As the weather warms everyday we’re beginning to see and hear the first signs of life at Woodfield Manor. The winter crows (which I love) are still present but returning robins, sparrows, and bluebirds add to the activity by calling their mates and making nests. I’ve seen increased movement of turkey around the property as well as deer inching their way back to our greening lawns and we consider ourselves lucky to sneak a peek at them down by the pool at dusk.

     The landscape around Woodfield changes from cut lawn to untamed overgrowth as it meets the woods. An early spring walk can reveal nature’s treasures. A closer look at the forest floor which is covered with mulch and dried leaves hides a secret world of insects and still emerging spring plants. But as the woods and overgrowth act as “a backdrop of wildness” to the propery, any good gardner knows there are always small pockets of wildness that long to be tamed into unexpected beauty for me as well as my guests.

     So that said, Keith and I are trying to steal snippets of time to start new small gardens at Woodfield. Last year we planted our cutting garden which supplied the dining rooms with cut flowers for most of the summer into the fall. This year I’d like to add a shaded garden with seating and a scented herb garden. George, our maintenance engineer, has promised to make nesting houses for our bird population as well as helping us improve our outdoor fireplace for our guests to enjoy summer stargazing and conversation.

     As beautiful as winter is at Woodfield Manor, I think we’re all excited to see spring and summer return.