this is the week designated to celebrate our Public Gardens nationwide, we can celebrate this week as long as we want!

PURPOSE IN THE MIDST OF THE MADNESS

Right now, many of us are longing to stroll in the Public Gardens that are familiar to us. Due to the ongoing health crisis, many have shuttered their doors and locked their gates. This is for the safety of the general public…it does not mean that they are closed. You see, man cannot shutdown beauty! The garden draws us in. Creative methods encourage participation from afar, not distancing us from engaging with nature.

Many of the National Public Gardens have found a way to share. They are sharing to keep us sane. During this time of unintentional pausing, our National Public Gardens continue to show us how important they are.

Tired of looking at your four walls? Your garden needs a lift, but you have no idea of what plant will tickle your fancy? Haven’t a clue about what is blooming outside of your own back forty? Need some inspiration? Log on and check out how some of the National Public Gardens share craft ideas, coloring book pages, lectures, and more!

ADVENTURES WITHOUT LUGGAGE

National Public Gardens take us away. Sometimes it is to visit local greenspaces, while some gardens might not be so local. Imagine attending a walking tour at Bellevue Botanical Gardens. You could revisit as many times as you want and watch a new season evolve…all without a security check. This is called an armchair adventure.

Did you know you could follow the Madison Square Park Conservancy in New York via Instagram? They have a Summer Global Arts display that is quite intriguing. You can even ask questions, which they are more than happy to answer.

Calling all Snow Birds!! Not able to escape to Florida this year?? No worries!! Naples Botanical Garden wants to connect with you!! They miss you! Click here to see all the fun they have lined up – sunscreen not required!

American Public Gardens has a listing that will keep you entertained all yearlong even after we can move about freely!!

DREAMING OF BEAUTY…LOCALLY

One local National Public Garden is the United States Botanic Gardens. One of my favorite National Public Gardens in my own neck of the woods. I could hide out here all year long.

Did you know the Smithsonian Gardens include 12 unique gardens to explore and enjoy?? If you follow me on Instagram (@cottageincourt), I stalk the United States Botanic Gardens. There is always something to catch my eye, which is visible from the street.

Some days, no matter how bad I try to rush home, the gardens call my name. To be honest, it is the perfect place to restore my mind, refurbish my soul, and reset my disposition after a long day in the office. I am so thankful for all of our National Public Gardens as they lift our spirits, creating opportunities to escape from the madness, and for inspiring each of us to be better gardeners.

If you want to learn more about the Smithsonian Gardens, I highly recommend a wonderfully written book. A Guide to Smithsonian Gardens by Carole Ottesen. Exploring the Smithsonian from the outside adds value to visiting the museums. L’Enfant’s design and plan for Washington D.C. were to include monumental buildings with beautiful gardens. As we know the buildings are exquisite. However, the gardens were slowly created over time, due to funding. Most of the gardens flank the National Mall.

Andrew Jackson Downing, a landscape designer, did not embrace the thought process of Mr. L’enfant’s initial plan. Mr. Downing, instead, designed four public garden rooms, which would resemble a living tree and shrub museum.

This plan was shelved as the Civil War took precedence, over all things beautiful. There were other ideas that slowly became a reality as more museums were built, with some including unique gardens.

CONSTITUTION GARDENS…EVER CLOSE TO MY HEART

With support from public and private donations, Constitution Gardens will be the perfect place to gather.

Constitution Gardens is one garden that never became a reality. Thanks to the efforts of the Trust for the National Mall, one day this will be not just a beautiful garden. With not just a garden, but planned concessions stands, a restaurant, and more, Constitution Gardens will also be a place to gather. Redesigned and embracing sustainability, Constitution Gardens needs to be a part of the dream fulfilled. To find out how to support this effort click here

THANK YOU

National Public Gardens can be found right at your fingertips.

My hope is that no matter where you are, a visit to a National Public Garden is in your future. Right now, most can be found right at your fingertips. Many are offering mini visits, little known backstories, discounts on membership, as well as presenting information on what to expect when a visit is possible. Should you visit a National Public Garden, make sure to say Thank You for inspiring, educating, and being!

Waiting to visit National Public Gardens later this year…

Dreaming of re-entry to the gardens at the United States Botanic Gardens…

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Seed Sowing Season

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Seed sowing is this Gardener’s Winter Olympics.
This is becoming a National trend.
Got seeds?
Seed sowing season begins right after the new year. I noticed when the wrapping paper goes on sale, the seed stands take their place. For the past 10 + years, Washington Gardener Magazine has hosted the Annual Seed Swap in the Mid Atlantic. A popular pre-Spring ritual, this event has brought wonderful speakers, cultivated conversations and grown a seed sowing community. Seed sowing season has become a National event…imagine that!!

