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Spring Self Care for Gardeners

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Spring blooming trees add color to an otherwise bleak landscape…

Spring has sprung. When I walk Precious it is dark, but not as dark as last week. I could feel Spring embracing me. It was warmer, the air felt lighter, the birds were singing and the woodpecker chorus was in full swing. In the distance, the moon in it’s waxing crescent shined a bit of light along the way. I knew the presence of Spring was near.

One of my patio planter’s has new residents. A smattering of Rainbow chard, a small gathering of Longstanding Spinach, kohlrabi, and of course Heirloom carrots for good measure. Cool season vegetables planted in Spring paves the way for experimenting with different summer vegetables. Trying new things is always a treat. For most gardeners, Spring is the busiest time of the year!!

Viola’s welcome Spring as they try to outshine each other. It’s not important to outshine, it is important to be the best you can be. Self-satisfaction is key.

In the midst of our seasonal madness, we sometimes forget Self Care. Here are a few tips for Springtime Self Care:

  • Stretch daily. After nesting most of the winter, our limbs might not be as pliable as they once were. Especially as we age, stretching can aid in breathing better and delaying the need for ointments and creams to ease sore muscles.
  • Hydrate often. As we walk through our landscapes, forest bathe or visit public gardens we can be distracted and ignore the need for food and drink. All the pretty flowers, garden trinkets and beautiful new containers that we “NEED”…not so fast. We need to stay hydrated now, so the habit of carrying fresh water throughout the season is second nature. Taking a break to just sit outside, have a snack and absorb some Vitamin D is like feeding your soul.
  • Shop sensibly. I am so guilty of needing everything that catches my eye. I also just purged my house after renovations. If there is no plan, think about it first. Use your phone, take a photo, go home, and consider the possibilities BEFORE you buy.
  • Reuse-Recycle-Reduce. Before throwing away a pot with a chip, can you ant something that will drape over to cover up the imperfection? Why throw away a perfectly usable but imperfect container? Those wine bottles, inverted make a great edging for a border (mine is 6 years old now with no breakage).
  • Be a Localper as often as possible. I pride myself as I make every effort to shop with local smaller garden centers. By doing so, it really helps the local economy and you can curate a garden community of folks who KNOW you. What a terrific way to grow a garden community on a local level.
  • Support local events as well as local Garden Clubs. Now we are really talking community. There are talks, trips, plant swaps, tool trades and more. After all, garden life is all about building a growing conversation on gardening and growing.

    Quiet time alone is a way to settle the mind, connect with your inner self and just bask in the beauty that surrounds us.

Take care of yourself this Spring. By the time summer comes, you will be ready to take on another season of garden bliss!

Carefully restraining myself as I anticipate a colorful Spring!

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Flower Power…I am Distracted

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It is time to start thinking about Spring. The distraction of seed catalogs, garden design magazines and of course the Philadelphia Flower Show keeps me in another world.  Distracted…happily!

I knew my 2019 trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show was going to be a treat! Especially when I heard the theme was Flower Power.Where did the phrase “Flower Power come from? This term became a popular slogan used in 1960 – 70+/- by the American counterculture. Using this term represented an ideology of non-violence and peaceful resistance. Coined by Allen Ginsberg, protesting the Viet Nam war took on a new peaceful way of resisting. The freedom loving “Hippies” began using bright psychedelic colors, floral appliques on their clothing and flowers in their hair creating another new term “Flower Children”.  All with good intention, Flower Power was meant to be a positive form of peaceful resistance.

Flash forward to 2019. We NEED Flower Power more than ever. Just imagine flowers powerful enough to grow a peaceful coexistence in the world? Flowers already have that power. PHS demonstrates this in a notable way.

The center of this Zinnia looks like a crown of golden stars. Uplifted by the sea of red fingers after falling into a perfect pink pillow of petals. Oh, the beauty of the Zinnia. I am certain that I will find seeds at The Flower Show!

WHO IS PHS AND WHAT DO THEY DO?

As winter begins to rear its frigid head, gardeners are looking at seed catalogs, magazines and garden centers for inspiration. Seeking that one thing (or two, or three) that is a necessity for the garden.  Can you order the seeds you want before they sell out? What about acquiring that latest tool? Not a problem, PHS has you covered.

What is PHS – the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. What do they do? The outreach PHS has that connects the community with horticulture is amazing. Partnerships which include the business community and an army of volunteers, PHS is transforming neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia. In my opinion, PHS is a Horticultural Hero for the unique way they have been transforming Philadelphia. You could call them Horticultural Resistors or Flower Children!!

Did you know the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society was founded in 1827? It takes comprehensive educational programs to keep an entity like this growing strong. A mere two years after sprouting, PHS had its first Philadelphia Flower Show and the rest is history.

If you look at the center of this Zinnia bloom long enough, it glows…or is it just a psychedelic effect? Immerse yourself into its iridescent center and just imagine.

