Beauty Berry...and WOW ..YOU CAN GROW THAT!

Callicarpa Americana ...Callicarpa japonica.......I have to catch my breath after uttering these words.  This shrub takes my breath away every time I see it in it's autumn splendor.

  

Used by Native American Indians for medicinal purposes, this native shrub has an interesting history.  Multiple parts of this shrub were boiled and used in sweat baths to treat rheumatism, colic, itchy skin,certain types of malaria and numerous other diseases.  Many birds and animals also cherish the stem, leaves and berries as a food source. We tend to appreciate Beautyberry shrubs for their ornamental flowers in the Spring and the fruit clusters in the fall.  It is a beautiful way to remember fall, while providing food for wildlife during the winter months.  

Callicarpa usually ranges from about 3 - 6 feet in height, but can take a heavy pruning in late winter to control its growth.It blooms from late spring to early summer with pinkish or violet blossom that are inconspicuously held in clusters along the stem.  The difference between the two species is mostly in the branching.  The Americana holds its fruit on long stems away from the main branch.  Japonica or the Japanese Callicarpa has long skinny leafed, weeping branches and the fruit is held in clusters all along the stem.  To some, these shrubs also have an aromatic hay like scent. This makes it a phenomenal statement in the landscape.

Mostly found in thickets from Maryland to Florida.  It loves dry, open wooded areas and is adaptable to humid summers and moderate winters.  

Japonica - narrow leaves and weeping form

Callicarpa Americana - larger berries and longer branches...simply stunning in the landscape!!

Callicarpa ...........it is a wonderful shrub to invite into your garden.....YOU CAN GROW THAT!!!

Bulbs..............they are easier than you think!!

Usually at this time of the year, as I am prepping my garden for fall, I wander into my garden room and find bulbs that I have tucked away.  Last year I went to Clyburn Arboretum (a must see if you re into the beauty that surrounds you!!) in Baltimore and happened upon their bulb sale.  The tulip and daffodil display that dotted the landscape was phenomenal, so I had to purchase some bulbs to support their ongoing educational opportunities.

Although the tags have now faded, so exactly what cultivars I have, well I am not quite sure - but most are still firm and some even have bulb-lets......

As with most gardeners, early Spring got away from me and therefore, I did not store them properly...however 98% survival is not bad.

So let's talk about how simple it is to have an outstanding bulb display in your garden.  If you have bulbs from last season and they were stored in a clean and dry spot you are fortunate.  Improper storage of bulbs can lead to rotting and sometimes total disintegration.  Nothing like thinking that a package of bulbs is viable when there is merely a shell with nothing inside.  Gently squeeze any bulbs for firmness.  If all is lost there are many resources where fresh bulbs can be purchased.  If you mail order, use reputable resources for quality bulbs.  I highly recommend Brent and Becky's for mail order.  Don't forget your local small garden centers, without our support, they will surely disappear.

Deciding where you will plant the bulbs is your next most important step. On the back of packaged bulbs there is usually a guide to tell what lighting is needed, how deep, soil requirements, bloom time, etc.  These are written to ensure optimum growth and bloom.

I had my heart set on the taller snowdrops.  The botanical name is Leucojum aestivum. I purchased these at my local garden center Ginkgo Gardens on Capitol Hill. I have also ordered some but I believe in supporting local first.  Considered o be Giant Snowdrops, these bulbs have many of the attributes that I was looking for - they naturalize, deer resistant, late blooming, 14 - 16 inches tall, great for containers and great for rock gardens.

They are recommended to be planted at 5 inches deep and 12 bulbs per square foot.  These bulbs , also known as Summer Snowflakes require well drained soil, full sun to partial shade and definitely should be considered a must have for the garden.  The smaller, earlier blooming snowflakes - Galanthus Nivalis - are sometimes missed due to snowfall depth  or just too cold to linger in the garden to notice them.


