Home is Where the Heart Is

It's hard to believe it has already been almost a week since I finished up my summer at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens.  As much as I miss Cleveland and CBG though, I have never been more happy to be home.  Although I could have done without some of the heat (90 degree temperatures decided to follow me to MN!).  I've enjoyed time spent with family and now I am looking forward to my drive back to Saint Paul to be with friends and prepare for my final two semesters as a Golden Gopher. 

Monday evening was spent relaxing at home.  Dad and I also went on a four-wheeler ride.  Oddly enough, after being around these machines for so many years, I have never driven one myself until this week.  Once I learned, it really wasn't that difficult at all especially after all of the machinery I operated this summer at CBG.  It was so wonderful to experience solitude again, and simply be in the middle of the woods with barely anybody else around. 

After a long drive from Ohio, it was so nice to be home again.  I spent all day Tuesday in the kitchen, something I had definitely been missing over the summer.  I love to bake and cook, but it's been months since I have had a good baking day.  Fortunately my Papa had lots of apples picked which either needed to be dealt with in the kitchen or taken to the deer in order to distract them from Mom and Dad's garden.  Well, their garden is going to have to suffer because I was baking up a storm!  At the end of the day, I had made two apple pies, two loaves of apple bread, a German apple cheesecake, and homemade applesauce.  Plus, I cooked a delectable steak dinner for Mom and myself.  Our dinner even included some of the veggies picked from their garden.

 

 

Yesterday was spent on the shores of Lake Superior and as much as I loved Lake Erie, Lake Superior is still well how shall I put it...superior.  We started off in Two Harbors and Flood Bay beach.  The water was a lot chillier however, so no swimming for me.  Next was off to Duluth.  We stopped at Leif Erickson Park to check out the rose garden.  It was stunning, I was so impressed to see all of the roses still flourishing in bloom.  And the black spot is not nearly as rampant as the poor roses at CBG.  We also got to have dinner with my cousin Kelsey, it was great to see her again!  I have missed so many people over the summer, and I cannot wait to see more.  The family Cranium game was even brought up, there were no questions who is in the running for three time champs this year!  Ally, Kelsey, and I are a power team - there is no chance of beating our intuition and matching brainwaves.  The rest of the family hasn't quite accepted this fact, but I guess the truth will soon be revealed as Christmas 2012 approaches quickly. 

 

 

A quick flashback here to childhood days and family trips to Duluth.  I have clearly changed my opinion of flowers from that day judging by facial expressions!  And just as anything I will move on now and all my CBG pictures and memories will always be memories, but I know there are still many more exciting things to come.  In fact, I have even decided to continue my blog.  I may have to adjust the name or description a bit, but I have loved writing so much that I would love to keep at it.  And since I happen to be the teacher's assistant for Floral Design this fall, why not keep going?!  So all of my followers, no need to quit yet!  I look forward to sharing with you my upcoming adventures!

Never a Dull Moment

Today I watched the Cleveland Botanical Gardens disappear in my rear view for the last time (for this summer at least). I say this summer because I am determined to visit again some day! The gardens are constantly changing and evolving so I'd love to enjoy them during another season! I'd especially like to be around for the winter show and orchid show, thankfully I'm a fan of CBG on Facebook so I'll at least be able to enjoy photos!

As far as my last few days at CBG, there was never a dull moment, with something exciting everyday. On Thursday, I got an unexpected call into Costa Rica. The ants had escaped again and Mark had to suck them all up and return them to their home before he could even think about morning duties. I was happy to assist and get everything done before guests began arriving at 10. I also had my exit interview in the afternoon and I was very excited to share my great experiences from the summer! Plus, I was treated to a birds eye view of the Courtyard Garden which was the inspiration for my intern project.

