Category Archives: Events

Crystal Ball Captures More than the Beauty of Flowers

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Class Attendees

Class Attendees

Photography for me is about capturing data at times.  I take photos at clients’ properties during my onsite evaluations for landscape and garden designs.  Sometimes, I will take at least 100 photos of a site while walking around, looking over their desired planting areas.  It is important to me to get every angle, and to record any problem areas – or potential design features spotted on the property or in the space. I also take photos of plants when visiting wholesale and retail nurseries for my plant research.  You can ask the garden center staff.  They will tell you I always have a camera in hand.

But I also enjoy photography as a “non-serious” hobby – what I mean is, I like to take photos of plants because I love them so much, especially up close to see the botanical aspects, from the stamen (male parts) to stigma (female parts) of the flower’s reproductive aspects. And of course, I like to take photos of butterflies, insects, and birds.  Sometimes, I’ll get a comment from a real photographer, a pro, saying a shot is good, but my photos are never anywhere near those taken by pro’s.  Again – I do it for fun – and like to keep it that way, but I should learn the techniques to improve.

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So when I met my class group for a guest speaker on photography yesterday, they found it a bit comical when I mentioned I had not yet taken out the components (like filters and cleaners) for my new camera out of the packages. I’ve owned the camera for a couple years now.  It is not a super fancy camera, but it is a good one.  I’ve played around with it more than taken the time to learn it.

However, yesterday, I got the chance, and what fun did we have.  We had a small group of attendees because the class, called “Capturing the Beauty of Flowers,”  was held in the morning of a weekday at a local garden center, where there were flowers a plenty.  And by the way, I heard loud and clear from my friends and past class attendees – they want a session held in the evenings so they can attend – so we will do that – on May 29th, Wednesday, 5:30 to 7:30 pm (flyer to be posted soon).  Note the date now.

Catherine Cella of Joyful Reflections Photography was my guest speaker.  It was an honor for me to have her show us her tips on how to maximize taking photos of flowers. There were some techniques I had never considered, demonstrated by Catherine, and we practiced as a group.  She then offered us advise on how to improve the shot.  But one of the best parts of the whole day is she taught us how to use a crystal ball to capture photos.  Any my favorite photo of the day is this one, I took, where the greenhouse roof is reflected in the ball.  Later I thought, is the Crystal Ball revealing my future?  I hope so (you know, I’m a dreamer).

My shot - love the greenhouse in it!

My shot – love the greenhouse in it!

Well, let me restate favorite, actually my favorite photos of the day, were those posted by Catherine Cella after class.  You can see them here on her blog at Joyful Reflections Photography Blog.

But before we got to the crystal ball photography part of the class, we practiced on flowers.  This is a shrimp plant, Justicia brandegeana.  A tropical plant I just adore, and so did another attendee in our class with a horticulture background. It is a little too early still to put out tropical types requiring heat and warmth – think of them like summer vegetable gardening — wait until Memorial Day to put them outside, but they can be enjoyed inside in the meantime as a gorgeous house plant.  This one was trained as a topiary – a real beauty and find, I must say.  Hummingbirds truly enjoy this flower on this shrub.  The flower is the white part extending out of the pink bracts.  This would be stunning in an urn with the style of this one being trained as a topiary.

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Trained as a Topiary - Shrimp Plant

Trained as a Topiary – Shrimp Plant

We also took close-ups of water droplets on plants, and here is one I took on a bleeding heart.  It actually worked out the day was cloudy and just a tad bit rainy.  Gosh don’t we all love this plant in the springtime when it flushes out in our gardens?  Whether you love the Old Fashioned Bleeding Hearts or newer types with golden foliage, you can’t disagree with nature’s ability to capture our hearts with the rose-pink flowers on fern-like foliage dangling like charms from its stems in May.  This perennial looks amazing alone in a garden or mixed with other shade candidates like Astilbe, Pulmonaria, Hostas, and ferns – just to name a few.  However, I don’t recommend them in container gardens because they go dormant later in the season and kind of fade away.

Droplet on Bleeding Heart Leaves

Droplet on Bleeding Heart Leaves

The other two attendees had way more background on the camera’s technical aspects that moi, and they were practicing the tips reviewed by Catherine Cella.  My suggestion was to take photos of the flowering trees at our class location – The Garden Barn Nursery and Landscape in Vernon, CT.  There were many breathtaking blooms of magnolias, redbuds, dogwoods, and others in bloom now.

Here’s a photo I had to take of a Redbud tree, Cercis reniformis ‘Oklahoma’.  Talk about an intense purple wine color.  The coloring is more intense than the species on this small ornamental tree, great for smaller spaces.  It blooms in the spring, April to May timeframe, and the buds line the stems before the leaves expand.  It looks Asian to me, and has the most welcoming feeling in a garden space.

