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England – Bliss, Blooms, and Blessings

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England was quite the treat or a tease. Not sure which – however, I really need to return.

England is memorable for more than just the Royal Family. The gardens in England are diverse, memorable, and often captivate the heart. As much as I love the gardens of Paris, the gardens found in England have always fascinated me.

I traveled to London in 2019. The memory of that adventure lingers in my thoughts almost daily. With my garden club member, Eileen, and my Aunt Yvonne, this trip promised to make a few dreams come true. I was planning on seeing ALL the gardens. With the time I allotted that would not be possible. Each of us had a reason for this trip. my Aunt wanted to see the museums, palaces and just explore something different. Eileen really wanted to see gardens and Selfridges, one of the oldest department stores in England. I of course wanted to see gardens.

The David Austin Rose Gardens was my first mission. That was a birthday gift to me. I also wanted to go to Kew Gardens, The Chelsea Physic Garden, and anything else along the way. Some of the gardens I wanted to see, I found out were in the outskirts of England and accessible via train. Planning is everything. Confirming plans months in advance will be one of the most critical action items for the next trip.

The Glasshouse at The Royal Botanic Gardens – KEW was simply amazing!

We arrived via train from Paris to England, figured out the Underground, connected with Eileen, and checked in. Eileen flew from the United States to England. Our accommodations were quaint but divine. We were not there to stay in the room but to explore and make memories. We definitely made memories. On day one, we made time to visit KEW Gardens.

There is something about Chihuly, England and The royal Botanic Gardens – KEW that just blows me away.

I had to pinch myself often, pace myself, and breathe. It was quite amazing to see Chihuly in the greenhouse and gardens at The Royal Botanic Gardens – KEW, I have to admit, the gift shop was awesome as well.

A few items from the KEW giftshop that I needed to remember my trip to England.

STRATEGIC TRAVEL PLANNING

Eileen and I planned on visiting Chiswick, The Garden Museum, and Selfridges. Eileen was in charge of scheduling which mode of travel was most efficient. Chiswick was the proper starting point. From rugby, rowing, nature preserves to gardens, Chiswick has a sacred spot in history and horticulture. The landscape has many historical plants that have survived over many years. Did you know the Beatles performed there? The Camellias in the glasshouse. As you meander along the grounds, you can sense the importance of the site. The grounds are open to the public for events like hiking and biking. Traveling on the London Underground connecting with the Tunham Green and Piccadilly lines allowed for a short walk to Chiswick. We paused, took photos, and grabbed a bite to eat at the cafe on the grounds. We watched our time as we paused before heading to the next destination.

THE GARDEN MUSEUM

A simple sign directed visitors to the Museum’s entrance. Understated, this little gem of a museum offered a café and gift shop as well.

Wandering the streets of London to find what we were looking for was rewarding. It was a terrific way to get a sense of not being a foreigner, but a local. Each neighborhood had a different garden-sense. The Garden Museum was absolutely awesome. This was a place I should have planned on spending an entire day. England has been on my list of dream places to visit. Many of England’s gardens are featured in travel brochures. Finding the lesser-known gardens can be a gift. There was so much to see and do in England, in addition to quite a few options for gardens to visit.

The Garden Museum was like an unexpected treat in the early afternoon. This simple display was being tended to by a lone gardener.

The Garden Museum shared moments of how we gardened in the past. Visitors can see the cumbersome clogs, uniforms, metal flower pots, and more. Visitors can view a collection of original seed cases. Seeds from foreign lands were stored inside after they were collected. These cases provided protection for the journey back to England. One of my favorite people, Beth Chatto, was captured on a video. talking about the garden. It was almost as if I was in her living room chatting about her perspective on gardening. I really didn’t want to leave. We did make time to pause by the gift shop, much to my delight. Fun fact – John Tradescant is buried in the garden at The Garden Museum.

CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDENS

On the day Eileen left England, Aunt Yvonne and I took our time and went to the Chelsea Physic Garden. It was a delightful morning to calmly enjoy our final day in England. We took the bus – I am not a bus person, but I did it. Fortunately, it dropped us off right in front of the garden. We experienced the daily tour. Several medicinal plants were brought back from the Caribbean and are still in use today. Island women were feeding their babies this concoction later called milk chocolate. It made me quite happy that the Islands played a role in plants that were useful and necessary. The importance of including this truth in the tour meant quite a lot. It was representative of acknowledging the role of diversity and understanding different cultures. Thank you Hans Sloane for appreciating milk chocolate and sharing that knowledge with your peers.

