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November 25, 2013 By Teri Speight Leave a Comment

My Perennial Life

As a landscape gardener, when I think of perennials, I define them as plants that I can count on being in my landscape, perhaps not forever, but for an extended period of time.  It will go through phases, it will have some of the not so good years and then very good years, all of this mostly depends on the care and feeding of said plant.  My interactions with my perennials can be compared to my relationships with people who are in my life.

There is a gentleman that I interact with everyday and ironically his name is Flowers.  I count on seeing him and having indepth conversations with him about life….or at least his version of it.  He is a 68 year old man from the south, who prides himself on taking care of things in my office.  He is not perfect, but he is there.  I know I can count on seeing him daily and when I don’t, I worry.  Almost like after winter, that perennial you knew had it a bit rough last season, is not sprouting from the earth when you expected it to. All of a sudden, sure enough, it pushes through the earth….of course, when it is ready.  That is my “Uncle Flowers”….

 
 
Another perennial that is in my life and has been for almost 30 years – now that is a perennial for sure.  I am certain that most gardeners have a plant – like a tree peony – that is long lived, has awesome blooms and as most flowers that are beautiful, the blooms (like time spent) is just never long enough.  Having seen me through several life altering experiences, I have come to realize that this particular perennial is and will always be there as my journey continues. 
 
 
Her name is Kathy and I honestly have to say that while sometimes down right thorny (and only when she has to be) I can count on Kathy participating in my life landscape, blooming and being that evergreen perennial that puts life’s challenges in perspective.  Oh how I look forward to the seasons that are bound to come and go quickly, but it will always be something that I look forward to. 
 
I also have a recent newbie to my perennial life landscape.  We are somewhat alike and are together excited about the creative possibilities in life.  We can talk about our children, life’s challenges and our hobbies, as we are also crafting buddies.  I have not met many who can get as excited about the right finishing touches to a project, as I am about the right plant to complement my life landscape. 
 
Sharon and I are growing our understanding of social media and realize that we are just having fun on purpose and that no matter what, we are also cultivating and awesome friendship that will drops seeds of growth and bloom as time goes on.  Life landscapes are ever evolving and we look forward to this.
 
I have so many perennials in my life landscape – too many to mention, without leaving someone out. However whether they are friends, family or a stranger on the street, pause for a moment and think about your life landscape.  Do you have annuals – folks who are just in your life for the moment, taking up time with their need for constant care and feeding in order to maintain the friendship…….or do you have perennials – folks who are in your life landscape for the long haul…for the duration of the madness…growing, blooming and just being.  Like that awesome perennial that you can count on.
 
