Snow-Bound Winter Solstice Greetings

Though I moved here to Maine when it was a snow covered February I lived and worked through the thaw and the burst of summer that followed. The days became shorter with autumn, and with the onset of the winter solstice we received our first heavy snowfall here at Snug. With 9 months of thaw and warmer seasons it was amazing to see the farm yet again blanketed in snow.

 

So please join us on a little online excursion around the farm in our current winter wonderland. During the winter season here up north there is no element more important than structure. Whether it is a building, an evergreen or deciduous plant or stone wall, it is a feast for our eyes. In a barren landscape a good snowfall only enhances the details. Above pictured, is a perfect example of this, our dove cote dusted in snow is a major statement here on the farm. Below is a signature Snug feature of the 15 year old 'Hinoki' Cypress Tony planted that is growing right through the Chinese pheasants caged pen.



The benches once covered with annuals and herbs are now bare slats that create a unique appeal to ones eye. Our large cement clam shell planters filled with fluffy snow sends us waves of enjoyment!

Even a peacock feather cemented in a cold Buddha's hand commands attention, much like the 15 year old espaliers around the farm that stand out as open-armed wooden soldiers in our Yankee landscape.

A murder of black crows commands attention on a stone bench outside the road-side stand.

Onto the important factor of deciduous plant material in the garden including the shocking Ilex verticillata or Winterberry pictured above. Cornus sericea or Red twig dogwoods add red linear exclamation points to the winter scenery in the photos that follow.

Garden statuary and ornamentation is also a really important fun and provoking element in the snowy landscape. Be it an angel, saint, gargoyle or happy elf, the way the drifts of snow move around or plop on an gnomes head, it can add charm and mystery to any ones special outdoor space.

We here on the farm wish everyone a happy winter solstice! The days only will get longer from here and we hope it is a beautiful snow filled winter for all of you!