The virtual PHS “watering can” has sprinkled programs such as The City Harvest Program, Tree Tenders, Green City Teachers, Community Gardens, Landcare and more throughout the City.  PHS offers membership as well as volunteer opportunities. You can also share your opinion on their PHSVision2027 initiative. It is with the decade’s long experience, PHS continues to welcome Spring with the Philadelphia Flower Show. When you attend the Philadelphia Flower Show, your patronage supports these programs and more.

THE FLOWER SHOW

Unlike other flower shows or horticultural events, The Philadelphia Flower Show is THE event of the Spring. I consider this the Winter Horticultural Olympics. Each year there is a different theme. Paris, Water, and our National Parks are a few of the recent themes. Each Flower Show is different and offers an experience not to be missed. From the excitement of the diverse attendees to the beautiful exhibit at the entrance, the outside world no longer exists. The vendors, the Make and Take Room, High Tea, and the opportunity to see exceptionally creative displays indoors is amazing. I am getting excited just thinking about this year’s theme and what will I wear? This year I am considering sharing my inner Flower Power…after all, why not?

Last year there were exhibits featuring jewelry created from Flower parts. I have to say this was one of the most interesting exhibits. Imagine tiny flower parts creating the jewelry normally creating from metals, clay or other things. It was one of the most creative uses of horticulture I have ever seen. Who knows what is in store from a creative perspective this year??

THE APPROACH

Although very much distracted, as I am every year this close to Spring, I have a plan. I will approach my yearly trek with purpose. After ordering way too many seeds, tools, and garden supplies from the comfort of my home office, I know I need more. This year, I will be in search of all things Dahlia. I will try to not be distracted by other things offered at The Flower Show.

Why Dahlias? According to the National Garden Bureau, 2019 is the Year of the Dahlia. There are many cultivars of Dahlia’s. Of course, I am in need of as many as possible. I could and have ordered some online. You just never know what can be found at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Last year I really REALLY wanted a tuber called”Cafe Au Lait”. I attempted to order – SOLD OUT. Of course, I just knew it would be found at the Philadelphia Flower Show –  SOLD OUT. What a disappointment! This year I am looking for more Dahlia seeds.

As you can see from these Dahlia photo’s, I will be on the hunt for this year’s Dahlia of my dreams.

I am looking forward to the 2019 Philadelphia Flower Show. Anticipating the energy of the crowds, the City and the Market, the wait is almost unbearable.

Thank you, PHS for ushering in Spring with the Philadelphia Flower Show. Anticipating Spring is the reason I am distracted. I am officially counting the days until THE Flower Show!

Distracted with thoughts of Spring.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Upward Bound Agriculture-Up Top Acres

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Using the term ‘upward bound’ in horticulture traditionally meant gardening on a trellis or some contraption allowing plants to climb. However, todays Millennial’s have put a whole new face on ‘upward bound’ agriculture as we know it. Rooftop agriculture is happening in places where you would least expect it.  I was privileged to take part in a Community of Gardeners Meet Up to tour the rooftop garden at The Farm at 55 M Street, SW. What a great building and what a phenomenal use of rooftop space it is.

Imagine – seeing Nationals Stadium, The Washington Monument, and the Cityscape amidst rows of kale seedlings, onion bulbs and carrot tops. It was truly an amazing site to see.  Agriculture this close to heaven can only be successful and the Owners/Farmers at UP TOP ACRES are proving this in so many ways.

Welcome sign upon entering the rooftop farm at UP TOP ACRES.

THE WHO AND THE HOW

Kristof Grina, Host of our tour of Up Top Acres

Our host and guide for the afternoon was Kristof Grina. Nothing like a young person with a vision. Realizing that space on the ground might make things a bit tricky for farming in the City, Kristof and a few of his High School peers decided to think in an upward bound manner.  Not trellises but rooftops…utilizing underused spaces….like commercial building roof tops. What a novel idea, but not unheard of in other cities. After a bit of research and utilizing models of upward bound or rooftop farming in similar settings, Up Top Acres was born. This unassuming young man shared how he and his friends  Kathleen O’Keefe, Jeff Prost-Greene, and Nick Berini, got started with this upward bound adventure.

Kristof is fascinated with the concept of growing in non-traditional environments. An out of the box thought of farming in a City environment, utilizing space on top of office buildings and convincing developers to buy into this concept was the beginning of Up Top Acres. Did I mention that while feeding people is the part of the concept, a CSA has evolved from this? Did I share 90% of the produce goes to local restaurants? How AWESOME  is this??? What do you expect from a person who studied Plant and Soil Science in college.

Imagine this view as you garden???

