Welcome to Cottage in the Court

#gardenadventures

Philadelphia Flower Show – Seasonal Bliss in the City

By

Philadelphia offers gardeners the perfect kickoff event as we anticipate the next season. For 195 years, The Philadelphia Flower Show has offered seasonal bliss in the City of Brotherly Love. This event happens at the perfect time of the year. As the garden begins to evolve into its next act, most gardeners cannot wait to get outside to see what is in bud or even what might be in bloom.

Every year there is a different theme. United by Flowers was the theme of 2024. Gardening and flowers can uplift communities. This show was the perfect example of the magic which occurs when gardeners gather.

This year, the Philadelphia Flower Show made it a point of accommodating the crowds. The aisles were wider, location of places to pause, and the focus on community, made me smile. There was a sense of graciousness as many allowed others to move to the front for better visibility. The floral displays were within reach and something achievable if one used their imagination.

Every year there is a different theme. United by Flowers was the theme of 2024. Gardening and flowers can uplift communities. The Philadelphia Flower Show displayed the magic which occurs whenever gardeners gather.

This year, the Philadelphia Flower Show made it a point of accommodating the crowds. It appeared the aisles were wider, the location of places to pause, and the focus on community, made me smile. There was a sense of graciousness as many allowed others to move to the front for better visibility. The floral displays were within reach and something achievable, if one used their imagination.

Philadelphia welcomed Black Girl Florists for the second year in a row.
We embraced the ritual of gathering at the salon.

Black Girl Florists offered up their interpretation of Cultivating Communal Sanctuaries. There is a relationship between Black hair salons and flower shops. Using a mix of vibrant flowers, magazines, mirrors, and paraphernalia – these ladies pulled off a stunning display. I had to laugh at the many visitors who ignored the sign to not sit. Many took a seat and enjoyed selfies and more. As I walked around the display there were memories of Black hair salons from back in the day. The conversations and the lessons free with every hairstyle flooded my mind. I wondered how we can reclaim those special times in the hair salon.

Susan Cohan tastefully designed a backyard which demonstrated working in unison with nature. The display was a terrific example of what the single gardener could maintain. This added a layer of interest for many in attendance. It was simply beautiful. YES – I am a fan. It was a display sharing a sense of serenity and peacefulness. Most homeowners want a place of peace. An outdoor space which is ecologically sound and promotes enjoyment being outside.

Philadelphia is like most cities…there are abandoned spaces found everywhere. Reimagining these spaces should be a commitment to bringing nature back and working with it.

Unused overgrown spaces exist in most urban environments. I have to say, the display by Kelly Norris truly exhibited A Beautiful Disturbance. It demonstrated his concept of reimagining former industrial spaces into sites where beauty can bring life as it revitalizes communities. We must allow nature to enhance and uplift our spirits. From every angle this display of attainable urban excellence touched me to my core. The future is brighter if we follow this example of adding nature to the relics of our past. I am grateful for this inspirational exhibit. It provides inspiration for what our communities can create.

Working with underused spaces can make a difference…

I am proud of the efforts in my community to beautify our public spaces. By example, we encourage the residents to work with nature. Some of the older trees which had disease and decay have been removed. Younger, healthier native varieties that are beneficial for the community have taken their place.

Tree and garden installations are occurring nationwide. Research continues to prove how beneficial this is to any community. As we reclaim and enhance our communities for the greater good. These plantings add beauty and value. They encourage communities to enjoy connecting outdoors with wellbeing. Research continues to prove a positive connection between nature and thriving communities. Residents spend more time outside enjoying the view as the seasons evolve. I am personally looking forward to walking paths, benches and naturalistic gardens for my community to enjoy.

I am proud of the efforts in my community to beautify our public spaces. Education is the best way to encourage the residents to work with nature. Some of the older trees which had disease and decay have been removed. Younger, healthier native varieties that are beneficial for the community have taken their place.

