Saturday at Old City Farm and Guild Festival....not just another day................

A few weeks ago my dad and I were going to mulch a bed he created in the middle of the front yard...but we decided against it because it was too hot.  We have to be a bit careful in the heat these days after his health scare earlier this summer.  I thought that a brief visit to visit Frank Asher at Old City Farm and Guild's Home Grown DC Event was the wiser thing to do. In my world, when in doubt, find a festival or a party...because life is short....and there should always be time for FUN!!! Off we went to see what fun could we could fall into, on such a warm Saturday afternoon.

Look at those healthy plants!!!

Daddy beat me going into the festival...imagine that!

Well we were not disappointed.  The crowd was manageable and the festive spirit was in the air in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington DC.  My Dad reminisced about how he delivered papers in this area as a child and how much the area had changed. With development encroaching upon this historic neighborhood, the grounds of the Shaw Junior High School, 925 Rhode Island Avenue was looking more like an outdoor party than a small local garden center.  There were people who resided in DC, had grown produce from their own gardens, school groups/gardens and even a flower grower who had items for purchase. If you chose to be a participant, there were several categories that our own Kathy Jentz, Washington Gardener Magazine, shared with the audience for judging. From the longest bean to the strangest looking vegetable, Kathy invited audience participation by clapping to see who would win.  I still think that one of those vegetables looked a little....well...you just  had to be there.  It looked like so much fun, just think to have an audience of strangers (but food aficionado's) judging your homegrown vegetable - AWESOMNESS!!!  I wonder who won best pie?????  The garden community is such an awesome place to participate and belong.

Kathy Jentz in her awesomeness as Judge...

I am quite passionate about supporting local business people.  When I first visited Frank at Old City Farm and Guild, I noticed the pottery, healthy plant material, mulch, bee hives and propane....all in one place.  It was also rather neat that customers can participate in a CSA and pick up their produce delivered weekly to Old City Farm and Guild.  What an astute businessman or Pied Piper of Green to think of the necessities one might need in the center of the Shaw area from a grass roots perspective. The staff at Old City Farm and Guild all were quite eager to assist customers - even on this busy day of festivity..a smile ...a Thank You for coming out....how awesome was that???  Frank Asher, I hope you are a permanent fixture in the Shaw neighborhood or at least in the DC area.  You are a needed component to a changing community....



Thinking I had tuckered my Dad out, I was planning on taking him back home.  He had other ideas.  Earlier this summer we were in one of the big box stores - looking at plants - when we over heard this lady sharing that there was this nursery off of Briggs Chaney Road and Old Gunpowder Road. that has excellent merchandise. Road warrior that I am, I was ready to put Dad in the truck and rush over to see what the offerings were.  That young man trains quickly and well...he was headed to the truck before I was!


TBC....

Brookgreen Gardens.....................I do so miss you............

For those of you who know me, I am all about all things beautiful and I seek the beauty in all things.  On a recent visit to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, I did not have to go far to find one of the most beautiful gardens I have ever visited.....Brookgreen Gardens.

Located in the Low Country of South Carolina, across the street from Atalaya, which is on the grounds of Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens should be on every gardeners bucket list or vision board.  My journey to Brookgreen took me a mere thirty minutes from Myrtle Beach.  I had hoped to also visit Atalaya on the same trip, but had no idea of what was in store for me at Brookgreen Gardens.

Archer M. and Anna Hyatt Huntington created this naturalistic oasis of beauty out of their love for each other and their love of nature..  Mr. Archer Huntington was a man who never really had to worry about money, a wealthy industrialist/philanthropist and a scholar.  Mrs. Anna Huntington was a respected artist and sculptor. One of the most awesome things about this couple is that they did not have a formal college education.  Both of these fine people were either privately tutored or self taught.....simply amazing.  To see what they have created should inspire anyone to just DO what you are inspired to do.

The Huntington's bought four rice plantations in what is now known as Murrells Inlet, Georgetown County, South Carolina, bordering the banks of the Waccamaw River.  The thought process was to settle in an area that would help Anna's Tuberculosis, a warmer winter climate during the winter months (they lived in New York and Connecticut), provide a place where she could work as an artist and exhibit her art as well.  They built Atalaya, which they considered their Winter home.  Across the road they developed Brookgreen Gardens.  In doing so, they were responsible for opening America's first public outdoor sculpture garden.  Oh what a garden it is!!!  You can find out more about the Huntington's and their vision at www.brookgreen.org ...however...I need to share a little about the gardens.........those glorious gardens.....the gardens that pop up in my mind at random times throughout the day.

