A Snowy Day at the Farm
We finally had a winter snowfall last weekend here in the Northeast. The last time it snowed was back at the end of October, when that freak, heavy snowstorm caused so much devastation and loss of power. This recent snowfall was just the way it should be – on a weekend, during winter, with leaves off the trees. The snow began falling late Friday evening and continued until Saturday afternoon. It was light and powdery and really quite beautiful. I grabbed my camera and drove around the farm on my 4-wheel-drive Kawasaki Mule.
1 Mid-morning and the snow was still falling quite heavily.
2 The crows at the farm were making quite a racket. Did you know that a flock of crows is called a murder? That may be because a crow's cry is so harsh and raucous.
3 The long pergola with hanging birdfeeders
4 The tenant house
5 The snow collected on this vertical burlap windscreen around the apple espalier grove.
6 Here's a very good example of why I like to have all my shrubs covered with burlapping. The shrubs beneath the burlap and bamboo framing are not misshapened by the weight of the snow.
7 A view towards the backside of the Summer House
8 The ten-foot tall American boxwood hedge was covered for the first time this year with burlap and I'm so happy about that.
9 The drive leading down towards the stable - Wooden stakes delineate the edges of the drive for snow removal purposes.
10 Looking eastward across the farm towards the equipment barn
11 Another view - I love how the paddock fencing looks iced with glistening snow.
12 And I really love how leafless trees look against the snowy background.
13 Driving through the allee of linden
14 The Black Welsh Mountain Sheep don't look so black!
15 The roof of the new greenhouse is pitched steep enough so that snow accumulation shouldn't be a problem. I hope that's true!
16 Looking through the Japanese maple grove towards the chicken coop - I hope the chickens are keeping warm near their heat lamps.
17 The Maple Avenue house and the pretty bark of river birch trees
18 Looking north from the bottom part of the farm towards the stable and my house
19 A grove of weeping willows in one part of the wetlands of the farm
20 Looking into the woods
21 Driving past the horse run-in shed
22 I wonder what creatures are tucked away in the hollows of this old tree?
23 One of the hayfields
24 The beautiful stately sycamore tree - the symbol of my farm - The sycamore is a member of one of the planet's oldest clan of trees, Platanaceae.
25 Paleobotanists, those who study fossil plants, have dated this family to be over 100-million-years old! Sycamore trees can reach ages of five hundred to six hundred years.
26 Driving closer to the sycamore tree, you can see the owl box mounted to the trunk. I believe there are owls in residence.
27 A view of another hayfield
28 Driving further into the woods - Again, wooden stakes outline the carriage roads, however, the stakes used in the woods are not painted Bedford gray.
29 Looking back, you can see the tire marks made by my trusty Kawasaki Mule.
30 Snowy bark
31 This tall deer fence marks the end of my property and the beginning of Ralph and Ricky Lauren's.
32 The little woodland folly sits deep in the woods.
33 Emerging from the woods - You can barely make out the giant sycamore at the bottom of this hayfield.
34 These white pine saplings are doing well.
35 Piles of brush yet to be cleared
36 More 'icing' on these pines
37 The Christmas tree farm adjacent to the compost piles
38 The trees do, indeed, appear to be growing.
39 The compost area, located at the far corner of the farm, is where unsightly, utilitarian objects get placed, such as dumpsters and trash receptacles.
40 Another view of the Christmas trees
41 And another - The snow was falling harder and the flakes were larger.
42 Looking across another hayfield towards the contemporary house on the property
43 A gurgling brook with a skin of ice
44 The boxwood allee leading to the stables - Another fine example of why burlapping is so important
45 Looking through the allee of pine oaks
46 And in the other direction, the grove of tall white pines and the chicken coops beyond
47 One of the lanes through the paddocks
48 The paddock lane extending in the opposite direction
49 Francesca and Sharkey got tired of riding and decided to run through the snow.
50 Back at the boxwood hedging behind the Summer House
51 Francesca and Sharkey approaching the stone terrace of the house
52 A grove of pear trees near the building where my gym is located
53 The vegetable garden and the main greenhouse
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
What peculiar weather we are having this winter. Why just last evening there were thunderstorms in my neck of the woods- Indianapolis. It's nice to see a blanket of white over the farm.
Posted by: Mario Mirelez | January 24th, 2012 at 1:16 am
Snow is so magical. We have none here in Toronto so it's nice to 'experience' it through your photos. I can almost hear the peaceful stillness and the whisper of the wind in the branches.
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | January 24th, 2012 at 1:39 am
I love winter country scenes. And I love to see your farm in winter. So lovely.
Posted by: Julian Hazlett | January 24th, 2012 at 1:55 am
I love all your pictures. I am so glad everything gt covered. It looked so cold there. I am also happy that Alexis and Jude have a blog now, hope to hear more from them.