The garden rooms we toured were amazing. History is always intriguing. However, there is something special about a well-stocked gift shop. England’s gift shops had little tokens for capturing the memories of a terrific trip.

I love giftshops and England had some pretty nice offerings of memento’s.

One day, I will return to England with enough time to linger. The planning is underway for the next big adventure. Discovering gardens near and far bring me joy. It is a way to see how others – including Mother Nature – embrace the beauty that surrounds us.

Do you enjoy traveling to dream gardens in far off lands? Are you a minute-by-minute planner or do you linger along the way?

Ordering seeds, dreaming of gardens and planning my next trip to England.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

England, Chihuly, and memories linger in my mind.

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Denver…Thoughts on Flinging

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Denver has a blue bear that stands tall by the Convention Center. Curiously peering into the window, just checking up in what might be happening.

Thoughts about Denver have been on my mind since the Garden Bloggers Fling. In June, I was packing for the Garden Bloggers Fling 2019. This year, Denver, Colorado was the host City. For 5 days, it was this gardener’s mini-vacation or as some called it Garden Camp for Adults. Yes…we had fun, got to know new people and rekindle friendships with others.

As usual, after a trip, I digest my memories and find the words to share. On this journey, I was thinking about how I could spend more time at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The last time I was there, I did not have enough time to see every nook and cranny. This time, it would be different.

A floriferous garden in Denver as we strolled to our closing dinner at the Denver Botanic Garden, Chatfield Farms location in Littleton, Colorado.

Camaraderie and inclusiveness demonstrated to me and other new Flingers was amazing. I can’t speak for everyone but my personal experience has been delightful. As I continue my journey of discovering, sharing and encouraging others to garden, I am choosing to linger along the way. The people I have met and continue to meet are supportive, encouraging, and willing to help.

This garden bloggers fling community has deep roots. The seeds of wisdom are scattered in the communal soil along the way and sprout when the time is right. It is a group where new garden bloggers find a home. We are diverse and encourage the voices that are not in the forefront. With a committed effort to open the garden gates for ALL levels of garden bloggers, garden vloggers, and garden storytellers. If there is a garden, there is a story. If we write about the possibilities, we educate each other along the way.

Denver is more than rock gardens and crevice gardens. However, there were some awesome examples of both!

A few words that come to mind when I think about the garden community that has given me a voice and a sense of peace. Words that are familiar to some, but perhaps new to others…

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away… Maya Angelou

As I travel, experience community, and embrace the beauty that surrounds me, there will be more moments that will take my breath away. These are moments I look forward to. Are you engaged in a community that is positive and encourages memorable experiences? Does your passion take your breath away? Do you share your experiences with others to encourage?

Thinking about Denver allows me to reflect. A few things that came to mind as I smile while remembering this year’s Garden Blogger’s Fling. I will hopefully make you think and reflect on breathless moments.

D is for Diversity. There was so much diversity in the landscape.

E is for the environmentally savvy gardens we visited.

N is for the natural beauty found everywhere we explored.

V is for the vertically appealing mountains that graced the sky

E is for the enhanced color of every single bloom we saw

R is for the rejuvenation of spirit when you attend a Garden Bloggers Fling.

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

A few breathless moments as I reminisce about the Denver Fling 2019.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Tropical Plant Experience in January

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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

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Secret Garden Tour – Annapolis, Maryland

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The Secret Garden Tour began just beyond this banner. The Hammond Harwood House Staff handed out brochures and gave gentle direction to attendees.

Secret Garden Tours are always fabulous and fun. The 2018 Hammond Harwood House Secret Garden Tour was a welcome surprise. When tourist’s come to the Nation’s Capital, the first and sometimes last stop is the National Mall. If you garden and love history, Maryland has something to offer as well. The Secret Garden tour has made a believer out of me.

WHAT IS THE HAMMOND HARWOOD HOUSE?

Built in 1774, the Hammond Harwood House is an Anglo-Palladian home in Annapolis Maryland. Beautifully preserved and built for Mathias Hammond, the Hammond Harwood House is known for its 18th and 19th-century artifacts. Tours are offered that discuss everything from the structure’s history to the enslaved people to the paintings. This National Historic Landmark is open Wednesday through Monday, Noon to 5:00 pm. With a modest fee for the tours, the gardens remain free of charge.