If you are an art lover, then imagine seeing a life size statue of Homer....

Diana of the Chase.....................

or

The Fountain of The Muses.........................

all in one place,each  surrounded by amazing floral combinations, water features and dragonfly's.  Oh the dragonflies were in such abundance.  Each time I paused....this garden does make one pause often and repeatedly....a dragon fly would make it's presence known. Resting on my shoulder, my shoes, my camera, as well as the art in the garden.  This garden with all of it's sculptures and vignettes was truly a garden filled with love and life.

I will not spoil it for you, as this is a garden that must be seen and appreciated individually, but a few things jumped out at me, causing me to anticipate my next visit.  I love texture. I love to see textures mixed and in abundance.  There are a few spaces where the textural tapestry of green just makes you gasp in amazement.

There were some vignettes that spoke to texture with minimal bright colors.  The cool greens allowed your eye to rest, even though the sculptures within the garden, would catch your eye and allow one to mentally look at the vignette as a picture within a bigger picture.  The dappled light of certain areas would make something so ordinary, like a little bloom, moss  hanging from the branches above or hydrangeas embracing a borrowed view "POP" right before your eyes. 

The sounds..................oh the sounds of nature - not cars, buses or emergency vehicles....just nature.  The buzzing in my ear from the wings of the dragon flies, the sounds of baby birds, the many fountains/water features and on this particular day, the sound of rain.  The rain steadily, but gently dancing on the leaves, in the ponds, on the sculptures and on the pathways was like an outdoor symphony, quietly in 3D.  I almost got soaked, but I did not care, because I was mentally immersed in all that Brookgreen had to offer me at that moment.  Entering this garden was like entering a dream on a hot summers day in the south, complete with mature alleys of Live Oaks that once led to the Big House (as the slaves would call it) which Mrs. Huntington used as a central point of the garden design, which on paper resembled the shape of a butterfly, with opened wings. I know...simply amazing.  The Huntington's were on a mission to surround themselves with all things beautiful, while appreciating and preserving nature, yet capturing and exhibiting the essence of Mrs. Huntington's work.  I get emotional when I think of the discussions they might have had as they walked among the naturalistic landscape at various times of the year to really create their version of beauty. 

The garden rooms.  Oh the different garden rooms with an abundance of horticultural delights. from the Climbing Lillies to the Cleome, from the Hosta's to the Heuchera, from the Native Pines to the Crepe Myrtles....and of course, I always have a favorite.   The Poetry Room.....

There is no way to enjoy all  of Brookgreen Gardens in one day,  Far too much is offered not just for the gardener, but for children ( the Low Country Zoo Discover Room and Enchanted Storybook Forest), butterfly enthusiasts, Cypress Aviary, Plantation History and Nature Tour,  boat cruises, a beautiful collection of Long Needle Pines, a fantabulous gift shop and The Poetry Garden Room.... and there is so much more!!!  For the cost of the ticket, a mere $14.00, one can visit and re-visit for 7 consecutive days.  No wonder Brookgreen Gardens is considered a National Historic Landmark and one of the top 10 public gardens in the United States..  Now to wait til Christmas, when I hope to return and spend more time and perhaps visit Atalaya and Huntington beach as well....

I wish horses could fly....

`

so I could be strolling through Brookgreen Gardens right now.........

What exactly is The Garden Coalition?

The Garden Coalition is a coalition of like minded people who are like minded and interested in community beautification efforts, garden related travel and garden related programming in the District Heights, Capitol Heights and surrounding area.  This area is under served as it pertains to beautification efforts, educating community members and garden club type activities.  To participate and take ownership of certain areas of the Communities mentioned, it will bring to life and change the outside perception of how we feel about our surroundings.

What have we done so far this year??  Well, we gathered a few of our friends, family, a few strangers, a celebrity and the District Heights Community Garden participants and went to the Philadelphia Flower Show.  A good time was had by at the show and on the bus.  Our raffle winners won a trio of ceramic pots, an expandable rake and some pretty cool garden markers.

