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Planting Seeds of Kindness Along The Way

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Planting seeds impacts the future in many circumstances. Here is a glance at how seeds sown into my world this February have inspired me.

Planting seeds can be accomplished in more ways than one. The opportunity for us to share positive seeds as we practice kindness are everywhere. This month of February has been a month where I have received positive messages from the seeds sown my way.

PLANTING SEEDS FROM THE MOVIES

Where do I start. Earlier this month I went to see a movie,“Just Mercy” and it was quite moving. An injustice recognized and after awhile grew into a mission. One man – Bryan Stevenson – on a mission of preparing the local “soil” to accept a wrongful conviction and right that wrong. This bad seed was planted and grew in the community. Mr. Stevenson put in the time and effort to find a way to eradicate this seed of negativity and right the wrong as best he could. Sometimes disturbing the soil brings weed seeds of negativity to the surface. With proper conversation, we can instead plant seeds of positivity, to overwhelm and crowd out the negative seeds.

PLANTING SEEDS FROM A FEW SPOKEN WORDS

I attended a discussion at Bus Boys and Poets. Owner Andy Shallal has been planting seeds of positivity in communities that welcome good food and honest conversation. When I read that Lonnie Bunch was going to discuss his journey, I KNEW I had to be there. The book, A Fool’s Errand, written by Lonnie Bunch is a fascinating read. Hearing him share his experiences was monumental.

One of the stories he shared was how a seed of not being accepted, helped make him who he is today. As a child playing with his friends on a hot summer day, a seed was sown. One of the mother’s served some nice refreshing drinks to everyone but Lonnie Bunch. As he drank from the hose and being the only one of color, reality set in. That seed of “why” was planted in his mind and…well…just look at where he is now.

For those who do not know, in 2005 Lonnie Bunch became the Director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Mr. Bunch is now Secretary of the Smithsonian Institute. He is a seed that has certainly grown into an interesting plant, bearing fruit for the world to enjoy.

PLANTING AND HARVESTING SEEDS OF SUCCESS

Seeds of success were shared on a recent visit to Hillwood Mansion, Museum, and Gardens. A’Lelia Bundles shared the story of the magnificent Madam C.J. Walker’s journey. From losing her parents at an early age, being transplanted to live with relatives, to losing her hair. This strong seedling of a woman did not falter, she thrived. Madam Walker came up with a concoction that saved her hair, provided jobs for other African American women and provided lifelong income as a legacy to her kinfolk. This is a terrific example of a strong seedling that was destined to thrive, in spite of it all.

PLANTING SEEDS FROM THE WRITTEN WORD

A friend sowed seeds in my virtual garden this week. It was a story about a farmer and his wheat. This farmer shared his wheat seeds so that his neighbors could sow good quality wheat as well. When asked about this, the farmer explained the wind, cross pollination and how important it is to help his neighbors have success in their fields as well.

In my opinion, there is a very important moral to this story. When we sow seeds of positivity, they grow into positive thought processes which build positive communities. Positive seeds sown in fertile soil have the ability to grow a society that helps each other grow.

What seeds are you growing in your community?? Are they seeds of love? Seeds of peace? Seeds of unity?? Are you preparing the soil first so that these seeds will grow and the harvest positive??

I will be planting seeds of positivity in as many places as I can. It is important that each of us does the same. Let’s do this for the future..

Sowing seeds of Kindness as I go…after all, there is no seed to small to sow.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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Nasturtiums – Party Girl In the Garden

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Nasturtiums are considered the party girls of the summer garden. Used here and there, she can bring joy to a gardener’s garden.

Nasturtiums are an annual that should be considered for any summer garden. Planted in the ground or in a container, this easy to grow annual should be invited to your garden party. Mostly known for the red, orange, and yellow party dresses or blooms, nasturtium is a muli-asking Diva.

A simple pot or plot of less than perfect soil will usually do the trick. First, decide what you want – more leaves or more blooms. If you want more leaves, enhance your soil with organic matter. If you want more blooms, provide a dry slightly humus soil with low fertility. The beauty of this party girl is she is low maintenance.