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Friday felt like my last day since nobody else would be around on Sunday. I spent most of the day in anticipation for the arrival of my guests, mom and dad! Once they arrived I gave them a tour of the whole garden including my work areas and the indoor biomes. I enjoyed being able to share with them all of the projects I worked on during the summer. Mom also got to see one of the many wedding parties that go through CBG, even better it must have been British because guest were wearing hats and one man even had on a kilt! We went to Melt for dinner, basically a glorified grilled cheese joint. I've been told by many I needed to try it out, and it was definitely worth it! Mom and I shared one of the sandwiches and I was still stuffed! That evening I also took them to Chagrin Falls and Jeni's Ice Cream for dessert. Dad definitely wins most interesting flavor with sweet corn and raspberry!

Saturday was an early morning for us, because I had lots planned for mom and dad to see! In my typical fashion, I even had a detailed itinerary planned out including our arrival and departure times for each destination.  We did pretty well on timing but I was also flexible to include a few other stops.  First off it was to Headlands State Park so I could show them my favorite beach on Lake Erie, many sunset evenings were enjoyed here.  After the beach, we headed into Ohio Wine Country.  I definitely have a greater interest in wineries than them but they were willing participants and even shared in a tasting with me at Grand River Cellars.  They enjoyed the ice wine just as much I as do.

After Grand River, we continued our wine tour to Lake Erie and The Lakehouse Inn. All I have to say about this - absolutely stunning view! The rest of the afternoon was spent near Ashtabula Harbor checking out the various vendors of the Ashtabula Wine and Walleye Festival. As odd as it is, neither wine or walleye were consumed but we did enjoy some chocolate covered grapes and samples of sangria wine fudge!

The lack of walleye was necessary to save room for the amazing dinner we were delighted to have at Tarsitano Winery and Cafe. The whole evening was pleasant and relaxing with friendly service, incredible wine and one of the most delicious four course meals I have ever had! I might be getting a little excessive on the photos this time but I am a total foodie and everything was too good not to share! We started with a Brie and prosciutto crostini followed by a house salad to share. I ordered the Riesling Rosemary Ravioli with steak for my main course, and I can easily say it rivaled if not beat out the Ravioli I enjoyed during Little Italy's Feast of the Assumption! We ended with a double chocolate cheesecake to share. This was all complemented quite nicely by the Isabella apple cider wine recommended to us by the owner!

And it's finally arrived, my last day as a Cleveland Botanical Garden horticulture intern. The excitement continued as I walked out to do morning duties and met a skunk in the Japanese Garden. Thankfully I didn't startle him because that would have been an unenjoyable going away gift! It's sad and I'm definitely going to miss the garden and it's amazing staff but I'm ready for home. Bring on the 16 hour journey!

Beautiful Blooms

Throughout my weeks at the Gardens, I have been compiling a list of some of my favorite plants.  My goal was originally to present a top ten list of my favorites, but there are far too many to narrow it down to such a small number.  So, I have chosen to create a Top 20 list of my favorite CBG plants.  I have included a variety of plants from annuals and perennials to shrubs and trees.  Not all of the photos are the best quality, but you get the idea.  Enjoy!

Top 20 Favorite Plant Countdown:

20.  Hyacinth Bean, Terrace

19.  Dawn Redwood, Japanese Garden

18.  Lobelia, C.K. Patrick Perennial Walk

17.  Lantana, Butterfly Garden

16.  Concord Grapes, Potager Garden

15.  Apple-Scented Geranium, Restorative Garden

14.  Kenilworth Ivy, Courtyard Garden

13.  Aeonium, Madagascar Biome

12.  St. John's Wart, C.K. Patrick Perennial Walk

11.  Shrimp Plant, Gateway

10.  Ever-bearing Strawberry, Kitchen Garden

9.  Wee Willie Boxwood, Courtyard Garden

8.  Dwarf Hinoki Falsecypress, Small Conifer Garden

7.  Fishnet Stocking Coleus, Gateway

6.  Blue Hydrangea, Shade Garden

5.  Candy Lily, Sunken Garden

4.  Hibiscus, Terrace

3.  Christmas Basil, Restorative Garden

2.  Plumeria, Costa Rica Biome

1.  Gardenia, Restorative Garden

 

 

A Few Honorable Mentions:

 

3. Guacamole Hosta & Tortilla Chip Hosta, Restorative Garden

  

 

They've got awesome names!





