An Early Autumn Tour of my Farm
Autumn has arrived and I realized that it’s been quite a while since I gave you a blog tour of the farm. I must say that it’s a bit difficult saying “goodbye” to summer. I was away so much and I feel as though I spent very little of it at home. Alas, time marches on and it’s now time to ready the farm for the winter ahead. It’s still too early for much of the heavy work, such as moving the tropical plants into their winter greenhouse and covering the shrubs with burlap. But, the crew has been busy keeping the grounds looking good during the seasonal changes. Here’s a little of what has been going on.
1 A spectacular sunrise on a late September morning - The light on the stone stable is amazing.
2 Another angle with the little corn crib in view
3 Turning towards the house, all the terrace plantings were aglow.
4 The light became even more vivid with each passing minute.
5 This old millstone marks the center of the upper terrace. There are three such millstones in decorative use at the farm.
6 The light changed dramatically within minutes. Front center is one of my mounting blocks for horseback riding.
7 The fuzzy leaves of this beautiful scented geranium really capture the morning dew.
8 A closeup
9 I found this very unusual hairy moth resting on the clapboard siding of the house. I'm told that it's a Tolype velleda, or large Tolype moth and that the caterpillar stage eats a variety of tree leaves, like apple, ash, beech, birch, and oak.
10 Behind the vegetable greenhouse is an area planted with a variety of table grapes and elderberry shrubs.
11 Somewhat fragrant elderberry flowers, called inflorescences, are relatively large being 6" to 12" wide.
12 When pollinated, the flowers turn into green berries that ripen to purple-black. The sweet and juicy fruit can be used for jellies, pies, and wine. Song birds also love these berries.
13 Many of those berries fall and germinate beneath the parent shrub.
14 Rather than weed them out, I asked Ryan and Wilmer to pot those plants up since I had a good idea where they could be relocated.
15 Moving day came and the thriving elderberry transplants were loaded onto the Kawasaki.
16 You may remember the new storage building that was constructed at the farm. That area needs some major plantings and this is where a new elderberry grove has been established using all of those seedlings.
17 Another big autumn chore is planting the vegetable house where we will hopefully have a steady crop of wonderful produce all winter long. Wilmer is forming new raised beds after applying a generous amount of compost from the compost yard.
18 Wilmer worked the compost into the beds with a large turning fork.
19 After turning, he used a garden spade to form the paths between the beds.
20 He then smoothed the beds out with a rake.
21 All neat and ready for planting - There are 15 raised beds, each one being 15-feet long.
22 Ryan divided each row into 3-foot square beds with each bed containing 3 rows, planted with lettuce varieties, spinach, carrots, beets, Swiss chard, etc.
23 There are also several large pots awaiting tomato plants, which will be supported by the upright strings.
24 Autumn is also the time to prune the summer growth of the boxwood hedges before we cover them with burlap for the winter.
25 All the pruning is done by hand using these excellent, sharp Japanese clippers that I found in Japan.
26 Wilmer shaped each shrub very neatly.
27 I instructed the pruning crew to also snip down into the boxwood so that it doesn't appear too well-groomed. I also think it helps to get air circulation into the shrub.
28 See how the surface is slightly irregular?
29 Nicely done!
30 Time lapse - Less than a week later and the landscape had really changed.
31 Did I mention that it's autumn? That tall sugar maple is announcing the season.
32 And the leaves are falling! This is the large sunken cement bird bath.
33 Leaves on the water
34 Near the birdbath, beneath a lovely red maple planted for my mother, is this very thoughtful plaque.
35 The donkeys were out enjoying the morning.
36 Another view of the stable
37 More colorful evidence of autumn
38 Many trees have already dropped their leaves.
39 The edge of a hayfield
40 Deep in the woods traveling along a carriage road, a carpet of leaves is forming.
41 The emerald moss is so vibrant upon this rock - a good indication of generous rainfall.
42 The carriage road makes a turn at this drop off.
43 Emerging from the woods, approaching one of the hay fields
44 With so much damp weather, woodland mushrooms are popping up all over. This russet colored mushroom cluster looks to be in the Russula family.