 
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The Flower Show in my Mind was appreciating Nigell The Flower Show in my Mind was appreciating Nigella yesterday. A quiet flower until you become entranced with the bloom. Once you notice it, the realization of the term quiet fireworks takes on a whole new meaning. It is like a sparkler, lighting up anything you add to the vase. 
What flower adds sparkle to your life?
#theflowershowinmymind #allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegarden #alwaysthinkingaboutthegardenlife #nigella #flowers #springinspiration
The Philadelphia Flower Show is less than 20 days The Philadelphia Flower Show is less than 20 days away and I am feeling this year's theme - In Full Bloom. This arrangement from the Flower Show in my Mind  brought tears to my eyes. A flood of memories flooded my minds eye of my Fredericksburg garden,  with the antique rises, Nigella, Foxgloves and more. I tried to make sure my daughters appreciated the beauty of the garden, as well as how to appreciate a bouquet.  This bouquet has a bit of new blooms,  a few borrowed blooms from last week's bouquet..but nothing blue. I do miss my Virginia garden. I am in love with my Maryland Cottage garden...and I look forward to growing more and expanding the beauty that surrounds me.
When memories of the past can restore the soul  and heal the heart, it is truly a moment to remember. I am In Full Bloom.
Do you have 'In Full Bloom' moments? Are you going to The Flower Show?
#allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #theflowershowinmymind #theflowershow #phs
Goodness from the garden is always a good thing. P Goodness from the garden is always a good thing. Pass the peas my way anytime because they are beneficial to the body.How do you say Vitamin K - good for 'dem bones'. Minimal calories in a cup, about 35.. .depending on the size of your cup or bowl. These babies allow you to enjoy a dose of fiber and a protein boost as well. Viamin C, B-complex, foliate... what is not to love?
I am going to enjoy this bowl of bodacious goodness for breakfast. Better than a bowl of cereal and no milk required.
Are you beginning to enjoy the fruits of your garden labor? Is healthy eating a part of your 'why', when gardening?
#allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #passthepeas #gardengoodness #gardeningforhealth #sweetpeas #springbliss
Remember that vase I purchased from the Norfolk Bo Remember that vase I purchased from the Norfolk Botanic Garden? Well, it was worthy of some peony love. These beauties were left over from last week's Flower Show in my Mind.  They remind me of how brief those special moments in life are and how we must capture them. Spending time with @mermaidcityflowers  and @taminthegarden will always be meaningful to me as a magical, unexpected moment in 2022.
Have you captured a moment lately? #allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #springinspiration #springbloomers #gardenbliss #flowerfriends
We donned our boots to let Precious know it was ok We donned our boots to let Precious know it was ok to go for a walk in the rain. Her reaction was simply not what we expected...takes of Teri, Barbie and Precious...tbc
After collecting as many peonies as possible befor After collecting as many peonies as possible before the storm, energizing means nibbling on some garlic and oregano crostini dipped in spicy garlic hummus from @nidodc of course. It's always a great idea to be prepared for any storm that comes our way. I think I will have a peony party.
Do you have storm rations? Do you have bases for an abundance of blooms?
#allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegardenlife #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #stormsdontstealmyjoy #gardenbliss #nidodc #hummus #seasonalbliss #blooms #peonyparty
Gardening...should be like medicine. Best taken in Gardening...should be like medicine. Best taken in small doses, know when to pause , and realize when it's time for a break.
It is a great afternoon to step back, sip, and reflect on an unexpected year of adventure. Thanks @nidodc for a scrumptious bottle of Secondome vino bianco and the cutest bottle opener ever.
Do you make time to pause in the garden, or is it all work? 
Reassess if you think the garden is all work and no play! #allaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #allthingsbeautiful #nidodc #ambassadorofallthingsbeautiful #pausinginthemoment
It is a Disco and Dirt kind of morning! Have a gre It is a Disco and Dirt kind of morning! Have a great day!
What an exciting year of books! I received a copy What an exciting year of books! I received a copy of Cut Flowers by Celestina Robertson in England. I cannot wait to delve in a see this perspective on growing. 
It's amazing to see other people who look like me growing flowers and creating beauty in such an unexpected way. 
Just like in my book, Black Flora, we grow from our heart, reflect from our genetic memory, and most people aren't  even aware of all we are capable of. We are not a monolith by any means.
Looking forward to this Cel! 
#wegrowmorethancollards #webeokinthegarden #allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegardenlife #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #blackspecialtycutflowergrowers #africanamericansinthegarden
Sometimes a flower simply speaks for itself. Peony Sometimes a flower simply speaks for itself. Peony. At the Flower Show in my Mind,  the peony unfurls her petals, curtsies, and boldly declares, "It's showtime"
What a way to start the day. Did your peony blossoms grace the ground after the rain? Consider creative ways of staking them or growing a sturdy plant - like miniature boxwoods or Germander - so next year the blooms have something to lean on. Statement plantsxlije the peony make great accents in The Urban Garden...right @wdcgardener ?
When you think about it, it has to be tiring knowing you have to stand tall, so all can appreciate your beauty.
Do you love peonies as much as I do?
#allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegardenlife #allaboutthatgardenfeeling #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #peonybliss #springinspiration #springbloomers #seasonalbliss #peonylover
Iris Sibirica. It's a perennial worth remembering. Iris Sibirica. It's a perennial worth remembering. The slender leaves caress a slightly taller stem which holds a beautiful bloom. Great for the low maintenance garden, once established. Deer walk right by it, it is easily divided to showcase in other parts of the garden, and it is a great cut flower.
As this season continues to evolve, are you enjoying the gifts in the garden?
Remember to pause as you garden, create time to enjoy your greenspace. The garden should be a place where one can (as my Dad would say) just 'be'.
#allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #iris #springbloomers #springbliss #pausinginthemoment #gardenbliss
I love reflecting on my life garden of experiences I love reflecting on my life garden of experiences. Like a garden, I can reflect on the annual moments and the perennial memories. Patsy Cline is a perennial and so is Naomi Judd. I know...doesn't seem like it would be my taste.
When I learned about her struggles over the years,  it saddened me. Her death caught me off guard. I went into my kitchen and pulled her cookbook out of my frequently used stash. You see, I used this cookbook a lot when my girls were growing up and even now for some simple good food recipes. Country cookbooks can sometimes satisfy an appetite just by reading them.
I sat and reminisced about some songs she sang, how she adored her daughters and how she was honest about her mental health struggles.
When I opened this cookbook, the pages most worn were 96/97 - Uncommon Remedies for Common Concerns. Naomi shared remedies from the plant world like Chamomile for indigestion or Parsley for bad breath. It was an area I referenced when I was a stay at home Mom. It is a book I use even now from time to time.
When her daughter found it necessary to share this to the public, I cried for her. 
How many people are struggling and have no one to turn to? As we navigate life as we know it today, how many are not sure how to keep it together? How many people know the number to the Suicide Hotline or know how to respond when a friend or family member is in trouble?

