Snowy Days Have Arrived
Last week, I shared a lot of photos showing what Hurricane Sandy did to my farm and the crew has been working very hard cleaning up her mess. With so much widespread devastation and heartbreak, the last thing the northeast needed, or wanted, was a snowstorm in the form of a nor’easter, a storm that has characteristics similar to a hurricane. Regardless, that is exactly what we were dealt, along with heavy winds and considerable snowfall. For two consecutive years now, we’ve been dumped on by early snowstorms when our winter preparations were far from complete. At this rate, we may have to rewrite our farm schedule, moving autumn chores up a few weeks. Climate change – yes or no?
1 This row of trees is a linden allee, which was planted last summer.
2 The iconic apple trees - These have been here for many, many years and I always worry about them getting damaged.
3 These old trees still have a lot of foliage and the snow was very heavy and wet.
4 The stone stable was barely visible through the thick falling snow.
5 The bamboo framework for covering this boxwood hedge with burlap was in place, but no burlap had yet been attached.
6 Driving past the stable
7 Another view - The snow was really coming down!
8 All of the boxwood were supposed to be snug beneath their burlap coverings before the first snow fell. This boxwood allee doesn't even have the bamboo framework yet!
9 This heavy snow can really damage the foliage, the shape of the bush, and even break branches. Burlap prevents that from happening.
10 Another view of the linden allee taken from the other end
11 As they grow, the trunks of lindens stand like pillars and their branches are covered with dense foliage, making them a great choice for a beautifully sculpted allee.
12 I have planted a few different allees at the farm. This is the allee of pin oak.
13 An allee is, of course, a walk or passage, especially one between two rows of evenly planted trees.
14 A view of my home from the pin oak allee
15 From the same area, a view of the corn crib
16 The long pergola
17 I had an appointment in New York City in the evening and this was the line of traffic slipping and sliding down Rt. 22 on the way to the highway.
18 I took this shot through the car window.
19 The next morning, I went back outside and took some more photos. This is the courtyard where many of my tropical plants are put on display during warm weather.
20 I like to protect my garden urns from winter's harsh elements by wrapping them with heavy plastic and then with burlap. This is another chore yet to be done.
21 An early morning view from my terrace.
22 A great shot of the stable - The small building in the foreground is the donkey run in.
23 I was relieved to see that the apple trees looked fine.
24 Looking towards the equipment barn
25 A view of a grouping of very tall spruce trees, one of which broke and fell on the Tenant House, as you may recall.
26 There are plenty of bird feeders hanging on the backside of the car port and also plenty of icicles. Where are all of my avian customers?
27 The standard lilacs are holding a lot of weight.
28 The Tenant House - You can see the tall broken trunk of a spruce tree, which has yet to be removed.
29 On the other side of the Tenant House is the building that houses my gym.
30 G.K. loves the snow and was very happy to join me for this snowy farm tour. We made a stop in the greenhouse, entering through the front door.
31 We exited through the headhouse at the rear. The fence surrounds the vegetable garden. The eastern horizon was still very stormy looking.
32 Behind the greenhouse is a shade pergola for tropical plants in the summer.
33 More urns that need to be covered or stored indoors
34 Passing by the long pergola again
35 This is the entrance to the blog studio, which is located at the far end of the carport building.
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Martha, you're right. Rewriting the farm schedule is the best thing to do. And I bet you didnt even had the time to fix the cover of the chimney of the Tenant house. Global warming? Absolutely NOT.
Posted by: Chris | November 9th, 2012 at 1:16 am
Thanks for lovely photos. Global warming is nature.
Posted by: ANN | November 9th, 2012 at 1:50 am
Good morning Martha, Wow I was surprised when I saw images on twitter. I hope it wont make damage on your farm. My thought and prayers are with you.
Have a safe and warm weekend
Best wishes
Posted by: Rowaidaa Flayhan | November 9th, 2012 at 3:26 am
Hi Martha,
I am sorry that the storm caught you by surprise and you didn't get a lot of things covered yet but I must say the pictures are beautiful. I keep saying you should do a book of pictures just on the farm at different times of the year as it is fabulous. Glad to see GK making the rounds with you. I bet he enjoyed the snow.
Karen
Posted by: Karen Tracy | November 9th, 2012 at 5:54 am
Hi Dear Martha
Of course it's a pity this early snowy weather but, besides the troubles it may bring it's also very beautiful. Have a warm and nice weekend.
Posted by: Maria Lúcia | November 9th, 2012 at 7:24 am
Martha, that looks COLD! Thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | November 9th, 2012 at 7:56 am
Global warming? YES. Geez, you got clobbered.
