These winter weary days in the North Country, sure can take a toll on our senses. We are bundled up, under cover, and indoors for weeks on end. When a sliver of sun appears, I try my best to get out and take advantage of the warmth and light. This was a great week to enjoy outdoors. The sun and comfortable temperatures were most accommodating. But inevitably, the cold will return for several more weeks. So how do you cope with your diminished “winter garden senses” until our season arrives?
If you have the option to travel over the winter months, I strongly recommend a day trip to a nearby botanical garden. This indoor oasis can provide the sensory appeal a gardener so misses during our winter months. The variety of micro-climates found in the region specific plant areas can soothe the winter sensory deficits. Plant colors, textures and shapes can provide much needed inspiration until our garden season arrives.
These photos were taken during my visit to the United States Botanical Gardens on the Mall in Washington DC. Well worth your time and travel. Just an amazing indoor display. A passionate gardener could spend all day enjoying the exhibits and learning. If you want to learn more about the garden exhibits or plan a visit check out: http://www.usbg.gov
Other options to wake up your ” winter garden sense” include a trip to a Flower Show. One of the nation’s oldest is the Philadelphia Flower Show. This event dates back to 1829. It takes place March 11-19th at the Philadelphia Civic Center. This year’s theme is Holland: Flowering the World. The program description includes the following: ” the 2017 Flower Show will share the diverse stories of horticulture, innovative eco-design, and modern urban greening and sustainability efforts of the Netherlands” A host of presentations at the show outline many homeowner friendly topics. I found one exhibit (extra admission fee) particularly interesting and family friendly:
“Butterflies Live,” is an interactive and educational exhibit created by California’s SkyRiver Butterflies. The habitat will feature native plants that attract butterflies and encourage pollination. More than 1,000 butterflies, of 20 domestic and exotic species, will be included in this engaging attraction. Upon entering the room, guests of all ages will have the chance to roam among and feed the butterflies. The exhibition space is filled with a vast selection of plants and heated to the right temperature to simulate the butterflies’ natural habitat. “Butterflies are critically endangered,” says John Dailey of SkyRiver Butterflies. “There has been a 90% drop in butterfly numbers, due, in part, to their habitats being converted to farmland and sprayed with herbicides.” The life cycle of the butterfly, as well as the importance of protecting their fragile habitat, will be illustrated as part of “Butterflies Live.” What a learning experience that could be for kids and adults alike. May encourage more home pollinator friendly gardens! Want to learn more about the show? Check out: https://theflowershow.com
If you are staying in town and looking for a little indoor magic why not join me for a Fairy Garden Building Workshop at Dehns Flowers and Greenhouse in Saratoga Springs Saturday March 4th and March 11th @ 1:00PM. Learn about the “Fairy Garden frenzy” and create your own Fairy Garden. This is a basic level workshop for adults. Cost is $50.00 + tax and includes teaching materials, container, soil, plants, fairy, stone embellishments as well as follow up use and care. Take a little “fairy magic” home! Pre-registration is required and class size limited. Call Dehns 518-584-1880 to register.
Save the Date! The Garden Goddess is hosting a daylong garden lovers workshop: “Dig Into Gardening” at the beautiful Longfellows Hotel and Conference Center, Saturday May 6th! This day long event will feature regional gardening topics, garden networking, fun and informative culinary demonstrations, delicious freshly prepared lunch and more! Stay tuned….more info to follow!