WHY A SECRET GARDEN TOUR?

Homeowners refreshing their landscapes for a worthy cause.

The Secret Garden Tour raises money that goes towards more in-depth educational programming. On the Hammond Harwood House website , one can find the numerous programs that are offered. With support from great companies like Oehme, Van Sweden and What’s Up Magazine, as well as numerous individual donors, I can see how this is a great investment. When I saw the guidebook with a colorful, well laid out design I knew I was in for a treat. With advertisers like Homestead Gardens, Beechbrook Landscape Architecture, Bartlett Tree and Sandy Spring Bank (to name a few) this Secret Garden Tour was just what I needed on a gray Saturday afternoon. I was not disappointed.

WHERE DO I START?

Along the way, one could see the effect of being along the way for a Secret Garden Tour. Every nook and cranny had a spot of color.

There were 15 homes on the tour. Ranging from bungalows to estates in the historic part of Annapolis. Wandering through the private yards and sometimes through low hanging alleyways, each home had a Docent to answer any questions.

Ruth Clausen, Docent on The Secret Garden Tour was amazed I knew the REAL Ruth Rogers Clausen, noted Author and Fellow GWA member.

Some of the Docents shared aspects of the gardens that one might not consider.  Hidden in a quiet nook at the first garden, I discovered an Olive tree. All along the way, the Docents shared special aspects of each garden.

While on the journey of the Secret Garden tour, I also looked at other gardens. One must have open eyes to appreciate the horticultural jewels found in the gardens of Annapolis.

Each garden captured the Patriotic style and spirit of Annapolis gardens.

ALONG THE WAY

You could not ignore this horticultural eye candy as you walked down the street.

Like the Georgetown Garden Tour, the Secret Garden Tour route allowed the attendees to wander through intimate neighborhoods, ducking under low overhanging alleyways and paths narrow enough for one. The anticipation as delightful, as I sought out the floral cutouts defining the exact locations.

Each home on The Secret Garden Tour had a distinctive floral cutout with a number. Keeping track is important when the weather was less than perfect. 15 gardens, looming rain clouds and spotty drizzle, would not stop this die-hard gardener.

I peeked over white picket fences, looked beyond the narrow view and sought out Docents that beckoned me while dodging lite raindrops. I was not sure if I would make it to all of the Secret Garden Tour sites. Each site had eager Docents, willing to share the highlights of each intimate space. Marylander’s are quite friendly and I love a good conversation, but I was on a mission and had to press on.

A basic azalea border can be clean and beautiful. A easy way to prepare for Tour Day.

A colorful combination of Fuchsia, Begonia and Sunpatience. Mounted in dappled shade, by August this container will be quite voluptuous.

Even along the linear walkways, the Hydrangea’s soften the wall, the purple door draws your eye and beckons passersby’s to enter.

This Secret Garden shared a healthy mix of shrubs and perennials. Tastefully done and definitely a Secret Garden. You would not know this was back here…

Approaching the final house, I captured a rabbit posing on the driveway beckoning me to more Hydrangea bushes around the bend.

PARTING THOUGHTS…

Discovering the Secret Garden Tour as well as the Hammond Harwood House was such a treat. One of the deals in purchasing a ticket for the Secret Garden Tour was half price membership. I took advantage of this and look forward to exploring more of Annapolis, the gardens. the historic homes and the food.

This was the BEST burger EVER!! The staff was welcoming and allowed me to linger over the Lavender Fields of Kentucky

I paused at Dry 85. The tag line is Bourbon, Beer and Provisions. Not a beer lover, the Lavender Fields of Kentucky was divine. The burger was cooked to perfection and the special local seasoned fries were finger-licking good. So good, I will be back, even if there is no garden tour. I create a garden party wherever I go.

Next year, I will make room on my calendar to attend The Secret Garden Tour of Annapolis and seek out other authentic garden tours throughout the State. Oh those Maryland Gardens, will be my Garden Party battle cry. Some of the best, authentic local gardens I have seen so far in Maryland.

This is the herb garden and grilling area. This way the herbs are a mere few paces away for ease of cooking.

 

To find out more about events like the Secret Garden Tour click here: https://www.hammondharwoodhouse.org/

To find out more about growing Hydrangea’s click here: http://cottageitc.wpengine.com/allaboutthegardenife/success-with-hydrangeas/Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

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

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