So many seeds, so little time to help them grow into beautiful plants.

THE BIG EVENT

There are two WG Seed Swaps offered for the general public. One located in Maryland and one in Virginia. For a small fee, a lite-snack and a tote bag of goodies, the day goes by quickly. When there are captivating speakers, more questions come to mind. It is an exciting Saturday at the beginning of Seed Sowing Season.

This year, I attended the second Seed Swap held at Greenspring Gardens. Greenspring is located in Alexandria, Virginia.  On the National Historic Register, Greenspring has a beautiful 18th century Plantation house surrounded by breathtaking gardens. It is the perfect setting for any type of horticultural event…or anything special. The Annual Seed Swap is THE Special event of the season.

Marianne Wilburn offering tips to help us be better organized as we consider sowing seeds.

Marianne Wilburn, garden columnist, Blogger, and author – BIG DREAMS, SMALL GARDEN was the first speaker. Mariann shared terrific tips on how to effectively organize our seeds. Having a planting plan is a great idea so that you can start the right seeds at the right time. Knowing what seeds can be sown together or not is also a big help. Labeling seeds and storing them properly is a task that many of us forget. Having an organized method of keeping track of your seeds, makes seed sowing fun. I know I will use some of  Marianne’s tips to gather, organize and sow seeds of success. To find out more about Marianne, click here Small Town Gardener.

Debby Ward, Prior Unity Garden was a ball of energy and hard to clearly capture while taking notes.

Debby Ward, Professional Organic Grower, Founder, Prior Unity Garden. She has sown and grown in Fairfax, Virginia for many years. This woman is an Organic Powerhouse of information. There is more to know what to sow than just going to the store and deciding on a packet of seeds. Debby sowed seeds of wisdom one might not initially consider. It is important to know if they grow seed to sell or do they use small farms to grow for them. Do they belong to professional organizations? What is their mission statement say? This talk had me going back into my seed stash to see who I consider my go-to resources.

As Prior Unity Garden has evolved as a resource for all things Organic locally for the last 10 years. Debby is currently providing online courses in addition to one on one garden coaching. I was happy to find out that one of her favorite seed companies is also one of mine – Renee’s Seeds. To find out more about Debby Ward, click Prior Unity

Kathy Jentz giving instruction on how this event works so all attendees have the chance to get seeds.

After the information filled talks, the Seed Swap began. Tables upon tables of shared seeds were available for the attendees to take. In front of an eager audience, Kathy Jentz, Owner – Washington Gardener Magazine, lead the charge. Everyone had the opportunity to see what seeds were available during the breaks. Some participants asked questions or shared experiences from the previous year’s gardens. One lady was looking for Perilla and another shared her beautiful pumpkin. At the end of this year’s Seed Swap, there were minimal seeds left. It was seed sowing season and this year’s participants were serious.

CLEAR YOUR CALENDAR

Here is a tip – SAVE THE DATE. The next Washington Gardener Magazine Seed Swap is January 25, 2020. It will be held at Brookside Gardens. The second date is February 1, 2020, at Green Spring Gardens. Here is a link to find out more, Washington Gardener Magazine.,

Seed sowing season does not end at the seed swap. Once planted, most of the seeds evolve into beautiful plants. Washington Gardener Magazine also sponsors a Photo Contest. Beginning to seasoned photographers submit photographs of all things beautiful found in nature.  These photographs are judged and the winners are announced. I was ecstatic to see so many winning entries were from Constitution Gardens on OUR National Mall. To read about the beautification efforts on Our National Mall, read my recap here. I can’t wait to watch Constitution Gardens grow!

On Sunday, June 30 at 2:00 pm, there will be an opening reception to congratulate the winners. Meadowlark Gardens – another beautiful, inspiration filled garden of note – will have an ongoing photo show that will run through July 30, 2019. This gives any seed lover enough time to sow some seeds and take beautiful pictures. The next Garden Photo contest entry period for photos taken in 2019 will begin on 1/1/2020.  I know I will be sorting my pictures as I nest this coming winter. To find out why you need to visit Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, click here.

From the creative name tag contest…

Kathy taking pictures of the contestants who created unique name tags to celebrate seed swapping…

to the intense searching and reading the tickets for the raffles, it was a terrific afternoon had by all!