2.  Ornamental Millet 'Jade Princess', Sun Patio

These smell like maple syrup!

 

 

1.  Buckeye, Woodland Garden

 

 

After all, it is the Ohio State tree and the mascot for Ohio State so it felt it only necessary.  It was already two years ago that we played Ohio State at home on Halloween in football.  Tailgating was a great time, unfortunately the Gophers embarrassed me and let the Buckeyes feel a sweet victory of

52-10.

 

I hope you have enjoyed my compilation of favorites!  It was tough to narrow it down, and I am sure there are many more that could also make this list, too. 



The Countdown is On

CBG is still keeping me just as busy, if not more busy than ever this week.  I have still been learning lots of new things and seeing some different gardens even.  I only have three days of work left, and I will be headed back to Minnesota on Sunday afternoon.  Once I get home, I am looking forward to a few days in the North woods to see friends and family before returning to the Twin Cities for the Great Minnesota Get Together, lots of friends, and preparation for my senior year of college.  I am excited to get back in the swing of things and even to start a few new exciting things, like my new jobs!  A few days ago, I was offered a promotion at my current College of Design receptionist job.  Starting soon, I will be the Communications Administrative Assistant for the College of Design Student Services Office, I am really excited to begin this new endeavor and work more closely with some of the staff.  I am also very anxious to begin my position as the teacher's assistant for the Floral Design course!  I took this course last year, and I think it's safe to say it had a tremendous impact on me, so I am looking forward to sharing my passion for flowers with a group of my fellow students!

Anyway, summer isn't over yet so back to my adventures at CBG.  On Monday, I spent some quality time in the working glasshouse assisting Joe with some organization and inventory for plants in Madagascar.  I've got a few scratches as proof of my work, too!  Weeding cacti and succulents is a lot more difficult than pulling weeds in Gateway, at least there they can't poke me.  At least I got some new plants out of the deal, my apartment in Minneapolis will appreciate these.  After we got a few plants loaded up, it was time for a trip to Rockefeller Greenhouse to deliver them.

 

 

 

While we were over at Rockefeller, Joe also gave me a quick tour of the city's greenhouses.  They were really cool, it reminded me of the Virginia Greenhouse at home, except with a larger plant collection.  I also got to check out the adorable new ducklings at CBG on Monday afternoon.  The ducks in Costa Rica laid eggs and Matt is now taking care of the little fuzz balls.  They were really cute and quite noisy, too!

 

Rockefeller Greenhouse

Costa Rica Ducklings

 



On Tuesday, I had a new experience working in the Herb Garden.  This is one garden that I have yet to work in because it is maintained by the "Herb Ladies," the Western Reserve Herb Society.  I just assisted Robin with some weeding and emptying of buckets, so nothing too involved.  I was still happy to get the chance to work in there though, and meeting the ladies was also quite fun.  They all had different stories, and some of them were very chatty.  This is definitely an older generational group of women, so they had lots of share.  These ladies also hold an herb fair in October where they sell items from the garden, I wish I would still be around for it.  Unfortunately, right about then I feel as if midterms will be quickly approaching and my caffeine addiction will be kicking into high gear!

Today, I got a little more practice with turf management.  Mark taught me how to use the riding mower, an experience for sure.  This particular mower is steered with handle bars in which you have to steer opposite, i.e. move the right handle bar to turn left.  This was clearly too complicated for my brain to quickly adjust to because me and the mower had a little run-in with a solid object.  Needless to say, I stuck to the push mower!  At least Mark was able to snap a photo before my failure to properly steer, and I forget to mention no damage was done (except to my ego)!

Today, we were also treated to a beautiful garden visit.  A few of the staff took a trip to the nearby home of a North Ohio Perennial Society member.  Wow, what a spectacular garden!  His collection was absolutely amazing, and I am glad I was able to sneak in one more beautiful garden before the end of this internship.  I really enjoyed his collection of alpine plants, although he didn't have any Edelweiss, it still reminded me a bit of my trip to Switzerland.  To think was already three months ago amazes me, time really does fly by. 