Redbud Tree Buds

Redbud Tree Buds

And I had to try to get a cool picture of one of my favorite ornamental grasses called Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’.  It can take partial shade and has a bright yellow color with a green stripes on the blades, and it cascades downward, versus growing upright. It is a beautiful plant to use in the front of a border, along pathways or by a terrace situation, or even in a container garden as a spiller to filler type plant.  The plant is a long-season ornamental grass, and won the 2009 Perennial Plant of the Year award. Looks great near Weeping Japanse Maples too – why? because the gold of the grass shows up against the burgundy color of the maple.

Hakon grass 'Aureola'

Hakon grass ‘Aureola’

Early in the day, Catherine joked around with a tiny toy camera hanging from her neck – it even flashes.  But rest assured, her professional camera is quite impressive – and so are her talents –  which you will see and learn from when you sign up for the next session on May 29th, Wednesday, 5:30 to 7:30 pm.  Bring your camera and your dreams – so you too can Capture the Beauty of Flowers and the images you desire in your crystal ball of the future.  The next class is only 2.5 weeks away.

Catherine holding a toy camera - as a joke of course, with attendee Jo-Anne.

Catherine holding a toy camera – as a joke of course, with attendee Jo-Anne.

Looking forward to seeing you there,

Cathy Testa
Container Crazy Cathy T
http://www.cathytesta.com
860-977-9473
containercathy@gmail.com

Capturing the Beauty of Flowers

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Look at this stunning photo taken by a local Professional Photographer, Catherine Cella of Joyful Reflections Photography.  Catherine is my next special guest speaker on May 9, 2013 – Thursday.  To read more about this opportunity, click on the CLASSES above and take a look at the “Class Flyer” with all the details.  You don’t want to miss this chance if you love photography, plants, and the beauty of flowers.  You will learn special techniques on how to use natural light, the importance of camera settings, and more. Plus I will share information about the plants as we learn from Catherine.  We will be meeting at a local garden center at 9:00 am for this class.  Sign-up today to join us.  Looking forward to seeing you there.

Magnolia Tree Blooms by Catherine Cella of Joyful Reflections Photography

Magnolia Tree Blooms by Catherine Cella of Joyful Reflections Photography

Cathy Testa
Container Crazy Cathy T
http://www.cathytesta.com
860-977-9473
containercathy@gmail.com

Beautiful day, beautiful plants, and beautiful people

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IMG_6341Yesterday was the perfect sunny day for my guided tour with the East Haddam Garden Club at the The Garden Barn Nursery and Landscape in Vernon, CT.

As I drove to the nursery to meet my group, I felt very cheerful because the sun was shining, there was no wind, and the birds were chirping.

When I arrived, my group was waiting for me in the garden center with big smiles.  I immediately felt their excitement of getting their planned insider’s tour of the Garden Barn for their first time.

Many times, when I do my design reviews with clients, they will ask me where to shop for the plants.  I always answer this question by telling them what I think are the best attributes of the local nurseries in our areas.  And, I have to say, one of the big benefits of The Garden Barn is they have it all.  What I mean is they have the “Greenhouses + Garden Center + Nursery + Growing Facilities + A Pond Garden + Gift Shop.”  This equals to me, everything you’d expect, which is one of their mottos at The Garden Barn.

We started our tour by taking a look at their gift shop – I like that they have a gift shop where many centers do not.  It was filled with bird features, seeds, and dried florals, and much more.  One of the garden club members walking this tour noticed a beautiful glass bird bath, and at the end of the tour, she carried it right to the register. It is nice when you are out shopping for plants to have the option to buy a gift at the same time if needed for yourself – or for someone else.

Bird on Tree

Bird on Tree

As part of this tour – this group got a bit of the “insider’s info” as I told them about my experiences working there in 2006.  And the owners, Kathy and Dennis, shared their history, experience, and talked about the new areas of The Garden Barn with the tour group as well.

We walked through the back warehouse, not visible to regular customers, and as I was walking and talking, Kathy came to greet us.  Her name is Kathy too (with a K).  This prompted me to tell the group the reason I called my business Cathy “T’s” Landscape Designs is because when I worked there – my name was confusing at times.  If someone called out Cathy on the walkie-talkie, they may have meant Kathy, the owner, not Cathy the staff member, so we decided to use Cathy T and it just stuck with me.

The Garden Barn

The Garden Barn

Kathy shared her experience, history and details about the operations at their nursery.  And then we continued through the greenhouse looking at the annuals being put out on the tables.  There were some beautiful, healthy new guinea impatiens sitting there just waiting for their new owners.  These are not infected with the blight experienced last year, which many people encountered.  Kathy gave advice on what do it “if” they had the blight on their plants, but the good news is their new stock is free from it.

