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Black Flora – Inspiring Profiles of Floriculture’s New Vanguard

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Black Flora – Inspiring Profiles of Floriculture’s New Vanguard is a long overdue book.

Black Flora was a mere seedling of a thought in 2021. The opportunity to write a book focusing on African American flower farmers was quite exciting. I accepted the offer with enthusiasm. After much discussion the conversation about who to portray broadened. We decided to include the diverse stories of African Americans who work with flowers. The initial release in February 2022 was brief and the book sold out by the end of 2022. A rebirth was inevitable.

I had no idea of what writing a book entailed. The publishing industry was not something I was familiar with. I quickly realized it was not like writing a blog post. Thoughts of reviving interest in this book seemed out of reach. I learned a valuable lesson on how things happen at just the right time. During a very somber week, truly disappointed at the outcome of my first foray into writing a book, I received an email expressing interest in our stories. The Black Flora Family cannot say Thank you enough to Timber Press. I like to say Timber Press saw us and recognized the importance of this book. Black Flora shares inspirational stories to inspire and encourage people from all walks of life. A revival of Black Flora was eminent.

The profiles shared within the book showcase how African Americans in floriculture can pivot. Along the way, the road might have been a bit bumpy. The journey might have unexpected obstacles to discourage. The twenty-five profiles in Black Flora – Inspiring Profiles of Floriculture’s New Vanguard share an encapsulated version of their passion. From Hawaii to North Carolina, this book shares how flowers found a way to change lives.

Each participant in Black Flora represents a determination to succeed. The dream of growing, designing, or creating art with flowers is not a dream to defer. Even with the odds against us, we do not wilt and disappear. We return to our roots and stand on the foundation our ancestors instilled in us.

Writing this book was not easy. I am a freelance writer and garden blogger. I wanted to become a specialty cut flower farmer in 2021. Imagining a life without flowers in my home weekly was a humbling thought. The desire to have an outdoor garden with all the flowers that I desired had a certain requirement. There would be enough flowers to provide arrangements in every room at The Cottage in the Court weekly. I felt I could do this from my backyard and share the excess. One component of my work week is creating arrangements using seasonal flowers. These floral displays uplift the spirits in our office. Who knew Gomphocarpus physocarpus would create interesting conversations followed by giggles?

I dreamed of Dahlias gracing my counters in beautiful vases.

As I interviewed the Black Flora participants, we became a team. I consider us the Black Flora Family. In the book, it was intended to focus on the success of our journey. As business owners and farmers, many people know the challenges minorities encounter along the way. We highlighted the unique stories of why the flowers beckoned those portrayed on the pages of this book for this work. Sharing the success and overcoming the challenges should inspire anyone considering a career with flowers. A few individuals portrayed in Black Flora had to figure out how to creatively farm flowers by borrowing land. We realized pursuing a floral dream in uncertain times was the common thread that connected us. We are Black Flora. I wondered how many profiles of African Americans in floriculture whose stories have yet to be shared. We consider this a new beginning.

Mums have proven to make gorgeous mini bouquets with a great vase life.

Some have asked, how they can help spread our stories. Purchase Black Flora -Inspiring Profiles of Floriculture’s New Vanguard to show interest in what our hands are capable of. Go the extra mile to reach out to an African American florist. We are small businesses that can only thrive on the success of their patrons. There is a directory on Postal Petals of African American Florists to consider supporting. Black Flora’s cover lady, Talia Boone, owner of Postal Petals, continually updates this listing as new florists sign up.

The best way for us to continue sharing our stories is by supporting us. We want to continue being strong representatives of the African American presence in floriculture. Sowing into the flower farmers, florists, and designers who are a part of Black Flora helps them thrive and give back to others in our communities. Creating and supporting collaborative events can provide opportunities to share with a broader audience. Book signings, fl0ral arranging, and more are ways to keep the conversation going. Asking those who work with flowers and documenting their stories is the best way to sow seeds for future generations.

I am simply a messenger. Sowing seeds of positivity to empower others to engage with the Black Flora Family. We love the work that we do. It reflects the diverse ways we show up in the garden of life. With each stem we touch, arrangement we make, class we teach, or design we share, we are uniquely Black Flora.

I love us. I love Black Flora and what we share with the world. Now, to start that small flower farm…if I make time to sow seeds in my backyard. The cut flower garden of my dreams continues to evolve. I want to share with the next generation how flowers can uplift the spirit and share boundless joy.