 

 

Only three days left, it's bittersweet.  No matter what, I am thankful for all the experiences I have been blessed with this summer.  I am also excited that my parents will be arriving on Friday, too.  I cannot wait to show them all of the things I have done at the Cleveland Botanical Garden over the last three months.   

Dwindling Days

Another weekend has come and gone, sadly this was one of my last.  In fact a week from now I will be preparing to head back north to see all of my friends and family who I have missed so much this summer.  But, before all that excitement I am first finishing up my last week at Cleveland Botanical Gardens.  I cannot believe how fast the summer flew by, it seems like yesterday I was experiencing first day of work jitters.  I also cannot believe how three months can change so much in one's life through a multitude of different learning experiences.  I recommend that everyone travels away from home for a job at least once.  For me, it has opened my mind and given me a new perspective on life, something which I know would never have happened if I would not have taken this leap of faith. 

Anyway, back to the weekend!  My Saturday started out early (well 8am is early for Saturday) in order to avoid chaos of the final celebration day of The Feast.  I snuck out with my iced mocha and chocolate croissant from Presti's just before all the booths opened up and road closures began.  I was heading east for the day starting with a trip to the Holden Arboretum and then going from there.

I spent my whole morning at the arboretum, it was lovely.  It's about 3700 acres total with about 800 acres of gardens.  At first, I strolled around on my own and checked out the gardens and spent some time in the woodland areas.  I also decided to sign up for one of the registered tours, that way I could get a better overview without getting too lost!  What a small world it is, my tour guide, Steve, graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Chemistry.  I was the only one on the tour, so it was nice to just have a chat while viewing some of the highlights of Holden.  My favorite garden was definitely the butterfly garden. I felt it was the best looking garden there, but then again that is likely a result of the sporadic weather and early blooms of nearly everything else. 

Holden Arboretum is beautiful and they have an impressive plant collection, however, I have to say they didn't quite live up to my high expectations comparatively set by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.  Perhaps I am partial and have to much U of M pride, but I cannot wait for a cool, sunny afternoon to come so I can spend it taking in the fall colors at the UMN Arboretum!  I  haven't been in awhile, but this is one of my favorite photos of me and dad last fall.  I am looking forward to another day like this soon!

 

After a few hours at the arboretum, I checked out a map of the surrounding area and it turns out I was very close to the Ohio wine country again.  I decided to take in a few of the wineries recommended by some of my coworkers.  I stopped at Grand River Cellars first for a light lunch and a couple of tastings. It was a beautiful area and I am thinking of adding it to the itinerary for next weekend, too.  Next weekend, my parents will be back out to visit and help move me back to Minnesota.  I am really looking forward to showing them some of my favorite places from this summer!  Anyway, Grand River Cellars had a delicious ice wine which I enjoyed for dessert.  I also liked the Muddy Paws Semillon, not only for its delicious taste but also for its charitable causes.  Part of the proceeds from each bottle go towards local animal rescue. 



Next stop, The Winery at Spring Hill.  My favorite here was the Blackberry wine, I enjoyed their selection of different fruit wines to add some variety to a normal tasting.  I continued on my path towards the lake after the wine.  I was in the Geneva area, which was really fun to see.  I just did some wandering with no goal in particular.  I was mostly scouting out some places for mom and dad to check out, but also enjoying an afternoon cruise.  By five, I was exhausted from my long day so it was back home for me to take a little nap.  The rest of the evening was spent taking in the last of the Feast festivities and beginning to get my life in order with a little packing.  The fireworks show was spectacular, I was already home when it started so I just watched out of my kitchen window. 

So far today has been dedicated to packing, laundry, and beginning to empty my cupboards.  I made a couple of dishes for this week using some of the vegetables picked by Mark and me last week.  I enjoyed being able to use veggies from CBG, just another great perk of my awesome job! 

The countdown has reached one week.  Seven days remain for me to squeeze the last few ounces out of my summer in Cleveland.  I am looking forward to it, and to my parents arriving.  I have a great weekend planned for us, including The Ashtabula County Wine & Walleye Festival, now how fun does that sound?!  I am excited, hopefully they will be too!