Fall is also the right time to plant summer bulbs like lilies.  I marveled at a friend's tree lillies offered by Breck's. Mary Alice gifted me with a box this year and I will be putting them in as soon as possible.  These tree lillies stand taller than me and I am five foot, eight inches tall.  They are healthy and when they bloom, simply light up the garden.  Once again, the packaging inside gave me all the information that I need to ensure optimum success.  My box included red, purple, white and a golden yellow with names like Satisfaction and Garden Treasure..  Yes I am just too excited about the possibilities of them in next year's garden.

So I suggest that while you are looking at the gaps in your garden or remembering all the fantabulous bulb displays of last Spring,, think about planting some bulbs.  YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID!!!

Sedum - Silent Princess of the Fall Garden - YOU CAN GROW THAT!

Silently in the garden there is a perennial that requires minimal attention, drought tolerant, full to partial sun (depending on the cultivar) and is rather dependable - Sedum sits and politely waits it's turn to be the Princess of the Fall garden.

A butterfly magnet and a a perennial with many faces, Sedums can range from 1 - 3 inches in height to 18- 24 inches depending on the cultivar. From ground covers to upright forms, as long as proper drainage is given, Sedum can be a dependable long lived plant in the garden.  In wet summers, sometimes rotting may occur and occasionally slugs and snails might prove to be a little pesky - but overall Sedum is relatively pest and disease free. If you remember to not plant it too deep and not allow the mulch to touch the stem, the autumn reward is fantastic.

Some of the more common cultivars are Autumn Joy, Neon, Vera Jameson, Acre, Frosty Morn (one of my favorites) and of course Sieboldii (the form of this one is simply beautiful!) One good point to remember, the upright forms appreciate a little dividing every couple of years in order to maintain their beauty and form.

Sedum is a great container plant and draped over walls or slopes can certainly make a statement. A terrific companion to ornamental grasses and other late blooming perennials - this plant is like a silent film star, quietly growing in the heat of the summer garden, as she waits to strut her stuff as the season changes

Sedum - YOU CAN GROW THAT!!!

Native Flora in District Heights, Maryland.....noticing the beauty that surrounds us...

I love to walk early in the morning.  At this  the year there are so many wonderful sights, smells and sounds that go unnoticed in the course of our busyness.  This Saturday morning I had to make a little more time to pause while walking the dog, because it was certainly a pause worthy moment.

As I approached the woods line on District Heights Parkway, an aroma that certainly speaks to the changing of the seasons wafted up Mason Street. It was the unmistakable fragrance of Sweet Autumn Clematis, draped across other natives like a white fluffy, fragrant robe.  Popping through like exclamation points throughout was another autumnal standby, Evening primrose.

Evening Primrose (Oenethera biennis)

If I was not an avid gardener/plantaholic or simple nature lover, I would never have noticed these plants along this well traveled street.  Another jewel in our crown of naturalness, were the yellow draping blooms of Solidago (goldenrod) and the upright white Boltonia.  Most likely, we can all identify  these plants, but there are some of the lesser known subshrubs and plants like 

White blooming Sumac....a bee worthy shrub with a phenomenal bloom.....

Joe Pye Weed, which is now a hot item for the home garden to increase the pollinator population's of butterfly's and bees....

I also noticed this Pickerel patch...right here in our own backyard!!!  Imagine the possibilities of our positive environmental footprint if we encouraged native plantings that bring life and light into our gardens?

Do you have a corner in your garden that you allow to go natural?  Do you plant pollinators that encourage butterfly's and bees into your world???  Do you rush by nature instead of immersing yourself into observing the beauty that surrounds you??? Share your pictures and experiences of what you notice as our seasons changes and we make time to pause and admire the beauty that surrounds us......RIGHT IN OUR OWN BACKYARD!!!!

