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The Earth in Her Hands

Connie Cottingham • July 3, 2020
The Earth in Her Hands
The Earth in Her Hands: 75 Extraordinary Women Working in the World of Plants 

 

Jennifer Jewell is also the host of Cultivating Place , an NPR podcast that blends society, history and gardening. Her calming voice can keep you company and keep you informed as you are weeding, crafting, running errands or organizing a closet.

I have started reading books with my morning coffee instead of looking at a computer screen right off. I often start my reading learning about one or two women, then switching to a chapter or two of another book. I love books that profile inspiring women. If you do too, look also at She  and In the Company of Women  (which includes women from my town of Athens, GA). These books are too heavy for a hammock, but great for a rocker on the screened-in porch.

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The Rose On My Doorstep

By Connie Cottingham • December 16, 2024
My first Black Friday purchase was an order of four roses from Heirloom Roses, which arrived on my doorstep this week. I ordered two ‘Belinda’s Dream’ roses, one of the most carefree everblooming roses to grow, for two planting beds I am creating in my back yard now.

Lessons learned from my first year in the new kitchen garden

By Connie Cottingham • January 7, 2024
2023 was my first full year in my new home and my kitchen garden on the west side. This is a sketch of my garden plan, with the beds and posts built as my fence was being installed. Overall, I am thrilled with the design and decision. I thought I would share some of the […]

Stunning, dark leaves on Eclipse® Bigleaf Hydrangea

By Connie Cottingham • January 5, 2024
I met First Editions® Eclipse® Bigleaf Hydrangea when Bailey Nurseries hosted a tour and evening at their headquarters in St. Paul, MN, during the 2023 GardenComm (garden communicators) conference. I had never toured a growing location at that scale before. Each attendee was given an Eclipse® Bigleaf Hydrangea to take home and trial. But I also was able to […]

How to shop a plant sale. This works for buying plants at local nurseries too.

By Connie Cottingham • April 25, 2023
With a little thought and preparation you will come home with the best plants for your garden. 1. Know where you need plants. This helps you target one area of a sale instead of distracted wandering (blooming plants are like puppy videos – totally hijacking your focus). 2. Research the plant sale. Some sales post […]

10 tips to help you enjoy holiday light shows in public gardens

By Connie Cottingham • November 21, 2022
'Tis the season for holiday light shows in public gardens. Here are a few tips to make sure you have a fun evening among the lights. Happy Holidays!

No Mow May

By Connie Cottingham • May 16, 2022
In late April, clover was in full bloom in our backyard and my biweekly lawn service was scheduled. So I dragged out a few outdoor chairs, the dolly, a planter.. then took pink string and wound it around the circle. When the mowers arrived, I stepped outside and communicated with the leader on the loud […]

How to shop a plant sale.

By Connie Cottingham • March 27, 2022
These tips will help you make sure you are prepared and have what you need for a plant sale.

Summer can truly be a trial at The Trial Gardens at UGA in Athens, Georgia

By Connie Cottingham • March 23, 2022
“If you want to see a trial garden in Georgia, come in July and August - that’s when the plants are really tested.” Allan Armitage

Biltmore Concerts in Asheville, NC

By Connie Cottingham • March 23, 2022
Outdoor concert includes early access to stroll the gardens at Bilmore. Accessible seating was amazing!

Microclimates 101

By Connie Cottingham • March 23, 2022
Within your garden are many microclimates.
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