Some Dramatic Views of my Farm
As you know, my work takes me away from home for long stretches of time. Because of that, I love to rise early and wander around the farm to see how things look and how everything is growing. Dawn can be so magical as the sun shines its first beams of light across the landscape. Here are some photos of two such mornings. I have also included some very dramatic shots of an afternoon storm plus some lovely pictures of my tree peonies. All were taken with my Canon EOS 5D Mark II, with the exception of the ‘psychedelic’ photos, which were taken with a Canon PowerShot G11. Enjoy!
1 The morning mist was thick across the paddocks. Notice two of the newly planted London Plane trees?
2 The sun began shining brightly as it rose above the mist. The six Gravenstein apple espalier trees have adjusted quite nicely.
3 The sun is glinting on the high windows of the blog studio/carport. The lilac standard in the foreground is full of fragrant blooms.
4 G.K. is out exploring.
5 Spectacular!
6 The stone terrace off the house
7 A view from my terrace down towards the pergola
8 Through the mist towards the stable
9 The espalier apple orchard looks great this year!
10 Empress Tang is searching for Princess Peony at the peony garden.
11 Another look across the paddocks
12 Meindert grazes while a black bird looks on.
13 Flying off in search of food
14 A visit from Rinze
15 And they're off!
16 The sun begins to shine on the stable.
17 A broad view
18 On another morning, the light was rather psychedelic.
19 I couldn't believe the colors!
20 The azaleas are amazing!
21 They are glowing brightly.
22 See what I mean?
23 Another view
24 The herbaceous peony beds are neatly staked with string supports.
25 On a recent afternoon, the sky turned ominous.
26 So dramatic
27 A wonderful backdrop for allum.
28 There are so many allium this year.
29 I love the glowing dwarf golden barberry shrubs.
30 This spring storm blew through quickly.
31 The tree peony border
32 These tree peonies were all transplanted from my gardens at Turkey Hill.
33 They were all dug up in one day.
34 The holes here in Bedford were already dug and waiting for the peonies.
35 As soon as they arrived, the peonies were planted.
36 They were given lots of water and plant food.
37 People say that tree peonies don't like to be moved.
38 However, the secret is to dig them deep and plant them fast.
39 I am happy to report that every one survived.
40 And they continue to grow and thrive.
41 I just love this crimson flower.
42 And the contrast of yellow and magenta.
43 And the pale buttery yellow of these petals.
These are the most dramatic photo's I have seen as of yet. Some are even post card quality. I think that you should start selling some of your photagraphy. Thank you for some really great pictures!
http://www.meandmartha.net
Dan Viger
Hollis Center
5 Corners
Maine
Posted by: Daniel Viger | May 7th, 2010 at 12:20 am
Thank you for posting these beautiful pictures of your home.
My children ( 8 and 11) also enjoy viewing them.
Posted by: Lisa Nugent | May 7th, 2010 at 12:27 am
love love love pic #2 You inspire me Martha. Thank you for that.
Posted by: ann | May 7th, 2010 at 12:50 am
I am amazed how much the farm changes in such a short amount of time. It's beautiful and I'm happy that you truly appreciate how fortunate you are in life.
Posted by: Angela | May 7th, 2010 at 12:53 am
Amazing! Thank you for sharing your beautiful farm with us.
Posted by: Shannon | May 7th, 2010 at 2:33 am
After a day of work and an evening of reading or watching news that can be depressing or disturbing, I often click on my Martha Blog link just before bed so my last visions of the day are pleasant. These photos were just the salve I needed tonight to be sure of sweet dreams. Thank you.
Posted by: Furry Leaves | May 7th, 2010 at 2:56 am
Good morning Martha,
The photos are so beautiful. I love taking photos of my garden too, but we do not seem to get that much mist, maybe because there aren't fields and paddocks in my back garden. Have any of the herbaceous peonies opened yet?
Posted by: Pru | May 7th, 2010 at 3:46 am
Magical... like a fairy tale country:) Martha must be proud of herself and her 'baby'(mean farm):)
Posted by: danulique | May 7th, 2010 at 4:03 am
Martha, thank you for sharing such beautiful photos of your farm, absolutely glorious. Loved the stormy pics and the peonies were stunning.
Posted by: Vicki | May 7th, 2010 at 5:07 am
Your beautiful farm view pictures completly took my breath away!! Thank you for sharing...I felt as if I was really there walking with you. Amazing photos!!!