Posted by: Suse | November 9th, 2012 at 8:29 am
Thanks for sharing your pictures. And yes, to your question, climate change for is happening for sure.
Posted by: Sharon | November 9th, 2012 at 8:49 am
I will never complain about our weather in Florida again. Let those hurricanes come - I can tolerate those much more than a snow storm. I can't even drive in the snow anymore. All that slipping and sliding scares the wits out of me! The last time I drove in snow was back in '87 and that was in Tennessee at Thanksgiving time. A few days later, I headed for home. Snow is beautiful but all of you in the northeast haven't had much of a chance to clean up after the hurricane, and I can't believe those two words are being used in the same sentence. Unbelievable! There's not much one can say when so much bad has happened but I believe in the power of prayer so I will continue to pray for all of you up north. Trish
Posted by: Trish | November 9th, 2012 at 9:04 am
Hi Martha, OMG! I am shocked that you got so much snow from the nor'easter after all of that awful mess you got from the Sandy Hurricane! Heaven only knows what you will get next! Today's weather looks like it will be sunny and a bit warmer! I'll bet your farm workers are busier than ever with all the things that need to be done! Our weather has been unusual this year, too! No rain most of the summer and now rain almost every day! This blog is fabulous and you and Ghenghis Khan must have had fun touring your farm in the snow! By the way, I found out last night that yesterday was GKs birthday and I'll bet he had a great time! It is so great to see these fantastic photos and I love seeing every tour around your farm at all times of the year! It would be fun to see videos, also! Can't wait to see your newest PBS Cooking School show tomorrow! Is that beautiful kitchen there at your farm? I love seeing your wonderful farm out of the windows of that kitchen! I'm also going to try to hear you on NPR on Saturday! Hope you have a great day and a fabulous weekend! Off to see The Daily Wag about "Too Much Bad Weather!" Take care and stay safe! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | November 9th, 2012 at 9:17 am
I'm not convinced of "Global Warming" or "Climate Change." I am convinced that weather can be erratic. I would move up your winterizing schedule unless there's a disadvantage to doing it early.
Our power outages are getting worse due to winds & trees. I'm curious as to how your generator performed. Best of wishes getting everything back into shape. Our yard had major tree damage last year; so I empathize. I suggest viewing the changes as an "opportunity." In our case, we planted several Knockout Roses.
Posted by: WARREN PEACE | November 9th, 2012 at 9:41 am
If anyone can handle this change of weather, you can, Martha. The photo is beautiful, even if it's not the best timing. Stay warm.
Posted by: Mrs Polly Rogers | November 9th, 2012 at 10:08 am
Oh, Ms. Stewart! I am so sorry you are cleaning up after another fine mess Mother Nature has dealt. We get some truly wicked weather here in Oklahoma...it runs the gamut from unbearable heat and severe storms to ice...sometimes all in one day. Like others, while the snow is inconvienent, it is beautiful. Now, I pray that it melts off and warms up enough to allow you and yoru staff to finish winter preparations.
Posted by: Lori | November 9th, 2012 at 10:14 am
it is so pretty
Posted by: jennifer beck | November 9th, 2012 at 10:31 am
A double-whammy this year, and unfortunately timed for sure. Its always fascinating to see the work that goes into keeping the farm, with weather being an increasingly unreliable partner. Here's hoping you and others on the East Coast are safe and warm this winter. And thank you for sharing these pictures of the farm.
Posted by: BG in SF | November 9th, 2012 at 10:39 am
Your farm is beautiful through sunshine, storm, or snow. It's not global warming, though. Weather is cyclical. There have always been warming and cooling. The only thing to do is prepare as much as possible, which you still look as though you have. Beautiful pictures! More please.
Posted by: Cathy | November 9th, 2012 at 12:04 pm
I think the images are beautiful. Global warming. No. LOL I remember back in the 70s there were screams of everyone freezing one day. Martha have you ever made snow ice cream? I remember my mother making it when I was a kid.
Posted by: Charlotte | November 9th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
The nature of weather is to be unpredictable, global warming is a man made concept not based in history but politics and marketing. Love your blogs, I am on the west coast and enjoy the contrast of nature and informative pictorial you provide-surely the best blog on the web.
Posted by: valarie | November 9th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Beautiful photos and the snow was gorgeous! We are still warm and clear skies here in Carnegie, Oklahoma! Take care and have a fantastic weekend, even if it is full of work to be done:)
Posted by: Lisa Brand | November 9th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Hi, Martha,
I bet G.K. is the happiest animal on the farm! It's tough when mother nature fools us, isn't it. Your farm is so pretty in the snow though. You folks out East have had such a bad time this Fall. From what I hear on the news it would be prudent for the utility company to start burying as many power lines as possible. We've had buried lines for years here in the Midwest. The fewer poles and lines, the easier the clean up. Lessons should be learned from times like these.
