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Sharing Boxing Day Traditions at Christmas

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Sharing on Christmas Day is usually a given. After carefully shopping for friends and family, sharing a meal and hunkering down is usually a common practice. This year I decided to do something a little different and uniquely share with my community.

After making arrangements for my office using greenery from the garden gifted to me, the wheels in my head started turning. My garden club, Capitol Hill Garden Club, had a few bags left over from our Greens Party as well. I took advantage of this gift from the garden. When it comes to getting the public excited about gardening, I try to be creative. I quietly planned to share some Holiday joy with those who might miss out.

Christmas Eve I started my mission by washing and wrapping over 30 miniature vases that I no longer wanted. Tying each with a bow, I boxed them up. I was then ready for the next part of my exercise in sharing. In my opinion, the best gifts are not purchased. They are created, by hand and finished off with love. A supurb gift is one that comes from nature. I chose two nice sized containers that sat gathering dust. Next I found two chunks of oasis in my studio and began my elfish adventure.

BOXING DAY FUN FACT 

A little sharing about the history of boxing day which was celebrated on the day after Christmas in the UK.  This tradition started around 1833. It was a day where people gave back or shared their Christmas excess. Holiday food, goods and gifts were shared with those less fortunate. In some instances money was collected by the local Churches and given to the needy. Usually the well-to-do citizens gathered trinkets, money and left over food, boxed it up and gave it to their servants, their poor relatives, as well as to the slaves.

CHRISTMAS ON THE PLANTATION 

Usually on many plantations, the only time the slaves had off was at Christmas – MAYBE. If the plantation owner was considered nice he allowed a slave to pick a yule log. As long as the yule log burned, the slaves had those days off. I can only imagine that there was a lot of praying going on for the log to burn as long as possible. On some plantations, owners allowed a feast to be prepared specifically for the slaves. Sharing the finer meats, vegetables, wine and downtime, this celebration could last for a day or a few days. Each plantation was different. Why Christmas MAYBE?  If you were not in the good favor of the plantation owner, there was no Christmas or downtime.

Christmas was also a time for romance on the plantation. Quite a few marriges took place between plantations. It was a time when slaves were allowed to go from plantation to plantation to visit. When courting a potential spouse, a yearly visit was quite special to many.

Some slaves began a celebraton known as Jonkonnu. Creating makeshift costumes with uniquey designed masks, the celebration went from home to home. Dancing to music made with makeshift items, they were gifted with whatever was on hand to share. The women made quilts and repaired clothing during this downtime on the plantation. Songs of hope (including cryptic messages) were commonly called Spirituals. It has been documented that many slave revolts happened at Christmas.

A NON TRADITIONAL DAY OF SHARING

I wanted to give back in a uique way to my community. There will always be someone who might not have a gift to give. Usually there is someone who might feel forgotten during the holiday season. I chose to make a little bit of difference in my own way. I chose the Forestville Health & Rehabilitation Center as the place to be the recipient of some horticultural holiday cheer. The decision to deliver my festive creations on Christmas Day and not Boxing Day, was intentional.

What better place to share a festive arrangement or two of live evergreens. I also presented the box of wrapped miniature vases for those who might not have a gift to bring to a loved one. The staff could also brighten someone’s day with a small bouqet or simple stem as needed. The Greeter’s name was Arlene. We had a warm and informative conversation about the facility.

One thing rattled me, as we chatted. When I gave her the box of wrapped vases, she told me I had to distribute them to whoever I wanted to have them. Crushed, I sadly stated “I dont know anyone here”. I sat up all night choosing vases, wrapping them individually, tying the perfect bow with the intention of making a difference. Arlene could sense my sadness and said she woud give them to the Director of Activities. As I began to breathe again, I thought to myself, I will keep giving back so I will not have to say those words again.

As gardeners, we usually have an abundance of something. A few blooms or an armload of bodaciousness, how often do we think to share? Not just at Christmas time, but throughout the year the garden can be shared. You never know the impact of the unexpected “share”.

Creating the arrangements on Christmas eve, singing and reminiscing about my blessings was not intentional. I was excited about the thought of sharing unexpected joy. My mission going forward is to to get to know more about my community, engage others in the art of gardening and share.