Tree and garden installations are occurring nationwide. Research continues to prove how beneficial this is to any community. As we reclaim and enhance our communities for the greater good. These plantings add beauty and value. They encourage communities to enjoy connecting outdoors with wellbeing. Research continues to prove a positive connection between nature and thriving communities. Residents spend more time outside enjoying the view as the seasons evolve. I am looking forward to walking paths, benches, and naturalistic gardens for my community to enjoy.

Philadelphia always invites us to get excited about Spring!

Encouraging others to unite by gardening was this year’s theme. This theme was artfully defined with impactful and educational exhibits found at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Gardening is a way of uniting those of us who dare to get our hands dirty.

Here are a few displays I captured by taking photos …

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is wp-17098509910042881244867719550851-1024x768.jpg

I can imagine creating and hanging these in a big window or on a mantle.
Color pops and welcomes all to come outside!
The vibrancy of this color palette is quite inviting.

I suggest attending the Philadelphia Flower Show every year.

Philadelphia is merely a road trip away for most…

Amtrak is the most relaxing way to go. I figured this out after years of driving, paying tolls, and avoiding potholes. A weekend getaway offers the opportunity to see the show at your leisure, alone or with friends. There are hotel packages offered to encourage getting to know Philadelphia. Reading Terminal Market is located across the street from the Philadelphia Convention Center. This unique market offers an assortment of items from food to crafts.

Check out the display presentation to see exactly what gardens you have experienced in Philadelphia. If you have seen them all…revisit your favorites. I never tire of the gardens in and near Philadelphia. This city has much to offer at any time of the year. The City of Philadelphia offers more than just Cheese Steaks, it has gardens as well. Usually there are a few Philadelphia Flower Show trips offered locally. Check your local travel listings.

The seasonal bliss shared annually is the medicine we need as winter slowly slips away. As I write this, you have three more days to see this year’s show.

Sigh…sitting here dreaming of the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

Grateful for the Garden

By

Grateful for the garden is an understatement as I consider the gift the garden shares. Visiting Northview allowed me a few moments to reflect.

Being grateful is an emotion that is often overlooked. As gardeners, we are elated when that particular bud opens into bloom. Satisfaction is found when we eat that first homegrown tomato from the garden. The sweet heat from a Shishito pepper surprises our tastebuds and reminds us that the next one could be hotter or not. No matter the circumstance, being grateful should be a part of our daily existence.

I recently read a book, Harper Counts Her Blessings. This book made me reflect on how we can move throughout our day without reflecting on exactly what we are thankful for. This is a great book for parents and grandparents to have on hand when offering up a simple lesson about being grateful.

Jenny Rose Carey is a fellow garden writer. I was introduced to her first book, Glorious Shade, at a Garden Writers event a few years ago. We share a love of a few things like the color pink, as well as shade gardens. After reading this book, I knew a visit was imminent. We discussed a visit and then the period of unexpected pausing hit. When GardenComm International‘s Region 2 announced an in-person meeting, Northview was a featured garden, I knew this garden was calling me.

THANKFUL FOR THE HISTORY

For the past 25 years, Jenny and Gus have reimagined Northview into not just their home, but a popular place for garden aficionados around the world to visit. Thanks to Wilmer Atkinson for keeping such good records to document the journey of Northview. Mr. Atkinson was the founder and editor of the Farm Journal. When he acquired the land, it was just over 150 acres. There are trees on the property that provide glorious shade and date back to the days when Mr. Atkinson planted and beautified the grounds.

As with many perennials, over time the land Mr. Atkinson called home was parceled off and sold. Today, Northview is just under five acres and includes a divinely beautiful carriage house. As I sat in the carriage house, I imagined how thankful Jenny Rose Carey must be. The carriage house is well-lit, surrounded by walls of great garden books, a fireplace, and a kitchenette…all in the midst of the garden. I am grateful to have enjoyed a few moments in the room where Jenny writes.

A GRATEFUL GATHERING

Northview is not just another beautiful garden. It is a working garden, a teaching garden, as well a the perfect environment for experimentation. Using minimal watering techniques, and using the right plant in the right places, Jenny has curated whimsical places throughout the garden to pause.