I think your greenery and pots will be o.k. Thank goodness the ground is not frozen yet. That should help your crew get out and finish what needs to be done. Have a good weekend, Martha.
Sharon
Posted by: Sharon | November 9th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Martha,
I really enjoyed your beautiful snowscapes. Your farm is incredible. Thank you for sharing! The weather here in the Dallas area is still very warm. It is always a difficult task for me to decorate for the holidays. I grew up in the north east and miss the snow!
Tina Paine
Posted by: Tina Paine | November 9th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
Climate change? Of course. You only have to be a gardener to know that climate change is a fact. I can grow and overwinter (outside) plants here in Nashville that never survived as little as 15 years ago, and wouldn't even have been planted here 28 years ago when I first moved into my home. A gardener knows first hand about climate change. So sorry, Martha, for the losses to your property and your trees and other plantings. Be glad you have your fabulous crew.
Posted by: Kelly | November 9th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
Hello, Martha Fans, I have a question. I would love to get videos or DVDs of Martha's old shows from the late 1990s, early 2000s. Can anyone offer me any advice on how to do this? Thanks!
Posted by: Oee | November 9th, 2012 at 1:42 pm
Although it caught you by surprise, the snow looks lovely.
Posted by: Andrea Dean | November 9th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Ah! G.K is so cute!!
Here in Sweden it started snowing in October! Way too early if you ask me! Your house is absolutely beautiful!
Check out my blog, you can see how much it snowed! http://saraforsoker.blogspot.se/2012/10/not-what-october-should-be.html
Posted by: Sara | November 9th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
Gorgeous snowfall on your farm Martha. It's really nice to see the scenery with all of the snow. We had our first freeze in Washington state today. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Posted by: Dianna | November 9th, 2012 at 2:47 pm
it is unbelievably sad to me that there is so much widespread denial about Global Warming and Climate Change. Its only because its so deeply rooted in politics and our elections that its even up for debate. Plain and simple our impact matters. its truly surreal to read comments above and not have that reflected. You don't need more evidence then the weather patterns.. so a full hurricane/storm front and a week later snow followed by 65 degree projected weekend? yup.. just "weather" or someone's 'agenda' ..... please... at least recycle for the rest of us.
Posted by: will | November 9th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
so beautiful despite the lack of preparation! and YES on global warming!!!!
Posted by: veronica | November 9th, 2012 at 3:39 pm
The pictures are really magical, although the snow might have come at the wrong time. Sitting in Houston looking at the pics, make me miss my childhood and it really envokes a romantic sense of the holidays! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Renee | November 9th, 2012 at 4:24 pm
Hi Martha,
I love the snow,makes everything so pretty,I see your weather is going to be warmer for the week-end,hope you and your crew can get caught up on things around your farm, but for now enjoy the snow-As for Global warming,I think that what is happening- we had warm and sunny fall here in Oregon and now we got rain showers and sunshine,usually this time of year is colder and freezing and have had our first snow ,and the snow we get here is usually a skiff-We do have snow in our mountains now,so pretty to see-This next week is going to be a little warmer-Thanks again for sharing your pictures of the snow and your Farm,i love the snowy pictures- Fran
Posted by: Fran | November 9th, 2012 at 6:31 pm
Beautiful Pictures of the Fresh Snow.... TFS
Posted by: Dee | November 9th, 2012 at 8:18 pm
Looks like a good time to sit by the fire, have a warm drink and relax! Beautiful farm in the snow! Love it!
Posted by: Frances | November 9th, 2012 at 8:22 pm
Beautiful pictures, but of course, I know the damage that heavy snows can do. I hope you can get all of the chores done before too much more sets in.
Climate change and global warming? Yes. There are cyclical changes that do occur (natural climate changes), but how anyone can say that human beings haven't done any damage to the environment (and call it all political hogwash) and caused any 'change' is beyond me. We may not be the entire cause of the changes, but we are certainly a part of it.
Not only are we arrogant beings, we're of the belief that we can do no wrong. Sigh.
Posted by: Carole | November 9th, 2012 at 8:48 pm
Beautiful even if you weren't ready for the snow. I don't think it's 'climate change' or even 'global warming' in the sense of popular nomenclature-from my reading and from older family members I get the sense that there has been a pendulum effect. Early winters, late winters...they wax and wane over the decades. Plus we forget our earth _is_ always changing, either spinning towards an ice age or a warm period!! I think you need to move winter prep up, late October and early November seem awful late to me. (It would to my grandmother!) The snow is very pretty on the urns, trees and buildings. In a way, their not being wrapped up gives you a chance to see the bones of the garden against the stark white of the snow.
