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Lesson in a basket…

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Many times we see things simply as they are. In this instance, merely a basket of tomato’s. To me, it’s a little more than that. It is a simple lesson in diversity.
A lot of folks will only buy a red tomato. That’s the safe, normal color of a tomato which is familiar to us. However, having the opportunity to listen to the conversations about this simple basket of goodness, made me aware that some were trying a non red tomato for the first time….and it was good,  a new experience. The variety of tomato’s in the basket allowed some to give the non red tomato’s a chance..
While we are all like those tomato’s,  each of us different in our own way, we are still people and if we just give each other a chance, we might be delightfully surprised at how much LOVE we have to experience and share.
Diversity is such a beautiful thing….
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Sweet Peas – seductively fragrant and YOU CAN GROW THAT!!

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When I envision Sweet Peas, a sultry smelling, elegantly draped, visibly delicate, decadent blooms at the tip of a fragile stem. I also think of its reputation and strength to have been around for over 300 years and is still a mainstay in the floral industry. Father Franciscus Cupani is the one who found this in the wild fields of Sicily and sent seed off to various people and places to share. One of the places Father Cupani sent seed off to was England. The Cupani strain is the oldest Sweet Pea documented in history.  I have found that there is a bit of controversy about this. Thankfully over time Henry Eckford and his son introduced new cultivars with stronger capabilities for lasting scent, heights/forms and scents. I simply love the flower in its many forms and it’s amazing fragrance.

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How and when does one grow these seductively fragrant blooms that make excellent bouquets???  Timing is everything.  Depending on where you live, early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked is advisable.  Lathyrus odorata can take a bit of light frost.  If you soak the seed overnight to soften its outer coating, perhaps the 10 -25+/- day germination time can be shortened…however there will be some that may not sprout until they are ready.  The other option is to nick or file the coating to allow moisture to penetrate slowly…some say that this increases the odds on germination.  Once the seeds have sprouted, by pinching the central part of the plant, side shoots will form, increasing the amount of bouquets one can make. The average Lathyrus odorata ranges in height from 3 – 6 feet.  Support is required allowing the tendrils to wrap and weave, propelling this vine to new heights. It is very important to keep moisture at a consistent level as the native vine/plant was found growing in a marshy but sunny area. To keep sweet peas blooming and growing during the heat of summer, a bit of afternoon shade can help – as well as consistent moisture.

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What can ruin your sweet pea crop?  Aphids can b a problem and when allowing the vines to lay on the ground, slugs can make these plants a mere memory.  Inconsistent watering and lack of fertilizer (every two weeks is recommended) can also make Sweet peas a mere memory early in the garden season.  Lathyrus odorata is like a grand dame, without the required attention, she can be merely a figment of your imagination.  Treat her right and wow what a treat to have a bouquet of blooms, the fragrance wafting through your rooms on a sunny summer’s day!

Lathyrus odorata, commonly known as the Sweet Pea…YOU CAN GROW THAT!!

 

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Philadelphia Flower Show….More Than Just An Event

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Lights, Camera, Bloom was the catch phrase for this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show. The theme was Celebrating The Movies and was certainly a winning collaborative effort of The Philadelphia Horticultural Society, and its loyal partners as well as Disney and Disney-Pixar.  The most amazing part of the day to me however was not just the amazing floral displays or the exciting feeling of this my yearly ritual, but the group that accompanied me on this year’s journey.  Initially I was a bit concerned as this year’s group was smaller than last year, however with our skilled driver, Mr. Vernon Neddy of All Pro Tours…

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to the more than excited residents and friends, including Deborah Turner and Mrs. Sandra Womack of The District Heights Community Garden Program.

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It was a terrific day had by all!!!

The displays were phenomenal as usual and I was drawn to the glass slipper display,  It really made me feel like I was a Princess and had a garden that was filled with pink and white, with pearls and ribbons woven throughout.  Cut glass, bling and of course the glass slipper made every bloom standout and be pretty, just like a Real Princess would expect in her world. Even down to the floral road gracing the column where a single glass slipper was displayed, under glass of course.  In a different day, in a different time, that was my glass slipper…..at least that is what I want to believe.

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The glass slipper display was my favorite pick of the entire show.  Not just because of the untold, massive amounts of flowers that each chapter of this floral fantasy contained, but because it demonstrated a labor of love all  throughout the display.  Quite romantic, simply amazing and definitely a vision of beauty to me.

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After I caught my breath, I noticed a swath of pink and purple.  It was a borrowed view of potted bulbs in shades of pink and purple ….lined up in groupings, just like along a pathway leading to something even more colorful, more exciting and more appealing to the eye.  The eye candy was something to savor this year, at every turn looking up and looking down.

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Tulips are gorgeous and they do speak of a season that is longed for after winter’s woes.  I am personally more of a daffodil girl, longevity in a bloom, a little fragrance, both are important to me.  Perhaps I might give tulips another chance as there were a few pots that actually caught my eye.

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Looking into the center of these tulips made me think of the fresh smell of spring, damp soil, life under the soil waiting to awaken.  When I leaned in closely, I think I heard the tulips say 16 more days til Spring …..and we are worth the wait in the garden…or it could have been my imagination, Disney will do that to you!!

Once I got past the tulips and declared that YES, I would consider them for my garden this fall. I will check with some reputable suppliers for some interesting bulbs when it is time to buy later this year.

Sometimes it is not always about the destination, but the journey itself.  It was very interesting to see people interact, mingle and embrace those they had not met before.  There was a garden on my bus last Wednesday.  There was a garden of different people, some had things in common, others did not and while others wove their wave from seat to seat, creating conversation, cracking jokes and sharing their thoughts about the 2015 Philadelphia Flower Show.  I was emotionally full as it was a beautiful thing on the bus last week.  It was a beautiful thing to make the trip a success, the opportunity to encourage others to garden with a passion, to get involved in the community effort to beautify and most important – to follow through on the mission of The Garden Coalition.  Our mission is to grow a strong gardening community in Central Prince Georges County, starting right here in District Heights!!!

I will share more later, right now I am merely savoring the memories……………

 

 

 

 

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