Pausing to see what plants Jenny has included embracing the local wildlife and seasonal plantings which fall victim to the same wildlife as they need nutrition. These living examples are all a part of the lesson plan found at Northview. Armed with a delightful Head Gardener, Hanna von Schlegell, and Joe Giampa, a local artist and carpenter, Jenny has all the help

Madison – Reunion of Garden Bloggers and More

By

Madison, Wisconsin is where the 2022 Garden Bloggers Fling will reunite old friends and greet new voices.

Madison, Wisconsin is not exactly a place that was on my list of ‘must-visit’ places to go. However, when I began thinking about the people that would draw me there, my mindset quickly changed. You see, there will be a gathering of Garden Bloggers in Madison this June. A bit delayed, but finally, as gardeners, we notice the buds in life. They are swollen with anticipation of travel, new experiences, and the realization that we need each other to fully bloom.

MY FLING JOURNEY

My Garden Bloggers Fling journey began in 2017…

I have been attending the Garden Bloggers Fling since 2017. This Garden Bloggers Fling was in Washington, DC. Actually, it encompassed Washington, Maryland, and Virginia. I quickly realized this was my kind of garden party. Little did I know that rich friendships were the remnants of a few hot days in the DMV. Did you know, if you smile nicely, commandeering the driver of a 55 passenger bus is really not that hard when it comes to the comfort of your guests? I still remember the unplanned water run while touring our National Mall.

AMAZING AUSTIN

Austin led us to colorful gardens filled with joy and abundance. It left me truly inspired to embrace what brings me joy in the garden.

2018 we visited Texas. Austin, Texas is fertile ground for garden adventures and excitement. I never imagined seeing the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in my lifetime. Of course, we also experienced a Texas-sized rain shower. A class on photography at the Wildflower Center was amazing and informative. Many of us wanted to tour the gardens and visit the gift shop before the rain. Standing under the protection of the overhang, my imagination allowed me to think that Ladybird Johnson would appear to welcome us. Admiring her vision of beauty was meaningful to me as a child. It was surreal realizing I was at her Wildflower center. All because of the Garden Bloggers Fling Committee, led by Pam Pennick. In my opinion, we saw the best of Austin that year.

DENVER DREAMING

Denver shared diversity in nature, promoted camaraderie within the group, and created memories along the way.

Who knew that 2019 would be such a meaningful year. Denver was simply amazing. The clear skies, perfect cloud formations, lunch at the farmer’s market, and of course the Denver Botanic Garden. I could visit the Denver Botanic Garden every year, just to see how each plant evolves under extreme conditions. The art, carefully placed, adds a different kind of beauty. Perfect for wandering, the Denver Botanic Garden truly represented the beauty of diversity in the landscape. I remembered lingering in the Mordecai Children’s Garden. The joyful sound of children laughing, as parents watched them play outside, truly melted my heart.

Botanic interests also showed us a bit of Denver hospitality as we toured their facilities. Lauren’s Grape Bread Seed poppies continue to remind me of that visit. The karaoke event was when we really let loose in a beautiful garden setting with a view. The memories of each Garden Bloggers Fling bring a smile to my face.

In 2019, I created this collage at the Denver Art Museum. It shares how each member of the Garden Bloggers Fling reaches out to meet someone new.

Cherishing and making memories when traveling has its virtues. I had the opportunity to have dinner with a dear friend, Winston. We had a fabulous time enjoying Le French Bakery & Café. I highly recommend it. Afterward, Winston showed me different parts of the city. I discovered the rich heritage of the African American community. We even visited a tea shop. I never imagined the magic that could happen when attending a garden gathering with bloggers. Making time to visit Winston before he began his heavenly hike is an unexpected memory of 2019.

LOOKING FORWARD TO MADISON

A new social media logo to embrace inclusivity in the way we share the joy of gardening.