Thank You Arlene for making this Christmas extra Special for me!!!

Are you familar with the underserved in your community? Will you consider sharing your garden gifts in the next season? You could make a new friend who will light up and smile after being gifted with unexpected horticultural bliss from the garden.

I did use a box to carry the arrangements. However what I shared could not be contained in a box.

Merry Christmas and Happy Boxing Day!!!

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.

Heritage Harvest Festival – Community, History, Gardens

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Heritage Harvest Festival at Historic Monticello, Charlottesville, VA

The Heritage Harvest Festival on the grounds of historic Monticello brought back many memories. Having lived in Virginia, while raising my daughters, an escape to the countryside always led to historic adventures.  Trips to Charlottesville to visit Monticello was within reach, as well as country markets along the way. I had not been to the Heritage Harvest Festival in a few years, so this was a welcomed road trip.

Not feeling 100%, my Aunt Yvonne and made the trek to the Heritage Harvest Festival just to get away from it all. I instantly felt better when I saw the Celosia….

Celosia…Red Cockscombs on the grounds of Monticello.

Or did I feel better when I saw this bed of horticultural delights…

A perfect Heirloom patch of mixed flowers for cutting and enjoying on the grounds of Monticello.

Despite the negative publicity that Charlottesville has received of late, I felt a bit better and right at home. Perhaps because I am a country girl at heart. Perhaps because the Ladies who worked at the Michie General Store made us sincerely feel welcome. It did not matter, we were on a mission. Our mission was to say “Hi” and give a big hug to Ira Wallace of Southern Seed…to buy my garlic for Fall planting.

You see, Ira Wallace is a fellow Garden Writer, Master Gardener, Author and worker/owner of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. This is the short list of everything Ira Wallace does or has done. Most importantly, Ira has become a cherished friend. Ira and I bonded at this year’s Garden Bloggers Fling after spending three days sharing and exploring the many gardens in the DMV (more about the Fling later). When I get an invitation to visit, I take it seriously. Ira invited me to come on down and so I did.  It was the perfect day, perfect weather and there was no drama. Ira even helped my Aunt Yvonne select seed for cover crops for her raised beds.

Ira Wallace advising my Aunt Yvonne on what are the better cover crops for the winter garden.

I was not only glad to see Ira Wallace but elated to purchase some garlic cloves from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange as well.

Garlic with planting/harvesting instructions from a reputable resource – Southern Exposure Seed Exchange.

It is important to support…and I do when I can!! Thank you, Ira, for Being YOU!!

 

There were many things to see and do at the Heritage Harvest Festival.  We tasted many different varieties of tomatoes…

The tomato tasting table…all delicious in unique ways.

Next, we headed to the melon counter…..

Yellow melons, white melons, pink melons and red melons – I never had so much melon!

There were a few that Aunt Yvonne made it clear she did not like. I, on the other hand, have never met a melon that I did not like. We moved through the booth and happened upon some heirloom greens.

Heirloom Kale, Collards and Creasey greens. Luscious greens. The taste of some properly cooked collards crossed my mind.

With information sheets to guide the novice gardener, there were also many folks who were ready and available to help. Even the people in the line started sharing memories and recipes as we continued to move through the tent. I happened upon Kamala, a young lady that was sharing the virtues of ginger and turmeric. Her Mom, Ann was just chatting away with the customers who crowded her booth. The naturally unsweetened tea was perfect as the afternoon became a little warm.

Momma Ann was making the tea and serving it up in the midst of fresh ginger root as well as ginger plants for sale.
Locally made tea with fresh ingredients – ginger and turmeric. Nisani Farm actually operates in Takoma Park, MD. and Phenix, VA.

I can not wait to chat with Ann of Nisani Farm to hear about her journey. Every woman has a journey and the next vendor we happened upon, shared a unique journey indeed. Lady Farmer – we have been waiting for you! With a sustainable clothing line and more about to hit the DMV, as well as the web, conscious clothing choices are within reach. Emma and Mary have lots in store to share! I am excited!

