Cottage Garden Party

Linda Jones, Elements of Nature is an example of what can be done when you put your mind to it. Recently retired and a Certified Master Gardener, Linda has been in touch with earth for over 30 years. Her horticultural journey includes consultations, public speaking, design, and more. Maryland is proud to have Linda jones as an integral part of our horticultural community. Her skincare products are awesome as well. Her website is here The link to the ever-awesome and informative prince Georges County Soil Conservation District is here  The Eventbrite link is here Let's do what we can to support our local Urban Farmers and Makers! I ask that you continue to follow me... Https://www.cottageinthecourt.com...Instagram and Twitter: @cottageincourt...Facebook: CottageInTheCourt, and sometimes on Medium: Cottage In The Court If you live in the DMV and want to know what's happening locally and in our gardens, follow the collaborative podcast by two garden communicators, Peggy Riccio and Teresa Speight. Two garden

Wednesday is usually a day when one begins to consider planning the weekend. It is the perfect day to share something new that some just might want to know. Therefore What We need to Know Wednesday seemed like a great idea. From time to time, I will begin to share things of interest in the middle of the week for those who enjoy gardening. After all, why wait until the weekend? It could be a pop-up event, something new in horticulture that might be of interest, or a last-minute idea....you will be able to listen to it here. If I know about it I will share it!  April Thompson of Bloom Soil has something to share about a few programs that some just might want to know about. Please welcome April to "What We Need to Know Wednesday!" https://www.bloomsoil.com Coming later this week, Linda Jones Elements of Nature. Linda has awesome products from and for the garden. This week is her last "in real life" sale of the season where she will offer plants and plant-related items. After this weekend, she can be fo

Joy is something that we need more of today. Noticing simple pleasures along the way are gifts from Mother Nature. Who doesn't like presents? I gather as I walk, whether in my garden or simply as I engage with nature. I wrote about it on my blog. Click here to find out more. I also gather terrific friends. Louise Clark is one of those friends. She is a GardenComm member as well and we have served in the capacity of Region II Directors together. Louise recently started a new business called Verdant Earth Educators. It is a much-needed entity in the world of Horticulture today. I recently chatted with Louise about what she does, her love of horticulture as well as The One Symposium. If you are interested, here is the link to enroll and learn from some of the leaders in horticulture today. The power of the words we share. If kind, they bring joy. If unkind they can certainly become the weeds we do not need. R.H. Swaney offers us some sage advice in the poem Seeds and Gardens... Follow Me... Https://www.cottagein

Simply sharing who I am, celebrating my boldness in stepping out and getting to know people in horticulture. Using Audrey Hepburn's words "...to believe in tomorrow".  The poem - My Garden Is My Sanctuary by Marie Church https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/my-garden-is-my-sanctuary-poem Follow Me... Https://www.cottageinthecourt.com...Instagram and Twitter: @cottageincourt...Facebook: CottageInTheCourt, and sometimes on Medium: Cottage In The Court If you live in the DMV and want to know what's happening locally and in our gardens, follow the collaborative podcast by two garden communicators, Peggy Riccio and Teresa Speight. To garden fanatics talking about real gardening as it occurs right in our own yards!! Check out Gardens 'n Plants Podcast If you would like to stay in the know, please subscribe to Apple Podcasts. In the meantime...garden, Teri, Cottage In The Court #gardencomm

I first met Lady Farmer at Monticello a few years ago. It was their initial launch and I was impressed by the mission as well as their purpose.  Existing in a slow, measured way can be fulfilling and educational. How many times since we have been unintentionally pausing have you figured out that patience is quite the virtue? I continue to follow them online and their staying power speaks volumes. THIS was the year I wanted to attend the Slow Living Conference. Now that we are in this period of unintentional pausing, the opportunity to really pay attention to what their mission is, what they say, and more is certainly more clear right now. From their book, online yoga, and more, their connections to just a slower, more mindful way of living are authentic.  To find out more click Lady Farmer. Hope to see you at the Retreat! A brief poem from a book I received at the Slow Flower Summit when it was held in Washington, DC. The author is Anonymous.. "The fall of the leaf is a whisper to the living"... Fol