As the winning numbers were read, there was an intense quiet in the room…

Save some seed for swapping next year. Take pictures throughout the season to document your success. Hope to see you during the 2020 seed-sowing season!

Nesting as I dream about swapping and sowing seeds,

Teri, Cottage In The CourtFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

MANTS -Winter Networking

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MANTS was the perfect place in the midst of winter to introduce a new name GARDENCOMM formerly known as the Association of Garden Writers and Communicators.

Winter warm-up could have multiple meanings depending on where you live. As a garden writer, winter warm-up means gearing up for the seasons ahead. In the Mid-Atlantic, the horticulture community looks forward to an event called MANTS.

A BIT OF HISTORY

The Maryland and Virginia Nurseryman’s Association saw a need to create a way for the horticulture community to connect. The conversation evolved and became a reality in 1970. In 1972, a trifecta was created when the West Virginia Nurseryman’s Association joined this partnership. Traveling to different locations, within Maryland and Virginia a final home was found. Baltimore has been the home for MANTS since 1981. If you are in the Trade and it’s January, most likely you are looking forward to attending the Mid Atlantic Nursery and Trade Show.

The Mid-Atlantic Nursery and Trade Show is the season opener for those interested in the earth.  MANTS hosts vendors that provide items for horticulture professionals. Looking for the latest in heavy equipment or automated watering systems,? Need to know what plants or hand tools will be hot items this year?  Attending  MANTS offers answers to these questions and so much more.

WHAT’S NEW?

This year, it was the perfect opportunity to introduce a new name for The Association of Garden Writers and Communicators. Our new name is GardenComm International. Our new name says more about who we really are. GardenComm will not change the definition of who we are, but further, define what we do. GardenComm International members come to MANTS to connect, get the scoop on what is new and trending, as well as network.    Vendors like Brent & Becky’s Bulbs, Botanical Interests, and Autocrop USA, can be found in one huge room with many other vendors.

Connecting with Peggy Riccio, Pegsplant.com is always a delight as we share the MANTS experience.

Moving from vendor to vendor, meeting friends new and old along the way. The excitement builds as the new season’s merchandise catches the eye. This is the inspiration which inspires the communicator within. There is something about knowing what Ball Seed is offering for the home gardener. What is the hot item from David Austin Roses? Wondering who wrote a top-selling book?  What will the latest “need” be in hand tools? Think MANTS. This event is like a three-day world’s fair of horticulture.

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING

This year 48 states, 16 foreign countries, 11,600 attendee’s including exhibitors were reflected in this Masterpiece of Tradeshows. This event started with 64 vendors in 1970, and it has grown by leaps and bounds. In 2020, MANTS officially turns fifty years young. I am certain that on its golden anniversary, there will be a celebration to share in its success. The dates for the 2020 MANTS Event is January 8 – 10, 2020. With sponsors like State Nursery and Landscape Associations of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, it stands to reason that this IS the Masterpiece of Tradeshows in horticulture. A special mention, 2019 had the highest number of attendees in 11 years.

MANTS provides the environment for Encore Experiences, season after season!

CULTIVATING BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

MANTS means business! Not just their slogan, but a fact. Need to know about David Austin roses? Just visit their booth…

I am looking forward to visiting the David Austin Rose Garden in England in August…a true Garden Experience. MANTS inspires me to seek all things beautiful…

For the large landscaping company to the boutique garden shop, something for most can be found at MANTS. Need a few exquisite pots, lightweight, functional and quite handsome? There is a booth for that…

Pennoyer Newman, Distinctive Garden Pots are cast from Estate origins. This vendor has some of her work at the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, DC. Who knew? You can find just about anything at MANTS!

Find yourself not knowing what to anticipate about garden trends? Ready to discover new plants? Wondering where you can find garden art? Want to connect with vendors providing garden travel?

Herb Frazier and Kirk Brown will have you wanting to visit Magnolia Plantation, in South Carolina, as soon as possible. It truly is a place of beauty.

I strongly suggest you consider attending the Mid-Atlantic Nursery and Trade Show.

SAVE THE DATE 

Why not mark your calendar now?

 

Mentally  The Garden,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Click to find out more about MANTS

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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.Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

Saturday Seed Swap…It’s Not Too Late!!