Lady farmer – offering unique sustainable clothing – locally! I need NEED the overalls, Lady Farmer!
They will be promoting their wares once the website goes live….
I just had to have this really cool carryall bag – so much better than plastic and easy on the shoulders!

It was a full day in Charlottesville at the Harvest Heritage Festival. Triggering memories of my daughters running in the lawn and stopping at the Tavern for candy and ice cream.

I am certain that some people stayed away due to the National attention Charlottesville received a few weekends prior to the Harvest Heritage Festival. Let me tell you, it was a day where trouble was not welcome. Community, history buffs and those who embraced gardening all shared the West lawn and grounds of Monticello in peace. I am so glad I was not scared away! What a great day experiencing community, history, and gardening at the Heritage Harvest Festival!

My Aunt Yvonne and I pausing before the long trek home…

Til next year Harvest Heritage Festival,

 

Teri – at the Cottage In The Court

 

Winter in Paris…Unanticipated Joy

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Spending a part of winter in Paris was how I decided to end 2016. To begin the new year in my beloved “Other” home was a Christmas gift to self. Spending a quiet post holiday experience while it was winter in Paris, would provide the right atmosphere to just be still. Anytime of the year is a good time to consider Paris. Winter in Paris lends itself to moments of unanticipated joy.

This day,in particular, was quite magical. The cool air graced my face and a gentle rain fell. My first stop was at the base of the Basilica Sacre Couer. Like a sugar sculpture standing guard at the top of the hill, the view is one that is quite memorable. One could walk up the steep steps (well worth it on the right day) or take the Funicular – which is like a lift of sorts. This was not part of my mission on this rainy day. I used the Sare Couer as a place to get my bearings. I was on a quest to find beautiful fabrics to bring back home and create a memory.

To coin a phrase, a funny thing happened on the way to the fabric district. The fabric and notion stores are found adjacent to Anvers Metro. I wanted to explore a little and disembarked at Barbes-Rochechouart Metro. It all looked familiar at first. Merchants with everything from clothing to shoes to trinkets lined the streets. Having spare time I wandered aimlessly seeking familiar landmarks.  On this day, the familiar landmarks were nowhere to be found. My walking carried me further away from where I wanted to be. I happened upon flowers in front of a store that whispered for me to take a peek. It was such a welcome sight, especially since it was winter in Paris.I needed to pause, so I gingerly turned the door knob and entered.

This display certainly caused me to drift away from my mission …

I was greeted in unison with “Bon Jour Mademoiselle” by the young man who was moving boxes and a sweet voice diligently wrapping a bouquet.  I nodded as I embraced the sweet smells, the tasteful vases, and unique Christmas ornaments. It was just enough holiday decor to not overwhelm and more than enough single stems as well as bunches of flowers enticing me to linger.

a burst of floral beauty in the midst of winter

My French needs a lot of work – seriously – but this gentle young woman worked with me to find what I was looking for. The perfect ornament for a very dear friend.

A few of the items that caught my eye as I lingered…

The smiling Proprietress of Ipomea assisted me graciously. Retrieving my ornament from the window, wrapping it in tissue, and finding the perfect box that would travel well. I explained that I was a gardener writer from America and that her shop was the bright spot on this damp winter day. Even with a small language barrier, we chatted for quite some time about flowers. Her name was Eva Boutolleau and it was a pleasure to meet and spend time with her.

The face of Impomea…

I had to end my visit after getting directions on how to actually get to Anvers and the fabric stores. I cannot think of a better distraction during winter in Paris, than a flower shop like Ipomea. We exchanged business cards and I promised to work on my French before I returned. Turning the wrong way, even with directions, I mentally floated on the memories of my visit to a French flower shop. I like to think that the language of flowers is international. The opportunity to chat with a florist who understood this passion was simply amazing. If you are ever in Paris, Ipomea is worth the wander. Should you choose to wander, be sure to tell Eva I sent you or visit her Facebook page @27CuistineParis18

Twenty minutes later, I finally found what I was looking for….fabrics.