The Garden Barn was established in 1980, and it started as a small “road-side stand.”  It is incredible to see how much they have grown into a 13 acre facility, with a new addition in 2010-2011 of an open-air pavilion of 11,000 square feet.

As I walked the group outside to see the new addition, I told them the old one was wooden and made a lot of noise on windy days when I worked there.  Sometimes people would look up and wonder – will a panel fall off?!  Now it is a beautiful structure filled below with shrubs and trees.

There are several new growing facilities now too.  A head-house and poly houses, along the back side of the property.  Kathy told us to go visit Dennis, that he was expecting us.  She referred to the new facility as his retirement home, cause he always in there.

But when we arrived, Dennis told us his name for the new dwellings – The Rehab.  I can see why; it is warm, beautiful, quiet and relaxing – and FILLED CHUCK FULL with beautiful plants and hanging baskets.  It was a special treat to enter an “employee’s only” section of the nursery – which you didn’t want to leave because it is tranquil in there and just has a certain feel – at least for plant lovers!  Dennis told us anytime he calls out on the speaker, “Who wants to work in the Rehab today?” he is not short on volunteers from his crew and staff.  They run at the chance.

New Facilities

New Facilities

The new facility is on 3 quarters of an acre, but you know what? Dennis said, he would have bought more property if he could.  I joked, “Hey how about a Garden Barn restaurant?!” He replied with, “More like growing grapes.” Hmmm, even better I thought. Either way – there would be wine (hee-hee).

After we toured the new growing areas, we went back to the large areas of trees, shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, and more.  I’m just in awe of how a couple and their children have made The Garden Barn a show-stopper, and worth a trip – even all the way from East Haddam.  This garden club did not regret hitting the road for the day to see a nursery outside of their town.

The best part of the day was seeing the abundant plants lined out and being hardened off for spring – and the sizes and quality, in my plant eyes, are outstanding (as usual for The Garden Barn).  This is another benefit about The Garden Barn – they have full plants and they stand behind their plant warranties.  They are also part of CNLA, the Connecticut Garden Trail (ask them about this), ANLA, and the Tolland Chamber of Commerce.

The Garden Barn in Vernon, CT was a great place for me to learn when I started in my career change several years back.  It takes hard work and a true passion to maintain and grow a place like The Garden Barn.  Overall, the day was beautiful, filled with beautiful plants (and I’m not kidding about the birds, they were chirping around us as we walked), and the group from East Haddam was a beautiful group of ladies who truly enjoyed the special treatment and guided tour.

And P.S.: I made it out of there without buying anything – but I really wanted one tree in particular I saw there – and I’m thinking of calling today to order it.  I can’t stop thinking about it.

Container Crazy Cathy T
http://www.cathytesta.com
860-977-9473
containercathy@gmail.com

New Line Out Area

New Line Out Area

From Jar to Flower Vase

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Clever Idea

Clever Idea

My friend and I both thought these little glass jars, resembling mason jars, with holes drilled in the top cover to insert fresh cut flowers, was very clever.  We spotted them at the Boston Garden & Flower Show last weekend.  I didn’t buy one, because frankly, I thought, gee, I could make one of these myself – I have tons of old mason jars stocked in my garage, some are made with blue glass.  And I know how to use a power drill!

The vendor was smart to show how these could be used by displaying an empty jar next to a filled one, otherwise, it may not have popped into your mind.  I also thought potpourri could be used in these too. Garden shows are great for providing inspiration and ideas, and you have the option to either buy a handcrafted item, or recreate the idea yourself should you have the skills and time.

While I’m at it – Here’s another really clever idea, taking twigs to create a screened in area outside.  Look at this next photo.  Twigs and sticks were inserted into tall tubes. The tubes were weighted down with rocks.  When I saw this at a garden exhibit, I again thought – gee, I could do this myself at home.  I tend to stock up on twigs for holiday decor, and there’s always plenty of yard debris from fallen trees.  Instead of buying a screen, why not make one like this?!  You could use all kinds of bases, maybe even some concrete blocks with the holes in them.  Notice in this set-up, the silver of the tubes used were as a decor room theme.  The chair and table are silver too, so it works well together. I apologize for not providing the designer’s name to give the credit – I neglected to write it down, but you can find all the garden exhibitors, designers, and vendor names via the show’s website at http://www.bostonflowershow.com.

Clever Idea of Twigs in Tubes

Clever Idea of Twigs in Tubes

Container Crazy Cathy T
http://www.cathytesta.com
860-977-9473
ctesta@sbcglobal.net

Face Pots

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Face planters - My Fav!

Face planters – My Fav!