Posted by: gloria williams | January 24th, 2012 at 3:04 am
What? No snow angels by Martha? I loved your pictures. Thank you!
Posted by: Bobbie | January 24th, 2012 at 3:48 am
Beautiful Photos of the Snow Covered Farm!
The Willows and Birch Trees are my favorites
and so many other nice shots.
Living in Florida now I don't get to experience
these Snow Days anymore. Thanks so much for sharing them. Awesome!
Posted by: Katescana | January 24th, 2012 at 4:01 am
Gorgeous photos Martha!
Last weekend had snow at home in the mountains it was beautiful! would to share with you
http://instagr.am/p/gwIIx/
http://instagr.am/p/gucg9/
http://instagr.am/p/gub7i/
http://instagr.am/p/hamED/
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | January 24th, 2012 at 5:16 am
Beautiful...
Despite all the work it takes to maintain an estate such as yours, it surely has given you a self-sustaining life that affords you privacy and beauty. Your years of work surely have given you all the rewards one could want. Congratulations, Martha.
Posted by: Sharon | January 24th, 2012 at 7:23 am
What a strange winter that your region is just getting more snow after that freak storm in October! Here in South Texas it has been a very mild winter. I think we have had maybe 3 or 4 nights with temps dipping below freezing. The farm looks so beautiful and peaceful. Thanks for the info on Sycamores. I didn't know it was the symbol of your farm! In future blogs, would love to see your home gym and maybe give us insight on your workout routine!
BTW, thanks for sharing your snowy pictures Rowaida, were they also taken in the northeast?
Posted by: Cindy F | January 24th, 2012 at 9:17 am
Every season has its unique beauty. A peaceful, quiet place covered with snow is the best of winter.
Posted by: Melisa | January 24th, 2012 at 9:37 am
beautiful photographs. something magical about walking in the snow and seeing trees drenched with white snow. here on the hill in vermont we have had very few snow falls and they last just enough time to walk and take photographs. i enjoy the stillness and the quiet that it brings, now if it would only last a little longer i could dust off snow shoes and cross country skis.
oh and woodland folly and the tenant house look like a dream.
Posted by: nadia | January 24th, 2012 at 10:00 am
Martha,
Your farm looks so beautiful in the snow! Thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | January 24th, 2012 at 10:15 am
Hi Martha, This snow tour around your Bedford farm is absolutely beautiful, calm, and really fun to see compared to that awful, destructive snow storm back at the end of October! These photos are so fun to see compared to our horrible snow, ice, and winds that we had about 10 days ago! Our snow and ice is almost gone now, but we have lots of rain and wind again. Some of the power outages in our Puget Sound area still aren't fixed. Luckily we only had 2 power outages and one computer disconnection at our house. Hopefully we will all have better weather! Loved seeing the burlap covers on the boxwoods-beautiful and practical! The sheep looked so cute and have a nice house! F&S sure like to walk in the areas of less deeper snow and I'll bet GK would love all of the snow! Thanks for sharing this lovely, peaceful blog today! Loved hearing you live on Sirius Radio 110 yesterday and hearing Dr. Marty, also! Hope you have a great day! Off to read The Daily Wag finding out more about the donkeys! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | January 24th, 2012 at 10:29 am
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing! It was heavy, wet snow and icy about 4 inches of accumulation in suburban Philadelphia. It took me about 90 minutes to clear the driveway, two cars and front and back steps. My kind 74 year old neighbor started early at 7AM and did his front pavement and mine! Next time I will set the alarm. I made him a tray of molten chocolate cupcakes. Great recipe Martha! I had one to test of course. It is a terrific treat on a snowy weekend. We salted and were prepared for the next morning of freezing teen temps and icing! Football and making a pillow from crocheted squares while the pork roasted...is my definition of a wonderful winter Sunday.
Posted by: Teresa Touey | January 24th, 2012 at 10:33 am
A very beautiful and calming snow scene. Who can resist photographing winter at its best.We had snow for a fleeting few days here in Vancouver...now it's back to rain and mushy slush...not so pretty as we transition back.
Posted by: sherey | January 24th, 2012 at 10:59 am
Very beautiful! I always love looking at your farm. Thank you!
Posted by: Judy | January 24th, 2012 at 12:03 pm
Martha, what is the history behind the fact that your Bedford property includes so many homes? Were these homes inhabited at one time?
Posted by: Jan | January 24th, 2012 at 12:55 pm
I was so overcome with my desire to covet your farm, I had to stop looking at the beautiful photos.
