Come join the garden tour at my house! I love reading your comments -- please leave one!
A couple of weeks ago, I traveled to Brooklyn, New York, to attend the wedding of Laura Normandin, a deputy editor of Holiday and Crafts at Martha Stewart Living. With some time to spare before the lovely event, I decided to visit my friends at the beautiful Brooklyn Botanic Garden. BBG is a 52-acre visual delight of world-class plant collections and specialty gardens, where I always learn and garner new inspiration. I urge anyone visiting Brooklyn to make this wonderful place a destination. While I was there, I suggested to Scott Medbury, the president of BBG, that perhaps he would like to bring a group to my farm and tour my gardens. He happily accepted, the tour was organized, and, thankfully, the weather cooperated!
Unfortunately, I could not be there to greet everyone as I was in Detroit on business. I would like to thank BBG for their kind gift of two rather rare yellow magnolias to add to my yellow magnolia collection adjacent to the summer house. One is a Judy Zuk, named after a former president of BBG, and the other is called Skylands Best -– a coincidence to my home in Maine in name only. This magnolia was named for Skylands, the New Jersey Botanical Garden.
. Check out the new map of my gardens in Bedford!
Thank you Carly Blake and Susan Bryan for helping me to create this map.
Here's Jodi
speaking to a group in the vegetable garden. About 80 guests came by
tour bus that day, all members of BBG's Gager Society. Named after the
first president of BBG, the Gager Society is comprised of avid plant
lovers who are also big donors to BBG.
This is my cold frame –- now uncovered. Things grow well here, under glass, during cold weather.
Meet Ester Leaming Tuttle, more commonly referred to as Mrs. Faity Tuttle. My foreman, Chhiring Sherpa, is driving her around the property on the Kawasaki Mule. At 97 years of age, Faity is still a working actress/model. She was also chairman of the board at BBG during pivotal times.
This is the front of the greenhouse facing Girdle Ridge Road.
Here are two guests admiring the currant bushes. It was very sunny and hot
and they were wise to wear their hats.
This is the shade garden in front of Alexis's house. The gentleman in the white shirt and sunglasses is Fred Bland, the chairman of the board of trustees at BBG.
The guests were all given the latest issue of Living magazine to enjoy on their return ride to Brooklyn.
Pierre made a little snack for everyone. My young hens
are laying small eggs -– a perfect size for deviled eggs. Pierre
seasoned the yolks with sweet paprika and a bit of cayenne pepper. He
made little puff pastry palmiers, layered with blue cheese. The round
crackers are cheddar shortbread.
My housekeeper, Laura Acuna, made a refreshing punch. Here's Jodi serving it to guests.
Francesca and Sharkey loved all the company.
The peonies are exploding! Oh, the fragrance!
This is Elizabeth Scholtz, the director emeritus of BBG. A native
of South Africa with degrees in botany and zoology, Ms. Scholtz
began working at BBG in 1960. She claims it was the perfect move for
her -– a total distraction from what she refers to as her midlife
crisis. Ah, the power of gardening!
Here's the whole group in front of the peony garden. Kneeling are Erika, Jodi, Kim, and George –- my wonderful garden crew.
This is a nice photo of some of the trustees from BBG. Sarah Young, director of gift and estate planning; Patrick Cullina, VP of
horticulture; Fred Bland, chairman of the board of trustees; Scott
Medbury, president of BBG; and Leslie Findlen, VP of development. 
Hi Martha
What a magnificent early summer day for a garden tour. Looks like a garden-lover's delight!
Posted by: MMC from San Diego | June 5th, 2008 at 12:56 am
Wow Martha!! Those are some lucky guests!! Great Pictures by the way!
Posted by: Brian Utz Jr. | June 5th, 2008 at 2:54 am
Hi Martha,
Your garden is beautiful, I love that you have a peony garden! Thank you for sharing your pictures!
Posted by: Melissa | June 5th, 2008 at 3:15 am
Wisdom comes with age is it? and some of these folks seem active seniors to say the least --I want to know Mrs. Tuttles agent's name--if I could be working at age 97 that would be great--- now I need to market my self to the local ad companies as worthy material for the over fifty ad-market Oh by the way an appreciation for all things bright and beautiful that is what a gardener is all about!!