45 Another look at that changing maple - It rather glows in the landscape.
46 Back at the house
47 And onto the terrace to see more signs of autumn - This stewartia tree growing in a hypertufa pot, which we made on my television show, is changing with the season.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
Oh, I love Martha farm. Every time is like I'm entering a beautiful painting, but I was touched when I saw the plaque for your mother, Martha.
Posted by: Chris | October 5th, 2012 at 12:48 am
Hi
Sunrise at your farm is so peaceful and serene .
Posted by: Healthyatt | October 5th, 2012 at 1:26 am
Such lovely photos, Martha. I'm always so happy to get these "tours" of your home. The plaque dedicated to your mother is a touching tribute.
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | October 5th, 2012 at 6:17 am
How you tear yourself away from all that splendor to go to work every day is such a testament to you and all the strong and wonderful things about you. I cringe when I hear people say you are "lucky". Thanks for sharing, it always feels so nice to visit your homes.
Posted by: JustB | October 5th, 2012 at 7:04 am
absolutely beautiful !
Posted by: Carol Whelan | October 5th, 2012 at 7:46 am
Yep, Autumn has arrived at your farm Martha, amazing how the landscape changed from the last update. The sunrise light does make everything glow with a special light doesn't it? Since I'm an early riser it's my favorite time of the day! I can't wait to see the progress of the elderberry seedlings planted by the new storage shed, how smart to use them. I like the pictures of the carriage road, especially the one emerging from the woods, beautiful! The plaque honoring your mother is very special Martha, thanks for sharing with your fans.
Posted by: Cindy F | October 5th, 2012 at 8:51 am
Thanks for the tour - everything is looking great as usual. I liked seeing the leaves on the carriage road and I love when plants germinate and give us more plants. My elephant ear and coleus plants do that all the time and I dig up the little babies and transplant them. Good idea to put your elderberries by the new building. I hope you are enjoying London and I'm glad you were finally able to travel there. I'm looking forward to viewing your Cooking School show on Saturday. Our PBS station is airing it at 10 A.M. and 3 P.M. I wish you were back on Hallmark with your regular show. It is a real bummer not having you on TV Monday through Friday and I'm really angry with Hallmark. I guess it's Karma for them now because a lot of us won't be watching that new program that 'replaced' yours and I use that word loosely. No one can replace you! Enjoy your stay in London. Trish
Posted by: Trish | October 5th, 2012 at 9:01 am
Wonderful Autumn Tour. The moth picture is spectacular.
Posted by: Hilde | October 5th, 2012 at 9:55 am
Hi Martha, Thanks again for another great tweet from London at 7AM this morning! It was 6AM when I received it here south of Seattle! Thank you also for sharing this beautiful blog this morning of An Early Autumn Tour of your Farm! These photos are absolutely brilliant and magnificent especially with the early morning sunrise! We have had some lovely sunrises lately, too, but no rain and everything is extremely dry! Photo #3 is very stunning and so are #s4to7-gorgeous! I've never see one of those unusual hairy moths in photo #9-amazing! How fascinating that the elderberry flowers germinated and you replanted so many new ones-beautiful! This tour is one of the best and so delightful to follow again and again! Ryan and Wilmer sure did a terrific job getting the vegetable house ready to plant this fall-outstanding!! Wilmer sure did a great job trimming the boxwood hedges! The sugar maple leaves are gorgeous and so are the other trees! Love photo #34-what a wonderful memory! Fun to see the donkeys, too! The trees around the hay fields sure are beautiful! Love seeing the moss, which we don't have yet! Photo #47 of your home is magnificent! Thanks again for sharing this delightful blog! Hope you are having more fun in London and have another great weekend! Off to see The Daily Wag with Francesca giving us "A Lesson in Cobblestones!" Jan PS-Can't wait to see your new PBS Show tomorrow! I certainly miss your TV Shows and I will never watch Hallmark anymore! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | October 5th, 2012 at 10:05 am
Martha, it was nice to see the plaque of your mother, I liked her so much! The trees are such beautiful colors. Thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | October 5th, 2012 at 10:08 am
So enjoy the tours of your farm, every season, love the changes. Thank you for always sharing with us.