Posted by: Cynthia | May 7th, 2010 at 5:45 am
Love the pics of your place. Early morning is my favorite time of day. Just me in the world...along with the waking birds.
Posted by: Gretchen | May 7th, 2010 at 7:10 am
If I lived on this beautiful farm, I would never leave. It's heaven on earth.
Posted by: helen | May 7th, 2010 at 7:13 am
I love, love, love your photo arrays, especially those of your home and farm. I am wondering why you grow so very many peonies and if you you put them to use somewhere, besides your home? Also, I'd love to hear more of what you do with your crop of veggies at harvest.
Just curious!!
Thank you for sharing all your lovely photos and for posting so often.
Posted by: maria | May 7th, 2010 at 7:47 am
How absolutely beautiful!
Posted by: Cindy | May 7th, 2010 at 8:03 am
Stunning photos. I could smell the dew laden morning air and felt the calming effect of the beautiful landscape. You've inspired me to enjoy my yard at sunrise also. Thank you.
Posted by: Laurel Weinstock | May 7th, 2010 at 8:34 am
Your gardens rival any of the great botanical gardens, these photos are such a gift.
I like the idea of a blog studio, however I will have to make do with my blog breakfast bar for now!
Posted by: Rhonda Fleming Hayes | May 7th, 2010 at 8:39 am
Martha I visit everyday and your estate is in magnificent condition, you must be very proud.
It is wonderful to see Spring arrive as I am going into a very cold Autumn and most of the leaves have dropped.
Thank you for the opportunity to see such beautiful photos and also for the NYC Botanical tour.
Posted by: Aussie gal | May 7th, 2010 at 8:58 am
Absolutely glorious!!!
Posted by: Jennifer L. | May 7th, 2010 at 9:04 am
My guilty MS pleasure: I save an image as my wallpaper on my PowerBook. My own little Bedford visit! Thanks for the years in inspiration. JH
Posted by: Jeffery | May 7th, 2010 at 9:18 am
Hi Martha,
When I go out to get the paper in the morning, the sun is up and telling me it’s going to be another hot one but it does not cast psychedelic light the way it did on your farm! Jeez Martha, I don’t think anything is more beautiful than your place. You have done such a great job with it and now it must be the grandest piece of property around there. I am in awe of all that you captured but #25, #29 & #30 stopped me cold; like not even those darks clouds could disturb the beauty of that area! You must love sitting out there when you get a chance.
~
I am off to reread my Martha Stewart Living magazine dated March 2001. It is a garden issue and has a great section about your Japanese tree peonies that were at Turkey Hill. What beauty and you are on page 168 cutting off some of the blossoms!
Happy Mothers Day to you and to all the moms here! Enjoy your day. Trish
Posted by: Trish | May 7th, 2010 at 9:38 am
martha, i am really so impressed by the scenery in your farm. It was really so nice. You inspire me to appreciate nature beauty.
Posted by: lian oi choo | May 7th, 2010 at 9:42 am
Those are beautiful photos, thanks for sharing the beauty of your place. My flowers are not yet coming, weather has not been the best here.
Posted by: Karlene Wissel | May 7th, 2010 at 10:06 am
Beautiful!! thank you so much Martha! you are a great inspiration by all means...i like your blogs and pics so much!! i can't sleep and cannot complete my day without visiting in here and i love it!
Honestly i can't get enough with your farm..i started dreaming of seeing it personally someday..nothing's impossible despite of being so far away from Asia.
More Power!
Mappi
Posted by: Mappi | May 7th, 2010 at 10:33 am
Your gardens are an inspiration to say the least. Thank you for sharing your love of gardening over the years. You once mentioned the Yellow Wood tree is one of your favorite trees so I purchased two eight years ago for a friend to plant in honor of her late mother and one for my garden. It never has bloomed until this year. My friend and I were thrilled! It is beautiful. Thank you Martha for being our teacher.
Posted by: koejke | May 7th, 2010 at 10:33 am
Just beautiful Martha. I love the early morning mist pictures that you take. I would love to see all the wildlife you have early in the morning. My wood duck babies are getting ready to jump and I am hoping to capture them jumping out of their boxes. My bird feeders are full early in the morning and would love to see what your feeders have visiting them early in the morning!! Thank you for sharing your home. Keep the photos coming.