Ps Alexis' shade garden?? ohh when is a house tour scheduled?
Posted by: Hardboiledegg | June 5th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Hmmm lesson learned big donors to an organization are not overlooked in the events planned for a group --big donors donate for a reason and for perks -- I LOVE PERKS send PERKS my way
Posted by: Hardboiledegg | June 5th, 2008 at 7:06 am
What a great garden tour! How I wish I was on it..those snacks look amazing. LOVE the garden map, great addition.
Tom
Posted by: Tom Dunn | June 5th, 2008 at 7:07 am
Hi Martha,
You truely are generous and wonderful with your fans! I look forward to reading your blog everyday to learn a little bit more about the person you are! You have taken all the wonderful things God has blessed you with and shared it with the world around you! Your gardens at Bedford, and in your other homes, are gorgeous, vivid, and serene! Nature has certainly filled your home with all of its beauty! You have certainly done wonders with keep keeping your piece of heaven filled with all that it needs! As I was growing up, and as young woman today, my mother continues to teach us to care for the nature we have around us! She always says, "take care of the wonderful nature that surrounds you, tend to it, and care for it always!" You have done just that Martha! God Bless you, dahling!
From a great fan who is constantly enriched by your teachings!
My mom and I hope to make it to your show someday! Indeed it would be a blessing! We love you!
Sincerely, and with love,
Sandy Resendes-Calla xoxoxoxoxo
Montreal-Canada
Posted by: Sandy Resendes-Calla | June 5th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Martha, what a wonderful garden you have, my dream is to also visit someday!
Posted by: John Errigo | June 5th, 2008 at 8:46 am
This this my dream!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! May be some day i will visit your garden!!!!!!
Posted by: Vera M | June 5th, 2008 at 8:55 am
What a joy and inspiration it must have been able to tour your gardens and eat the great food! Everything is just so beautiful, planned out and well taken care of..you have a great team working for you.
Oh, how I wish I could be you Martha!! It would be hard to leave home if I lived there. Please continue to show us more of your lovely home and grounds, I truly enjoyed the tour if by pics only.
Posted by: Nancy | June 5th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Hi Martha,
I would like to know your process from begining to end for planning the layout of your gardens. Enjoyed looking at the pictures...great inspiration!
Pauline Mucciaccio
Brooklyn NY
Posted by: PAULINE MUCCIACCIO | June 5th, 2008 at 9:06 am
If I can't come to see your garden in person, I can at least enjoy your lovely photos. Perhaps you would post more as the summer season progresses?
Posted by: Anne | June 5th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Martha,
As a member of the Garden Conservancy, I love touring gardens. I toured a few in Copake Falls, NY, a few years ago, including the garden of Margaret Roach, the former editor at your magazine. She has an amazing new website, by the way! Check it out:
http://www.awaytogarden.com
I get the Garden Conservancy brochure and always wait to see if the gardens of Martha Stewart will be on tour. So far, no. But I never stop wishing! I'd make the trip down from Canada to see it!
Enjoy your day!
-Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | June 5th, 2008 at 9:24 am
What a wonderful opportunity for those folks to tour your gardens! I'm envious. Next time we visit family in NYC, we will be sure to visit the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Thanks for being so inspiring!
Posted by: Terriaw | June 5th, 2008 at 9:37 am
I love how your dogs are in all your photos for all your events. I wish I were brave enough to take my dogs everywhere with me - especially at work. I have mentioned it before (just for a day when I needed to take her to the vet so i wouldn't have to run home first) and they about flipped. The thing is I think my dogs are cleaner than most people - and ALOT nicer! LOL! I need to find a job one day that will let me take my dogs to work - I would have so much more energy just having them around.
Posted by: StacyQ | June 5th, 2008 at 9:55 am
The gardens and property are always first class in beauty. How was the date selected? Was the garden tour focusing on spring flowers or perhaps a comfortable ambient temperature?
Thanks. I am sure the refreshments were the "icing on the cake".
Posted by: Margie | June 5th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Miss Martha:
Hello from Arizona, I love & look forward daily to read your blog & look at the most beautiful
pictures. I am from the South, Texas & Louisiana, & so miss the
green lush. Your pics remind me
alot of the pretty Magnolia tress, Dogwoods, etc from the South
You are so blessed to be surrounded by such beautiful gardens & homes. It is an inspiration for me. I love your Poochie Dogs, they are precious.
We have a half Lab/ Newfoundland
named Tank,(big boy) who is soooo
sweet.
Thank you, for sharing all your pictures, & events.
Posted by: Karen Rizzo-Tucker | June 5th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Martha!
You are the best. The pictures are lovely. I, too, love Sharkey and Francesca! I am planning on getting a French Bulldog one day. (I have two large labs now - looking for something smaller next time!)
Posted by: Tiffany Thomas | June 5th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Hi, Martha,
Thanks for the photos of the members of the BBG Gager Society tour of your magnificent garden. What an experience they must have had! I would enjoy meeting Mrs. Ester Leaming Tuttle and the rest to share their horticultural knowledge. Maps like the one you show of your gardens would be so useful. I used to draw them of my gardens; I like the computer-drawn version, too. Seeing your cold frame reminds me of one I used to have---filled with Spring produce. To have a whole garden of peonies would be wonderful. My sister has the peonies that my great-grandparents planted long ago on their farm. I can just imagine the peonies in your garden exploding and the fragrance wafting on the air!
Francesca and Sharkey are certainly enjoying themselves with all the attention.
Thanks again!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | June 5th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Oh, goodness. I'd (almost) kill for a tour of your gardens ... any of them.
Really beautiful; Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: so NOT cool | June 5th, 2008 at 10:53 am
I can't think of anything nicer than you inviting a large group of people to see your gardens! I bet there was a lot of oohing and aahing going on and I'd love to read their comments if there are any posted somewhere.
And speaking of gardens, after seeing the May 2000 issue of MSL with the wisteria, tulips and clematis on the cover along with your house with the blue awnings, I have been in awe! Is there any chance you could post that particular picture one day? I think I would frame it! Trish
Posted by: Trish | June 5th, 2008 at 10:57 am
The peonies are magnificent. I remember peonies from my childhood, but it seems like a bush/shrub that people forget about these days. Now I need to plant some. Thanks for sharing your beautiful gardens.
Posted by: Angie D | June 5th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Hi Martha,
Your garden is amazing and well planned out. Thank you for this wonderful blog where we all feel we are getting to know you better. What do you do with all the produce from your garden? Not to mention all the eggs! Have a wonderful summer. I look forward to new shows in the fall.
Posted by: joan vogt | June 5th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Martha,
Your garden's meticulous upkeep shines in the map and the photos. While I'm afraid I don't have as many sprawling acres as you, I do try to follow your example of what a proper garden is. Keep the photos coming. It was very generous of you to invite the lovely folks from the BBG.
Posted by: Jasmine | June 5th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Oh, how I would love to have a tour of your garden! Too bad it's so far away. Thanks for our "blog" tour!
Vivian Love
California
Posted by: Vivian Love | June 5th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Martha, I see your troughs with the herb/sedum in them. Are these original or did you make them? I remember from a show I think it was MS Living you made some. That would be a good refresher. Sedum are so fun and easy to grow. Thank you and your staff for the prairie native plants article in this month's magazine. Very informative and I think many of us in the Great Plains will benefit from the information. Did the cattle get their name yet? Enjoy!
Posted by: Robin Ball | June 5th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
How wonderful for this group from BBG to take a tour of your magnificent gardens...and learn even more...and, fortunately, because of your blog, so do we!
Seeing all your peonies, I am waiting patiently for my peonies to open up...as i sit here at the computer in my combination office/laundry room/wrap room, I am gazing out the window where the peonies have numerous healthy buds that will soon be in bloom. Haven`t had quite enough sun here on the West Coast!
I am also inspired to create a map of my garden...how utterly fun it would be to have one. Perhaps in the future you could do a little segment on how you created yours.
Thanks again for sharing!
Posted by: Sherey | June 5th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Hi Martha,
My husband and I had dinner in NYC last week with Bruce Harris, formerly of Clarkson Potter, whom we met in Cambodia last year building houses for Habitat for Humanity. We (my husband and I) are leading a build in Vietnam in January. I told Bruce you should come along. I think you would REALLY enjoy it.
Posted by: Janette, Lexington, KY | June 5th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
not sure exactly how they do it but ants help to open peony blooms, can't imagine having such a garden of peonies, stunning, wondered what u did with all of ur hen's eggs, aaahhh 2 have such hens!!!!!
Posted by: charmayne | June 5th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Ooh! I wish I would have been there! I've love all the photoes from your farm and garden and I bet it must have been a great day for everyone.
Posted by: Laura | June 5th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
It is wonderfull to have such a magnificant garden of your own to share with the public. Have you considered founding a Botanical Garden/Green House/Memorial Garden in your honor? It would be nice to have memorial bricks (which the public can have personally inscribed in memory of a loved one or a personal cause or a foundation ...etc) that line your paths or walk ways. You could have a pond with geese and ducks and bird sancuaries--that would be an awesome place to visit and an awesome contribution to mark your visit here on Earth
Posted by: Anita Lasanowski | June 5th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Hi Martha, Thank you again for letting us tour your gardens with the group from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The gardens, photos and weather are absolutely beautiful! I love the photo of Mrs. Faity Tuttle. At 97, she looks fantastic! How great that the BBG gave you two beautiful magnolias. I'm sure they will look great in your garden. Thank you so much for sharing and letting us view all of this beauty from nature. Jan P.S. I hope you do get the new chow chow and can't wait for the new photos. God bless wonderful Paw Paw. J.
Posted by: Jan Erickson | June 5th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Love the tours of your farm, the gardens are beautiful. Nice to see the "Frenchies" enjoying the visitors.
Take care, have a good summer.
NMS
Posted by: Noreen | June 5th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
You make everything look so effortless- the secret to great living! I am still waiting for my peonies- loved the picture of yours!
Posted by: Tracey | June 5th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Hi Martha, Your garden is fabulous and so well planned. How wonderful for those able to take the tour and for us in blogland to feel like we came along. I am certain it was a great day. Thank you for sharing your talents.
Celestina,
La Rea Rose
Posted by: Celestina Marie | June 5th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
As I'm hailing from South Carolina, where magnolias are EVERYWHERE, I was hoping to see some photos of your yellow magnolias. All is forgiven, though. I hope to see them in a blog later in the summer. (Droppin' hints, here!)
Thank you for sharing the photos from your garden tour. I would loooove to see those peonies up close and personal! They're such beautiful flowers, and I'm sure yours are exquisite. As for your snacks, it gave me a great idea for entertaining guests this weekend! I think I'll have to put out some deviled eggs and homemade crackers. Thanks, both for the idea and for sharing your fun photos (as always)!
Posted by: Kim Wylie | June 5th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Fantastic!!! A very serene scene it is. I've always loved gardening, it brings such a overwhelming feeling of joy. Thank you for the tour!!!!
Kellie
Posted by: kellie moklebust | June 5th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Boy you even have a gym. Do you have a pool in it too? Your place is fabulous. This year has been a good one for blooms so I can imagine how your garden looks.
Posted by: theresa | June 5th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
THANKS!!!
Love to see your garden. It is beautiful and inspiring. I'm going to go home and work in my garden tonight. If you can, please put more gardening segments on your show. I watch it every day. It is a bright point.
Posted by: dann | June 5th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Francesca and Sharkey must have just loved all the peeps!
Posted by: Ladymissgailo | June 5th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
What a lovely day that must have been! Everything looks beautiful, from the garden (of course!) down to the puff pastries (yum!) Thank you for sharing with us!
Posted by: Mischa | June 5th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Love yr blog Martha!! All I ask is that you should take more food pictures!! Maybe a favorite meal of the day thing or something?? Keep up the good work !
Posted by: jenn robbins | June 5th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Martha,
I loved the post about your garden. I always enjoy your blog everyday! You are so inspirational. Hope you have a wonderful summer!
Posted by: Desiree' | June 5th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Martha,
I loved the post about your garden. I always enjoy your blog everyday! You are so inspirational. Hope you have a wonderful summer!
Posted by: Desiree' | June 5th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Martha,
I loved the post about your garden. I always enjoy your blog everyday! You are so inspirational. Hope you have a wonderful summer!
Posted by: Desiree' | June 5th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Martha,
I loved the post about your garden. I always enjoy your blog everyday! You are so inspirational. Hope you have a wonderful summer!
Posted by: Desiree' | June 5th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Martha,
I loved the post about your garden. I always enjoy your blog everyday! You are so inspirational. Hope you have a wonderful summer!
Posted by: Desiree' | June 5th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Martha,
I loved the post about your garden. I always enjoy your blog everyday! You are so inspirational. Hope you have a wonderful summer!
Posted by: Desiree' | June 5th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Martha,
I loved the post about your garden. I always enjoy your blog everyday! You are so inspirational. Hope you have a wonderful summer!
Posted by: Desiree' | June 5th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
oh Martha, how I wish I had the space you have to vegetable garden. Things are certainly looking very good!
________________________________
Posted by: Dan | June 5th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Dear Martha,
Just when we thought nothing could top our tour of your wonderful garden, we were delighted to read your blog today. On behalf of all of us at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, thank you for your generous hospitality - Jody and her team were terrific guides, and I was also delighted to meet your sister!
Your blog allows us to share highlights of our visit with our Garden friends, and I've asked our web manager to post a link to your blog on BBG's home page (http://www.bbg.org). Readers can think of it as a bridge from one special garden to another!
We were also glad to potentially contribute to your grove of yellow-flowered magnolias, by bringing a specimen of BBG's newest magnolia cultivar, Magnolia 'Judy Zuk', which was named for my talented predecessor. It's a beauty, as was its namesake, and I hope you can find a place for it.
Thanks again for your support for BBG - our group loved every minute of our visit!
Warmly,
Scot Medbury
Posted by: Scot Medbury | June 5th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Thank you for sharing, just lovely and that 97 yr old actress how cute is she, quite amazing !!!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy :) | June 5th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
What a wonderful day! As Chairman Emeritus of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden I want to thank you again for opening your garden to us. Speaking personally, I got a couple of quite wonderful gardening hints! Many thanks again.
Posted by: Lois Carswell | June 5th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
What I wouldn't give to be able to grow magnolias! I have lovely lilacs and lavender but the magnolias don't like my Eastern Washington climate. How nice of you to share your garden...it gives me inspiration when I see yours!!!
Posted by: Michaele | June 5th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Hi Martha
This is my favorite time of year. Everything is blooming beautifully in your garden. I wish I could smell the peonies from where I am sitting right now. The 97 year old Faity is an inspiration. Francesca and Sharkey must have had fun with all the company. The food looked yummy. Those cheddar crackers,mmmm...yummy. Your gardens are simply fabulous.
Linda
Phila.
Posted by: Linda | June 5th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
As a gardener here in Lancaster County, my favorite flowers are the peonies which are in full bloom now. The fragrance in the air each morning is like no other. My 84 mother in law faithfully watches you each day and reports to me how inspired she is by your program. Your greenhouse reminds of those magnificient ones at Longwood Gardens another favorite of mind.
Posted by: Barbara Maher | June 5th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Nifty!
Posted by: Isle Dance | June 5th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Martha:
Thanks for including us in the tour of your wonderful gardens. The garden map is extremely helpful for those of us who have been wondering how each of the gardens configures in the whole.
I always wanted to be able to visit your gardens at Turkey Hill--they truly were a masterpiece--and now I want to visit the gardens at Cantitoe Corners!
Please consider having a contest for your loyal bloggers or viewers to win such a tour. I'd bet the response would be tremendous.
P.S. It was my mother's birthday yesterday and I used your Swiss Meringue Buttercream recipe (once again). I decorate cakes and with this recipe one can achieve a very smooth surface. It holds up incredibly well and pipes beautifully. I made a lemon cake, my mother's (and my) favorite with an apricot filling (I didn't have time to make lemon curd) and flavored the icing with a hint of orange flower water and fresh lemon juice. Everyone loved it!
Thanks for all the easy-to-follow and delicious recipes we can always count on!
Joseph Brennan
Posted by: Joseph Brennan | June 5th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Martha, you should have someone illustrate your garden map! Think how lovely that would be for your wall, done in a beautiful hand drawn way?
Abbie Zabar does nice illustrations.
Posted by: Margo Morgan | June 5th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Always Refreshing & Enriching To Visit With You Here.
Precious To Have The Doggies Host & Hostess Too.
Posted by: Gladys Marie | June 6th, 2008 at 12:13 am
That is a wonderful thing for you to have done. Not only to share your garden with the BBG but with us. I also love your garden map. Having just begun to draft one myself, mine is just so wee compared to your 'estate'. I laughed at the difference in size but I love the apprenticeship that a garden gives and sometimes small is better so as not to get disheartened.
Cherry Menlove
Surrey, England (where we don't get to see the Martha show!!)
Posted by: Cherry Menlove | June 6th, 2008 at 2:20 am
Wow, what a great garden. I love the sunny day. Wish we could get more then one day here and there, though everything is a jungle here in WA and the weeds have taken over with all the rain.
http://www.celebratingmystory.com
Posted by: Connie | June 6th, 2008 at 2:23 am
Oh, what I wouldn't do to have that green house! I would never eat another veggie shipped from another country EVER again!
Impressive. Thanks for sharing.
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa | June 6th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Dear Martha,
We must say first WE LOVE YOU!!!
We were estatic to find out that you will be at the National Husqvarna Viking Convention in San Antonio, Texas on June 17.
We would ABSOLUTLY LOVE to meet you!!! You are such an inspiration to us through everything you do. We have many of your magazines and watch your tv show often.
We are 29 and 26 and have been working for a Husqvarna Viking dealer (Fabric Warehouse)for around ten years.
We love to promote sewing to young people ages 6-18 through our summer sewing camps. These camps go over very well in our area and usually we have over 100 students participate. We have been offering these camps for 7 years and it has grown to 14 different levels.
Sewing is our life and we enjoy making everything from quilts, clothing to purses.
We greatly appreciate your time and hope to see you in Texas.
Love,
Melody and Holly Robson
863-660-5689
Posted by: Melody and Holly Robson | June 6th, 2008 at 11:12 am
I loved everything about your beautiful garden. Thank you for sharing it with us!
It was a particular treat to ride with your Sherpa. And your horses won my heart!
Thank you
Faity Tuttle (the 97 year old actress)
Posted by: Faity Tuttle | June 6th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
You are truly an inspiration!
What an amazing property you have
all so nice and pretty! my congrats to your staff in Bedford. They really do an amazing job with the garden, all the animals and your beautifull home
Posted by: Tania P. from Portugal | June 6th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Hi Martha- What a great idea! It looks like your guests really enjoyed their time. Blessings!
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Fancher | June 6th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Your gardens are beautiful, love the planter filled with hens and chickens!!
Posted by: Catherine | June 6th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Martha, Your gardens are amazing. I left CT to live in Fl and 28 yrs later moved to AZ as a widow. My heart is still in CT..in the garden. My son bought a quaint house in S Thomaston, ME, last fall. They keep me posted with photos as to what is blooming as it is all a surprise to them. My plan is to visit in July this year, but next year I am going in June to bury my happy face into lilacs and peonies. I have saved all your magazines from day one, Martha,and I will share the gardening issues which are awesome. Thanks so much.
Posted by: Judith Barrett Jensen | June 6th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Your gardens are a paradise. Absolutely beautiful. I'd like to know if you're familiar with the Butterfly Bush. I have a few of these & they bloom hanging flowers of brilliant colors all summer. They attract many hummingbirds & of course, butterflies!