I love finding unique pots with faces on the front, and at the Boston Garden & Flower Show last weekend, I spotted these cute Garden Guardian pots handcrafted by Valerie McCaffrey.  I picked up two small ones immediately.  If I wasn’t being lazy, I would have purchased the larger sizes, but they are available online.  Aren’t these cute? Faces are positioned to point upwards, so if you place these within a garden bed or container garden, you will see them as you walk by.  Funny expressions with slanted noses!  (P.S. If any of my local fans are interested in these, let me know, I can work on a group order for us.)

Container Crazy Cathy T
http://www.cathytesta.com
860-977-9473
ctesta@sbcglobal.net

3 Quick Examples of Color and Plant Combinations from the Boston Flower & Garden Show

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Great combination of colors

Great combination of colors

No . 1:  Tradescantia x andersoniana ‘Sweet Kate’ with Daffodils and Hosta

This weekend, at the Boston Garden and Flower Show, I admired a combination of plants with a monochromatic color scheme utilizing hues of yellow and greens.  It was displayed at one of the garden exhibits and included yellow blooming daffodils (Narcissus), variegated hosta, and Tradescantia x andersoniana ‘Sweet Kate.‘

‘Sweet Kate’ was placed between the daffodils and hosta.  This perennial, with the common name of Virginia spiderwort or widow’s tears, has long strap-like leaves, resembling long blades of slender grass.  The leaves of this cultivar have an iridescent yellow color, most showy in full sun conditions.

At the base of this planting bed, an ivy plant was tucked within which had leaves with yellow margins, repeating the hues of yellow in the grouping of plants.  Purple blooms of Muscari armeniacum, grape hyacinth, with urn-shaped flower clusters on short flower stalks created a complementary color (purple opposite yellow on the color wheel).  It was a soft and spring like combination.

Softly repeating yellows

Softly repeating yellows

I thought to myself, this designer carefully selected plants that worked well together in regards to subtle colors, and it also had a nice woodland feel.  I think it is a good example of simplicity, and a perfect combination to use in spring container gardens, with the daffodils serving as a “welcoming” plant, ‘Sweet Kate’ as a filler along with the hosta, and the ivy as a spiller.  It was charming and calming, so I took a couple quick photos to post on my blog, and share with you.

No. 2:  Heuchera with hot red Tulips and Euphorbia

Another arrangement, located at the next display, was a combination of intense red blooming tulips combined with the bright leaves of a Heuchera perennial at the base, and yellow flowers of a Euphorbia perennial to the left of the tulips.

The display was elevated with a mirrored window frame in the background to capture the colors in its reflection. Again, the designer was thinking of color, but in this case, a harmonious relationship of red, yellow, and green was utilized.

The red tulips were the thrillers, and caught your eye from a distance, adding some heat, while the yellow was a bit less intense but still created a warm tone to the grouping of plants, quite opposite of the soft hues displayed in the prior exhibit at the flower show.

Red Tulips with Euphorbia and Heuchera

Red Tulips with Euphorbia and Heuchera

The Euphorbia, left to the tulips, with yellow flowers at the tips, echoed the bright yellow colors of the Heuchera tucked in at the base of the grouping of plants.

The Euphorbia perennial, known as spurge, has flowers with yellow bracts turning an orange-red.  In the center, you can see a dab of red again repeating the red tulips’s color.  The leaves have a reddish midrib.  These small pops are like the brush strokes in a painting – adding a bit a flare you may not consciously notice, but feel.  Take notice in the next photo, there’s some yellow strokes at the base of the red flower petals on the tulips.

I didn’t write down the Heuchera’s cultivar name from the display, but it reminded me of Heuchera ‘Citronelle’ with bright citron yellow foliage.  Common name is coral bells. Heucheras make great fillers in container gardens in spring and last well into mid to late summer. And while the Euphorbia flowers may fade, the foliage will last to the end of summer too.  Both plants are easy to grow.

Close up of red Tulips with Heuchera

Close up of red Tulips with Heuchera

The arrangement using hot reds and yellow with solid, reliable greens immediately reminded me of one of my favorite spring container gardens I assembled a couple years ago, using a pop of red and probably the same bright yellow Heuchera, with some red repeating colors from a Euphorbia.  See here:  Cathy T’s container garden:  spring combo

The next plant combination may not be for everyone, but it caught my attention.  I really like foliage in designs, and this one put together an unusual grouping. In the center, a very tall bamboo plant is showcased, with Helleborus orientalis ‘Brandywine’ perennial sitting below at the base and Mondo grass. Who would have thought these would work together?  But they do.

Bamboo with Helleborus perennial

Bamboo with Helleborus perennial

No. 3: Fargesia nitida (bamboo) with Helleborus ‘Brandy Wine’ and Mondo Grass

I also liked how they alternated the Helleborus plant at the base with what I believe is a Mondo grass.  Again, foliage shapes and forms work well. The Asian styled walls and windows make the foliage plants stand out more and draw your eye in to the design area at the same time.

