Welcome to Cottage in the Court

#plantsweneedtoknow

Mr. Jefferson and the Cherry Blossoms – A Little Known Story

By 2 Comments

Mr. Jefferson often goes unnoticed at this time of the year. However his work with the Cherry Blossoms is something we all should remember.

Mr. Jefferson is not just another native Washingtonian. The Mr. Jefferson I
want to share with you is an African American and a botanist. One who we are
proud of particularly at this time of the year. Our Mr. Jefferson was an
International authority on certain flowering cherry trees. Not many people are
aware of his work. These famous Cherry trees attract tourism to the Nation’s
Capital each spring. As a native Washingtonian, I am so proud to share a little
knowledge about Mr. Jefferson.

Roland Maurice Jefferson graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Botany. Finding work in any field for an African American man
in those days, was a little hard. Mr. Jefferson was eager to use his education
in a professional setting. It was the United States Arboretum which opened
their doors to this young man. Mr. Jefferson seized the opportunity to show a
dedication to his botanical skills in addition to a good work ethic.

In any field, starting out in “junior” positions is a common
practice. Having a degree in Botany, he was hired to make labels. Well, Roland
made labels the best way he knew how. He even created labels in metal so they
would last longer. Noticing his determination to make a difference, the United
States Arboretum made the conscientious decision to promote Mr. Jefferson.
Finally, his job title was Botanist. Imagine in 1957 being the first African
American Botanist for the US Arboretum. As an only child, Mr. Jefferson knew
that he had to be the best in whatever he chose to pursue.

We have all begun to realize, that history has not shared enough of the
African American experience in many professions. I am a native Washingtonian.
Sadly, I cannot say there was any mention of Roland on the school field trips
to see the Cherry Blossoms. Our teachers shared limited information on the back
story of the trees and their care. We knew they were a gift, and a tourist
attraction. Many school age children have witnessed this African American man’s
story and never knew it. How many children never realized that a favorite topic
of study is the seed which can become a profession, simply by continuing their
education??

Do you know how many untold number of hours Roland invested writing about
our favored Cherry Trees? He wrote a book, “The
Japanese Flowering Cherry Trees of Washington, DC: A Living Symbol of
Friendship“.

In 1976, the year I graduated from senior high school, Mr. Jefferson
recognized the Cherry trees were in trouble. Botanists are trained to recognize
signs of decline on many things we grow. Taking over one hundred cuttings
allowed Mr. Jefferson to propagate seedlings of the original cherry trees.
Today we are enjoying the offspring of the original trees. As an avid tree
lover, I could not be more thankful for the efforts of this man. I like to
think Mr. Jefferson was just showing off his skills.

The conversation of the African-American experience in horticulture, generally
involves sharecropping. For many people, George Washington Carver is the
ultimate beginning and end of the conversation. Botany provided Roland the
opportunity of a lifetime. I imagine there are more African Americans who have
made a difference in horticulture. We need to unearth and share these stories
all year long – not just in February.

The handiwork of this Botanist can be seen around the world. From his many
seed swaps throughout Europe, Japan Korea and Taiwan, his legacy lives on.
Roland made sure we have a diverse selection of Cherry trees to choose from for
any setting. Much of the research we use today for Flowering Cherry trees
evolve from Mr. Jefferson’s work.

This gentleman Botanist donated his papers to the National Arboretum once he
retired. Even though he is no longer with us on earth, I bet he is observing
his handiwork with a smile.

This year, the Cherry Blossoms will bloom early. Perhaps our changes in
temperature and zone are the reason. In any case, the tourists are coming
anytime between now and March 23, 2024. There National Cherry Blossom Festival
will officially begin on March 20th – April 14th.

Thank you Mr. Jefferson for taking the time to be alert, attentive, and
aware of the perils the Cherry Trees were facing. Your actions made it possible
for future generations to enjoy springtime in DC and the Cherry Blossoms.

Dreaming of the Cherry Blossoms signaling the start of a new season,

Teri, Cottage in the Court

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

Anemone coronaria- Strength in a Winter Bloom

By 2 Comments

Anemone coronaria is not a common flower when one considers winter blooming plants. Intrigued with the noticeable swelling pod to this morning’s delightful bloom, I simply had to share.

My infatuation with Anemone happened when I noticed a peculiar pod in a planter sitting on the front stoop. Longing for a brief winter in anticipation of finishing a specific garden project, I began to watch this quiet metamorphosis in a forgotten pot.

Finally – much to my surprise, it slowly began a striptease of sorts. Petal by petal, this bud opened and brought a smile to my face every time I passed it by. This Anemone was a guaranteed smile anytime I could catch a glimpse of it during the daylight hours. I found myself longing for the weekends so I could see this gift from Mother Nature.

January weather is often unpredictable. If we get snow, it usually happens the third week of the month. Of course, the third week was is also the much anticipated long weekend. The weather forecast was promising what I thought would be the death of my sacred Anemone. We finally received a dose of snow. As I shoveled the front stop, my sacred bloom was no longer visible.

If the bloom did not survive the snow, it would have been a sad moment. I’m glad I took the time to capture this unexpected Anemone bloom in photographs. As gardeners, we know how the garden is in a consistent state of change. The bud or bloom you see in the morning will most likely be different by nightfall. The act of change or transition in the garden is familiar to every gardener.

It is almost February. In five days or so, I will see more growth on the bulbs in the ground. The potted pansies will raise their little heads and the foliage of the potted Heuchera villosa, will still be the bright spot as winter lingers.

Today, most of the snow has departed leaving most gardens with the task of absorbing the moisture left behind. It is 61 degrees in my Zone 7b garden – in January. Mother Nature knows when the time is right for certain plants to demonstrate their strength. Today, I lowered my eyes and my Anemone was returning the gaze. As our eyes met, we shared a smile.

On a warm, but gray day in January, Anemone coronaria is showing all who care to notice her. The strength and ability to ward off the chilly snow filled days and still bloom is the reward for a bit of patience. I now remember that in a moment of sorting seeds, corms, and bulbs in preparation for the 2023 seed swap, planting was better than disposing of them. This particular planter had pansies last Spring and vinca last summer. It feels great knowing this Anemone chose this year to show her strengths, especially having endured soil disruption. Anemone sown from corm or bareroot, have a few basic requirements. This plant needs to have some type of cold stratification, good drainage, sun/sun-part shade, and above all – patience. Anemone needs to settle in for a few seasons before it decides to bloom.

I am so glad time did not allow me to cut this lone bloom for a vase indoors. The opportunity for me to enjoy this Anemone in her natural element is something I am glad to see firsthand. The forth Saturday of January has been National Seed Swap Day since 2006 when Kathy Jentz, Editor/Publisher of Washington Gardener Magazine created this day as an official signal for seed sowing season to begin. This Saturday many seed aficionados are sorting, labeling and preparing for a day of seed bliss with local seed-sharing events.

Are there special moments in your garden when you expect nothing in the bleakness of winter? What surprises have you enjoyed from Mother Nature? Are you attending a Seed Swap or Exchange any time soon??

Now that our days are brighter a little longer, I can enjoy my Anemone first thing in the morning, as well as the evening. With the warmer than average temps, sitting on my front stoop with Precious, peering at my Anemone, will be quite meaningful.

Teri, Cottage in the Court

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather