Collier Gardens

03/22/2026

First Saturday of spring = dirt therapy

Spent some time building a few mini ecosystem planters—layering quartz, moss, driftwood, ferns, anthuriums, and nerve plants. Just playing with texture and letting it come together naturally.

There’s something about creating these little living worlds… super grounding.

02/25/2026

The loudest member of the family: Mr. Peigon Come-moo. Chief informant and lead no-bark, bad-dog corrector. 3 a.m. bell enthusiast.
Speaks several languages poorly—and invents a few of his own. Perpetually disappointed in my whistling abilities. Professional dog taunter and dedicated cat-mocker.

02/21/2026

Can’t wait for spring 🌱 but we couldn’t wait to get started.

This week we prepped our first batch of fruit tree cuttings for the year—a little late-winter ritual that always makes the coming season feel real. There’s something special about working with dormant wood, knowing that in a few weeks these simple cuttings will begin to wake up and push new growth.

This batch includes:
• Bartlett pear
• Methley plum
• White Lady peach
• Donut peach

Over the next several weeks we’ll keep them warm, lightly moist, and under gentle light while roots begin to form. With patience (and a little luck), these will be ready to leaf out as spring arrives.

We’ll be sharing progress, tips, and lessons learned along the way. If you’ve been itching to get your hands in the soil, this is your sign—spring is closer than it feels.

05/27/2025

04/02/2025

The Hummingbirds Are On Their Way!

We’re buzzing with excitement at Collier Gardens—spring’s tiniest travelers are making their way north! Hummingbirds have already fluttered through North Carolina and Tennessee, and are now heading toward Kentucky and Virginia.

These little aerial acrobats typically spend about a week in each Mid-Atlantic state, which puts them on track to reach North Central West Virginia by around April 15—right at the start of the third week of April! Maryland friends, keep your eyes (and ears!) open—some hummingbirds love to follow the coastline and may arrive even sooner.

The first ones to show up are the leaders of the migration, with the rest trailing in over the next week or two. When they do arrive, you might hear that familiar hummmm before you even catch a glimpse of them!

Now’s the perfect time to hang your feeders! Make sure you’re offering them a safe, healthy pit stop. Check out this guide on hummingbird feeder safety, cleaning, and care to keep your visitors happy and healthy:

www.allaboutbirds.org/news/how-to-make-hummingbird-nectar-and-keep-your-feeder-safe

Track the migration here:

www.hummingbirdcentral.com/hummingbird-migration-spring-2025-map.htm

Get your feeders ready—spring magic is in the air!

08/31/2024

Summer has been kind to this beauty.

07/30/2024

06/11/2024

05/29/2024

The Grotto is coming together. I’m loving the vibe this year. 😍