Helleborus plants happen to be one of my favorites because of their coarse semi-evergreen foliage, deer-resistant trait, and early flowering in late winter to early spring. Hellebore is the common name.  It has cultivars with flower colors in dark plums to soft pinks, whites, and more pale colors.  Hellebores also make excellent long lasting container garden plants as fillers, lasting well into fall. They are a “solid” plant to use in containers and can be transplanted to your gardens when the season is over.  I like how the basal leaves are tough, and some have a little bit of serrated edges.  It is a partial shade to full sun plant and fairly drought tolerant.  Some are starting to poke out of the ground right now, as we enter spring.

These are just three quick examples of color and plant combinations I saw at the show – there were many more.  There was even a display covered in fake snow, which was so appropriately timed – as we got snow fall yesterday – one day before the “First Day of Spring” which is today, March 20th.  I hope it melts quickly so we can go get some of these spring flowers and start adding some color to our porches and gardens soon!

Snow covered display

Snow covered display

Container Crazy Cathy T
(860) 977-9473
ctesta@sbcglobal.net
http://www.cathytesta.com

32nd Annual Connecticut Flower and Garden Show

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'Kwanzan' Cherry tree bloom at the flower show

‘Kwanzan’ Cherry tree bloom at the flower show

The CT Flower and Garden Show is underway at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford this weekend.  It opened on Thursday, February 21 and continues through Sunday, February 24, 2013.

I attended yesterday with three friends, and we bought more garden goodies than we could have imagined.  One friend bought 60 lily bulbs because she had success with them every year in her gardens, so she returns to the same woman from Maplecrest Lilies (booth 427) at the show to purchase batches for her friends and family.

This year’s theme is “Love in Bloom” and there were blooms a plenty.  You can expect to see everything from landscape displays, florist competitions, garden supplies and tools, greenhouses, solar panels, sun rooms, ponds, clothing, furniture, photography, scarfs, and even some things I felt were a little out of place, such as beds – as in ‘sleeping’ beds, not garden beds.  Who knows on that one, perhaps if they lined them with floral bed sheets or those made from bamboo, it may have made a little more sense, but all the same, it is fun.  I would have liked to rest on the bed when my feet got tired!

I took a photo of a ‘Kwanzan’ Cherry tree in bloom at one of the landscape displays. Nothing welcomes spring more than spring blooming trees, and this one surely creates a seasonal accent in your yard.  It has outstanding features, such as puffy pink flowers, bronzy leaves that turn an orange-bronze color in fall, and shiny, smooth bark offering some winter appeal.  Plant one in a full sun location with moist, well-drained soil and protect it from harsh winds.  It is a great specimen or patio tree.  Or come enjoy its beauty at the show.  One of the great benefits of attending the show is seeing many trees, shrubs, and perennials in the landscape displays so you get a feel of how they look before you give them a try in your landscape, plus you can ask plant questions at the show.

Terra Cotta Pots, Glass and Wire Vases by Puddingstone Farm

Medieval Watering Pot at the show

Medieval Watering Pot at the show

I almost purchased one of these medieval watering pots for $15.  They were something I found neat – but then I thought, “Don’t be silly – you have way too many container gardens to use this.”  But at the same time, it is an artistic piece and I love the natural clay used by the maker.

This artist also had tiny wired bottles used to create miniature bouquets with “snippets of fresh flowers.”  This vendor’s clean labels, clear and simple packaging, and tiny unique works of art, were sweet and well-made.  As tiny as they were, each was perfect and professional looking.

All of us bought a few of the miniature vases, and I already put mine on the windowsill.

The terra-cotta pots and bird houses were natural looking, so I also purchased a birdhouse made of terra-cotta.  It will be used very soon by a lucky bird this spring.

Puddingstone Farms by Cleave Hayes/Josie Fowler are located at booth 1050 at the show.

Shoes are popular this season

We saw shoes of all styles at the show used as plant pots, and they were cute, but one note of caution, check if they have drain holes.  When I was checking out this silvery bling pair, I said out loud, “But they don’t have a drain hole,” and then a woman next to me said, “Yah, but it is filled with succulents and they don’t require lots of water.”

Well, have to just say here, this doesn’t matter.  Without a drain hole, these have the potential to rot over time, and if you look closely, there is also moss on the top of the soil, which will stay wet. I love these shoes, but a power drill would have easily solved the problem, just saying.  Check for the drain holes and encourage the maker to create them going forward as they make more – because they are cute and fun.