Fast forward cautiously towards 2022. Madison is still on the map. Our hotel reservations are in the Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club. We will take all of the necessary safety precautions as we plan for our reunion. The 2022 Garden Bloggers Fling IS happening in Madison, Wisconsin. This reunion of garden bloggers will be quite meaningful to all who participate.

Several Botanical Gardens, a Farmers Market, private garden tours, and more. I peeked at the itinerary, in advance. The Allen Centennial Garden has me excited about the beauty it holds within. There will be so much to see before we end the Madison Garden Bloggers Fling. I will need a lot of ice cream tastings and squeaky cheese curds.

Madison, we are grateful you are ready for this reunion of Garden Bloggers and more. We look forward to three days in June for connecting with each other, exploring new places, and sharing new experiences. Thank you to the Madison Garden Bloggers Fling Team Anneliese Valdes and Beth Stetenfeld! I would love to treat you to cheese curds and ice cream.

Dreaming of Madison…

Teri, Cottage InThe Court

Denver – Garden Bloggers Fling 2019

By

Denver, Colorado was this year's location for the annual Garden Bloggers Fling
Denver was the location for the Garden Bloggers Fling 2019. A new adventure for some, a different state for others and meeting new friends for all. Everyone had a terrific time!

Denver was a Garden Bloggers fling I was certain to attend. Having visited once before, this Midwestern city was definitely etched in my mind. A friend of mine, Winston Walker piqued my interest in Denver about 5 years ago. On that visit, Winston took me hiking, rock skipping and taught me to drink from the palm of my hand at a roadside stream. The water was so clear..and I did not get sick. That adventure-filled visit made it clear, I had to return. From the mountainous views to the varied plant material, I knew that the Denver Garden Bloggers Fling was the perfect opportunity.

WHAT IS A GARDEN BLOGGERS FLING?

The Garden Bloggers Fling is a reunion of sorts. Like most garden-related events, like-minded people gather to collaborate and discover. The Fling brings like-minded bloggers together to see how landscapes vary from State to State and have fun. To attend a Garden Bloggers Fling, one must have an active. blog. There must have been activity on the blog for six months prior to the current Fling. I always like to share – if you have a blog, it is all YOURS and reflects your authentic voice. It is refreshing to know that you have a platform that you control even if other social media is challenged. This year’s event was no different. Botanical Interests showed off Denver in a most spectacular way!!! Where do I begin?

Denver’s Hyatt Regency greeted us with a bodacious floral display. The Bellhop was not ready for this bunch of Garden Blogger Flingers!

Our accommodations were at the Hyatt Regency near the Convention Center in downtown colorful Colorado! The view from the room was amazing – a little skyline and a little blue bear butt. The Denver Fling Committee provided loaded swag bags and badges. We met in the hotel lobby to register and greet Garden Blogger Flingers from all over the US and Canada.

Just peek of the mountains in the morning was a beautiful sight.

DENVER FLINGING AND THE GROWHAUS

The GrowHaus serves the surrounding Elyria – Swansea community. Economic opportunities via food production, education, and distribution are integral to its mission. As a non-profit indoor farm, it was the perfect setting for a tour and dinner with my fellow Flingers. The GrowHaus is in a neighborhood that holds the title of the most polluted zip code in Denver. A neighborhood anchored by the Interstate, with contaminated soil and considered a food desert, the GrowHaus has found its purpose in this community. One would think that this is a dismal situation – until you see the GrowHaus and understand it’s the mission.

Emily Hoel sharing an overview of the mission and meaning behind GrowHaus, Denver, CO.

This 20,000 square foot facility raises fish, uses the fish poop as fertilizer and sells produce to local restaurants. The food grown at the GrowHaus is consumed by residents in walking distance. What a great way to share the authentic environmental footprint of a community. We were able to take a brief tour of the facility after dinner and door prizes.