Posted by: Sherry | June 6th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Martha,
Skylands is breathtaking! I hope that it will continue on as part of your rich legacy and as a testament to your ability to teach and inspire us.
Thank you for sharing your photos.
Mary Ann
Posted by: Mary Ann | June 7th, 2008 at 12:08 am
Um, what does one have to do to get an invitation? Weeding, watering, compost mixing...What? ;D
Posted by: Marie | June 7th, 2008 at 12:59 am
Your gardens are beautiful.
Thank you for being such a great inspiration to us all. You give us hope for a better tomorrow.
Posted by: Victoria Clift | June 7th, 2008 at 6:52 am
Your pictures are lovely. You surround yourself with such wonderful people. You are truly fortunate to have such a great life
Posted by: Eileen | June 8th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Wow, what a magnificent garden!I know that you are very proud of it all. I would really enjoy seeing a picture of your clematis arbor. I'm sure that is is quite beautiful. Thank you for sharing the pictures with us. I always enjoy reading your blog, and look forward to more pictures of your garden and animals.
Posted by: Shirley Gray | June 8th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
wow! amazing!!!! jodi, erika, kim and george they do a fabulous job! i love seeing them on the blog.
cheers!
Posted by: hannah | June 8th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Oh, how lovely. I have such cold-frame-envy... just look at that beauty! I wonder, are those concrete planters next to the frame, or bluestone, or hypertufa? Thinking of making some of the latter this fall for next year's succulents and wondered how you fared?
Posted by: karaalison | June 9th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
dear martha,
how wise, generous, and kind of you to share part and parcel of your many blessings. your garden must be more beautiful in person, as i had been imagining it while those pictures were devoured with my eyes.
would you in any way consider it a "good thing" to allow one or two of your admirers/fans (just a thought) to be invited by means of running a sweeptake/contest (or however) to view your garden/home whenever you hold a tour for the public or an organization? this way, the public especially those with financial difficulties be given a chance to reach one of their dreams - to see your beautiful place!
your pets francesca and sharky are adorable. they are treasures to behold, and so are the rests of your pets!
may i end this with the saying, "a thing/person of beauty, is a joy forever!" martha, you are beautiful! you might not know, but in your own way, you make people happy.
your fan,
gloria verdadero
Posted by: gloria verdadero | June 9th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
martha i have always admired you for all the thinghs you do you put it out there for people that may have not known how to cook or garden i learned how to cook from my grandma she is no longer here i do see things that you do that remindes me of her in alot of ways thank you for what you do again.
Posted by: cheryl gottfried | June 10th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Hallo Martha.
You really are incredible, you know
Liane
Posted by: LIANE RUDOLPH | June 10th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
the currant bushes brought back memories of my grandfathers garden...i can remember eating the currants right from the bushes..nothing ever tasted so sweet..my grandparents were immigrants and their garden was not only necessary for a large family but also a source of pride..thank you for putting beauty back into peoples lives..you are truly my inspiration..
Posted by: ruthann bloom | June 10th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Hi Martha!
Your gardens are beautiful. It must be wonderful to be surrounded by all that beauty!
Thanks for sharing with us.
Posted by: Sylvia | June 10th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Absolutely gorgeous!! Just a note to say what an inspiration you are Martha. I loved all your shows and sadly miss them here. But you have always been someone I looked up to and have aspired to learn from. You are a true angel.
Posted by: Deborah Sanders | June 11th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Martha,
The peonies are not blooming yet in Minnesota. Any day though and my garden is going to explode with their beauty. I can't wait. Seeing your lovely garden has extended the season for me.
Carmela Tursi Hobbins
Posted by: Carmela Tursi Hobbins | June 11th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Oh, Martha! It's all so breathtaking! What stunning surroundings to wake up to each morning! I'm green with envy and overjoyed that such a beautiful place exisits. Bravo to your team!
Posted by: Jennifer Hall | June 12th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Mind if I live your life vicariously
the rest of my days? Seriously?