Subliminal signals our gardens share with us

Transition is the buzzword for this time of the year. Back to school, end of summer clearance in most stores, I noticed the the Lowe's ear me has begun moving the remaining plant material to the front of the nursery yard and YES, I have seen Halloween items creeping into the stores.  Enough already, I am trying to grasp why there are leaves on the ground, crunchy, big brown leaves that cause me to look up and notice yellowing leaves hanging on the trees above.

I do not remember leaves in such abundance on the ground this time last year...but this has been a different kind of summer, following a very different kind of winter. I have noticed a few things this year in my garden as I walk through and wonder where in the world do I start.  I have had one too many projects in the garden this year, so actually planting for enjoyment and pausing to actually see the fruits of my labor - well, let's just say it was not in the cards.

All was not lost however, some of the plants in my garden are screaming look at me, I am still here and looking great just for you....perennials, plant material one can usually count on!

Sedum Autumn Joy and Brilliance are just pausing to start the color parade as the nights get cooler and days stay warm.....

Hosta Francis Williams.....she makes beauty effortless as she flanks the sidewalk leading to my porch...

Hosta "Patriot" along with his friends Heuchera " Molten Lava", Japanese Painted Fern and a touch of vinca minor soften the walkway leading to my "large project" in the rear (details to follow).  Each of these plants have survived yet another year of me not watering, compost in the Spring under a light dressing of mulch ad allowing Mother Nature to water when she felt like it.  

By watching and sometimes listening to the subliminal messages that our gardens share with us, we can plan for the next season. My next season is already here.  I am planning on using as much Heirloom Kale and Chard in my containers accented by seasonal annuals like Pansies and Johnny Jump Up's. I can make my fall/winter garden an edible delight!! I am ordering my garlic from a reliable resource, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, where Ira Wallace is sure to send me the best garlic and shallots for my small garden.

Listen to your surroundings and your garden today.  Find out what it is sharing with you.  It might be telling you that you need more transitional color - before the mums start blooming.  It might be telling you that next year one more sowing of annual seeds for cutting is in order.  There are many things that our gardens share with us....but we have to unbusy ourselves and listen.......listen....and observe....... 

WE MUST BLOOM IN SPITE OF IT ALL........

I am so Thankful that it is raining today.  Sometimes the rain seems to push the reset button.  We need to have the reset button pushed today, so in my world - I am Thankful that if just for today, I am pushing my reset button. 

It has been a summer of unexpected happenings and life changers - yet again.  I vaguely remember starting to plant all of my summer pots so that I could sit outside and just breathe and enjoy the beauty that surrounds me.  Well....I have not had a lot of time to do so (yet I am keeping hope alive for autumnal pausing) however there was this one huge pot overflowing with weeds and I thought, well let me put some chard, lettuce or something in so that it can be a tad more productive than a weed laden pot.  As I cleared awway the obvious weeds, I noticed something off-white - almost looked like crumpled paper of some sort. I continued to cautiously and carefully dismiss the weeds, I remembered that I had put a small Hydrangea in this pot..... it was now blooming and it made me smile.  How awesome is this?? 

 

Sometimes we have to dismiss all of the negative energy that surrounds us -cautiously and carefully -and just do what we do.  If that means we have to bloom in spite of it all - THEN WE MUST BLOOM.  Otherwise, we will succumb to all of the forces that are against all things positive.  In spite of all that is going on in our midst, we must seek out the beauty that surrounds us....

 

DO YOU SEE THE BEAUTY THAT SURROUNDS YOU AND HOW THANKFUL ARE YOU THAT YOU CAN????



 

To market, to market to buy my fresh food.......

For a mere $25.00....thiis what I secured from Branch Avenue Blooms....LOCAL AWESOMNESS!

BRANCH AVENUE IN BLOOM....BUILDING A COMMUNITY WITH FOOD, FUN AND INFORMATION

BRANCH AVENUE IN BLOOM

A new initiative to reinvigorate Branch Avenue at Naylor Road and the St. Barnabas Road Commercial Corridor...............a program of the Maryland SBTDC

Most people who know me realize quite quickly that I am dedicated to community building, beautification efforts, supporting local business and sharing useful information.  I happened upon something right in my back yard (so to speak) that speaks to these principles which I am passionate about. 