DENVER NEWBIES AND NETWORKING

The lull between eating our dinner and returning to the hotel, I met first-time Flinger, Luan Akin of Tagawa Gardens. Luan is a fellow Master Gardener and curates programming for Tagawa Gardens. The Garden Bloggers Fling is such a terrific opportunity to meet new people, explore, exchange ideas, and cultivate friendships. Luan did not know what to expect, so I had to show her the ropes.

I even met a new Flinger from the DC area who is nuts for natives…literally! Shari Wilson blogs about being Nuts for Natives. Formerly Maryland’s Secretary of Environment, Shari had the opportunity to connect with like-minded Marylanders. We love our Chesapeake Bay Watershed. It is important to help maintain the health of this important watershed. Planting natives and embracing their beauty helps us achieve this goal. Minimal fertilizer and low maintenance are the gifts of a native landscape.

Frequent Garden Blogger Flingers, (L-R: Kathy Jentz, Teri Speight, Newbie Shari Wilson, and Clair Jones) enjoying a fun photo opportunity at the GrowHaus in Denver, Co.

After meeting these two newbies, I knew this was going to be a great Fling! I could only imagine that this Fling would be one to remember, after a night like this. New friends, tacos, The GrowHaus and a swag bag that piqued my interest. Heading back to our hotel, made me wonder what Day 2 would bring. The Denver Garden Bloggers Fling 2019 was definitely melting my heart…and it was just day 1.

The Denver Garden Bloggers Fling swag bag was bulging with gifts from our fabulous sponsors!

Need more information about the Garden Bloggers Fling, click here. To explore more about the GrowHaus, click here. To see why Denver should be on your list of places to visit, click here.

The convenience of staying in downtown Denver near so many modes of transportation, shopping and coffee were amazing. The Hyatt Regency Convention Center was not just beautiful but convenient, check out all they have to offer here.

Denver, The Garden Bloggers Fling, fine dining, and Blue Bears on my mind. I can’t wait to share more about the gardens and Denver garden style.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Tropical Plant Experience in January

By

Oh how beautiful tropical plants are in the landscape…

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!

The first day we toured some of the most beautiful gardens with tropical plants that I have ever seen in January.

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.

Tropical plants embracing a beautiful stage in the middle of the lawn for evening performances or daytime theater, of course.

This is a totally different perspective on garden art. The perfect accent for the surrounding yard.

This pool was simply beautiful tucked neatly behind a historic home.

This was one of the detailed gates which lead up to the driveway of a gorgeous home and a landscape with tropical pants galore.

Tropical plants in front of this estate provided most of the color on this property.

A beautiful Chalice vine graced the area above the garage. This is a tropical plant I wish I could grow in Maryland.

Chalice vine, a Florida tropical plant, neatly manicured clung to an area which was bare. A beautiful statement for this historic property.

We visited properties that were not historic, but simply elegant.

Blissful nooks that made us pause to capture the moment.

Whimsical doors that led to secret spaces…

More garden art that caused us to smile.

We also visited landscapes with unique touches…

This landscape contained pavers with fossil imprints. Talk about unique.

President of GardenComm Becky Heath, Sally Cunningham, Buffalo Garden Walk, and another guest paused as we waited for lunch before boarding the bus.

This was a perfect day coordinated by two stellar ladies.

Sylvia Gordon, Landscape by Sylvia, (L) and Debra A.DeMarco, D.D.M Horticultural Service and Me, Cottage In The Court, basking in the glow of a perfectly planned day! Perfect for me because I made the January journey to experience tropical in the landscape.

With my partners in crime in tow, it was a beautiful experience and this was just day 1!

Teresa Watkins, Denise Schreiber, and I…we truly enjoyed the day!

CAPTURED GLIMPSES OF TROPICAL BLISS…

Here are a few more pictures of how beautiful the tropical plants made a typical January day beautiful.

A white garden…

Our guide Brian Rogers did not realize so many people would enjoy his garden.

I think the group could have stayed and looked out over the water….just dreaming.

Another reason to pause…water…and a reason to rest our eyes. The tropical plants added the perfect touch.

Just a little more water…with a few tropical plants.

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