Posted by: Kitty | June 12th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
WOW Martha! You are always such an inspiration for me, no matter what you do! From one Jersey Girl to another...how do I get invited for the next Garden Tour??? Love you!
Posted by: Donna Arold | June 15th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Martha-
You are truely an amazing woman! I really enjoy watching your TV program when I am off work and looking at your magazine. Your home in Bedford is magnificant and I could only dream of having something like that. Growing up, my mother always tried to teach me many of the talents that you share with viewers but I was interested in other things. Now that I am older and have just had my first child I have realized the importance of the "finer" things. I only wish that it isn't too late to learn these things. Hopefully, someday I can make a trip up east to drive by your farm and appreciate all your hard work and beauty. It looks breath-taking. I wish you the best and continued success!
Posted by: Jessica Heffernan | June 18th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
How gorgeous! Our back yard is in serious need of some love. There's just grass (no flower beds, nothing) and I simply don't know where to start but your garden is certainly a tremendous inspiration.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Posted by: patricia | July 10th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
wow! your gardens are amazing....lots of caring!
Im starting a vegetable and fruit garden not that big...very small but its a start starting with tomatoes and papaya tree.
Posted by: Aimee Siberon | July 15th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
It is so nice to know that there are so decent people like you Martha. There are so many rich people that waste their money instead of making something like you did. I can't possibly imagine to have a garden like yours. With my financial opportunities i can't make even a tiny greenhouse. Maybe if i get lucky one day I would like to see your garden in real instead just admiring it from the computer.
Posted by: Domagoj | July 17th, 2008 at 5:06 am
Hi Martha!
Greeting from Malaysia.. Hope that your keeping well.. I am actually taking computer lessons just to be able to browse your blog and i am loving it! I am inspired by your talent and absolutely love your show.. i wish you all the best, and god bless!!! Keep up the good work, and by the way your garden looks extremely beautiful....
Love,
melissa from malaysia
Posted by: Melissa | July 24th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Hi Martha,
Great BLOG! I enjoy reading it regularly. Thanks for sharing so much with everyone. Love you! Shom
Posted by: Shom Kostyra | July 24th, 2008 at 8:49 am
MARTHA YOU ARE THE BEST, THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GOOD THINGS YOU GIVE AND SHARE WITH US. PINA CHUBB
Posted by: PINA CHUBB | July 30th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Hi Martha,
Loved your garden tour! If you like gardening, cooking and beautiful scenery to encompass the total experience I would suggest a visit to Atlantic Canada or The Maritimes if would like to experience the total package of Maritime personality.
Knowing you, you may already have visited there. However with its music, fine cooking and folksy charm of its people you definitely will get lots of inspiration and an experience that will last a lifetime.
Posted by: John Hogan | September 4th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Thank you for the drink recipes provided by Caravella. Something I've been doing lately is making beautiful Kool-Aid brand ice cubes in the freezer. Your drink recipes would look really pretty with some lime green, Kool-Aid ice cubes.
Another drink favorite of mine is coffee ice cubes with Kalua. You are aware that you can make your own kalua with Bacardi 151 and instant coffee
there are recipes online!
If you haven't visited Oregon's beautiful Willamette Valley, may I suggest a visit to Willamette Valley Vineyards for brunch or wine tasting. My favorite is their white table wine edelwiess.
Posted by: Susan | September 6th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Lovely, but I preferred Turkey Hill's garden and surroundings, smaller, more expressive in every corner.
Posted by: Maria | September 27th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
You site very good and interesting . Thanks and sory
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Posted by: Spupleplabeby | October 16th, 2008 at 6:40 am
Martha,
Thanks as always for sharing such lovely sights in your gardening endeavors. Serving all those guest was so sweet and thoughtful of you and staff.
I wanted to express also about the Culinary Herb Garden you had part in......what a wow factor it is. You've got to be proud of that venture also. Proud of you Martha, as a Professional, a Friend and wishing you and yours the best July 4th ever..God Bless
Posted by: Norma J Scott | July 2nd, 2009 at 6:21 pm