Posted by: Beth | May 7th, 2010 at 10:57 am
I too rise early and enjoy the early morning hours of the day. There is just something about being alone with your own thoughts and the world. It's in those moments that I can reflect on life...and have a private moment with my memories. You have a beatutiful home...it reflects your love of life...and the appreciation of all living things. You and I are about the same age..and I can relate to some of your likes and dislikes...so many of the things you do bring back memories of the simple life most of us led...but oh so good. Thank you for the reflections....it was very Spiritual.
Posted by: Rita | May 7th, 2010 at 10:57 am
Your pictures are simply gorgeous. Pictures of your farm are my favorite. I love the trees, flowers, paddock, azaleas, horses and of course G.K.. Thanks for sharing these lovely photos. I felt like I was walking around the farm with you. The moods of the farm are breathtaking. Ominous clouds for a pending storm, psychedelic rainbow colors, mist in the morning, so very beautiful.
Happy Mother's Day to you.
Linda
Phila., PA
Posted by: Linda | May 7th, 2010 at 11:02 am
Martha, your pictures are awe-inspiring! Thank you for sharing with us. I particularly like the one of Meindert and the blackbird in the mist...magical! Please keep on posting your farm photos with garden tips- we are like sponges, just soaking it all up! The tree peonies are stunning....
Posted by: Cindy | May 7th, 2010 at 11:35 am
Your pictures are fantastic and your farm paradise...what a wonderful peaceful haven to come home to. I wish everyone in the world with weary and troubled hearts had such a glorious place to come home to!!
Posted by: Sharon Hines | May 7th, 2010 at 11:42 am
Looking at these photos, I'm reminded of the gardening book you wrote, detailing your Turkey Hill home. Would you consider writing another book featuring your new home?
Posted by: Melody Horvet | May 7th, 2010 at 11:42 am
Dear Martha,
Your photography is exceptional. Morning is also my favorite time to enjoy my backyard. I love to watch the sunrise over the trees while the fog lifts away. It is definitely a few moments to savor before the day begins.
Have a great Mother's Day!
Mary
Posted by: Mary C. Carroll | May 7th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Heaven on earth Martha.
Posted by: Noreen Stinson | May 7th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
I just love the mist and dew in the morning. I pass by some small farms in the am when I go to work and I just immerse myself in that splendor. Now I can enjoy that scene whenever I want to, thanks for the lovely pictures. The farm is fabulous, not one dry leaf on the ground, neat and charming, can't say enough. I really enjoy your blog, makes my day, you are so nice to share your blessings with us....:)
Teri
Posted by: Teri | May 7th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
I love the pictures of your farm. I would never want to leave such a place. Your pictures inspire me to keep my own small yard looking its best!
Posted by: Bonnie WD | May 7th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Absolutely breathe taking is not even good enough to describe the scenery~~~ Thank you again for taking the time to share, and I appreciate your passion for nature it is so beautiful!
Posted by: Sheri | May 7th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Thank you for so many creative ideas and recipes! Greetings from Vancouver Island.
Here is a link to another beautiful design blog from an incredibly talented lady....well worth viewing.
http://acreativemint.typepad.com/
Posted by: Michelle | May 7th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
The horses running away, the brooding storm (I can feel the air...) and the peonies. Wow.
If there is any way to grow peonies in California, I am going to find out what it is. (Too warm here, is conventional wisdom.)
Posted by: Elizabeth Gage | May 7th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Of all your photos, these are my favorites!! Thank you for inspiring me for years.... Rose
Posted by: ROSE | May 7th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
thank you for sharing all that beauty!
Posted by: Wendy | May 7th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Hello Martha, thank you for sharing the photos they were just wonderful!
I must ask, would you be interested in saving an old barn here in Missouri? I live in an 1800's log home with a two story 100+ year old barn that sits within feet of our old home and unfortunately the old barn is slowly sinking. It has sunken to the point that you can't walk thru it without bending almost completely over. As you know these old structures are America's icons and are disappearing at an alarming rate.
I am currently embarking on a fundraiser of selling homemade goods to help save our barn. We had a bid from a barn restoration company located in your area done several years ago and at that time they estimated it would be in the neighborhood of $50,000.00-$75,000.00 to completely raise and renovate our barn. I would even like to offer that you can advertise your website/company on the roof of our barn or hang a plaque to note your involvement.