Posted by: Sharon Key | October 5th, 2012 at 10:28 am
I'm amazed with this new season. Autumn is so different here, in Brazil! I love your farm and all the green around. It's a pleasure visiting your farm. Thank you for sharing this beautiful time with us.
Posted by: Maria Lúcia | October 5th, 2012 at 10:49 am
Just opened my morning copy of the Chicago Tribune. Business Section headline reads 'Move Over, Martha." Brit Morin labors under the delusion that you are losing your grip on younger viewers. Hah! My daughter and all her friends & associates
love you, Martha, for everything you have shared with us over the years, but also,
and very importantly, for your personal style and grace. I am 68, and my friends and associates feel the same way. Thank you, Martha. Bravo!
Posted by: Margo LaCosse | October 5th, 2012 at 10:57 am
Such lovely landscape views, Martha. I so enjoy these tours of the farm.
Posted by: BG in SF | October 5th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
Beautiful farm! Thanks for sharing. I loved your mother. and reminesced about the times when she was on your show, when I saw the plaque.
Vivian
Posted by: Vivian Price | October 5th, 2012 at 12:47 pm
Simply amazing at that moth!!! Wow, never seen one like that in my life. Anyways, pictures are amazing of your beautiful farm. The plaque for you dear mom really touched me! Such a thoughtful and wonderful thing to do. Thanks Martha!
Posted by: Frances | October 5th, 2012 at 1:54 pm
Martha,
I just read about your new Cooking School show on PBS. Can't wait...I'll be watching this Saturday morning. I always thought you were at your best with just you in the kitchen and the camera. Also, congrats. on joining PBS... excellentt choice. Shine on Sister!
Posted by: Wendy Hastings | October 5th, 2012 at 1:59 pm
Oh Martha! Indoor veggie garden? Really? I am sooo jealous....that is like a dream for me! It is perfect.I am anxious to see how it produces. I am going to try my hand a t a little "outdoor"
winter garden here on the southcoast of Massachusetts. I'll report back how I do! Anytime you'd like to give us a tour, we are ready !
Posted by: Nantucket Daffodil | October 5th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
Your blog has been such a joy for so long, it occurred to me I must comment and say a huge THANK YOU for your generous contribution to and inspiration in my life. The Bedford Farm is magnificent and what a journey to see it grow and become more wonderful, when all along it was wonderful. Skylands is also such a wonderful place. I have nearly every issue of MS Living going back to '98, and the recipes and projects have been such a part of my life. And, the day you went public on the NYSE, going down on the floor and serving oj & muffins, I jumped up and cheered aloud. You are a true and great hero of women and craftspeople, having brought to light how much they have to offer, and have no doubt time will reveal how large are your footsteps. Thank you for another magical day at the farm, another glimpse into incredible world of nature. And please give a hearty thanks to your helpers. You would weep if you saw what the yard people to do the shrubery around here.
Posted by: Victoria Miller | October 5th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
.
Autumn Pleasure Trip
.
The stable gleams behind the apple trees, within their fence.
Holding its own beside the 'star feature' is the little corn crib.
Becoming more vivid each moment, the sunlight enhances the
beautiful terrace garden.
A millstone marker reminiscent of when grinding flour was a
labor of love.
Well kept, the pasture offers a postcard view of handsome rail
fencing and stone stable.
Heavy with dew, the fuzzy leaves of the scented geraniums
bristle in the close up.
Always fun, catching sight of an unusual creature, dressed for
winter, a hairy moth.
And hiding behind a greenhouse a 'wine grove', nice work, grapes
and elderberries.
Offspring heading for another 'wine grove' behind another green-
house, nice work.
Then there's hard work, preparing vegetable beds for a winter's
supply of goodies.
