Sometimes I need to get out of my own head. By that, I mean, I need to experience a variety of gardens and learn from other gardeners to maintain my edge and gather sparks of new inspiration. This week I’ve had abundant input and will be writing about all of these experiences here at gardenhelp.org in the days ahead.
Today a teaser of what’s to come in future gardenhelp.org writings:
- Tuckahoe Plantation: I had a unique opportunity to visit Tuckahoe Plantation, the boyhood home of Thomas Jefferson, and volunteer my time at an event to raise awareness about land conservation in Virginia (and beyond).
- Agecroft Hall: My cousin, who inspired me to return to school to study horticulture after she had done the same several years ago, introduced me to Sandra, the head gardener of Agecroft. Agecoft Hall is a Tudor Manor built in the 15th century in England; it was purchased, dismantled and shipped to Virginia in the 1920s when it was rebuilt on the banks of the James River. Sandy was kind enough to lead me on a private tour of the gardens on a closed day.
- Monticello & Michie Tavern: I spent one day outside Charlottesville, VA taking in the history and gardens of Thomas Jefferson’s plantation home, Monticello. I developed quite a bit of garden envy, purchased some native divisions from Jefferson’s own gardens (that I have to give to local Virginia gardening friends), and I picked up heritage seed to take to my own Seattle garden. And, we lunched at Michie (pronounced “Mickey” as in “Mouse”).
- Graves Mountain Lodge: This lodge is nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. During my childhood we travelled to this area to pick up crates of apples and peachs to put up as jams and pies. Getting to enjoy a meal at the historic lodge as always very special. Going as an adult was no let-down either!
- Winston: Winston, VA is the home of our family’s country store. It’s been owned and managed by family members for many generations. In days gone by it was an important mailstop along the railroad. Today, the potbelly stove is still a gathering place for farmers and family to chew the fat and enjoy a tasty lunch from the deli. My cousin maintains a big veggie garden, a big chicken coop and roses that have been intact longer than the oldest living members of the family can remember.
- Woodhaven: Woodhaven is a family homestead built in old growth Oak forests by my grandmother’s family — the Woods. The home was hand-built multiple generations ago and is still lovingly maintained and lived in by my cousin. The asparagus patch installed when I was a child still produces. And, the woods of Woodhaven are coming back after being decimated over a decade ago by loggers who took advantage of my elderly aunt and gyspy moth that attacked what remained.
- Moss Garden: Today I am looking forward to a spring tour of Nori’s Moss garden. It was fantastic when I saw it a couple of years ago in winter; I can’t wait to see it in full mid-spring glory!
There’s your teaser. More information and photos will follow in the weeks ahead. Right now I need to get ready to visit Nori and her moss garden!