In 2012, the first Branch Avenue Day proved to be the spark that lit the surrounding communities along the St. Barnabas Road corridor into action.  Providing the residents with a farmer's market, beautification efforts and maintaining a safe environment, Branch Avenue In Bloom project is continually working to build the community.  From the Marlow Heights Shopping Center to Sam's Car Wash, including Iverson Mall and River of Life Church - these Community Building Businesses have joined forces to make this a weekend of gathering great fresh produce, collecting school supplies and spending local dollars where they are needed most - LOCALLY.

Mr. Fleming Thomas , Market Manager, could not hide the excitement in his voice while sharing with me that Dusty Harrison (a boxer with a winning record of 23 - 0) would be on hand to sign autographs,  as well as music, give aways and of course an awesome Farmer's Market.  The local Fire Department will have information as well as some of the local government agencies.  Just think one could start out by visiting the Market, seeing exactly what the offerings are for local produce available for purchase, grab a free backpack, collect school supplies that will be given out from the local businesses,  patronize some of the food sources and end the day by attending a Church service....all in your own community!!!

According to Jennifer Funn, Program Coordinator of Branch Avenue In Bloom, 60 cents of every dollar spent in the community goes back into the community. This means that the more we spend in our community, the more jobs it will provide by attracting more businesses to share in the business of Community Building.  What a win win for everybody!!

This wonderful day filled with fun starts at 9:00 am and goes on until 4.  The second part of this wonderful day begins at River of Life Church and continues on until 8:00 pm.  Join the celebration of Branch Avenue Day.......I can't wait to speak to Mr. Fleming about the Urban Farm.............

Hollyhock Heaven

My dad and I buy a lot from Bluestone Perennials.  This year he bought several Hollyhock's. They are all healthy and  Let me tell you.....the selection offered this year was awesome!!!  

 

Fiesta Time Hollyhock is a one woman party.  I am in love with this bloom!
 

 

Spring Celebrities Lemon was also a knock out this Spring.  Like powder puffs on a velvety green stem...

 

 

There were two other varieties he ordered Spring Celebrities Carmine and Spring Celebrities Crimson.  These were budalicious and hopefully the deer will not nibble before we can experience the blooms.  Gardening is so good for the mind, body and spirit!!!

BRIGHT FARMS CROWD FUNDING UPDATE

I consider myself an up front kind of person, a woman on a mission of finding all things beautiful and promoting eco- friendly/sustainable living.  I am excited about the possibilities of Ward 8 getting something positive in it's midst.  Especially something that speaks to the healthy eating and wellness of this under served community.  I am so excited that when I got news of a change in the crowd funding of the Bright Farms/Ward 8/Giant food Greenhouse project, I was completely taken aback.

According to the email I received, the crowdfunding effort has been discontinued.  Any and all monies received will be returned.  The good thing is that the project will still move forward and the funding is in place.

I guess I will not get my supporter kit :( and the party might not happen....................BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY......

THE BRIGHT FARMS GREENHOUSE PROJECT IN WARD 8 IS STILL HAPPENING!!!

Bright Farms,

The residents of Ward 8 are excited about this and look forward to the opportunities that will prove to be fruitful from this venture.  I am looking forward to this innovative idea that will provide resources right here in the Nation's Capital to a community that needs this uplifting project.  We will be keeping our fingers crossed as we watch this project unfold!!

Keeping thoughts of Green and Growing Things...........and of course all things beautiful.  Which Bright Farms...............THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL THING!!!

Ward 8, Giant Food and Bright Farms............YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!!