Our celebrity, Mr. Nikita Floyd aka Nature Boy,  WOL 1450 Newstalk Radio kept the humor going as well as answered a few questions on the bus to captivate our attention.  Mr. Floyd also shared his shopping adventure with us as our day ended.

I represented The Garden Coalition as the Capitol Heights Community Garden welcomed Spring.  I spoke on Garden Basics and shared a few hints and tips with the gardening community. What a wonderful morning that was.  To share my love of gardening and spark a conversation on how and why we garden was such a treat.  The participants thoroughly enjoyed this demonstration and discussion.One man was very specific in what he wanted to grow, another guest was certainly a seasoned gardener and one guest was simply not into bugs as part of the garden.  A wonderful mix of participants but they all left with a smile.

We hosted our first in a series of Garden Conversations.  Our featured guests were:

Kathy Jentz, Washington Gardener Magazine and local Garden Guru.  Ms. Jentz spoke on Deer and other Critters in the Garden.  What awesome info she shared on this topic....lots of things we did not know. We certainly hope to have her back one day soon!

Mrs. Deborah Weller from the Department of Environmental Resources, Community Outreach Program.  Mrs. Weller informed us of several programs that are offered through Prince Georges County from Tree Releaf to Permeable Pavers.  I am observing as one of my neighbors is currently having this system installed as a driveway.  How exciting!!  We are continuing the conversation with Mrs. Weller to revisit with us and    guide us as fall is tree planting season....and we do have some ideas!

Mr. Nikita Floyd (Nature Boy, WOL 1450 Talk Radio) spoke to us on lawn care and fertilization. We found his discussion informative and humorous as well.  I look forward to him interacting with us in our community on some level.

Our latest accomplishment was the installation of plant material to show that we care about the appearance of OUR Municipal Center in District Heights.  We wanted to bring life and color to the forefront by way of a xeric planting.  This would not only bring the bees and butterfly's, but educate community members on how using some native plant material along with basic shrubbery and annuals can be beautiful and welcoming!

We are just gearing up, growing and welcoming new friends and neighbors.  We generally meet the second Monday of the month, 7:00 PM in the Computer Lab at the Municipal Center.  Come on by and check us out.   We would love to outgrow our meeting space, take ownership in certain beautification efforts and make the corridors leading to the City of District Heights City BEAUTIFUL!!

Mr. Pearl's Wisdom....From The Bottom Up

I love being able to make my dreams a reality.  One of the drams I had was to just touch the hands of Mr. Pearl Fryar...so I made it happen.   Who is Mr. Pearl Fryar and why would this be so important to me?  Allow me to share.

While visiting my daughter in New York, she spoke of my love of gardening to an artist friend of hers.  I was asked if I had seen the video about Mr. Pearl Fryar and his topiary garden.  This caught my attention and I wrote it down to make certain that I followed up on this Mr. Fryar and his garden.  I bought the video and my Dad and I watched it together.  I was amazed, enchanted and knew at that point I was going to have to meet this Mr. Pearl Fryar.

I had the opportunity to go down to Bishopville, South Carolina and seize a few moments with this man whose hand I felt I had to touch.  The hands of a creative gardener, like myself, who had mastered the art of topiary, like Mr. Harvey Ladew - only in my lifetime - with no prior experience.  Mr. Fryar was an educated man, but a simple gardener who won Yard of the Month by the local garden club in 1985.  Who knew that it would urge him on to create the masterpieces that are in his yard today.  In 2006 the video "A Man Called Pearl" was produced and from there friends (organized forming Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden, Inc.), interested people and even the Garden Conservancy are pitching in and helping keep Mr. Fryar's vision alive.  As his schedule allows, Mr. Fryar greets visitors from all around this country and even some from around the world.  Imagine all from a Garden of The Month Awardee!!!

I had to ask Mr. Fryar if he had words to share with me.  He shared that at one time he was punished because he wanted to do interesting things with plants as a child.  It was as if he was denied the opportunity to tap into his inner creative self. Fast forward to when he was in his forties....he built his house, planted shrubs and trees of all kinds and treated them in a way that even today perplexes horticulturalists.  Mr.Fryar believes that if we teach kids from the bottom up, they will release a lot of creativity that is missed as we continue to teach from the top down.  Training to learn from a book, we are then book taught with no real experience...just following the leader, so to speak.  From the bottom up, we learn as a seed learns from a mere seed in the ground to a seedling to a plant.  This message makes simple sense to me.