Before their burlap cover the boxwoods have to be trimmed by
careful pruning.
A week later, evident changes to the landscape, sugar maples
announce autumn.
Birds moving on, their bird bath full of water and fallen leaves.
A touching memory of Martha Kostyra, teacher, mother,
grandmother, friend, surrounded by Nature and fallen leaves.
A beautiful morning, to be sure, easily enjoyed by all, luring
a walk in the woods.
And who would not be impressed by the colorful display of the
varying shades?
Even dropped leaves have their place in this autumn scene down
the carriage road.
The kelly green of the moss clinging to the rock, likes the dampness
and expresses it.
Winding on through the amazing woods the road twists and turns
beside a hay field.
Mushrooms also like the dampness and pop up to admire the
glowing maples.
And back home, or is it, the resident owner is rarely seen, sharing
herself elsewhere.
But the little tree that could, welcomes you, should you drop by.
.
.
Looking forward to PBS and you.
Posted by: celia stock | October 5th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
beautiful farm ,love the memorial for your mom i always enjoyed seeing her on your show
Posted by: Dorothy Beaty | October 5th, 2012 at 8:34 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your farm with us.It really makes me smile
Posted by: pamela bloom | October 5th, 2012 at 8:47 pm
@MarthaStewart is back & it's like a warm blanket I really needed today! heart her! http://www.themarthablog.com/2012/10/an-early-autumn-tour-of-my-farm.html
Posted by: Lucia Jones | October 5th, 2012 at 10:04 pm
Oh Martha,I so injoy your farm in the autumn,the Sugar Maple is just breath taking and the colors so brillant,a lovely peaceful and serene place to live-I love the Plaque in your Mothers memory,a loving gester to do in honor of your lovely Mother -she is greatly missed,so injoyed her on your shows and cooking with you,she was a amazing lady-thanks so much for sharing your home and farm with all of us, Fran
Posted by: Fran | October 5th, 2012 at 11:21 pm
I always like the Tour of the Farm photos the best------I especially like the changing seasons and updates on what is going on at the farm------how is the back garden at the Summer house doing? I would like to see the before/after pics. Thanks Martha!
Posted by: Dave | October 5th, 2012 at 11:26 pm
hi martha', i am from israel traing to faind - do you heve instruction book crafts for my grandcildren in hebrew ? ples
i am very beg fan of you', wotching you'r show evry day.
thenk you/
ilana
Posted by: ilana shiklosh | October 6th, 2012 at 3:28 am
The indoor veggie greenhouse is wonderful - like Earth art! Wilmer and Ryan are gems on your landscape!
Posted by: Jayne | October 6th, 2012 at 7:46 am
very beautiful farm
Posted by: hamide | October 6th, 2012 at 8:53 am
A comment for the blog owner, you have beautiful themes and I appreciate you the ease with which you express yourself. Congratulations!
Posted by: Gaby handyman | October 6th, 2012 at 12:17 pm
Congratulations on your new show on PBS. I could hear Julia Child clapping from heaven as you rolled your perfect french omlette! Onward and Upward!
Posted by: Andy | October 6th, 2012 at 12:19 pm
I have a beautiful home that is on the historic register in Mayville,Wi. I do not think that I have not used a seasonal home decorating idea since the 80's. I get inspired to recreate idea's from every issue. When I entertain people are alway's like (WOW) that is awesome. I can also say the same for the recipes. I may be a copy cat but, I'm cool with that. Somethings are nature/ TADA!!
Posted by: sherry scopp | October 6th, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Thank you for sharing, Martha. I live in the Caribbean and seeing Fall makes me homesick!
Posted by: Peggy | October 6th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
I just had the pleasure of viewing the new PBS show. It was a great class! I really miss the show on Hallmark, especially being able to hop the train into NYC and being part of your live audience, but I can assure you, I will be watching the show on CPTV. Bravo on a terrific first episode!