Silver Shoes with Succulents

Silver Shoes with Succulents

And although there are hundreds of great gardening finds at the flower show, I don’t want to list them all here and give away the surprises you can enjoy, but I also wanted to mention the works created by Shauna Shane of Fenton River, located in Storrs, CT.  She had the cutest fairy dolls, and works made with clay that were so natural.  Her leaf prints were earthy and she had sculptures with succulent dresses.  Her fine art and whimsy are available to enjoy and purchase at the show.  And she offers classes, demonstrations, and workshops at her business location in Storrs.  Her website is noted as http://www.shaunashane.com but I couldn’t get the link to work this morning, so to reach her, try 860-429-3646 or fentonriver@yahoo.com

A Fairy Doll by Shauna Shane, Artist

A Fairy Doll by Shauna Shane, Artist

So get out there – take a drive to downtown Hartford, CT to see the show.  The weather will be fine most of today, so you don’t have to worry about poor driving conditions until later this evening.

Some Tips:

Discounted Tickets:  Check with your local nursery, some are selling discounted tickets ($2 off the regular admission price.)

Bring a Bag:  Bring a light weight bag or two to put your literature and garden goodies into as you walk around.

Light clothing, good shoes:  The floors are cement so wear good walking shoes, and wear something that you can feel comfortable in for little temp changes.  Sometimes it feels cool, other times a little warmer as the temperature in the building seems to change from time to time.

Lunch and Beverages:  There is wine sold at the show, but we decided to have appetizers after in a downtown restaurant.  The croissant sandwiches are very good at the show’s cafe.

Camera:  It can be difficult to get good photos at flower shows due to lighting and shadows, but bring your camera or smart phone along to take shots, and try to take a photo of the vendor’s sign or business cards, so later, you will remember who you bought what from.

Hand stamp:  If you leave the main show floor, get your hand stamped so you can return back in, and don’t overlook the speakers on the upper floors, included in the entrance price.

Parking:  Remember where you parked your car in the garage, it is kind of like a maze getting around the garage.

Passport:  Visit the CT Garden & Landscape Trail booth, get a pamphlet called a “Passport” and take it with you this season as you visit all the CT Garden Destinations.  The garden facilities participating will apply a sticker to their listing in the “Passport” as you visit them, and you can send the completed Passport in by the end of 2013 to be entered in a drawing to win at $10,000 landscape installation.  The winner will be drawn at the CT Flower & Garden Show next year, on February 23, 2014.  (Cool, another reason to return next winter.)

Show’s website and telephone no.:  www.ctflowershow.com, 860-844-8461

Show’s Hours: Saturday: 10 am to 8 pm / Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm – This weekend.

Thanks for visiting,

Container Crazy Cathy T
http://www.cathytesta.com
860-977-9473

Butterfly Conservatory Breaks the Winter Blues

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If you suffer from a seasonal disorder in the winter, where you need to get out to break from the winter blues, may I suggest a visit to the “Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens” located on 281 Greenfield Road in South Deerfield, MA?  It will be a place of warmth, sunshine, and lots of color.  I visited yesterday with my sister and niece, and here are the photos I took along the way.

Favorite shot

Favorite shot

I think this one is my favorite photos of the day.  If I am reading the butterfly id chart correctly, which I purchased for $1.00 at the entrance ticket booth, this is a Brown Clipper, Parthenos sylvia.  I don’t know much about butterflies other than they are beautiful in the garden – serving as nature’s living art – so hopefully I have the right names written with the photos I took yesterday.

Tithorea tarricina

Tithorea tarricina

Again, not sure but this one looks like Tithorea.  Love the long antennae and legs.

Japanese Lantern

Japanese Lantern

There are many tropical plants at the conservatory and this one was probably my favorite of the lot.  A Hibiscus schizopetalus, Japanese Lantern bloom with a long stamen dripping down in such an elegant fashion.  Just love the look of this bloom and the next butterfly photo is a perfect color comparison.

Hey Mr. Postman

Hey Mr. Postman

One of the things I noticed was many of the butterflies did have some wing tears, which made me a little sad.  This one is Postman, Heliconius melpomene.  He matches the Hibiscus photo above in coloring.

Pitcher Plant

Pitcher Plant

My niece asked me what this plant was, and of course, it is a type of pitcher plant.  I didn’t see many plant labels at the conservatory, and it would be nice for them to offer a plant identification key like they offer for the butterflies.  These types of plants are found in tropical rain forests, and many know they get their nutrition by capturing insects in their pitcher.  I saw a television show recently that also indicated a new discovery of some larger species luring small rodent-like animals, and they go for the nectar while on top of the pitcher, and guess what drops out the animal’s back end into the pitcher?  Yup, their poop – another source of energy to the plant.

Shrimp Plant

Shrimp Plant

This is a plant I’ve grown in my container gardens.  Pachystachys lutea.  There were many of these at the conservatory for the butterflies to enjoy.  You can see why it is called a golden shrimp plant as the common name.  The flowers are not the yellow parts you see here; these are the bracts.  The white flowers extend from these, and in my container garden, the hummingbirds loved them.

