July was Amazing: Honors for My Garden and an Incredible Award for my Writing

This month in the garden surpassed all others. First, a photoshoot for a national magazine; then filming for a television show. But that's not all: GardenComm awarded me their silver medal of achievement for my 'Gardening in the Poconos' newspaper articles.  I am humbled and honored by these events -- I was actually speechless for a while, a rare occurrence (as those who know me will tell you.)

Country Gardens Magazine -- a Better Homes and Gardens quarterly publication -- sent renowned photographer, Rob Cardillo, to take pictures for their Summer 2020 edition. Rob was accompanied by stylist, Samantha Thorpe, who helped him set up for each shot. Samantha and I had been in touch for some weeks discussing suitable props for the photographs. She arranged for my local garden center, Chestnuthill Nursery, to supply large pots of plants. (You can see them each side of the Kitchen Garden arbor in the picture above. I was sorry to see the pots go after the shoot!) The owner of Chestnuthill Nursery, Jim Scocozza, has a TV program called Pocono Landscape Challenge. He asked if they could film me and my garden for an episode. They filmed Rob and Sam first, then returned with the film crew a few days later.

I was fascinated to watch Rob and Samantha at work. I'll never look at a garden magazine in the same way again; so much effort goes into each shot. They were particularly interested in my potting shed; they said it has potential for the magazine's cover. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

I found that lovely cushion for the rocking chair in a hospital gift shop. Perfect!

The celosia in the shed window box looks striking against the corn in our field beyond

The Kitchen Garden strutted its stuff for the photoshoot

Samantha used flowers from my garden in the sitting areas. She supplied simple, white country-looking vases. I was sorry to see them go too. I think all the other props they used were mine.

Top: the cutting garden is on the right of the picket fence and Abundance Garden on the left. Bottom: Abundance with one of grandson Jon's miniatures in the old bathtub that was his Pappy's when he was a baby.

I liked some of the changes that Samantha made and have kept them in place. For example, she moved the birdcage with the curly ivy into the herbaceous border.

The cottage garden peaked for the photo shoot.

I placed a bistro set as a 'destination' at the end of the hollyhock walk

The hollyhocks are not good this year with lots of rust. But an essential plant for cottage garden style. I like this black one.

My favorite seat by the pond

Samatha found an abandoned bird bath behind the barn and placed annuals in it. I love it.

The Serenity Garden. There are major problems here with the catalpa tree -- I'll elaborate next posting.

Leading up to the front door, the white SunPatiens® impatiens (chosen by Jon) work well. Victor painted the shutters black.

Thank you dear friend, Janet, for gifting me the flat basket, for all the trips to the nursery to choose plants, and for weeding!

Some of my favorite flowers this month

I am happy to say that the gardens looked their best for the photoshoot and for the filming. The amount of work to achieve near-perfection was enormous. I found it challenging, especially as I am facing some health issues. My husband, Duane was so supportive -- he spent many hours working with me although he's not a gardener. My sister-in-law helped, too. Then as the big day approached and panic set in, gardeners from the local Women's Club arrived to give the gardens a final grooming: they weeded, deadheaded, and touched up the mulch. I would not have been ready without them. A big thank you to Pat Mackes for organizing this errand of mercy. It takes a village ....

My dear friends from the Women's Club (I'm the one with the big grin under the blue hat)

I was glad that Rob included my pets in the photo-shoot; they are an important part of my garden story. We went into the pasture for portraits with them.

Rob Cardillo taking pics in the pasture. Photograph Samantha Thorpe.

Charm, the miniature horse, and Doodles, the dwarf, Nigerian pigmy goat. (You can see Billy Goat in the previous picture near Rob's knee.) Photographs Samantha Thorpe

Rob (center) with the film crew from Pocono Landscape Challenge (left), and Samantha, Duane, and me (right). Photograph: George Roberts

This posting is far too long. I've tried to condense it by making collages, and I left out a lot of pictures that I would like to show you.  I can't end, however, without explaining a little about the enormous honor of receiving a silver medal from Garden Communicators International (GardenComm): 

GardenComm is a highly respected organization for book authors, bloggers, photographers, speakers, newspaper columnists, and all types of communicators in the green industry. I've been a member for several years. Annually, they recognize individuals and companies who have displayed the highest level of talent in their area. I am overwhelmed and humbled by receiving this honor for my newspaper articles and thank Dee Nash, Carol Michel, and the awards committee. I am in my fifth year writing a monthly garden column for our local newspaper, The Pocono Record. I write on all aspects of gardening in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Click HERE for an example.  I will be going to Salt Lake City, Utah, to receive my award at GardenComm's Annual Conference in September.

I love garden writing as much as gardening, so this achievement makes me very, very happy. This year, July in my garden was awesome.

I'm linking with Sarah at Down by the Sea. She has hollyhocks to die for! 

Wishing you a wonderful August,

Pamela x

 

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