Posted by: Helen Russo | November 9th, 2012 at 8:51 pm
Your photos are simply beautiful! Although the storm was early it is nice to see snow. Living in Texas (Hudson Oaks) we rarely get to see a beautiful snow. Thanks for sharing your photos!
Posted by: Shelley Binion | November 9th, 2012 at 9:47 pm
Lovely photos, hope all is well. Missing seeing you daily so much, especially at this time of year! My teenager and I just love everything Martha!!
Thank you for help, guidance and joy over the years.
Posted by: beckylouh | November 9th, 2012 at 11:36 pm
...still beautiful.boy, would I love to visit... Dreamy
Posted by: kathy | November 10th, 2012 at 1:11 am
As i enjoy all your beautiful pictures of your homestead I can't help thinking how grateful the original owners of your property woud be to see how you appreciate and care for the extraordinary acreage. It reminds me of my inherited 30 acres of garden and woods that i now tend and share with so many. ..albeit on a much smaller scale . Thank you for sharing your beauty and serenity.
Linda
Posted by: linda faatz | November 10th, 2012 at 7:21 am
Wow! You guys got quite a bit of snow! We only got a dusting. Usually its the other way around! No matter what, nothing beats the New England seasons! I look forward to every one of them.
Posted by: Sandie@afoodieaffair.com | November 10th, 2012 at 9:43 am
What beautiful pictures of the snow! No snow here in Florida, so I like to live vicariously through pictures like these. What an amazing farm you have, the scenery there is so gorgeous!
Posted by: Kerry Anita | November 10th, 2012 at 10:15 am
Making you fudge brownies cant wait to see how they come out they look great so far.
Posted by: debra james | November 10th, 2012 at 11:06 am
Looks like a place the birds and the bees love too. I'll keep trying to share with all God's creatures on my little slice of a yard. It's standing room only for birds at times.
Posted by: Phyloyd | November 10th, 2012 at 12:52 pm
Martha, your work in photography is perfection to my eyes! Preparation is always essential, but there will also be unexpected times that visit as well.
Of course, the earlier "winter prep" for next year is a very good plan, too. As a fellow resident of the North East...I have, within my budget, many of the things needed to sustain during hardships of all sorts.
Yes, I admit to "hoarding"...LOL! I have been chastised for saving jars, bubble wrap, and cartons but I can not bear to throw away reusable things. Years ago, I saved the "good" parts (the legs) of thermal underwear, and used them to repair the worn out elbows of a very good flannel shirt.
This rendered garment was then used for subsequent years, by my husband while restoring cars.
With the terrible weather here lately...my friends have even used some of the items I collected to service us for emergencies...and I do feel justified!
May I give a word of thanks to you, and this lovely group of bloggers for the safety concerns of those dear people in NY and NJ. It is a "very good" act of loving kindness!
BTW...My father used to say that hurricane Hazel was responsible for bringing the Mockingbirds to us here in PA. (the Amish land)
Posted by: Barbara Mayer | November 10th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
Hi Martha, the snowfall at your farm is so beautiful there! I am a big fan of Winter and snowfalls! Your farm is so beautiful and serene there...would love to live up there in bedford! I live in Va and am not at all fond of the weather here!
Tina
Posted by: tina | November 10th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Martha, I agree with Cathy, Valerie, and Helen Russo. In my life-time, I can remember snow every Christmas, then...no snow for years, not to amount to anything, anyway. I also remember scrubbing the wooden floor on December 23rd, in shorts and bare-footed and with all the doors and windows open. I remember freezing at the same time of the year.
I remember it being so warm on February 13th, that we had a Valentine's party ouside and stayed out till the party was over that night. I woke up the next morning with 2 feet of snow...the first one we'd had in years.
There are too many differences to mention, but I've seen just about all of it in each month at one time, or another. My Mama even saw it snow in July. All of these differences happened within a 50 mile radius.
So, NO, to Global Warming, and YES to God's Workings that have been going on from when He first made the world..
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | November 10th, 2012 at 3:48 pm
The pictures are so scenic and peaceful. They look like Christmas card scenes. Thanks for sharing
The weather was warm and sunny in NE OH today, and I'm not ready for cold weather yet. Hopefully you get a nice break in your weather, if it wasn't today, maybe its on its way!