Once again this week, I was delighted to read an article that was focused on something positive happening Washington, DC - particularly Ward 8.  I am a native Washingtonian and grew up in Riggs Park, Eastern Avenue to be exact.  It was a different Washington, DC back then.  We walked to school, we went outside and played in our yard and my Mom was a homemaker.  My siblings and I grew up eating food from the local Giant Food Store.  Summer morning's we were awakened by the smell of fresh cantaloupe, honeydew or watermelon waiting for us in the kitchen as a preamble to a hearty hot breakfast.  Yes, those were the days when there were not a lot of chemicals to concern ourselves with as we devoured fresh food prepared daily from my stay at home mom.

OK - REALITY CHECK.  Those days are for the most part over.  With daily talk of knowing where your food is coming from, GMO's, glysophosphate and other nasty chemicals permeating the soil, tainting our food and causing rare illnesses, I long for those days once again.  When my daughters were growing up in Fredericksburg, Virginia, I either grew our produce or went to the market.  I was also a founding farmer for one of the transitionally organic CSA's in Stafford County at the Eitt Farm.  We ate good, we ate fresh and we knew where our food came from, how it was grown....usually knew or became friends with the farmers at the market and I felt good about what was I was feeding my family.  We tried different vegetables that we had never tried before and my daughters loved the experience.  My daughters know the hard work that goes into growing and harvesting good, healthy, organic food.  Quite honestly, every child should experience growing and harvesting their own food or at least know how it is done in today's world........especially the under served people in Ward 8 in Washington, DC.

I grew up knowing Ward 8 as that area of DC that you just did not go into.  It just was not safe and was always on the news.  This time however, I am ecstatic to report that something great and positive and wonderful is about to happen in Ward 8 and should make the news as well.  The Anacostia Economic Development Corporation, Bright Farms and Giant Food have entered into an agreement for Giant Food to be the exclusive resource of year round local produce grown locally.  According to Mr Paul Lightfoot,  Bright Farms is in the process of Crowdfunding  the World's most Productive and Largest Urban Farm....in our very own Ward 8....imagine that???

Bright Farms is not new to this type of adventure.  As we focus more and more on the renewal energy industry, Bright Farms business model has been proven to be successful.  Currently many grocery stores in Bucks County, Pennsylvania are enjoying the benefits of year round fresh produce grown locally due to the efforts and vision of Mr. Lightfoot and the Bright Farms Team.   I listened to Mr Lightfoot recently on a Ted Talk where he spoke about his mission of growing and delivering the freshest food possible.  Simple mission of growing it as locally as possible and delivering it as fresh as possible within hours of harvesting, all while watching his environmental footprint. This is just a good idea  on so many levels. Bringing such a facility to Ward 8 will aid in permanent green jobs with benefits, including health care, will educate the surrounding community on the benefits of knowing where your food comes from, will connect the food producers to the community and give this under served community a sense that someone cares...an Uplifting or Revival of Spirit, so to speak.

With 55 days left, Indiegogo and Bright Farms has a crowd funding event happening right now that you can participate in - even if you do not live in the DMV.  If you visit www.Indiegogo.com, you will find more  information and the options on how to donate to this  more than worthwhile effort. This 100,000 square foot facility will do such great things for the community that surrounds it.  All of the ground work is taking place now, permits are being issued, final architectural plans and last but not least - the financing needs to be secured.

From $5.00 on up, Indiegogo has a great selection of items in return for your donation to make this a reality. I personally am donating to receive not just a warm fuzzy feeling that I am helping to build a better Ward 8, but for the invitation to the party (there will be a party for sure) a complete supporter kit including a tote, a water bottle, tee shirt, and hydroponic starter kit.

I want to say THANK YOU AEDC, Bright Farms and Giant Food for realizing that giving back to the community can help build a community and there is nothing better than a healthy community.  I would  love to just shake your hand Mr. Lightfoot for having the vision and the experience of what it takes to bring fresh ideas as well as jobs and produce to this under served community.....perhaps on opening day for a tour or at the party???