Almost unfathomable but it’s happening right above our heads. This is quite an undertaking from Young City Innovators that want to make a difference in how we source our food. Here are a few fun facts:

  • In order to weed or plant the rooftop beds, the Farmer/gardener must be tied off and secured in the event of a mishap.
  • Up Top Acres employs 1 Full Time Farmer
  • There is a weight and drainage threshold
  • Up Top Acres worked with the University of Maryland to create a unique soil mixture for growing on roof tops
  • never boring, crop rotations vary  from building to building
  • has three farms currently producing produce and is growing
  • offers rooftop event rental  at The Farm at 55 M Street, S.W., for corporate outings, receptions or that unique special event with a City line view
  • is the home to two beehives
  • offers a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) to clients in the buildings
  • provides locally upward bound produce to select restaurants in a 5+/- mile radius
  • uses Veterans Compost for healthy soil…encouraging healthy, well fed plants

Those are just a few of the unique facts that make Up Top Acres  an asset to the community. As local developers plant more concrete buildings, the opportunities to enhance sustainability efforts by including rooftop farms should not be ignored. Think about the tax credits – as well as building a more cohesive surrounding community. The health benefits to potential clients by offering fresh-cut flowers, organic meeting space as well as a communal food option would be unique.

As I sat a few weeks ago with Kathleen O’Keefe discussing events that are upcoming like pop up restaurant events, unique hands-on activities, and more it was mesmerizing! I was amazed at the growth that had taken place since my last visit and how healthy the plants were.

Planters that had mere seedlings now had rapidly maturing plants!

Of course every garden has its challenges such as volunteers. Up Top Acres needs volunteers to help with events, to assist when school groups come to visit while sharing the possibilities, as well as funding to keep this idea growing throughout the City.  You can find out more by scheduling a tour with one of the Up Top Acres Team.  It takes a community to encourage a more sustainable stance on the way we get our food and the way we participate in community outreach. Up Top Acres….YOU ARE AWESOME!!!

Click Up Top Acres book a tour or to find out more.

Sharing good news from The Cottage In The Court,

Teri

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How Full Is Your Bowl…

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I happened upon a beautiful bowl, created for yarn. Although when I held it, I knew it had a greater purpose as well. A handmade, hand turned bowl made in Central India. A bowl offered by Darn Good Yarn that helps women uplift and helps other women with families.  The Owner, Nicole Snow, had a mission after leaving the Air Force.  Art and helping other women become self-sufficient was her mission.  Using recycled fibers to create unique yarns and art was key to creating Darn Good Yarn. A quality product with reasonable pricing that gives back to the community is always a great mission.  Nicole continues to fulfill this mission and from this mission, these beautiful yarn bowls have come to life.

These bowls are created in a region where there are no sustainable jobs for those living in poverty. This unique work of art is useful in keeping up with yarn. If you knit or crochet, you know how yarn tends to grow wheels and end up in the oddest places.  One can utilize the yarn bowl to hold smaller projects and when it is not in use Nicole suggests placing it on display – it is quite beautiful.

When the bowl came in the mail it also came with a little information about Nicole Snow and Darn Good Yarn. In her letter, Nicole asked that each of us “work together to create positive impacts on this world and strengthen that woven web”. There was also a sheet that could be colored in and shared.  The message was clear “Retreat from the Everyday”. When we retreat, it allows us time to pause and consider everything that is evolving around us.

We have communities nearby each of us, no doubt, that could use an opportunity for empowerment. When I look at this bowl, it is not a solid bowl, there is an opening in the side that allows whatever is inside to funnel out, sharing the inner contents. I am using this bowl to hold little notes of how I can give back to my community. Notes of how to give hope to those less fortunate than I. A few of the notes I have written include gifting pots of lettuce to Seniors in my community, providing hope that the seeds which sprout from the soil will provide nourishment – if for only one meal. That one meal might spark a continuing conversation. It will show that I care. Another note reminds me to smile more often, it will show that I am friendly. Yet another note suggests that I knock on the doors of neighbors that I do not know and share my love of gardening (and have a packet of seeds to share). This will help build community, within my community, and dismantle any barriers that might exist.  Creatively continuing my engagement with the young people in my community. Simply saying “Hi” and asking them how they are doing can perhaps set the example of letting them know I see them, I care, and I am watching out for their safety. Perhaps reaching out to see if some of the youth want to help me plant a row for the hungry – even if it is them. Imagine the exchange of ideas that could take place.

These are just a few of the suggestion slips in my bowl – trust me, my bowl is running over. Whether you have a beautiful yarn bowl, a small basket or even a special dish, how are you collecting ideas on how to better embrace our community?? How are you building community or reaching out to other communities to help make this diverse world we live in a better place? How can you weave positive energy, trust, and peace back into your community??? What talents can you recycle back into something good, like Nicole? Darn Good Yarn recycles fibers that would otherwise go into a landfill but is reused to create beautiful yarn. I am glad I found this bowl and perhaps I will use it to hold yarn.  In the meantime, I have seeds of hope and joy to plant as I come up with more ideas to slip into my bowl.

What’s in your bowl?

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