While sitting in my garden room, sorting seeds for a cutting garden, Precious by my side, I dream of an abundant fower border, overflowing with blooms for cutting. This is the year I grow more peonies and cut flowers to bring the garden inside. This is the year I have my Black Flora moment with my hands in the soil and my heart with all who are inspired to embrace the joy of flowers.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

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Garden Tourism is a Great Elixir

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Garden tourism is the elixir we need when the world moves too fast. Autumn at Lewis Ginter was quite a treat.

Garden tourism is often experienced during the warmer months. Did you know that some of the most unique times in the garden happen when the garden is resting? It has been a bumpy start to a new year in many ways. Many people have logged on, tuned in, and are continually caught up in the erratic news cycle, we are missing out on healthier choices.

Going outside to see the garden or nature evolve is a life-changing experience. Watching buds swell, foliage burst from the ground, or experiencing how the light hits the garden can be memorable. These gifts from the garden might seem boring to some, however, allow me to elaborate.

On a recent walk at the United States Botanic Garden, I welcomed the distraction of the mid-winter garden. It was one of the first days I noticed the winter sky was lighter at 5:00 pm, meaning a new season was waiting in the wings. As I walked – no phone, no earbuds – around the garden, I could feel the energy of nature surrounding me. Even with the extremely low temperatures, I paused to see what was emerging from the earth. The evergreens popped throughout the landscape. A few shrubs showed exciting winter colors adding a range of colorful interest to an otherwise somber garden. There was also the opportunity to see how the weather affected plant material with the unexpected frigid temperatures. If I had been on my phone or in front of a TV, this experience would not have happened.

The Christmas Lights at Longwood Gardens was quite the treat and brought together a diverse group of garden aficionados.

Garden Tourism is a great way to learn about plants, plant combinations, and other noteworthy garden ideas. Even while traveling, it is a great way to see something different and, most likely, inspirational. I recently hosted a small group experience at Longwood Gardens to see the Christmas lights. It was an opportunity to escape, if only for a few hours.

One of my neighbors who loves decorating for Christmas was impressed with the decorations. It was the perfect opportunity for her to see a different way to include nature in her holiday decor. As she lingered at the back of the group, I noticed the glimmer in her eyes as she closely inspected each design. I noticed an occasional smile as she took mental notes on recreating some of the ideas. To see her reaction melted my heart. Knowing my neighbor, I know she will use some of the ideas in her home and garden this Christmas.

While I stalk the United States Botanic Garden, other gardens offer a different type of escape. A few that are seasonally noteworthy are – Enid A. Haupt Garden, Katherine Dulin Folger Rose Garden, and The United States Arboretum. Each of these gardens offers a different experience and a lesson – if you observe. Perhaps notice when the roses are pruned, what bulbs are emerging, and figure out what is so fragrant at this time of the year. The Mary Livingston Ripley Garden, Dumbarton Oaks, and Tudor Place are beautiful places to watch the seasons evolve.

I consider Hillwood Estate Museum and Garden, a ladies’ garden. Each area reimagines how Marjorie Merriweather Post might have wanted if she was entertaining or enjoying her garden today. The friendship garden is one of my favorite places to pause, sit and breathe. This garden continually evolves with a gorgeous cutting garden and expanded programming drawing in gardeners, historians, or those seeking an opportunity to have a light lunch in a beautiful garden. It is one of my regular gardens to enjoy in any season.

Maryland also offers great garden tourism experiences such as Brookside Gardens, Glenstone, McCrillis Gardens, Cylburn Arboretum, Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and the Mount Washington Arboretum. I adore the intimacy found at the Rawlings Conservatory, as well as the convenience of Brookside. Glenstone offers a unique experience if you appreciate art in the garden and offers a terrific example of sustainable garden practices.

A terrific way to enjoy garden tourism in Virginia is to visit Greenspring Gardens, Lewis Ginter Gardens, or even Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. If you leave early, make time to enjoy downtown Richmond. The different areas offer great food, impactful art, historical displays, and great shopping. Exploring Richmond is a great idea for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

I encourage anyone reading this to put down the phone, turn off the TV, and create your unique garden tourism experience. Going outside in a garden elevates the spirit, provides a healthy distraction, and offers inspiration on what you can try in your green space.