Posted by: Steve Shelton | January 24th, 2012 at 2:08 pm
Hi Martha,
I must admit snow is nice to look at especially pristine snow and particularly on your property. I haven’t been away from Michigan so long that I don’t remember that white stuff but to see it piled up along streets and roadways was never a pretty sight and once the sidewalks were shoveled, the beauty was gone for me. Your pictures are great - it’s like you captured everything the minute the snow stopped falling! I liked the view of the tenant house and the allee of linden the most. The tenant house reminds me of my mother’s house with the porch in the back and the small landing at the front entrance and the windows are the same. When I visited her in the winter, everything would be covered in snow and we’d go sledding. I sure do like your property and it doesn’t matter what season it is. Everything is simply beautiful! Trish
Posted by: Trish | January 24th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
Martha, don't you just love going out in the snow and enjoying the amazing beauty of it all!!! I love the trees, the forest etc. Beautiful pictures. The quietness of a snowfall is also wonderful to enjoy!
Posted by: Frances | January 24th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
Greetings from Switzerland! These pictures are great, Martha! Your property looks very "cozy" blanketed with snow- maybe you could post a "map" of some sort so we can have a reference point to see where all these different areas are, the house, barn, different fields etc, with a line showing the direction you go in when you drive around. Being from NJ, I know how beautiful that area of the country is when there's snow, and ironically here in Switzerland we have no snow at the moment (except in the alps of course). Cheers
Posted by: Christopher Densham Hatch | January 24th, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Ooh I didn't know Martha was growing Christmas Trees! How fun is that.
NH had a snow storm last weekend also. The freak snow storm in October created havoc to say the least. We lost power for 4 days!
Think Spring!
gail
Posted by: gail pierson | January 24th, 2012 at 4:15 pm
.
Good Snow in Winter
.
Snow is falling; the shooting stars are gone,
The cover layer has started on this mid-morn.
A noisy "murder" of crows is making quite a stir
Begging for the hanging birdfeeders to share.
Snowy windscreen around an apple grove too,
Shrubs sheltered by burlap and tall bamboo.
As the tone of winter sets its icy dimensions,
The trees show the optimism of spring's intentions.
And wooly black sheep wonder where the grass has gone.
Will the new greenhouse be able to keep the snow shorn?
Chickens have extra warmth to keep production going.
Looking north the main house and stable barely showing.
Wetlands, champion of hope, support a pretty willow grove
Many creatures "are tucked away" in sheltering trees, by Jove.
The sycamore symbol of the farm, stretching gracefully out
With its message, "old can be beautiful", there is no doubt.
The wooden stakes, unpainted, maintain the natural effect.
Woodland folly, deep in the woods, in summer hard to detect.
Visibility decreasing, Christmas tree plantings grow stronger.
A winding babbling brook happily surviving winter, longer.
Boxwood allee bundled up in burlap, leading to the stable.
Allee of pine oaks, allee of lindens complete the fable.
Tall pines and paddocks, Sharkey out front keeping trim,
Grove of pear trees, veggie garden and back to the gym.
.
.
Posted by: celia stock | January 24th, 2012 at 5:17 pm
Always enjoy your blogs!
Please let your Sirius Radio fans know what is going on with your radio channel....The constant repeats are tiring. You will be losing listeners if we don't know what is going on!
Posted by: Kathy | January 24th, 2012 at 5:51 pm
I've grown up watching your shows since 1998 when I was only 7 years old! I'm a big fan of yours. I love your farm, Martha.
You are my role model, and always have been since I was small. Thank you for being such a great example for me.
Love you lots,
Katie
Posted by: Kit-Kat | January 24th, 2012 at 6:40 pm
Martha - how beautiful it looks where you live - thanks for sharing the gorgeous pictures!
Posted by: Annette Deardurff | January 24th, 2012 at 9:20 pm
Martha - how beautiful it looks where you live - thanks for sharing the gorgeous pictures! Winter here in Indiana hasn't looked anything like that, at least not so far - kind of hoping it doesn't, now that Christmas has passed!! I really enjoy your show - I have gotten some really good ideas from watching - I love the low fat latte recipe you had one day - where you shook up the milk and microwaved it - that is really yummy!!!!
Posted by: Annette Deardurff | January 24th, 2012 at 9:25 pm
Martha , I love winter pictures, and yours are beautiful. I really enjoyed looking through them. You have a beautiful property. Myself, I recently move into our new apartment in Peabody MA. I spent the day watching it snow in front of the fire, unpacking my collection of tea pots, and baking cookies. What a wonderful day.
Posted by: Marianne Kirby | January 24th, 2012 at 9:28 pm
I am loving the Maple Ave house photo!! Birch trees are my ab-sol-oooot favorite tree!! Fantastic photos Martha!! What an amazing place to walk in light snow an reflect on what has been created!!! Enjoy and be careful! xo
Posted by: Pam | January 24th, 2012 at 9:30 pm
Hi,
I'd like to see those black horses in the snow. The first time I ever saw a Friesian was at the opening of your show for a while. They all ran in the snow. I researched the breed for two years and watched blood lines, finally getting my own. Unfortunately, I live in Florida and can't have the snow scene of my dreams.