Here are some examples of Mr. Fryar's hands on work....

One of Mr. Pearl Fryar's proudest accomplishment's is how he could create a topiary from a Live Oak.  As he says, this has stymied the experts.  He just might share how this can be done as he writes his book.  I personally cannot wait to read it.  Even after meeting and touching this true man of the earth, I am even more so amazed and impressed by his talent.

At this time, Mr. Pearl Fryar has a part time helper who he is training in the art of Topiary, five days a week, a few hours a day.  While this is appreciated help, it will take a team of creative artisans to maintain the work that one man started over forty years ago.  Age and time has a way of stealing some of the greatest talent and lesser known secrets on this earth.  It would be a shame to not go see this Artisan, Gardener and Knowledgeable Man of the Earth...to touch his hand, hear words of his wisdom and allow the sense of peace to touch your heart and soul.

Take a moment to visit Mr. Pearl Fryar, watch the video or contribute:
www.pearlfryar.com
www.gardenconservancy.org
info@pearlfryar.com

Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden
PO Box 1111
Bishopville, SC  29010

Trust me, you will be glad you did.....I am!!

Seek and ye shall find art in the garden......locally if you just know where to look...

I am certain that many a gardener went to the Philadelphia Flower Show in March.  The theme was Articulture. It was an awesome show and being there brought back memories of other gardens I have visited abroad as well as in other parts of the United States.

I laugh as I write this because I would never have imagined that I - plain and simple Teri - would ever have been able to say that I had traveled to see gardens that are on my wish list. This list continues to grow, but in the meantime there are closer gardens of note to visit....and some of them even have art. Ever heard of Annmarie Sculpture Garden located near beautiful Solomon's, Maryland???  Thirty acres purchased as an investment by Mr. Francis Koenig, named after is wife, Annemarie is one of the local places of beauty in Calvert County. This is what I like to call one of those under known places of peace.  With a 1/4 of a mile serene walk that allows one to see sculpture on loan from notable Institutions such as the Smithsonian and The National Gallery of Art, to name a few.  One of my favorite areas in this garden is called The Women's Walk.  There are benches throughout The Women's Walk that invite pausing and reflecting on what it means to be a woman or even women who have affected our lives....like our Mother's.  In addition to the art in the garden, Annemarie's also offers classes such as dance, pottery, festivals, a gft shop and so much more.  Annmarie's Sculpture Garden and Arts Center is worth the visit especially this time of the year as Spring wakes up the earth. www.annemariegarden.org

In Monkton, Maryland there is also a wonderful garden called Ladew Topiary Garden.  Every Spring there is a wonderful festival held there that celebrates the welcoming of a fresh new season.  Mr.Harvey Ladew was a socialite and was known as an excellent huntsman.  What I find most phenomenal is that he was a self taught gardener,,,,that speaks volumes to me.  This garden has been named as one of the top 5 gardens in North America..........that high honor goes to a garden that was created from a mere visionary. Very accessible and certainly a day trip, this is a delightful place to visit.  One of my favorite spots on the grounds of this 250 acre estate is the tea house.  It overlooks a beautiful shade garden that has an exquisite water feature.  If you are looking for somewhere to go whether it be simply for the topiary or the concerts at dusk or a children's program, I highly recommend Ladew Topiary Gardens.   www.ladewgardens.com

These are two examples that are simply delightful however I cannot forget my favorite spot within the DC limits - The United States Botanic Garden. The theme on the wall along Pennsylvania Avenue is Amber Waves of Grain.  I know that they simply cannot be talking about my boyfriend, Nasella Teunissima but he does kind of light up the hell strip and waves at me religiously as I drive by in the morning.

 The USBG always has art accompanying the horticultural displays throughout the grounds.  A perfect way to spend a day or an afternoon. Programming ranges from lectures on growing food, trees to lunchtime tours. www.usbg.gov

Look for art in the gardens that surround you, as you find the beauty that surrounds all of us everyday!

Time for garden tours and imagining....

Saturday I had the pleasure of participating in the Georgetown Garden Tour. 

Although it rained a tad off and on, it was still a terrific terrific day!  The day started out at the Silver Spring Garden Club plant sale. As a member, I volunteered and was tasked with selling raffle tickets to the people who came to shop.  Well I did sell a few tickets, but honestly, the joy was just being there with like minded people.  Not only did I meet new gardening friends, but I won an awesomely lush hanging plant, purchased waaaaaay too many plants for my garden this year, but I also got enough plants to donate to the District Heights Community Garden, on behalf of The Garden Coalition. I believe in giving back to my Community, so I will.