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In a few days, Elements of Nature will be presenting Stewards of Future Harvests – A Free Community Seed Swap and Gardening Expo. This is a first of its kind in Prince Georges County and should be quite an interesting event. The hostess of the day is Linda L. Jones, Owner of Elements of Nature, a natural skin care, gifts, and collectibles resource. A resident of Prince Georges County, Linda is very active in the horticultural community as a speaker and garden volunteer.  With 25+ years of experience, Linda has presented winter seed sowing at two Washington Gardener Magazine Seed Swaps and is bringing her skills to help us learn how to garden better and to connect communities with the tools to garden effectively. Linda is a member of the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetics Guild, Prince Georges County Herb Society, and many other horticultural affiliations.  Thank you, Linda!!!

There will be a panel of experienced gardeners, sharing stories of how they garden in community settings. With people like Carol Clatterbuck, founder of the Wheatley Garden in Silver Spring, Maryland sharing her story of how she became interested in growing in community. With the spirit of an artist running in her veins, Carole has gardened overseas, Florida and now in the clay soil of the Wheatley Garden in Maryland.  The ability to grow where you are planted is surely a skill set that is of interest to many! Thank You, Carol!

I need to highlight one member of the panel of garden enthusiasts, experts if you will – Ms. Deborah Turner!!! My neighbor and friend, Deborah has a passion for growing and teaching others to grow in community. Having worked with Deborah on Earth Day projects in the Fiesta Place Community Garden, District Heights, Maryland, Clean Up Green Up Day and a few other events in the City of District Heights – I know that Deborah has a story to share as she persisted and continues to persist encouraging others to garden.

Ms. Deborah Turner, Founder, Manager, Fiesta Community Garden, District Heights, MD

As a member of The Association of Garden Writers, I wanted to make certain that the participants received a bag for collecting seeds as well as information that could be useful as they are planning their gardens. I also called in a little help from friends.

HUGE THANK YOU to the following sponsors who provided the quality products for the day:

Proven Winners Color Choice has provided Gardening Simplified.  A fantastic resource book that provides inspiration to make gardening a breeze.  Presenting information in a format that is easy to digest and definitely excite, Proven Winners believes in providing information to assist in creating a landscape that is uniquely yours. You can’t go wrong using Proven Winners plant selections. Thank you for being Proven Winners.

Washington Gardener Magazine has provided one of the popular issues on Seed Starting Basics, information on small space gardening and many other topics.  A local resource for gardening information in the Mid-Atlantic, Washington Gardener Magazine offers two seed swaps in late January as well other events throughout the year. Thank you for being YOU – Kathy Jentz, Washington Gardener Magazine.

When I think of old friends or seed providers that I have used time and time again I get teary eyed.  Renee’s Gardens is a seed provider that I have used for over 20 years. I know that most home gardeners will not be disappointed by the beauty of the packet, the detailed history and use of the seed, as well as planting instructions and growing notes. Renee sent seeds that will bring life into the garden….I know they will be enjoyed by all and THANK You Renee ‘s  Gardens.

The Gardeners Workshop – such a terrific resource!!!I have known and used this company for many years. Lisa Ziegler and The Gardeners Workshop offer quality gardening tools, supplies, and seeds. One of my favorite items is the Table Top Soil Blocking system. A lucky participant will actually win one of these. Trust me – seed starting will never be the same again!  From seeds, easy arrangers for cut flowers to unique tools, The Gardener’s Workshop is simply awesome!!!Thank You, Lisa and The Gardeners Workshop.

Oh, the beauty of Organics. Lake Valley Organics was gracious enough to provide Certified Organic Seed. What a terrific way to get your personal garden party started. No chemical fertilizers, untreated seed and to be CERTIFIED organically grown…this is a dream come true for this Organic gardener! A true Steward of the Land, I appreciate the efforts that Lake Vally Organics has shown in selecting seeds that will get you started off on the right path. Thank You, Lake Valley Organics for this awesome contribution!!

Anu Essentials has also donated an assortment of special all natural scents created from nature.  Anu is a leader in the business of appreciating all things natural. Anu Essentials has products curated with scents from flowers, stems, leaves bark and roots.  Essentially using all parts of the plant world we know and love.  Thank You, Anu Prestonia and Anu Essentials for contributing.

NOW…all we need is YOU! Local residents who embrace this earth of ours eager to learn something new, network with like-minded neighbors and swap some seeds!!!

There are many other door prizes from Elements of Nature and more…so come on out and be a part of it all.This Saturday, April 15, 2017. The event starts promptly at 10:00 AM and will last until 2:00 PM. It will be held at the Watkins Nature Center 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Looking forward to seeing you there!!!!Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

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