Justicia

Justicia

There were a few Justicia plants, the common name for this one is shrimp plant too.  It is a broadleaf evergreen shrub, and I adore the style of the flowers.  Very exotic, and this one had a deep hot pink color, but the one I used in a container garden was a softer pink – both are spectacular, and loved by hummingbirds and butterflies.

Justicia carnea

Justicia carnea

This photo was taken of my container garden in early September about two years ago. The large pot is combined with a Coleus, Ajuga, Delosperma, Alternanthera, and Sambucus.  The container on the table has a Sedum in it with a Creeping Jenny trailing below.  Justicia carnea (shrimp plant) in the large pot bloomed during the summer and into fall, and paired up perfectly with the Sedum blooming around the same time.

Ow Butterflies

Ow Butterflies

Here’s two owl butterflies, Caligo eurilochus, were having a little mating fun.  And it is obvious why they call them “owl” butterflies, used to deter predators.  This is the type that landed on my shoulder for quite some time later, see video below.

Name this plant

Name this plant

Okay, I know I’ve seen this plant before – but I can’t remember the name?  Help me out tropical bloggers – what is this called?  It is so beautiful and the plants at the conservatory trailed all the way up to the ceiling.  I would have loved to capture a butterfly on it but no luck.

Morpho peleides

Morpho peleides

I did have luck capturing this Blue Morpho, Morpho peleides.  Got to thank iPhones for the quick clicks.  I had to reach up a bit to get the shot, but was so glad he was in a rest state and didn’t fly away.

Purple Passion

Purple Passion

There were mostly tropical plants at the conservatory, which I enjoyed because they are one of my passions – yet, later when I got home, I thought it was sad they didn’t have natives for the butterflies to enjoy – and to showcase.  We have many in CT and MA that would suit the feeders.  Also, I noticed outside, they had a border along the front of the building enclosed in posts, and it was all old evergreen shrubs, the soil didn’t look too healthy, and I thought, later – when I got home, how wonderful it would be to fill that bed with some native plants.  Too bad I don’t work there – LOL.

More help please?

More help please?

More help please.  What is this plant?  It looks like a Peregrina bloom?  But not sure, the foliage is soft and fuzzy, but the orange flowers are my main attraction.

Sculpture

Sculpture

Just a shot of the sculpture in the gardens at the conservatory.

Arch

Arch

There was an arch/trellis at the entrance, and if you look closely, you can see a butterfly flying right in the center.  Unfortunately, it is very difficult to capture the hundreds of butterflies circling your head.  As I stood here, taking some photos, one landed right on my shoulder.  I used the rotating feature on my iPhone to get a video of it.  Here it is…

And one more butterfly shot to share, this one is Cairns Birdwing (male), I think.  Love the florescent coloring.

Cairns Birdwing

Cairns Birdwing

Some tips if you decide to visit this place:

Recommendation:  If you happen to be visiting MA or CT, this is a fun trip with kids, or if you are into photography.  There is food sold at the sight, but I enjoyed the restaurant at Yankee Candle right down the road.  Go early, as if it is school vacation season, it will get busy quickly.

Special Occasion:  If you have an engagement to announce, this could be a great place to go with a photographer for some fun shots, but be prepared to get hot – it is humid and warm in the conservatory.  Wear light clothing.

Location:  281 Greenfield Rd. (Rt 5 & 10) off of 91.  If traveling north, take the exit 24 noted for Yankee Candle.  If traveling south, take Exit 25.  South Deerfield, MA.

Hours:  Per their pamphlet, they are open year round 7 days a week.  Summer: 9 am to 6 pm.  Fall/Winter/Spring: 9 am to 5 pm. Closed on some holidays.

Website:  www.MagicWings.com

Name of place:  Magic Wings

Cost: $14/Adults, $10/Kids

Butterfly Key:  I recommend you pay the $1 for the key, my niece immediately wanted to use it as we strolled along.  She had a big desire to identify all the butterflies.  I wish they had a key for the plants, but I don’t think they did – or perhaps I missed it somehow.

Camera:  Bring your camera of course.

And last but not least, when you enter the exhibit, you first enter a room of insects in tanks.  They reminded me of “Indiana Jones” bugs, large and yucky.  And to finish off this informal quick post, here’s a photo of “Hissing Cockroaches”….Yuck.  But fun still for the kids!

Container Crazy Cathy T

Hissing Cockroaches

Hissing Cockroaches

A Worthwhile Garden Conference in CT

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Heads up, the 2013 Garden and Perennial Plant Conferences held at and by UCONN in Storrs, CT has been officially posted online via the following two sites:

http://www.2013garden.uconn.edu/

http://www.cag.uconn.edu/plsc/conferences/2013perennial/index.html

I’ve been attending these conferences every March for several years now.  Some years I go to both days, others I go to the day specially held for hort pro’s in the business.  I find them both, however, very worthwhile.