The second part of this truly awesome day was spent in Georgetown at the Georgetown Garden Tour.   If you love manicured boxwood, splashes of color and awesome ideas of what to do in your personal space, this was a tour not to be missed.  I think one of my favorite vignettes was a collection of ferns in an exposed area under a stairway..

.or was it the playhouse under the perfect Magnolia tree....

or was it the mirror giving depth to the pond beneath it, giving the illusion of the garden being bigger....

.or was it the awesome vegetable garden?  

Well, I think Washington Gardener's Owner Kathy Jentz was even thrilled about this garden...

I think that the perfect way to end the tour was chatting it up with Sharon, who sat in the rain looking gorgeous and as we thanked her for allowing us to be a part of her day, she thanked us as well!

As you can tell, I am torn about which was the best one....however after the Capitol Hill Garden Tour on Sunday,  I might be able to decide if I have seen the garden of my dreams for THIS year.....unless it is in my own back yard...I hope you enjoyed this Mother's Day Sunday as much as I did.  More importantly, I hope you got outside to enjoy the gardens and all the beauty that surrounds you....

Personal Garden Style Comes Naturally.................

Knowing that farming and gardening is a part of my lineage from both parents, I find myself coming up with some strange scenarios.  Why do I collect retro seating for my garden, and scatter it throughout my landscape?  My thought process is considering when I have company, the perspective on the beauty of my garden will depend on where they sit.  As much as I love powerful, hot and colorful plant combinations, I also feel that a touch of white is always a necessity.  I just wonder did I get this sense of garden style from all the reading that I do, or from my Dad, my grandparents or is it just in me....part of my culture.

I remember reading a book that I purchased last year -  Places for the Spirit, Traditional African American Gardens by Vaughn Sills, Trinity University Press.  I would first and foremost like to say Thank You to Ms. Sills for recognizing that this is an important topic.  One must always understand where they came from to understand totally where they are standing today.  This book is a book of beautiful photographs of African American's and their gardens down south - Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

When I discuss gardening with my fellow gardeners or clients, I find that each of us has our own style.  When I travel, it is not just the formal, well tended garden that I notice, but the little garden that just happens to be along the way as well.  It is those gardens along the way that have a sense of soul, a sense of imperfect beauty that captures my eye and sinks into my heart.  After reading the forward to this book, I understood a little better why certain things were found in the gardens that I was familiar with as a child and why I am attracted to the soulful gardens along the way today.  For instance, why do I always have something that glitters or reflects in my garden- other than because it is just pretty??? Why am I obsessed with a touch of something white in the garden and why do I collect some rather unusual items and them build upon them in the garden, as if I had the skills of a sculpture, using found items.  Was there a reason that I remember seashells in the garden in South Carolina and yes, there was a white tire planter in the yard as well.    Why??

In this book, Ms. Sills shared that gardening was a way of reconnecting with our ancestors, to protect from all harm and evil.  The style and  things found in African American gardens in the south have meaning....even today.  The gardens Ms. Sills visited shared a story of the African American Heritage an how it relates to the earth, how it touches the spirit and how the beauty that is found in each gardens, speaks for itself.

From inverted vessels which capture evil spirits who cannot escape once they enter to circles to pipes in the ground (a great way to connect the living with the dead) to sea shells (reminiscent of our journey), this book educates and shares with us, things to look for and how to interpret these sightings as we drive through the south and smile in amazement at the way in which we garden. I used to wonder why people swept their front yards.  My South Carolinian relatives always swept the front yard.   I remember seeing hydrangea's and Iris ....this was the garden right at the house.   To the right of the house, under the tree  was a tire planter painted white with Iris an other unnamed plants.

Reading this book was quite enlighting and helped me understand a little more about me and my roots.  Now off to create the perfect bottle tree....a little extra protection goes along way!

Yet another thing to try...............BOKASHI

If I keep reading my way through winter's end, I will have a bucket list five miles long!!!  That would only be for all the methods of gardening that I want to try this season....not all the things I NEED (in my world) to grow.I will never leave my yard at this rate....however, I seriously need to try a method of composting - high speed composting...I guess this could be compared to High Sped Internet.