James Brayton Hall is the President and CEO of The Garden Conservancy.  Since 1989 this gift of love from Frank Cabot as consistently created a stir in the preservation of American gardens, sharing gardens across this nation and celebrating the importance of gardens to our everyday lives. Some might think this is an organization for your grandmother - not exactly!! The awesome programming that has been shared before and during this pandemic has been amazing. TRUST ME - IT IS NOT OVER!!  Click here to learn more about The Garden Conservancy. The Poem "Tapestry" by Lesley Elaine Greenwood, was perfect as we embrace the tapestry which includes the diversity found in gardens everywhere. Follow Me... Https://www.cottageinthecourt.com...Instagram and Twitter: @cottageincourt...Facebook: CottageInTheCourt, and sometimes on Medium: Cottage In The Court If you live in the DMV and want to know what's happening locally and in our gardens, follow the collaborative podcast by two garden communicators, Peggy Ricc

When someone asks you have you heard of Laura Dowling, after gasping you say "YES". Admiring from afar - but reading all of her books - the opportunity to chat with her was worth waiting for. You see Laura Dowling also loves Paris. She even attended the floral Design School there and consistently shares her craft on social media. If you are not following - you just might be inspired to create authentically.  You can read about the books she has authored, by clicking here. Allow me to introduce you to Laura Dowling.  As she inspires us to create with all of the gifts of nature, I found a poem by Alora M. Knight, called Nature's Way on familyfriendpoems.com  Follow Me... Https://www.cottageinthecourt.com...Instagram and Twitter: @cottageincourt...Facebook: CottageInTheCourt, and sometimes on Medium: Cottage In The Court If you live in the DMV and want to know what's happening locally and in our gardens, follow the collaborative podcast by two garden communicators, Peggy Riccio and Teresa Speight.

Maryland offers so many different agricultural opportunities. I recently explored two Maryland Wineries. Since the opportunity to #resetrenewrestore in Europe was not possible,  experiencing Maryland as a local has been my mission. As 2020 makes us settle into our perspective places and not travel abroad,  getting to know the local agriculture community has been quite an adventure. A few weekends ago,  I spent a little time at Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards. Susan and Bob were the best hosts for a Friday night small group gathering for wine tasting. I wrote a review on the blog. You can read it here. Let me tell you, writing and a glass or two of Rooted is a terrific way to embrace the flavor, as well as the beauty of Maryland Agriculture.  I also discovered Romano Winery and Vineyards.  Jo-Anne was another welcoming presence as well. There is something about a Maryland Welcome that simply makes you want to linger. Click to find out about Robin Hill and Romano Winery,  To read my

Let it be is all I could say as this period of unintentional pausing has made all of us pay attention. Going out into the garden every day to weed or water was less important. Admiring the beauty of the garden in real-time was a gift. The opportunity to witness trees burst into bloom or plants come to life has been amazing. If it were any other year, I would have to make time to weed, make time to capture a few blooms and have very little time actually enjoying the beauty that surrounds me. I wrote about this on my blog recently as I realized sometimes, you have to Let It Be I recently heard Edwina Von Gal speak about the virtues of nature on a fantastic webinar shared by  The Garden Conservancy. The Garden Conservancy has introduced informative virtual programming this year. Edwina was one of the guests who I consider a gift to my world. Please enjoy this conversation as you reconsider your fall garden pursuits....and remember the birds. To find out more,  email: edwina@234birds.org . If you are li

Last year I was oh so excited about my trip to Paris.  Why? I included England on this journey and I took my Aunt who was still absorbing the loss of her husband.  Most passionate gardeners know that the garden is a healer and I can not tell you how much I miss it this year. I did share a visit to Chiswick on my blog. You can read about it here Carex travel is a boutique travel company owned and operated by Carolyn Mullet, a well-known garden designer in the DC Metropolitan area and also known for her fabulously well-curated tours to the gardens of Piet Oudolf. When you travel with Carolyn, it is certainly a trip to remember. I hear she also has a book coming out right in time for holiday giving as well as a few exciting tours for 2021. Start saving now because the tour offerings are simply amazing. Allow me to introduce you to Carex Tours. I love leaving you with words to savor, a poem by Andrew Weil. Follow Me... Https://www.cottageinthecourt.com...Instagram and Twitter: @cottageincourt...Fac