More fabrics….there were, even more, fabrics that made the long journey worth it! The opportunity to touch and feel fabrics that come from some of the better-known design houses is an experience. To afford a remnant is priceless. This year’s bounty included a slice of cashmere, a bit of mohair and a few notions.Each time I go to Paris there are a few things that I just cannot pass up. Fresh flowers to enhance my daily joy, fabric store excursions, The House of Chanel (I just gaze through the window and dream, each and every time)

and the Eiffel Tower. One day I will muster up the courage to actually enter the House of Chanel and ask to touch the staircase. A dream of my youth that will one day become a reality. Coco Chanel was a designer that I admired as I dreamt of becoming a fashion designer. Coco seemed to have chutzpah and a wonderful sense of style. It was my mission to find the apartment of the infamous Coco Chanel. No matter the season, in Paris, dreams can come true. You must be willing to wander and allow Paris to happen to you. During this past winter in Paris, I allowed unanticipated joy to happen.

Winter in Paris is just as exciting as any other season…you just have to be willing to wander. A chosen tour allowed me to wander even more….

(I will be posting several delayed posts. When I returned from Paris, I lost my Best Friend and Garden Buddy. I had to pause as I embraced this life change, however life goes on. Honoring my Father through my words….)

Philadelphia Flower Show…Ushering In Spring

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Ushering in Spring this year meant traveling to the Philadelphia Flower Show to embrace all that Spring has to offer…in advance.  Usually, I am either sponsoring or a participant on a bus trip to see the Philadelphia Flower Show. It has been an odd year of unanticipated changes, so I thought I needed to experience this Spring Advance Showing with a different set of eyes.  In a way, I am glad I did.I have visited the Philadelphia Flower Show for over 20 years and have never regretted going. Some of the themes were not appealing to me at the time, but when I look back, an exhibit, a vendor or a moment, always lingered in my mind….at least until the next show. To anticipate my personal Flower Show in my mind always starts with my yearly trek to the Philadelphia flower Show.This year, the theme was Holland. When I think of Holland…well bulbs naturally come to mind. All kinds of bulbs from Tulips to Daffodils, Muscari to Galanthus to Hyacinths – bulbs mean Spring no matter where you go.  This year’s Philadelphia Flower Show did not disappoint from the inspirational bulb displays to the creative combinations.  Distinctive displays shared how plant material, such as trees and shrubs, can be integrated into the Spring landscape and complimented by a underplanting of bulbs.Greeted by a phenomenal arch of assorted bulb combinations, the fragrance of spring, the fresh foliage filled the aired, causing the world outside to be a distant memory. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that some of the bulbs I would see were from a familiar vendor, Brent & Becky’s Bulbs out of Gloucester, Virginia. Such an awesome merchant with such a wide range of bulbs not just for Spring, but for any season.  There were some very soft, feminine, as well as bright, bold and colorful tulips, artfully arranged in diverse landscape interpretations.There were large displays with outrageous interpretations of landscape options.   Big displays, small displays, minimalist displays… and over the top displays. There was the theme of bikes, alternative means of transportation made beautiful simply by adding flowers. I also seemed to find a lot of wire and floral collaborations.  The diversity of bikes, wire and light bulbs…yes light bulbs, was uniquely integrated into inspirational floral fantasy. This yearly trek always includes a little shopping with the vendors located on site.  From a simple souvenir to ornamental flags to whip in the breeze in front of my house as a constant reminder of a wonderful day. Light shopping this year…but this year, it was all about the memory as well as the escape from the world as I know it. A limited edition pin, mug, GROW magazine, and key ring, were just what I needed. When I sip from my coffee mug at work, my smile merely reflects the memory of a great day at the Philadelphia Flower Show.The Philadelphia Flower show ushers in Spring and has for quite some time.  Quite honestly, I cannot imagine Spring without my yearly trek to be in the City where I can immerse myself and find the creative interpretation of all things Spring.  Thank you, Philadelphia Horticultural Society for all you do to help us embrace a new season, every Spring.

The theme for the 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show is Wonders of Water. Featuring how water is used in the landscape as well as creative features on sustainability and conservation….alas…something to dream about until next March. The show dates for the Philadelphia Flower Show 2018 are  March 3 – 11. See you there???