The Garden Conference, held on day two, March 22nd this year, is geared for the home gardeners.

The Perennial Conference, held on day one, March 21st, is specific to horticulture pro’s in the business.

To see the list of speakers and topics, just click the appropriate links above.

If you haven’t attended before, arrive a bit early to grab a cup of coffee after signing in, and browse the usual great selection of garden and hort books at the onsite book store adjacent the conference rooms.  Enjoy meeting other hort pro’s or avid gardeners attending while waiting for the talks to begin.

Lunch is included and consists of a buffet of sandwiches, salads, desserts, and beverage.  Everyone files down the stairs from the conference floor to the eating area around 1:30 ish and sits at large tables.  It is a great way to visit friends attending every year, or greet new attendees from the gardening and hort world.  I also like attending because it is at the campus where I took my first hort related courses.  It brings back memories.

The only challenge of the day is picking which presentation you want to see per hour.  There are two every hour, and often I can’t decide which one, but shortly after attending my preference, the person seated next to me in the next session, will give a quick review if they attended the opposite choice.  And handouts to all are provided.

The drive is easy and pleasant via country roads (for me) to Storrs.  There are plenty of parking spaces if you arrive on time, but don’t move your car once you found a spot – because you may not find another open one for the rest of day.  Vacant parking spots get taken quickly on college campuses.

This event is noted on my calendar again this year, and I will fill out the online registration by the early registration deadline which is March 14th.  Otherwise, you pay $10 more for the entrance fee, and risk missing out on limited seating.

Maybe I’ll see you there,

Cathy T

http://www.cathytesta.com (My website)
860-977-9473 (cell)
cathy.testa@aol.com (email address)

HOMEMADE HOLIDAY GIFTS AT THE MARKET

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Greetings Visitors!

Heads-up, if you are in need of an evergreen wreath, candle centerpiece, cute and festive table décor, door swags or other evergreen creations, and live locally to my neck of the woods and nearby towns, please stop by on Friday, December 14th, at the Ellington Winter Market, 11 Pinney Street in the YMCA Building, 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

I will be there tucked in the corner surrounded by evergreens.  It is a great opportunity to pick up a hostess gift if you are on your way to a holiday gathering, a festive item to dress up your home, and holiday presents for your family and friends.  We know we all have very busy schedules this time of year, however, it only takes a few seconds to swing on your way to shopping malls or gatherings.  You will find other wonderful homemade and hand-crafted local gifts at the market – it is their Holiday Festival Date this Friday at the Ellington Winter Market.

At the Market

Cathy T at the Market

Yesterday, because I wasn’t exactly sure where the YMCA Building is located, I decided to take a ride after picking up my cat from the vet.  Here was my cat, meowing louder than a hungry baby in the car, and me driving down Windsorville Road.  The cat was becoming so loud, I accidentally took a left onto Pinney Road (instead of Pinney Street).  It didn’t take long for me to discover my error, I should have continued straight down Windsorville Road to the rotary.  Follow the rotary circle and take the 4th exit onto Rt 286/Pinney Street.  The YMCA Building is on your right shortly thereafter.  There is plenty of parking in the front.  http://mapq.st/UBgg6g

You know, I’ve never been inside this building before.  It is amazing how many new places I’m introduced to in town from the markets and my garden presentations, from libraries to churches.  Makes me realize, I need to check out my local offerings more often!  Shame on me!

There are many services, sometimes services which are free, which we overlook.  In fact, this afternoon I plan to go visit the new Vernon Community Arts Center at 709 Hartford Turnpike.  Up to Sunday, December 23, they are showcasing 70 local artists works.  Hours vary, so visit www.vernonarts.org to find the times, but I definitely want to go there to get some unusual holiday gifts.  And support our motivated and talented local artists.

I also have to make it out to the East Windsor Trolley Museum to see Jeannie Pomeroy-Murphy sing.  She is a local friend from my high school class, and I still haven’t made it out there – shame on me!  The CT Trolley Museum is having their Winterfest every weekend until Sunday, December 30th.  Great for kids because of the ride of lights on the antique trolleys.  For hours, visit www.ct-trolley.org.  They took a hit earlier this year, when someone stole items, which I read about in the newspaper.  This is the perfect time of year to help them recoop from the impact, by utilizing their services and seeing Jeannie sing too – support our local venues, they need us.

Maybe we need a tour bus arranged so we can be shuttled to all the local events as it seems they can be easily overlooked or there just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day.  As for myself, I haven’t even started my Christmas shopping – I might as well have fun while doing it – so going to local events is one great way to do so.  Cathy T

http://www.cathytesta.com
860-977-9473
Cathy T’s Landscape Designs
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cathy-Ts-Landscape-Designs/214478311912
http://pinterest.com/cathytesta/
Email:  cathy.testa@aol.com