Sharing a few thoughts on the importance of Self Care sets the stage for this episode. As I talk to more and more people, we are all in a state of unintentional existence as we continue to unintentionally pause. This made me check in with Dr. Sandra Lewis, a friend, a confidant, and just the right person to help us see why we need each other, the realization that we have been underwater and connectivity. To find out more about Dr. Lewis book, click Life in 4 Part Harmony Travel. A beautiful poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay. This poem reminded me of my Eurostar adventure last year between Paris and England with my Aunt. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to have spent some memorable moments with her as we galavanted around Paris and England.  Those are unique memories that I will cherish. Even now, I am dreaming of a future trip or two back to my beloved Paris, perhaps an opportunity to linger in more English gardens, revisit The Cotswold's,  or perhaps attending an organized tour with a few friends.

Smart Pots has an awesome and beautiful alternative to the traditional compost bin. I like to say that my compost bin is always dressed to receive more things to compost. She blends in with the landscape and has given me a reason to look at the leaves that will inevitably fall in a new way. No more hauling from the front to the back, only to haul it back to the front again next Spring.  With maturity comes wisdom...now I just need three more Smartpot Compost Saks for the rest of my garden. To read bout the virtues of Smartpots Compost Sak, click here  The Crazy Botanist, Derek Haynes, and I discussed Fungi...because he is a Fun guy! If you want to laugh - as well as learn, follow him on Instagram. He is real and is still learning. As an African American Young Botanist, I give him space to be heard and to share in his own way. I can't wait to see him shine in his field of interest in Botany! You can follow Derek on Instagram. He is The Crazy Botanist! Follow me: Https://www.cottageinthecourt.com...In

There was a conversation on the tongue of a few folks about the transparency Mrs. Michelle Obama. She shared on her new podcast feelings of being a bit low. Some would call it depression. To see all of your hard work for good disappear before your eyes. I would be devastated. To take off the cape that many women wear is admirable. It is OK to not be okay...ask for help if needed. I personally admire her ease in being transparent and welcome it in the world we live in today. Would any of us freely admit we were a bit depressed if asked? Probably not. I wrote an open letter to Mrs. Obama, sharing how the garden imitates life. Sometimes gardening conversations help us figure things out. Especially when you garden with friends. Here is a link to my blog post: Life Imitates the Garden - Cheer Up Mrs. Obama Speaking of gardening with friends, Peggy Riccio is my collaborative partner on Gardens 'n Plants. We talk about gardens, plants and more. Peggy is truly a friend and a quiet force to be reckoned with. Allow me

Young people give me life. When I see young people finding their way in horticulture, it simply brings me joy. Derek Haynes is a Whole Botanist.  Sounds simple, right? He is The Crazy Botanist on Facebook and well known on Instagram as @botanical.highlander. He is so real on many levels and I invited him to collaborate on this podcast. He brings a bit of humor to the conversation about horticulture. We spoke about a few things and  will collaborate more in the future as we grow a garden community.  Derek agrees that we should Neem Not Into Temptation. Considered a cure all by some, Neem...not so fast!  Follow The Crazy Botanist and laugh until your sides hurt with the knowledge he shares in his own authentic way! Follow me: Https://www.cottageinthecourt.com...Instagram and Twitter: @cottageincourt...Facebook: CottageInTheCourt, and sometimes on Medium: Cottage In The Court If you live in the DMV and want to know what's happening locally and in our gardens, follow the collaborative podcast

Abernathy and Spencer - Truly a Jewel in Loudon County. With a 110-year-old historic greenhouse and some of the nicest people you could ever meet, hop on over to the bog and find out more or just click here PlantsMap - Tracy is a good friend of mine. Plantsmap has caught my attention and it should catch yours as well. Having a Digital Docent like PlantsMap on your devices will help you organize your plant life. If you get excited about gardening and want to know what you are growing - PlantsMap is for you. To find out more click here Follow me: Https://www.cottageinthecourt.com...Instagram and Twitter: @cottageincourt...Facebook: CottageInTheCourt, and sometimes on Medium: Cottage In The Court If you live in the DMV and want to know what's happening locally and in our gardens, follow the collaborative podcast by two garden communicators, Peggy Riccio and Teresa Speight. To garden fanatics talking about real gardening as it occurs right in our own yards!! Check out Gardens 'n Plants Podcast In the meantime...G