Now to figure out which garden I will explore this weekend. I sense something beautiful is blooming in a garden near me.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

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Leaves – Life Lessons from Above

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Leaves are such a gift. We anticipate their presence in midwinter. We often take note of the buds on trees and shrubs in late winter. Watching them swell with the energy, these buds offer us a lesson in diversity. They produce leaves in all shapes, sizes, or colors, such as chartreuse, brightly colored, or variegated. Other tree and shrubs will produce blooms before the leaves. The first lesson nature teaches us is patience. Patience is shared as we anticipate what will evolve from the buds of late winter.

Leaf canopies offer our gardens a buffer from the strong sun, especially as our climate continues to evolve. Many appreciate the shade from overhead tree canopies, encouraging us to create shade gardens. A strategically placed garden room in dappled shade is akin to an outdoor living room.  As homeowners, we should consider incorporating elements that cause us to pause and experience nature. A few chairs, a loveseat, or perhaps a table to rest refreshments, nosh, or a book will add ambiance. Leaf canopies invite the breezes to waft through and create a sense of peace.

We know that as summer ends, lighting throughout the garden changes as the leaves begin to fall. Before they fall, many trees offer a kaleidoscope of color. This colorful array of leaves changes the feel of the garden as the cooler temperatures arrive. Crepe myrtles, fothergilla and oak leaf hydrangea offer some of the richer shades of the season. I look forward to the gold, rustic burgundy, and even red in my garden. It is delightful to notice colorful changes to our familiar trees, such as redbuds, oaks, and maples. The bright gold foliage of Amsonia, adds a bit of whimsy to my garden. Perennials with structure, form, and color, often demonstrate how the garden can be beautiful, even as it wanes. The second lesson leaves teach us it to appreciate fleeting moments.

As I walk my dog at the break of dawn, finding the perfect leaf of the day brings me joy. It is during this quiet time, when the day slowly reveals a fresh batch of leaves littering the landscape. There is always one leaf that glows in its near perfect color or form. Reaching down, gingerly embracing my special daily find, a leaf finds its way into my pocket. When I arrive at the Cottage, the leaf is eased between the pages of a book. Many times, I simply place it on the glass top of my curio cabinet by the front door. By the end of the week, a stack of crumpled brown leaves causes me to smile. It is then when I am reminded how quickly we move from season to season.

Do I simply discard the now crumpled brown leaves in the trash? Is there another purpose they can serve? The third lesson leaves teach us is the art of repurposing. At this time of the year many rake leaves, removing them from every inch of the landscape. Science teaches us that we should consider repurposing at least some of the leaves back into our gardens. Leaves drop from the trees above as a way of shedding the prior season’s growth. This has happened since the beginning of time. In doing so, leaves break down and feed the soil. This is the cycle of nature. Nature has always found a way to be self-sufficient. Some plant material is more prone to disease or cannot tolerate our changing climate. Other plants simply cannot survive various types of human interference. Choosing the right plants makes more sense than ever right now.

Leaves offer us so many lessons, we just need to pay attention. Simple leaves are truly life lessons we can use. Paying attention to nature is such a beautiful thing.

Fallen leaves quietly remind us to pause and savor each season.

Waiting patiently for the golden gingko leaves to fall…in due season of course.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

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Unexpected Game-changers for A Changing Climate

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Unexpected game-changers for a changing climate are appreciated when conditions are warmer than anticipated.

(photo courtesy of First Editions /Bailey Nursery)

Unexpected game-changers were exactly what we needed this summer. We experienced a season that was consistently hot and dry. With an ever-changing climate, selecting plants for the garden was a greater challenge than anticipated.

This year, many gardeners carefully read plant tags, and chose plant combinations bred to thrive, all while wiping sweat from their brows and hoping for the best. How many plants would thrive on minimal care, infrequent watering, and weeks of rising temperatures? Some gardeners found it difficult to figure out when it was cool enough to venture outside to maintain and water their existing garden…or if it was worth it.

Cavano’s Perennials in Kingsville, Maryland had a nursery Open House earlier this Spring. David Culp was there to offer tips on plants that were a part of the Brandywine Cottage Collection. Trust is an essential part of supporting a collection of plants that do well under the watchful eye of an esteemed Horticulturalist. I consider David a friend whose plant experience I trust. He shared which plants I should try from his collection. When I departed, my car was filled with Cavano’s perennials and even a few annuals. I was one happy gardener who knew which plant would go in specific areas.

One shrub from First Editions and two plants from the Brandywine Cottage Collection brought me joy each time I entered my garden. Despite the heat, I wanted to see what would thrive. Plants that endure the heat and humidity commonly found in the DMV are plants we should share.