Posted by: Julie Dunham | October 6th, 2012 at 3:46 pm
I enjoy Marthas farm so much,i loved you had a lovely memory Of your wonderufl Mother...I adore your farm and all Marthas works on today show I followall your cooking and so I just was thrilled to seeyou on tweeter thanks for a bit of happinessAudrey in Virginia
Posted by: Audreysheltman Coggins | October 6th, 2012 at 6:45 pm
Thanks for the beautiful tour of your farm Martha. The pictures are always great too. Miss you on Hallmark. But I will be watching your new show on PBS.
Dianna
Posted by: dianna | October 6th, 2012 at 7:25 pm
love the outdoors:) beautiful farm
Posted by: omaira | October 6th, 2012 at 11:30 pm
Beautiful farm!! I always love looking at your photos (especially love the pics of your farm animals).
Posted by: Deborah@delicioushappens.com | October 7th, 2012 at 8:13 pm
It is so great to see Celia Stock back with another great poem. It seems as if it has been forever since i've seen one of your poems about Martha's Bog.
And, Martha, everything looks beautiful, as usual. Thanks for the tour.
I didn't know you'd gone to London, but I've missed a few Blogs recently, so I guess that is why.
I have a new friend who lives about 45 miles from London.
Enjoy your time there and hurry back.
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | October 8th, 2012 at 1:00 am
Martha, thanks again for sharing "The Farm" with us. It's my favorite.
I, too, will never watch Hallmark again. I'll never understand why
they would "replace" you with such nonsense. I predict it will not
be on the air long. You have a special place in the hearts of millions.
Thank you Martha. May God bless you real good.
Posted by: Patricia Posey | October 8th, 2012 at 6:42 am
Hi Martha:
First and foremost I want to thank you for returning to PBS my favorite TV channel. I have been following you since you started at your daily show at NBC, but I could not follow you at Hallmark because I do not have cable TV. Wish you the best and I hope you stay with PBS for a very long time.
Your Farm is so beautiful! I am from Southern-Cal and love the outdoors, wish I could visit your farm someday.
Your Fan always,
Diana
Posted by: diana escobar | October 8th, 2012 at 8:20 am
Hello Martha, thank you for sharing the pictures of your farm. I get very homesick this time of year for the beautiful fall colors, smells, and farm stands. Here in central Florida we don't have the opportunity to enjoy such things. Oh by the way. I Love Love Love your cooking school. I am watching as well as recording the shows, just as I did with Martha Bakes!!! Thanks again for sharing.
Posted by: Rona Brunner | October 8th, 2012 at 8:59 am
Martha I will miss your daily program. I always found something to inspire me. I will watch your new PBS program and of course I will continue with my magazine subscription. I have learned to love to cook and maintain a lovely home and yard with your help.
Posted by: Linda Stoner | October 8th, 2012 at 2:37 pm
Beautiful and so peaceful. Amazing photos.
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | October 8th, 2012 at 7:05 pm
Hello Martha, I had to write you today, to ask you to please come back to daytime T.V. soon!!...Asf ar back as I can remember, I have enjoyed watching one of your many incredibley beautiful, yet educational shows!....
Today I was sitting down to hand stencil one of my pillows I sell on Etsy & I thought I would give one of these new Hallmark shows a try....OMGoodness?....They are absolutely awful!!...where is the inspiration?....the knowledge?....the beauty?....I turned to network television as well & unless you want a talk show, the channels are devoid of what you always have stood for & offered!....
I of course will be watching your new cooking show on PBS, but once a week?....really?....We need you back in a big way!! No one offers what you do!!!...no one can replace Martha!!!
I do hope this comment gets to you!...You are the best thing that ever happened to the homemaker!...You elevated "home arts" to a new level!.....I miss you!!
Wishing you a delightful Autumn!....Your friend, Heidi XO
Posted by: heidi Devlin | October 8th, 2012 at 9:46 pm
I love this time of year ..........the colors are amazing.
THanks for the wonderful photo.