I like to slow compost.....primarily because I work full time, consult on gardening part time and piddle in my garden between times, trying to make sure that all things beautiful can be found right in my own piece of this earth.  Sometimes, I simply forget to turn my piles, so slow composting works for me....afterall, what's the rush?  Gardening is an activity that is best savored and not rushed....like a fine wine....sipped and not gulped.  

However, I think I need to try BOKASHI.....just because I love the sound of the name and it will benefit my garden immensely.  I want to join the Bokashi Revolution to have compost fast....well faster than I do now.  Bokashi is actually cold composting  using effective microorganisms or EM1.  45 years ago Dr.Teruo Higa discovered that there were microbes the feed the soil.  A combination of these microbes, yeast and beneficial bacteria is the engine that drives Bokashi.  This method of composting requires an airless  anaerobic environment that basically ferments the food scraps. Some people even put meat, dairy, weeds with seeds in their Bokashi containers with optimal results.  Almost odorless (smells like vinegar) Bokashi can be done indoors.  The basic ingredients for an indoor method of composting is a bucket with a tight fitting lid, 10 lbs of any organic material from rice/wheat bran, bark chips, and molasses, 10 cups of warm water, molasses and EM1.  These ingredients will ensure that ou create a good batch of Bokashi..

The beautiful thing about Bokashi is that the scraps we throw in the trash or down the garbage disposal can be reused in the garden via recycling and reducing what we take to the land fill. This is a beautiful thing to me!!!

Something else to occupy my time.....not as fun vermicomposting.......but a lot less time to wait.  Here are some resources suggested by Urban Farm Magazine, which has instructions for your own Bokashi stash for this growing season.

www.bokashirevolution.com

www.gardensfromgarbage.org

www.teraganix.cm

I simply cant wait to try some  indoor Bokashi

Sleepless in Spring

Every year we patiently await Spring.  I know, by February you are bound to be tired of hearing Spring this...Spring that......well not me.  Why because there are too many things to do in the Springtime and not enough hours to get everything done or to see everything offered.  However choosing the right thing to go to can be a challenge. Other than the PHS Flower Show in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, there are so many relatively local events to discover as well. Here are a few offerings I am interested  in attending.

The Horticultural Society of Maryland and The Perennial Plant Association are offering a day long seminar PERENNIALLY INSPIRED, featuring five experts on perennials, of course. I personally am excited abut seeing Sandy McDougle of Sandy's Plants in Mechanicsburg, VA.   I met Sandy years ago while working in Fredericksburg,Virginia and attending the Horticultural Conference in Virginia Beach, VA.  She gave a talk about perennials and invited the attendees of her speech to the nursery - Sandy's Rare and Unusual Plants.  I remember seeing how organized it was and she could remember exactly where each and every plant was and could tell me if she had enough  in stock for purchase.  I was and still am in awe of this plantswoman.   Other speakers for this event are Sandy Clinton of Clinton & Associates, Claudia West - Landscape Architect, Tom Mannion - Tom Mannion Landscape Design.  Also attending and imparting information will be Nancy and Pierre  Moitrier, Designs for Greener Gardens. The date and time for this event is Saturday, February 22, 2014 from 8:45 am - 4:00 pm  check out their website: www.mdhorticulture.org There is a fee for this event...but I feel it is worth it!!  I am really excited about this.....I will make time for this!!!

Almost every year, I try to make sure I can make it to the Ladew Topiary Gardens Spring Festival in Baltimore County.  After enjoying walking through these elegant gardens, imagining the Golden Age of garden parties, enjoying some specialty food items and exploring the gift shop - TRUST ME - you will not be able to escape some of Maryland's finest vendors of awesome plant material.  It is usually the first weekend in May, check their website in February when the details will be outlined.  In the meantime, there are other programs offered at Ladew Topiary Gardens from Nature Stories, Maple Magic to My Ladies Manor Steeplechase Races.  In the summertime, there is a Summer Concert Series which is a must go to event at least once.  You will be seriously impressed with the acoustics and the peacefully serene setting..You have got to see the tea house.  I will not spoil this treat for you, so check out their website: www.ladewgardens.com...I just might see you there!!!