I know this must sound silly and I apologize if it does. I have to start somewhere and thought you would be the perfect person.
Thank you for reading.
Kind regards,
Tammy Jacobs
Missouri
Posted by: tj | May 7th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Hi Martha, These photos of sunrise at your farm are absolutely stunning! I can't get enough and keep going through them over and over again. Speaking of that wonderful photo gallery album that I suggested awhile ago, I would really love to have a book to go through whenever I wanted to enjoy again and again photos especially about your farm, animals,etc. I'll bet it would be a really big book with thousands of superb photos! You are a superior photographer! Hope you have a fabulous Mother's Day weekend! Take care and get some rest. Love, Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | May 7th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Martha,
The most breathtaking photos yet!! WOW!
The lighting, the colors, just God's beauty and yes, early morning seems the best doesn't it to take it all in! I know looking out at my gardens, the morning is a special time.
What time of day in the morning did you take your pictures? Do you use a lower aperture on your camera?
GK looks so sweet romping off in his new environment! Your house, horses and of course gardens. Just spectacular!!
I love your tree peonies and herbaceous ones too! In fact I tried your method of tying with twine tightly. They look great...maybe not in the exact pattern but close! LOL
Thanks again for allowing us to take a peek of your beautiful farm and home. It's an escape I thoroughly enjoy!
Happy Mother's Day to you Martha, Mom's and every Mom at heart. (and a smile to Big Martha too in heaven!)
Paula
Posted by: Paula M. | May 7th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
It's breathtaking. I enjoy your amazing pictures. Thank you for sharing us!
I personally love a picture with gray sky. Just so beautiful.
Posted by: Rie in CA | May 7th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Simply magical! Thank you for sharing, Martha.
Posted by: Rita | May 8th, 2010 at 12:52 am
Martha,
I truly enjoyed my "visit" to your farm...absolutely amazing photographs! Not only are you a domestic godess, you are quite the photographer too! I never tire of looking at nature, beautiful landscaping and gorgeous homes...enjoy your blessings.
Posted by: hamptontoes | May 8th, 2010 at 8:16 am
Hi Martha. . .Thank you again for making my day brighter .. .You allow me to put myself in your picture even just for a few minutes. . . It is appreciated .. .The pictures of the farm and all it has are just breathtaking and oh so tranquil . .How very Blessed you are to enjoy such beauty. . .You have earned it and realize the treasures you have. . .
thank you again for all . .nina
Posted by: nina zeumer | May 8th, 2010 at 8:36 am
Thank You for sharing with us your love--your farm and all those perfect peonies! Wow!
Have you ever considered putting in a labyrinth? It can be made with stones, pavers, grass turf or even lined with herbs.
Everyone benefits from walking the path!
Let me know if you have a interest; I can send you the links to those that are in the know of how to build them, etc.
Have a Happy Day!
Andrea Lucia
Longmeadow, Mass
Posted by: Andrea Lucia | May 8th, 2010 at 8:50 am
Thank you for sharing pictures of your farm. They remind me of the farm where I use to live and enjoyed as much as you enjoy your place.
Posted by: Gretchen Lange | May 8th, 2010 at 10:27 am
Pictures are so beautiful, dramatic and surreal at times........collection should be preserved in a book.....thank you for sharing
Posted by: maureen richard | May 8th, 2010 at 10:39 am
Incredible photos Martha...such a truly wonderful property! And, what is growing under the apple trees...amazingly beautiful!
Posted by: sherey | May 8th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
i love horses... always have and always wanted to have a farm with them... you are very lucky to be able to enjoy such a wonderful place... have a fantastic weekend and keep on enjoying your personal paradise!
Posted by: Punctuation Mark | May 8th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
I wanted to pop in and say Happy Mother's Day Martha....I haven't been by in awhile..it's been a bit hectic here...
All the best,
Kathy
ps going back now and reading your post...can't wait !!!
Posted by: Kathy :) | May 8th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Martha,
Your place is just glorious!!! I love your gardens!!! Everything is just so manicured!!! There's not even horse poop in the pastures that I could see!!
Posted by: Christy, Georgia | May 8th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
Friday I got home at noon from the hospital and of course had to check 'the' blog. its snowing as i write.
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Many Faces of Morn's Dawn
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The newly planted London Plane trees, stood in the mist, at morn,
Across the paddocks, the corn crib hid in the Bedford mist at dawn.
