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NCAGC Presidents Trip

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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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Garden Bloggers Fling 2017…Anticipating Bliss

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Garden Bloggers Fling 2017 in the DMV

I have been anticipating this year’s Garden Bloggers Fling 2017 for quite some time. Maintaining my composure as I waited has been challenging. Trying to hide my excitement when people have asked the question “What is a Garden Bloggers Fling 2017?” has been difficult!I even tried to not give away too much information about the sponsors, speakers and raffle items that we will have the opportunity to win. (Did I mention the Swag Bags – you will need a personal crane…oops!)

One of the hidden gardens on Our National Mall

What is the Garden Bloggers Fling??

No, it is not a group of Gardeners flinging things at each other. It IS an intimate gathering of like-minded passionate garden bloggers who come together and share the experience of visiting bodacious gardens in a specific region. The Garden Bloggers Fling 2017 will encompass the awesomely wonderful, fabulous and unique Washington, DC region – DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Four days of horticultural BLISS, starting right in the Nation’s Capital. I am holding back because it has been killing me to NOT go to my favorite haunt, The United States Botanic Gardens to share how gorgeous it is RIGHT NOW!!!!   OUR National Mall is the first stop – how exciting, right?  If you are not aware of what is happening on the National Mall, I’ve got a little news for you.

Wikipedia Image of the Historic Lockkeepers House on Our National Mall

Did you know that the Trust For The National Mall is in the process of managing the relocation of the infamous Lockkeepers House?  You know that beautiful stone structure at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 17th Street that is 180 years old. I know you have seen it and wondered what are they ever going to do with that?? Well, I have it on good authority that its re-birthing will be awesome.  Lack of funding will NOT keep us from enjoying this beautiful building.

Thank you to the Private Donors who are making the move and restoration possible. Without the Private Donors, the choice to keep this jewel of a building has become a reality. It will become the beacon of historical light, as we welcome visitors to the National Mall. After all, it is the oldest structure on Our National Mall. To keep up on the latest news or to donate, check out the National Mall. Personally, I am still excited about the effort to install Constitution Gardens….one day!!

The Garden Bloggers ae Flinging for 4 days straight!!

Our National Mall has so many gardens and museums that offer education and beauty.  The United States Botanic Gardens offers us inspiration, beauty, programming and so much more. Admittedly, I tend to stalk the United States Botanic Gardens. It is amazing to see the combinations of plant material in the planters as well as on the grounds, the seasonal blooms, and new plant introductions.  Then there is that fountain…

Bartholdi Park and Fountain – a true work of genius…surrounded by teaching gardens…

The fountain of my desire is known to many as the Bartholdi Fountain. Located in the Bartholdi Park, just beyond the rain garden display at United States Botanic Gardens, one simply must pause to see this work of art. Bartholdi Park was completely renovated for the first time since it was created in 1932 last year. It is now considered a SITES Certified garden.  Certification for SITES Projects found just about anywhere from private homes, streetscapes, national parks and more is worth investigating. To find out about SITES Certification click here.

There is so much in store for the attendees of this year’s Garden Bloggers Fling!!! Did I mention I am a Bus Captain??? This is a hard job but someone has got to do it!!! As a native Washingtonian, Avid Volunteer, Supporter of The Trust for The National Mall, Member of The Association of Garden Writers, I am honored to be a part of this awesome event. Did I mention that this is all just a taste of  DAY ONE???!!!

How To Find Out More

Although registration is closed, if you blog about gardens, you might want to click here to check out the Garden Bloggers Fling, for more information. I am dreaming about cultivating new friendships with people I have admired by reading their blogs. Taking tons of pictures of local gardens in late June, I am packing my personalized smelling salts and enjoying the moments will be the mission.

Special smells to revive me if I am overcome by all the beauty that is sure to surround The Garden Bloggers Fling 2017!