Please visit www.indiegogo.com, search under FOOD and look for Help build a hydroponic greenhouse farm in our Nations Capital.


As Washingtonians have heard many times over the years.....

THAT'S MY GIANT!!!

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!

Taking care of the Temple and Cultivating a New Approach.......

I have come to the conclusion that it is time to take it a bit easier on my Temple.  As a gardener, I can do it ALL.  Sling mulch bags, till new beds, rake all the leaves from my yard and my friends yards, and then put them in the new compost area, flip the older compost, plant new additions to any garden with lightening speed, etc.  As a Gardener, I am invincible....or at least I was last year.  This year, I have certainly noticed a difference and am ready to adapt new policies and procedures as it pertains to gardening.

Yep this is hard for me to accept.  I am a go getter and have always been this type of person - since childhood.  I always appreciated a helping hand but then did it myself anyway.  That is the Speight in me - a touch of stubborn, hard working and can do it all....or at least I could at one time.  I get this honestly of course, my Great Great Grandmother helped lay bricks for the Church...and I hear she was not a bystander serving lemonade....she actually helped lay bricks for St. Johns Holiness Church in Snow Hill, North Carolina.  Big Momma was a farmer and helped her husband, John Henry in the daily operations of the land they lived on.  I love hearing my Dad share stories about his adventures with Big Momma and Grandpa and how sad he was to leave the farm as his parents migrated up North.  As we know, back then, people did what they had to do - including leaving the familiar - to feed their families and make ends meet.  With 11 children to feed, my grandparents came to DC and created a better life for themselves and their children, starting on M Street in Georgetown and ending up on Capitol Hill.  Big Momma and Grandpa kept my dad until his parents settled in and then they came right back to get him.  They wanted all of their children with them as they started their new life.  What a journey that had to have been.  They also appreciated the help - but then did it themselves anyway.......I believe I get this can do mentality and touch of stubbornness honestly.

This garden season, those 2 cubic mulch bags seemed a bit heavier than usual - even when they are bone dry.....this was my first sign.  The unfamiliar feeling in my knees and the subtle aching in my lower back was the sure fire sign I needed to come to the reality that "things are a changin"....(in my best southern accent).  My private denial was getting the best of me when I caught myself paying attention to other gardeners that I collaborate with.  "Girl you better be careful lifting all that mulch" or  " All that stooping and weeding ...doesn't that hurt your back? Girl, you better slow down....."  I had to quietly admit, that perhaps they were right. Why even at the last Master Gardener meeting, the Coordinator mentioned a handout on proper gardening techniques for aging gardeners, I caught myself thinking "send her an email first thing tomorrow morning....". I cannot believe that I am admitting this - but tis true......I am an AG - Aging Gardener....UGH!!!

I recently read an article in Great Garden Design "A Lifetime of Lessons" by Daryl Beyers.  Mr. Beyer interviewed Sydney Eddison.  Her garden evolved from intense plantings that required a considerable amount of maintenance to adding shrubs.  The shrubs were allowed to mature amongst the perennials and add a sense of low maintenance maturity to her landscape.  Mrs. Eddison is an AG.  Her gardens are simply beautiful, age appropriately planted and maintained. 

Whether I want to accept it or not is not the question.  The question is How do I better take care of the Temple as I continue down this new path?  I know I will not give up, that is for sure.  I will educate myself on how to best preserve The Temple so that I can continue creating the beauty that I need to surround me and others who appreciate it.  I also purchased a book entitled "Stand Up and Garden: The No Digging, No Tilling, No Stooping Approach To Growing Vegetables and Herbs" by Mary Moss-Sprague.  I cannot wait to use this information as I rework my shade garden and install the pond. While I know that there will be minimally a few times that I must bend, stoop and perhaps till a few times as I perform these new projects, I will keep in the back of my mind my new found status - Teresa Speight, AG

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....