A beautiful golden glow aspiring all living things to rise up,
G.K. exporing, with a backdrop of ancient apple trees, quite the pup:
Standard lilac in full bloom pays homage, to the sun glinting
Through the blog studio high windows, caught by the camera, printing.
.
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Spectacular view in five strata, from the ground, dark shroud,
Grey, misty apparitions, horizon, sun peeping into blue arrayed cloud;
The clouds have jostled their way into a skeleton hand and arm image,
Towards the pergola life rushing to be first, mist keeps its pilgrimage
Meanwhile at the stable, through the fog, making way for a human sign;
Looking great the espalier apple grove, shyly looking up at the tall pine.
.
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What a surprise for the peony garden, an invasion of royalty no less
Empress Tang and Princess Peony playing tag with their usual jest n zest.
Peeking again across the paddock the sun is putting the mist to bed,
The sun begins to shine on the stable, where inside the chefs arrange the spread.
Meindert grazes while a raven, on the moving camera, keeps a wary eye,
Nice catch photographer, the raven flies off,mumbling "better go higher."
.
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The rest of the big guys assemble to show Martha they are 'fresh'
And scamper off to direct her to where breakfast line up is best.
A broad view then, the ancients, the corn crib, building, mist and sun;
Lots of interesting scenes for the camera eye, before the day is done.
But on another morning the air was psychedelic carrying so many shades
Of green, shadow extensions, and dew drops scattered on the grass blades.
.
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Glowing brightly, in company of trees wrapped with climbers, azaleas amaze.
Oh to lie down where they blend with sunshine bringing warmth to this happy place.
On a recent afternoon the sky turned ominous "nimbus cumulus."
The vibrant color from previous, start to become not so lustrous;
So dramatic, sending creepy crawlies charging to the dug out,
Offering a screen to the so many allum, giant chives over, about:
.
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Radiant dwarf golden barberry shrubs, even as clouds threaten magical rain
The spring storm blew over quickly and hope rose eternally, again
The tree peony border all transplanted from Martha's garden at Turkey Hill.
Were all dug up in one day, Martha didn't dig, she just paid the bill.
In Bedford, holes are prepped and ready to plant the new arrivals,
As a rule, tree peonies don't like to be moved, but there's no denial
.
.
These little beauties had a secret potion; love was part of the dynamic,
Dont detract from good planning, careful management and a good mechanic.
So many color shades - wow - the crimson flower a favorite, no argumenta
All survived, continue to grow,another fav the contrast of yellow and magenta.
But, the pale buttery yellow with droplets on the petals staying,
Won my heart,appreciate its subtleties studied with "somwhere out there" playing.
.
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The photos are better each time, makes it easy to smile - luv to all - Happy Mothers Day.
.
Posted by: celia stock | May 8th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
WOW is all I can come up with. Such gorgeous grounds. Truly.
Posted by: Jane M | May 8th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Martha your pictures just get better and better and these were exceptional. I love the shot of Meindert grazing and the crow looking on. That could be framed. Great shot !! I love your farm as I'm sure everyone does and it is truly a Heaven on Earth. The peonies are fantastic but what wouldn't grow beautiful on your farm. Thanks for these lovely pictures.
Posted by: Libbygirl | May 8th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Martha, your pictures of your home are beautiful! Thank you for sharing, and I keep dreaming that some day, I'll get to see it in person.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to you!!!!
Gloria!!
Posted by: Gloria | May 9th, 2010 at 12:00 am
Martha, Your farm inspirers me, we have a postage stamp size piece of land, but I am going to try and make it my garden of eden. I enjoy your advise on any farming tips. Because of you, my chicken coup is great, and my chickens are very happy. Keep on showing the world how beautiful country life is.
Posted by: YVONNE | May 9th, 2010 at 10:14 am
What a treat to see these gorgeous photos of your farm! I love the morning mist casting an ethereal quality to your beautiful property...and your photography really captures it well. I really enjoyed the photos that have the dark sky. It really brings out the surrounding gardens and your lovely home, and the colors are breathtaking. Wonderful photography! Thank you for the tour.
Posted by: Judy | May 9th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Hi Martha, beautiful gorgeous photos! Wishing u a Mother's day filled with health, love and warmth
Regards,
Rowaida
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | May 9th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Gorgeous!