I would never have known about the Garden Bloggers Fling if I had not joined The Association of Garden Writers. You would never know what members of The Association of Garden Writers have available upon joining. The opportunity to meet passionate gardeners, experts in horticulture, vendors and free plants –  Did I say FREE PLANTS?? To find out more click #GWA.

Follow me daily starting Thursday, June 22 through Sunday, June 25 on my social media garden plots (Twitter, Instagram, Tumbler, and Facebook) to stay in the loop on all things beautiful. I am considering this Pre-Game Practice for #GWA2017, #BUFFALOGARDENWALK Registration is still open for the 2017 Garden Writers and Communicators Conference. It will be a great way to end the summer and quite the unique vacation idea!

Mentally Flinging,

Teri

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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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Connecting With Our Eco Community

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Eco Community is not a trend it is a way of life.  What is the definition of an Eco Community??  Upon comparing many different definitions of “Eco Community”, I have summed it up  to basically mean a traditional or intentional community that is striving to become more sustainable in social, cultural, economic as well as ecological practices. A mouthful, right??? However, it is achievable.

Kevin Alsop – Alsop Growers…thinking about his community’s needs.

In the Town of Capitol Heights, there is an aspiring Farmer. His name is Kevin Alsop, Alsop Growers. If you have an hour or so, Kevin is more than happy to fill you in on his vision of feeding the masses and sharing his methods of growing as well as reconnecting with the land. I met Kevin and his lovely wife, Alana at the Washington Gardener Seed Exchange. He was anticipating with much joy the Prince Georges County Master Gardener Program and learning more about horticulture. Sharing opportunities as I often do, Kevin and I ended up at the same Community Garden last year, where we both gardened with a passion. Let me tell you – that man can grow some tomato’s!!

Kevin has found greener pastures this year and what a pasture it is!!! In the Town of Capitol Heights, just up the street from the Capitol Height’s Metro Station, you just might notice a fenced in area behind the bus stop. You also might see Kevin passionately laboring in his place of peace…..more than likely Kevin will welcome you to come and garden with him.  There is no sign, however there are some gorgeous sunflower seedlings, strawberries, peppers, tomato’s, Kale, garlic and much, much, more!!

Kevin has spotted some weeds and is on the job! No chemicals here!!

I remember when this area was dedicated to the residents of Capitol Heights a few years ago. The following Spring I gave a talk to the residents that rented plots there. At the time this Community effort to re-engage the residents with the earth was promising…or so it seemed. Nikita Floyd, Green Forever Landscaping, even built beautiful raised beds to accommodate young, old or even the disabled. It seems as though the interest was not long-lasting and that is where Kevin, Alsop Growers, seized this opportunity to share the joy of growing.

Working with the Town of Capitol Heights, as well as local Ministries like Mission of Love Charities – Kevin is putting his feet behind his faith…as well as his mission. His eco-community mission? The Feeding 5000 Initiative. The purpose is to provide naturally grown, locally sourced food for 5000 families annually within the next 5 years. How will The Feeding 5000 Initiative be achieved??  Kevin’s plan is to utilize direct producer to consumer marketing, education as well as hands on training to achieve this goal. What a special opportunity for the 5000 families that will be a part of a local up and coming eco community.

Imagine a delicious pot of beans grown locally in your own community…awesome!

Tomorrow is Capitol Heights Day. Kevin will open the gates to his Eco-Community to share activities with families from children’s events to inspirational talks on the importance of growing ones own or knowing what to grow and how to grow it. The garden plot will welcome the residents of Capitol Heights tomorrow from 10:00 until 6:00 pm at 5400 Emmet Street, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. It will be a great day to enjoy the festivities for residents, friends and families in Central Prince Georges County, Maryland. After all, when it comes to our Temple, isn’t it great to know that you are eating things as fresh as possible???

What is going on in your local eco community? Do you have an active role in building a sustainable initiative that will positively affect where you live?

Good News From The Cottage,

Teri

Alsop Growers, please click this link to discover more about Kevin.

Green Forever Landscaping, please click this link to find out more about Nikita Floyd, Green Forever Landscaping

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