Posted by: David W. | November 10th, 2012 at 7:50 pm
This has nothing to do with yesterday's blog, but I want to make your Pumpkin-Chocolate-Chip Squares from Martha Stewart Living Special Issues, 2006, but I would like use fresh pumpkin from my garden rather than canned. Would you be able to write a blog post or email to let me know how much to use? Thank you!!
Posted by: Trish W | November 10th, 2012 at 8:26 pm
Martha, Man yall have been delt so much. to bad yall have not had the weather we have had. sunny and 80! I hope yall get it all done and cleaned up soon!
God Bless,
CJ
Posted by: CJ | November 11th, 2012 at 4:44 am
Dear Martha:
Sorry to hear about "Mother Nature" sudden attack to New York and the surrounded area. It is Climate change.
I just hope it does not get any worse. I live in sunny "SoCal" and we had a terrible summer reaching up to 108 degrees, all my citrus, Giant Bird of Paradise, Rose and my vegetable garden were damage by the terrible heat and lack of rain. It just does not want to rain. Pretty scary I must say!
Well Martha I hope your snow fall did not create alot of damage to your beautiful farm.
God Bless, your fan
Diana
Posted by: diana escobar | November 11th, 2012 at 8:05 am
Martha, I'm so excited about your blog, I can hardly wait until you post tonight. I hope you are having a great weekend!
Posted by: KLBrown | November 11th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
Always love your pictures of the farm. Mother Nature has her own ways, and they are kind of unpredictable. So-called scientific studies can be conjured to support any conclusion you like, whether it be a new ice age or global warming. No point getting caught up in those, just prepare and admire the view.
Posted by: Karen | November 11th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
Martha, I love love your farm.You deserve this dream of a creation. Please keep posting pictures,they are so pretty and soothing.
I have followed you since you were first on tv,and am a devoted fan. I have so many of your beautiful products as well.
God Bless,
Linda
Posted by: linda adragna | November 11th, 2012 at 3:58 pm
A beautiful snow scene for sure...i hope there isn't further damage of any kind.
Will the burlap actually get done?
Posted by: sherey | November 11th, 2012 at 6:01 pm
Hi, Martha,
It is really tough when those of us who pride ourselves on being responsible and prepared are surprised by significant disruptive weather changes. Agreeing with both arguments from the above posters, I think it's both natural cycles and climate change resulting from man-made causes....what percentage of each, I couldn't even hazard a guess.
On another note, I sure am enjoying your Cooking School on PBS/OPB at 1:00 p.m. Pacific time. I've already learned a lot and will be using what I learn. I enjoy knowing the appropriate French terms, techniques and definitions as well as which tools and gear work best.
I really liked the lesson on stocks. I could do that! It was good to see what it looks like at each stage and how easy it is to store/freeze. What a difference from canned or boxed stock....it looks like water!
BTW: You look absolutely sensational...such a good example to all of us to always take care of ourselves and always try and look our best! Good for you.
Thank you!
Posted by: Bobbie | November 11th, 2012 at 6:02 pm
so beautiful & peaceful and YES on Climate Change!!!!
Posted by: Rowee | November 12th, 2012 at 12:13 am
Hi Martha,
I have never thought about trying to contact anyone famous before. But I just want to say I am proud of who you are and have admired your career. I was born in N.H. in 1966 and moved out to WI when I was very young. The East Coast has had alot of hard times and I wish you and your only the best. Stay safe and God Bless.
Patti J. Stewart
Posted by: Patti Jean Stewart | November 12th, 2012 at 4:27 pm
WHAT GORGEOUS PICTURES...I know it came at a bad time for you and your staff not being quite ready...but I cant help but say how BEAUTIFUL everything looks..I guess its partly because we hardly EVER see snow in South Louisiana!!! Keep the pictures coming..LOVE LOVE THEM!! Thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: Patti L. | November 12th, 2012 at 7:20 pm
Living along the gulf coast and Atlantic coast for the past 30 years I can sympathsize to a point with the devastation. However, plenty of warning was given and preparations should have been taken...no matter where you're located. You have a staff of several that do all of your prep work. Try boarding your own windows and doors with young children,firing up your generator and sleeping without air or electricity while your husband is overseas..
Posted by: Jackie Redfield | November 13th, 2012 at 7:13 pm
This post reminds me of the famous quote: "The great man is he who plants shade trees he will never sit under."
I'm curious what make a studio a blog studio. I would love to read a post about that. Thank you.
Posted by: Karen | November 17th, 2012 at 1:14 pm
The farm is lovely and the pictures are beautiful ... may i come live in the tenant house (i'm a very hard worker!) ??
Posted by: Brianna | January 1st, 2013 at 6:48 pm