Keep the National Suicide Hotline number handy, 1-800- 273- 8255. You never know when you might need it.

I mourn for the family Naomi Judd left behind. Their lives have been changed forever in a most unimaginable way.

This is a book that I will always have in my collection. Just sharing...
Passionate about peonies...you betcha!!This is onl Passionate about peonies...you betcha!!This is only one in my garden of many and let me tell you - I am gonna pull up a chair, a glass of refreshment, and watch these blooms open! The peony show is an event I anticipate every spring. It's the best way to know, no matter what is going on in the world...the garden is there for us.
Do you tune out of the world and tune into your garden?
It is the best way to clear the mind, soothe the heart, and be at peace...if only for a little while...#backinthegarden, #springinspiration #springbloomers #allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #peonypassion #anticipatethebloom
Enjoy the day! I will...Happy Mother's Day to all! Enjoy the day! I will...Happy Mother's Day to all!
I bought The Cottage 18 years ago this August. I c I bought The Cottage 18 years ago this August. I carried my plants in my truck for safe keeping, as I relocated and set up my new home. One of those plants was a dogwood seedling from the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. 
Last year I began to think about cutting it down since it had not bloomed. Then, I noticed a cluster of three blooms. I was ecstatic...and decided to keep the tree. It was a memory of a wonderful bus trip, with wonderful ladies, when I lived in Fredericksburg.
Today when I looked out the front door...I simply burst into tears. It is so full of starter blooms that will evolve into beautiful white blooms. The words starry starry night came to mind...and I began to hum. 
This garden thing is in my blood, in my core, and I appreciate the gifts from the garden.
I wish my ancestors could have had time to simply enjoy the garden...perhaps they did...
Did you receive a gift from the garden today?
#allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegardenlife #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #seasonalbliss #springinspiration #springbloomers dogwoods
So I'm looking at the Local Living section of the So I'm looking at the Local Living section of the Washington Post, page 8 and can't stop giggling! What an exciting year and AH-MAZING journey...
Thank you for the coverage Washington Post, Jura Koncius, and all who helped make this happen.
I need to find a new place to pinch my arms...lol!
Instructions for a delicious meal: 1. Go to #nido Instructions for a delicious meal:

1. Go to #nidodc 
2. Purchase 1 (or two) tubs of Elysian Fields Lamb Meatballs in Picada Sauce
3.Heat and serve with Ancient Grain, Wild or Seven Grain and Rice blends
4. Don't forget to pick a wine to complement the dish 
5. Thank me later 

The flavors of this dish was like a party in my mouth. I enjoyed every bite and can't wait for dinner time tonight so I can devour what remains.

This dish was quick, easy, and well I have another tub in my freezer...so I sm good!
Thank you Nido for knowing what I need, when I don't know what I need...giggle!
#nidodc #readymademeal #smallbatchfoods #allthingsbeautiful #threewomenandawineshop
Every morning I look forward to the daily gifts fr Every morning I look forward to the daily gifts from my garden. Its like a birthday present every day. Remember when you opened that gift and you wondered how it worked? How many batteries would it need, if any?
When I see a bud, I wonder...will it unfurl today? Can I cut it? How long will it last in a vase? Whatvither foliage is available to compliment it? 
When we receive a gift f ry om the garden, the first thing we should be grateful. Grateful that it felt welcomed enough to return for another season 
Do you make sure your plants feel welcome in your garden?
Feeling grateful for my gifts from the garden.
#allaboutthegardenlife #giftsfromthegarden #allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #springspiration #springbloomers #seasonalbliss
Spring spilling out all over! It is funny how so m Spring spilling out all over! It is funny how so many who have been captivated by this gathering of seasonal bliss blooming branches have said "I have that bush" or "I never thought about making an arrangement from my shrub. I just cut it back after it finishes blooming." Just look at the beauty that could have been enjoyed inside as well as outside. Consider using a recycled container to showcase what's blooming outside - inside. Also consider bringing those blooms up close and personal when entertaining. Spring blooming bushes add value to life as the world begins to awaken with the fresh colors of Spring. Allow the gifts of the season to spill out of vases, old containers, a old purse, or even an old pair of shoes. Be creative!
@wdcgardener ...there is a chapter in our book on considering those recycled items as garden decor, correct? 
Do you sometimes overlook the gifts of the season? #allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #springinspiration #springbloomers #recycleandplay #letsplayoutside #makingdo #springshrubsforflowers
When you realize that floral wire AT HOME would be When you realize that floral wire AT HOME would be useful right now...sigh
#makingdowithwhatsonhand,
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