Clyburn Arboretum also has an Annual Market Day.  It starts this year on Friday May 9th ($) and continues on Saturday, May 10th (free).  I went last year and met the nicest ladies who had recently dug tulip bulbs to share and sell from the gardens there.  Yes I obtained a few bagfuls and they invited me to dig with them this year.....I will certainly have to check the dates they will be digging.  They seemed like a fun bunch...as most passionate gardeners are! If you visit this awesome place, go to the peony garden.....breathless....I just could not catch my breath as the blooms were just outstanding!!!

 I won't even begin to explain the arboretum....but AWESOME....I TELL YOU AWESOME!!  Did I mention they have a plant sale as well??? The Baltimore City Master Gardeners, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks in addition to local groups and garden clubs all grow plants for sale at this event.    Clyburn won "Best of Baltimore Natural Art and deservedly so.....  Check out their website and visit as Spring approaches:  www.clyburn.org

Since I am very familiar with Virginia Garden Week, I wondered if  Maryland offered a similar experience.  I worked and lived in Virginia for so many years, I am most familiar with the garden events south of Maryland at Lewis Ginter and Maymont as well as Richmond and all points in between.  Now I am trying to familiarize myself with Maryland homes an gardens and all that they have to offer. Much to my surprise there is The Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage.  Formed in 1930, MHGP is dedicated to preserving and restoring architecturally significant properties in the State of Maryland. It is almost like Maryland Garden week.  Spanning from Saturday, April 26th to Saturday, May 31, 2014, different counties have different days to show off their beauty.  Anne Arundle, Queen Ann, Baltimore City (Guilford), Somerset & Worcester and Charles County are represented at this event.  Usually lunch is offered for a fee and I understand, it is scrumptious!!!.  Closer to the date, a detailed  listing of the homes, their age, their history and most importantly their gardens will be posted.  While most of these would make it an all day event, grab a garden buddy and support these historic homes and gardens.  Of course, check out their website for more details: http://mhgp.org

I love to go to the familiar garden events locally and also, go to events outside our region.  This allows me to to explore as many available possibilities of multiple horticultural fantasies.  It excites my mind and revives my spirit....and usually there is some pretty good shopping too!!!

Now I could get myself in a lot of trouble trying to list each and every garden tour festival, etc for every neighborhood in DC/MD/VA....but I trust that each of you read Washington Gardener Magazine.  WG Magazine and Kathy Jentz are THE  resources for all things pertaining to gardening in the DMV/Mid - Atlantic region.. If you are  not a subscriber, I must ask......WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??? I bet you also missed the seed exchange!!! Explore her website:  www.washingtongardener.com
From garden trips, book club, lectures, events to seed exchanges - Kathy provides as much as possible for the Mid-Atlantic passionate gardener.

Off to dream about gardens, gardener and all things beautiful......

On a chilly Saturday in January it was Seed Swap Day.......and it was good...phenomenal.....awesome.....

There is a method to begin the gardening season and as any gardener will tell you, it is different for each person.  However for me, I try to do something different each year. Last year, I attended the Washington Gardener Seed Exchange at Greenspring Gardens in Virginia.  Although I got there late, I was able to acquire some awesome seeds and actually won some pot hangers for mounting pots on an exterior wall, as well as some very useful horticultural information. I thought then that I would be better prepared to attend this event again this year  However this year, I chose to go to the alternate location at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD (www.brooksidegardens.org) on National Seed Swap Day.  Honestly, I could not have had a better day....well if I could have gardened outside, then it would have been better. Today, I did some inner gardening...actually it started last night....

In preparation for my weekend adventure, I acquired some cut flowers to arrange bouquets for my Cottage to chase way the winter greys.  I made one for the dining room table...

then I made one for my office.....

then I  made one to make sure as I left the house, I could have a vision of Spring to take with me in my mind and in my heart........

Once this was accomplished, I nestled in my bed to rest up for what I anticipated would be an exciting day!!!

Brookside Gardens is the best place to have an event, particularly a seed swap on National Seed Swap Day and most importantly, under the leadership and organization of this area's well known and highly respected Kathy Jentz of Washington Gardener Magazine (www.washingtongardener.com).  I must say that Kathy can put on Seed Swap Party. Having grown up in Montgomery County, this venue was familiar and an excellent choice!