Really love seeing the animals out and about early.
Love you!
gail
Posted by: gail pierson | May 9th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
some days I wish we were on a farm.....We have two beautiful newfoundland dogs and I'd love to have many many more if I had the room....I certainly have the love of this breed. I'd also like to say I appreciate your dedication to education and preservation..
Posted by: Connie Hartman | May 9th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
Breathtaking photographs... I particularly like the horse and bird shot.....
Posted by: abi Monroe | May 11th, 2010 at 1:04 am
I pray for a life like that which you lead...not the notoriety or the fame...but the idyllic splendor within which you surround yourself. Your homes are perfection, the gardens heaven-like...you are an inspiration. I thank you for opening up your life to us so that we may see what is possible if we nurture our own passion for life. You let us see what can be done if we have a direction and allow us the opportunities to cull from your ideas that which we can incorporate into our individual lives...however meek or grand those lives may be.
I thank you...and I am comfortable to speak for many to say "we" thank you. I do hope you might favor my efforts and visit the website I am constructing. You have inspired it...
Fondly,
Robert
Posted by: Robert Malkowski | May 11th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
These are beautiful!
You always inspire me
Posted by: Rebecca3 | May 12th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
(I'm sorry my first comment got sent by my little girl sitting in my lap...ha) These are beautiful! You always inspire me in sewing,cooking,and decorating. And I hope to someday have a mini farm to grow my own fruits and vegetables.
If you'd ever like to meet a huge fan from Arkansas, just let me know! 
Ha
Posted by: Rebecca | May 12th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Terrific photos! I especially love your magnificent black horses.
Posted by: Strapper | May 13th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
WOW.number one, 18, 25 and 30 are my favourites, but they are all stunning. The first one just takes your breath away, and then leaves you in awe for the remainder of them. Thankyou so much for allowing us into your private sanctuary.
Posted by: deb | May 14th, 2010 at 1:06 am
I agree there is nothng more beautiful and closer to God than living on a farm. I also can only pull weeds after the rain. Your pic was beautiful and that is what I saw when leaving for church this am. I love the rain, birds, flowers,wind just knowing that I am here to hear it and be a part of keeping it going ! I am a southern cook but find some of your recipes I can use. I have 6 dogs and 6 horses ! As I am 73 , a retired Masters Nurse and I know if you ever sit down you are losing life . I have Rheumatoid, Osteo Arth and Fibromyalgia !
Posted by: Margaret McCullough | May 16th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Your horses are gorgeous! Love the photos!
Posted by: Briel K. | May 16th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
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I think my childhood image of God, with the big white beard must have checked in on you on this day!
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I'm most glad you took notice!!
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Posted by: Andrea Spencer | May 17th, 2010 at 11:49 am
Martha, Thank you, for capturing peace and tranquility in your photos of your lovely farm. I'm such a fan of your God given talents. You inspire me to be creative in my home, and appreciate the domestic life, which I so enjoy. Roberta
Posted by: Roberta Skovera | May 22nd, 2010 at 7:43 am
Hi Martha and team - I am also a fan of peonies, and have quite a few in my garden in the Vancouver area (although certainly not as many as on your lovely farm). They are at their peak right now (end of May) and I have them in vases all over my house and office.
I wanted to pass along a tip - I saw you and Kevin Sharkey arranging peonies on your show, and Kevin seemed reluctant to follow your lead about replacing (rather than topping up) water in deep heavy vases, mostly because siphoning it out is pretty yucky (I must agree). For this type of vase, I use an aquarium siphon - they are inexpensive (about $5 at Walmart or a pet supply store) and work by holding your thumb on the end and then putting it into a bucket (lots of instructions on Youtube). It's important not to use the same one as you use in an aquarium - cross-contamination is very unhealthy for the fish - but they are so cheap it's easy to keep one just for the vases. Thanks - I enjoy the show and the website.
Posted by: Louise | May 29th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Heaven on earth! These photos are simply beautiful and the property appears to be so tranquil.
Posted by: Cindy | June 26th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Absolutely fabulous photos..and the colors are amazing.I love being able to see your lovely gardens and the layout of your beds and trees,thank you for sharing.I hope that you do some pictures of your different chickens,I love the color array that you have,and their respective differently colored eggs.
thanks,Sara from Ohio
Posted by: sara | July 15th, 2010 at 6:23 pm