Cottage In The Court

Just wanted to say Thank You to all who made 2025 a fabulous year. I'm looking forward to 2026 with fresh content, book love, and garden experiences.

Spring has been quite busy. A brief recap of Hallowed Ground, Backwater Books and Bibliopub, Anne Spencer, Old City Cemetery and How to Love the World.

A simple spring welcome to create a conversation about what's happening in and around my zone 7b garden. I'll invite friends from time to time , share places I've been, books I have enjoyed, and of course the flowers I fall in love with. Won't you join me at the Cottage in the Court?

It's time to try new and different things! It's the first day of March. The freshness and newness of a new season feel great! The Camellia buds are swelling, daffodils are opening up, and the crocus lift their heads to welcome us back into the garden. I took a break from podcasting. After a moment to gather my thoughts, I had a few speaking engagements here and there, traveled to some exci...

Master Gardeners are everywhere! Planting seeds of wisdom along the way. Tea is something to be celebrated. Growing a tea garden is easy and there are a few new plants which can be used for tea, that is worth investigating. Adding a native plant should be on everyone's mind this year - consider it! Happy Mother's Day!

How did you recognize National Garden Meditation Day today? This day reminds us not to just work in the garden but to meditate in our green spaces. The importance of even simply talking to your garden is medicine for the mind. Here are a few things that crossed my mind today. Enjoy and follow me at cottageinthecourt.com

Going outside to witness a new season is refreshing. Especially when you aren't rushing. Noticing what's emerging and planning for warmer temps is always a great idea.

Change in the garden will happen. Plants will die, lighting will change, and Mother Nature will certainly have her way. After a period of mourning, we adapt. It's simply life. However, there is always something left behind that gives us hope. Believing in the garden is simply an act of survival. Do you believe in your garden? Register for The Great Grow Along and meet some really cool and grounded...

From giving talks in Charlotte, North Carolina, touring Maple Walk, changes in my garden and the Philadelphia Flower Show...I can tell it's going to be a wonderful year!

Snow, crocus, daffodils, and more. Spring has been plugged in and I can feel the electricity of the season. I had the honor of speaking with the Creative Director of The Philadelphia Flower Show, Seth Pearsoll. As you know, it doesn't take much for me to get excited about anything flower related. After speaking with Seth, I am really plugged in and ready for The Philadelphia Flower Show.  I h...

This is the perfect time of year for fresh starts, rekindling relationships, and looking forward to the possibilities of change. Change is inevitable. While we might not be sure of the outcome, we must believe in the brighter day. I'm looking forward to the brighter days of the garden season, and I hope you are as well.

Updates on why I've been quiet, what I'm looking forward to, and speaking engagements on the radar.

The garden invokes conversation when we gather. If we listen, we can glean how the garden finds us and how grateful we are. I am grateful when others share their garden experience. I am also ready to explore more gardens and garden experiences along the way.

I am so thankful for every opportunity that comes my way. Remaining in a mental state of thankfulness and gratitude is meaningful each and every day! Are you grateful for the little things?

Visiting Fredericksburg, VIrginia provided a bit of downtime to think about how to navigate life's challenges and change. Even as we garden, changes in growing conditions provide an opportunity for us to navigate change. It's all a part of life.

Mother Nature has given trees and plants permission to let go, get some rest, and embrace this decision. Why can't we do the same?

Observing tree canopies, finding a leaf a day, and being grateful in my garden.

Sharing morning thoughts in the garden filled with live oaks and more!

Life lessons are often equated with life in the garden. Who can we count on to help in our communities? Our life gardens teach us so much...we just need to pay attention and choose wisely.

I made it to a garden I thought about during the pandemic. It helped me be okay with purging and reassessing my garden...Is it time for you to purge your garden?

Making an effort to not second guess what we don't see or assume is easier than we think. We should all make an effort to think positively first and then adjust - like we have had to do. Let's rethink how we receive what comes our way.

The lack of rain lasted quite a stretch this year. As I lost a few annuals, the mainstays of my garden helped me realize, the garden will survive.

Garden Bloggers Fling, garden blooms, and closing the gaps in the garden.

Observances of life in the garden at The Cottage.

Mahogany Splender Hibiscus, The Chinese Kitchen Garden, My Corner Attic, Homestead, and the Philadelphia Flower Show...all on my mind today.