Posted by: Diane | January 24th, 2012 at 9:47 pm
Hello Martha...beautiful pics.
Can I come and stay in one of your houses
and ride some of your horses?? : )
Peace and Love, Tina
Posted by: Tina Futty | January 24th, 2012 at 10:47 pm
Martha, thank you for "A Snow Day." I loved it.
Posted by: Carolyn Hommell | January 24th, 2012 at 10:54 pm
I enjoyed seeing the beautiful pictures.
Posted by: Pandora Hayes | January 24th, 2012 at 10:55 pm
Martha, Your farm is beauitful with the snow,I wish we could get a little of it here in deep east Texas.It has been in the high 60's and low 70's to the last 3or4 days!!!!! I live in Nacogdoches, which is the oldest town in Texas. Enjoy your snow and stay warm.
Posted by: Kelly Fonville | January 24th, 2012 at 11:11 pm
There you are F & S! You girls are having fun running in the snow...guess you guys got the same snow we just had. Today it was warmer and sunny melting some of the snow, then freezing up at night...now just waiting for another round...ugh, you can have it..
Posted by: delia | January 25th, 2012 at 12:15 am
Oh, Martha, uncountable talents AND you are also a photographer. Your pictures are stunning!
Posted by: Norah Pratton | January 25th, 2012 at 12:34 am
Thank you Martha for posting such beautiful pictures.....I am really missing the snowfall this winter in Missouri. I am not a fan of brown winters - so this was a real treat for me to view! Love you, your shows, magazines, and blog. Many blessings I wish for you in 2012!
Posted by: Cyndy Lee | January 25th, 2012 at 2:11 am
Lovely.
Posted by: Michele Clarke | January 25th, 2012 at 3:01 am
You should make a calendar or make prints using these beautiful pictures. They are "Ansel-esque."
Posted by: Louise Kenny | January 25th, 2012 at 3:02 am
Martha,
thank you so much for sharing these magical photos of your lovely home. I moved away from the snow many years ago and thought I would never miss it. But seeing these photos reminds me that even in winter there is amazing beauty to be enjoyed. The snow is almost magical when it is still and new like this! Stay warm
Cari~
Posted by: Cari Garrison | January 25th, 2012 at 3:47 am
Martha, thank u for sharing your truly beautiful photos of ur home where u live !!! Absolutely breathtaking pictures they are . Thanks again !!!
Posted by: Theresa Pantano | January 25th, 2012 at 7:30 am
Looking at those photos was like a wonderful walk in the woods . . . a mental escape. Thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures! And,that picture of your little pooch was adorable . . ..
Posted by: Michelle | January 25th, 2012 at 8:39 am
Postcard beautiful, especially to this native Florida girl. You should go back in the spring/summer months when everything is green and blooming and full and take the exact same locations for comparison. That would be interesting
Posted by: Rachel Hunter | January 25th, 2012 at 9:03 am
Can I come for a visit?
Posted by: Mary Kennedy | January 25th, 2012 at 9:41 am
Very pretty, I sometimes miss the snow living here in Tucson.
Posted by: homer | January 25th, 2012 at 9:49 am
Oh wow, can I come and live with you?
Posted by: Mary | January 25th, 2012 at 11:33 am
Oh my goodness!!! These photographs are stunningly beautiful. You are one fortunate lady!
Posted by: Cynthia Combest | January 25th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
I love pictures of your farm! I too live in the northeast and welcomed this winter storm. It was my first opportunity to use my new snow pants (purchased right after the freak October blizzard!) and go outside and play with my 3yo daughter. We had a blast out in the snow. Sadly, it's mostly gone now after temps reached the upper 40s and 50s yesterday. I'm hoping for at least one more snow storm before the winter ends.
Posted by: Janet | January 25th, 2012 at 2:47 pm
Brush piles are extremely beneficial to birds and other wildlife ( rather than "clear" them, might they be placed in the woods?). Beautiful photos --thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jb | January 25th, 2012 at 4:24 pm
So very pretty. Nature is so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your quiet day
Posted by: Jody | January 26th, 2012 at 7:23 pm
Most beauteous
Posted by: Michael | January 27th, 2012 at 11:49 pm
I have watched your show for years. Is it true your show will not be on tv anymore? I really like the blogs about your homes and the home maintenance and gardens. I would comment about the brush pile - I have been a conservationst for the federal govenment for over 30 years and help farmers and ranchers with wildlife habitat, along with other conservation practices. The brush piles are havens for many creatures - rabbits and even bees who make their homes in dead wood. If you don't like how they look - scoot them off to the outer property. You'll have more wildlife to view than before!!
Beth in Nebraska
Posted by: Beth Hiatt | January 28th, 2012 at 2:08 pm