Planes, Trains and Gardens

What have I got myself into? As spokesperson for Nutrients for Life, I am expected to blog and be available to the media. I had no idea I would be shot into the spotlight so quickly (can you just see my ego bursting!). Recently, I got an exciting call from Washington D.C. Harriet, Nutrients for Life Executive Director, exclaimed that Good Day New York would like to interview me for a special gardening segment they are putting together. This was an opportunity we could not pass up!! A few short days later, I was on a jet plane to D.C.

I love Washington D.C.! It is so America and I feel so American walking the streets and breathing in history. You cannot but help be proud of our nation and for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Our afternoon was spent walking approximately eight miles through our national mall and memorial parks. It was an awesome experience. The trees and landscapes throughout our walk were gorgeous. I was impressed with how well the tree specimens were labeled. I often thought, “hmm, wonder if that will grow in zone 6?”

On the top of my “must see” list was the White House kitchen garden. It was much smaller than I had expected! I was happy to hear that the White House rabbits are as hungry as the rabbits in our back yard. Posted near the White House fence was a quote from Thomas Jefferson. I found it to be insightful and inspiring and want to share it with you.

“No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden. Such a variety of subjects, someone always coming to perfection, the failure of one thing repaired by the success of another, and instead of one harvest a continued one through the year. Under a total want of demand except for our family table, I am still devoted to the garden. But though an old man, I am but a young gardener.” – Thomas Jefferson.

I retired early to my hotel and enjoyed the peace and quiet of my room (a rarity for a mother of three young girls). Harriet arrived promptly at 4:15 A.M., we boarded the train at Union Station at 5:00 A.M. and we were off to New York City for the interview!

The interview with Lisa Murphy from Good Day New York was approximately 15 minutes, of which she may only use a small portion for her special segment on gardening. My goal was to share enthusiasm for gardening and the important function of nutrients in the soil. I enjoyed talking to Lisa and was surprised by her genuine interest in gardening. During the interview she asked how one might get started gardening, basic questions about soil nutrients and fertilizer uses, and the economic benefits of a home garden. When the interview airs at the end of the month, I will share the link on a future blog.

It was a quick and amazing experience. It is an honor to share my horticulture experience with others and I am simply amazed at how quickly a conversation grows when one knows you garden.

Lessons learned:

1. Washington D.C. is beautiful and peaceful at 5:00 AM.
2. Don’t sit on the “quiet” car if you want to talk during the train ride.
3. Express trains can run late.
4. In New York, the law states that cab passengers must enter a cab only curbside (I broke the law within my first five minutes in New York).
5. Cab drivers and videographers garden, too.

Here is a behind the scenes look of me on Good Day New York:

(Feedreaders: Click through to watch the video)