Throwback Thursday reminded me of a book that is no longer available in hard copy (but worth finding in a used book store). Eat Your Roses by Denise Schreiber is a kitchen keeper. Utilizing the things we grow in the garden which we might not consider eating, Denise offers us simple recipes in a small wrapper. St. Lynne's Press puts the best information in small books with some pretty cool authors as well. While this book is no longer in print, it is available as an ebook from Amazon.  You can purchase it here. I call Denise Schreiber a friend, a dear friend at that. We had chat recently filled with laughter and chocked full of information. Please enjoy this conversation from this woman who has had a career in horticulture, is a terrific speaker, instructor, garden communicator, and most importantly, a sincere friend. Another book that is a necessity on my shelves is anything from Mary Oliver. Why I Wake Early by Mary Oliver has won many awards.  I encourage you to read and connect with the earth via

The Meditative Gardener - Cultivating Mindfulness of Body, Feelings, and Mind by Cheryl Wilfong it's a must-read for those who are considering mindfully gardening. What a wonderful guide book to look at engaging with the earth in a unique way. I share my thoughts on this book here. It was a pleasure to chat with  C. Colston Burrell. In my world, I have known him for quite a while. I heard him speak when I lived in Fredericksburg, Virginia..and hung on his every word.  When you hear words that mirror how you feel about the earth, you know you have found a kindred spirit. I reached out to him 15+ years later and after our initial chat, I knew my instincts were correct. He is a man of the earth and I am glad to know him. This is a man, I consider a friend. Enjoy a wonderful chat with C. Colston Burrell (I am the self-appointed Maryland C.C. Burrell Fan Club President. When you read his books or hear him speak, you will understand why!) To find out more about C. Colston Burrell, click here. To find out

In honor of Juneteenth, I hosted a horticultural conversation with a few friends. I want to say Thank you to Abra Lee, Wambui Ipollito, Duron Chavis,  Eve Rickenbaker, and a special Thank You to Preston Montague. Sometimes, I play it safe, as I choose to not disturb the waters. Preston recognized my hesitation as he encouraged me to speak my mind, have my say, and uplift my voice as an African American. It was certainly an enlightening discussion...and we did not solve this problem by any means. The conversation continues and will for some time.  If you are involved as an entity in Horticulture, give us a chance, extend that opportunity, help us elevate our unheard voice. We do bring diversity and another perspective to the table...in more ways than one!  Thank you to those who listened and once again Thank you to my panelists! Preston Montague and I have been virtual friends for quite some time with the assistance of technology. I had no idea that he such a wonderful spirit, a beautiful drawl,

Not really into harvesting your food from your yard? The garden you want to grow just right be a Pollinator Victory Garden. Well...here is the book for you! The Pollinator Victory Garden. Check out the review on my blog https://cottageinthecourt.com/?p=7988 It will enlighten you on why we need to feed our pollinator foodies!! A recent chat with Wendy Brister, a fellow GardenComm member has me online and ordering from Cavanos Perennials. The offerings are absolutely wonderful and Wendy knows her native plants. Listen, go online to order, and remember to support local. It is so important!! Follow me: Https://www.cottageinthecourt.com...Instagram and Twitter:@cottageincourt...Facebook: CottageInTheCourt, and sometimes on Medium: Cottage In The Court If you live in the DMV and want to know what's happening locally and in our gardens, follow the collaborative podcast by two garden communicators, Peggy Riccio and Teresa Speight. To garden fanatics talking about real gardening as it occurs right in our own yards!! C

I decided to stop being selfish and share my review of Secret Gardens of East Anglia by Barbara Segall. During this period of unintentional pausing, I had time to focus on my dreams of visiting more English gardens. I cannot wait until we are free to travel safely again. Barbara Segall is a fellow GardenComm member and has written several books. I had the pleasure of chatting with her when we both attended the Garden Bloggers Fling in Texas. While there was simply not enough time to catch up with her last year when I went to England, hopefully, we can do so in the future. Pour a cup of tea and read about a few fabulous gardens. Click here to read my review. For those that know me, you know  The Virtual Chelsea FlowerShow captured my attention. I love the diversity of the English garden and all that it has to offer. My trip to England last year was brief and I can't wait to return. Tops on my list was a visit to the RBG Kew Gardens - London, the Physic Garden and more.  With so many places to visit i