Tiziana
Posted by: Tiziana | October 9th, 2012 at 5:20 am
dear martha, i live in sautee ga. on 5 acres. we have 2 horses 2 cats 40 chickens an 3 pomerainians plus our 2 chow dogs, jade is 6 and blue lily is white an3 years of age. we r going through a bit of rough time. that is why i was contactin u about my girls. i love them dearly but they need a good home together, they r utd on shots an 3 year rabies. they r good with all my animals even my littest pom. i decieded 2 write u because there is no one else i no that would love them and i will just keep them an do the best we can. they are both spayed. thanks susie
Posted by: susie howell | October 10th, 2012 at 10:40 am
Dear Martha,
I sure miss your show. Even my hubby enjoyed your show. PBS station here doesn't show your show. So disappointed. Maybe some of us that don't get your show-would you please show the whole video on your site. Really would appreciate it. We now will no longer watch THAT channel that took away the most wonderful show. Also, miss Mark Marone. Learned so much form him. And miss mad hungry. We are retired and like to watch a show you enjoy and learn from. Take your living magazines, but its not like seeing you each day.Sure is a beautiful memorial to your dear mom. Like watching her on your show. Take care.
Posted by: Diane | October 14th, 2012 at 12:53 am
Dear Martha,
I have just taken my time viewing all your farm photos from early fall & mid-October. How lovely!!! I live in the deep south & have always enjoyed your tv
program. We live on a 450 acre tree farm and are served by Directv. Our programming comes from either NY or LA and we are unable to receive our local
Public Broadcasting Station. I am having quite a difficult time coming to grips
with not being able to spend an hour each day enjoying your beautifully presented
program! Computer activity in "our neck of the woods" is ridiculously slow, but I'm
endeavoring to muddle through; just not the same. I surely hope that you are aware of just how many of us ( your fans) miss & support you. I find it truly sad that, apparently, much of corporate American broadcasting believes that it is better to air another talk show than to offer access to someone with unparalleled knowledge which fosters others' creativity as well as ACTIVITY! Watching your show always made me want to make, cook, plant, remodel, sew, or photograph something, or otherwise improve my part of the world, and it gave me the know how and the inspiration to do just that!!! Have you ever considered your own network? I think that would be "A Good Thing"!
Posted by: Donna W | October 16th, 2012 at 12:06 am
That was beautiful. Thank you.
Posted by: Karen | October 20th, 2012 at 10:55 pm
As always the pictures are beautiful. I have been watching your show for many, many years if I couldn't watch it I taped it and watched it later. You have thought us all so many things you have welcomed us into your home and introduced us to your friends and family and for that I say Thank You. Why Hallmark took your show off I will not understand it will be missed. I enjoy your cooking show on PBS but miss all the other things we learn form you. I remember many years ago being put in a situation that I had to cook my first Thanksgiving meal. I had no idea as to how to cook a turkey. You were the first person that came to mind and yes everyone loved it. Someone once asked me Why do you like to watch the Martha Stewart show/? My answer was Martha will teach you how to peel a banana to how to how to build a house and if she can't do it she will find someone who can show you. As always I enjoy your blog and will be watching your show on PBS. Please get your own network so that we can always turn on the television and learn something or just enjoy watching reruns for reminders. Thank You Martha for always sharing.
Posted by: Mary | October 23rd, 2012 at 10:41 pm
I'm a loyal viewer but what I never liked about the Hallmark show was the studio atmosphere. The audience was never a draw for me. I didn't care for seeing your pets in the studio or watching you plant something in a box, instead of in the ground around your home or it could be at the homes of other people. I love your older shows where you show projects around your own home and where your relationship is one on one with the camera (us at home).
I don't mind seeing celebrities, but again, I would love to see their pets, gardens, and projects in their homes.
All my best for PBS.
Posted by: Dominic Florio | October 26th, 2012 at 2:41 am
5 Jan. 2013
Hi Martha... Your website is awesome and so are you...You inspire me in many ways...I admire you and your accomplishments and I would enjoy meeting you some day....Happy New Year all year...Sincerely,one of your many admirers...MAK
Posted by: Michael Anthony Krems | January 5th, 2013 at 3:46 pm