SOW AND GROW

Soak the seed to soften the shell-like coating. I use a kelp/water solution when I soak any seed to hasten the germination period. Sow the seed two times as deep as the length of the seed. Nasturtiums require darkness to germinate. If you are sowing inside, seeds can be started as early as 3 weeks prior to the last frost date in your zone. In Zone 6/7, mid-April or early May, is a terrific time to start these seeds.

Be sure to watch the outside temperatures. Keep in mind, this young lady is not a fan of frost, extremely hot sun, or strong winds. If they become weather-beaten, pinch off the leaves and more leaves will surely sprout. Follow the leaf to the main stem and pinch it off. This will trigger the nasturtium to sprout more leaves. This leaf dance party will continue until the first frost of autumn.

Once the seedlings have been hardened off and planted outside, provide protection from the strong summer sun. After all, no girl wants to get sunburn or scorching on her leaves. Nasturtiums will happily consider part shade without skipping a beat.

Light on the lettuce? Does your salad need a picker-upper? Nasturtium brings the party to the table.

MULTI-TASKING MOMMA

Now that she is flourishing from a lack of attention, the nasturtium is ready to show off. From the leaves to the blossoms, certain foods can be taken from ‘okay’ to ‘dancing in your mouth!’

The leaves can be sliced up or left whole. A milder taste can be appreciated in the smaller leaves. The spicy, mustard-like bite is found in the larger leaves. If you harvest the leaves for later use, rinse, dry, and refrigerate them in a baggie. Consider using them within 3 to 5 days. Without light, the leaves will yellow.

Sliced, diced, stuffed, stir-fried, and more are just a few of the ways the nasturtium leaf can be used. Easily flavored vinegar, using the leaves and the buds make a colorful addition for use from the pantry. Tied with a bow, a jar of spicy nasturtium vinegar makes a great gift from the garden.

Imagine a large nasturtium leaf with a dab of chicken salad and rolled up as a mid-afternoon snack. Such a different twist to enjoy a chicken wrap with a little zing!

Did you know that the leaves also have an antiseptic quality? By grinding the leaves and straining in water, this solution can be used to clean up simple wounds. A natural antibiotic, fresh from the garden. Leaves of the nasturtium can also be used as a tea to soothe sore throats and minimize cold symptoms. Nasturtium leaves also contain Vitamin C…what’s not to love?

Nasturtiums are ready to dance to almost any tune from the garden to the plate! I marvel at the ways one can use this resourceful plant.

SAVOR THE FLAVOR

A few nasturtium leaves, mixed greens, a smattering of blossoms, craisins, add one boiled egg…the perfect salad. I call this disco on a plate!

Stuffed blooms make such a statement at a dinner party. The unexpected mingling of herbs or dried fruit bits in goat cheese, cottage or ricotta cheese is purely delightful. Add blossoms to a jar and mince a clove or two of garlic. Allow this to settle in a pantry for a week or so. Strain and use to flavor a nice pasta, or add to a mashup of nasturtium leaves for pesto. Chopped blossoms mixed in soft butter makes a colorful spread on toast for a bit of morning joy!

CHOOSING YOUR MIXER

These are just a few ways to grow this wonderful annual. As a mixer in the garden, Nasturtium is a graceful socialite. She can hang down to cascade over the side of a planter, climb up a low fence, or be used as a groundcover. Such a tasty way to cover a barren area and have an edible border at your fingertips! There are also compact dwarf cultivars. Consult your seed catalogs to choose wisely.

A simple vase of nasturtium leaves can prove to be an asset in the kitchen.

WHEN THE PARTY IS OVER

What to do with the stems that are pinched back? Consider using them in a vase. This plant mixes well as a filler with just about any cut flowers. A simple vase placed in the kitchen will remind you to use every part of this plant as often as possible.

For my summer garden party, Nasturtiums will always be welcome guests. What will you invite to your summer garden party?

Seeking Nasturtium ‘Alaska’ seeds as I nest…

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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