VITEX QUEEN BEE

Unexpected long-season blooms are just one reason to consider growing Queen Bee in your garden.

I have been a fan of Vitex or the Chaste Tree for quite some time. The blue blooms and its ability to host a bee party leave a smattering of drunken bees throughout the bush. Vitex Queen Bee is an appropriate name for this beautiful, easy to grow shrub.

I can honestly say I am fascinated with the foliage AND the bloom. This year, I am thankful for the intermittent water that Mother Nature shared in August. The drought tolerance of this beautiful shrub is amazing! Queen Bee doesn’t let too much time go by without pushing out the cleanest leaves and stunning blue blooms. Generally, Queen Bee will top out at 6 feet but can get wider. I plan on minimizing her girth by trying to use the branches in floral displays – even if they last just one day. Floating the foliage in a bowl or bird bath can also make quite a statement, especially when adding assorted colorful blooms.

Queen Bee Vitex is a shrub that is not shy about taking up space and thrives without much attention. In a sunny spot, this shrub provides effortless beauty, brilliant blue blooms, and a bee party.

My dilemma is how many Vitex can one have? I think three is a great number…I can hear the musical buzzing now. Stay tuned as I introduce a few perennials that brought me joy even in the heat of summer.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

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Patience Grows in the Garden

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Patience grows as we garden It is something every gardener experiences in their lifetime.

Patience can be found in a simple bulb, plump tuber, or visually barren pot. This act of faith and perseverance is key to the gardens we dream about during the off-season. How much does it take to endure waiting for the promise of beauty? In my case, it started with a few peony roots I found in my garden room.

I’m in the mood to purge, simply because I have to (sounds like a song, right?) I want to make my garden room pretty – even if it is part of the laundry room. I have a water source nearby and if I make a mess, I can quickly mop or sweep. This is where I found a long-forgotten stash of bulbs, corms, and roots. The package information had faded, but I knew it had peony roots. As I soaked them in fish emulsion, there was hope these peony roots might have a bit of life stored within.

Peony roots exercised extreme patience in my garden room.

On a chilly September afternoon, I planted the roots, while saying a special prayer of forgiveness. Perhaps these roots would sprout and grow – forgiving me in the process. A mild winter allowed me to keep watch on the space where I tucked the roots into the fertile ground. When I noticed the burgundy points emerging from the ground, I smiled. Now to exercise patience, as I anticipate future blooms.

A Cercis canadensis or Redbud, has practiced the act of patience with me. I am enamored with all redbud trees. There is a catch – you have to plant them. I purchased this tree two years ago. At the time, I also bought my sister one. In her yard, this tree has captured the attention of her neighbors due to the beautiful blooms and leaves. Fortunately, mine…has been waiting for me to find the right place.

Patience might allow this Redbud to grow and thrive.

I checked on this tree throughout the winter. I wondered if it would thrive or even bloom. The other day, I saw a small flash of color at the base of the trunk. I apologized to this tree for not making time to plant her. There was also a tearful thank you for her patience with me. She might struggle, but I will be there for her – just like she was for me.

Sometimes overwintered plants in pots encourage us to give up hope. Stems sticking up, nothing visible at the onset of spring. Observing each pot, I often wonder if I should simply dump it in a low lying spot or be patient. That was my initial feeling as I gazed upon this Clematis in a pot . It was purchased to grace my arbor on the side of the house. Then one day, even though the stems were brown and brittle in appearance, I saw life emerging from a node.

Exercising patience with this Clematis in a pot truly brought me joy.

Whether you plant a corm, tuber, or bulb, there is always hope they will evolve into a healthy plant. The perennials found at the garden center last fall might still be in their pots. I hope you placed them close to the house for winter protection. Casually take a peek at them as the days become longer and brighter. Perhaps the warmth of the seasonal sun will awaken them when the time is right.

Practicing patience can often be difficult. When the wait is over, the beauty, found in the garden, lets us know, that it is worth it. Go outside and watch the garden come to life. It will not happen all at once. Spring is like a budding romance. Take it slow, exercise patience, adapt to the small imperfections, and attempt to resolve any issues. If necessary, alter the landscape (so to speak).

I am exercising patience as I wait for all the friends I planted in my sunny front yard garden. There is also a sense of thankfulness for my garden. You see, my garden exercised patience with me. I happily anticipate the gifts it will share over time.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

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