I arrived a bit late but right on time as the first speaker, Wendy Kiang-Spray (www.greenishthumb.net) was talking about sprouting and microgreens.  She shared her thoughts on how to best utilize them and made certain that the audience understood how easy they are to grow.  Wendy also shared some for a small tasting  at break time and I have to say........MMMM  GOOD!!!  I will be starting some microgreens tomorrow in a recycled container...I will share my success with this later....after all she did say how easy it is. I just know I have some seeds somewhere.......I also have a vinaigrette that would be simply awesome gently tossed with a little pepper.....now I am hungry!!!

The second speaker was a delight as well.  I read a lot and I love to spend the winter reading....okay, I love to read all year.....  One book that was on my list after having read about it in the 2014 Southern Exposure Seed Exchange Catalog and Guide was Vegetable Gardening in the Southeast by Ira Wallace. Ms. Wallace is a worker/owner of the cooperatively managed Southern Exposure Seed Exchange n Mineral, Virginia. Specializing in over 700 varieties of heirloom and organic seed, I am very familiar with their products and have purchased from them for over 15 years.....I have never been disappointed. (www.SouthernExposure.com) So I bought the book on the spot as it was no longer a want, but a NEED.  Thank you Ms. Wallace for providing the information that I need to get me through the balance of this weekend as I prepare for this year's garden.

Ms. Wallace shared her thoughts on  gardening, changing climates, the value of the scuffle hoe (her favorite tool), how to use it and much more. Seed selection, lighting, soil prep, succession planting, sowing an insectory for beneficial insects and the importance of a garden notebook/log, were all topics she touched upon.    If the snow had not been on the ground, I would have rushed home and went directly into my garden..but we had not swapped the seeds yet.....

Throughout the Seed Swap, Kathy Jentz offered door prizes.  Upon entry, each person received a red winning ticket and a goodie bag with information, seeds and goodies of course!!!  Prizes of all types were on hand from the various companies that helped sponsor this event like Stadler Nurseries, Zanfel Labs, Brookside Gardens, Proven Winners,  Cobrahead LLC, Washington Gardener Magazine, Botanical Interests and Gardenstamp.com....just to name a few.  Kathy awarded two seed stamps, a couple of live primrose plants, books, seed starting trays, seed markers and  many other items too numerous to mention. Did I mention books???  Yep I won a new book....

What a perfect book for a perfect day.  To have this kind of sponsorship, these vendors definitely value the knowledge that Kathy Jentz shares and how well she knows her readers.  Thank you Kathy for providing this resource to the passionate gardener.

When it was time for the actual seed exchange, we were all feeling like we could secure the seeds, rush home, plant the seeds and patiently await the harvest....all so we could have seeds to share in the 2015 Seed Swap the last Saturday in January 2015 (yes I marked my calendar already and am working on my creative name tag holder...I will use items from this years garden, so I will be sure to win a prize!).  Kathy called us by different criteria - those who were novice seed swappers to those who were newbies, those who came the furthest to those who lived in Maryland - but not Montgomery County.

After about four rounds, she opened up the floor to everyone to get what they wanted and could really use.  We all had the opportunity to share the bounty, see if one was looking for something specific or if there was a seed that was not available, the opportunity to connect with another seed swapper to acquire the seed later was offered.  I am patiently awaiting the seeds for the prize winning watermelon at the DC Fair (I believe) and then there is RootingDC coming up....PHS Flower Show.....it just simply must be Sister Spring letting us know that she is not too far away.  Mother Nature has a way of letting us know that she has our back by providing harvest able seed for seed swaps!!! WHAT TEAMWORK!

Although it will not be National Seed Swap Day, next Saturday, February 1, there will be another Seed Swap at the Greenspring Gardens in Virginia,  Cindy Brown from The Smithsonian will speak on Growing Underground - How to Grow Root Crops and Elizabeth Olson, Prince Georges County Master Gardener will share thoughts on Cool Season Cover Crops.  (Don't you just LOVE those Master Gardeners?)  This Seed Swap will also start promptly at 12:30 and will go until 4:00...providing an afternoon of mentally being in the garden as you feed your mind and patiently await the Seed Swap!!

I have to share that Brookside Gardens Gift Shop also had some nice "NEEDS".....yep....more books...The Dirt Cheap Green Thumb by Rhonda Massingham Hart and a book that was on my wish list "400 Trees and Shrubs for Small Spaces by Diana M. Miller.  I decided I need this book after watching the Victory Garden which convinced me that I need a small crab apple tree............oh well, tis the season.......

What a wonderful day!!!