We had invited 27 people from the Martha Moments Facebook Group to attend this tour: these were individuals who had been members for a very long time and who contribute regularly to the group. Most attendees had been longtime readers of this blog and had supported it with editorial insight, research, photography, feedback and comments.
As the date approached, Bernie and Dennis were receiving more details from Martha's team about how the day would unfold. It kept getting better and better! We learned, for instance, that Martha wanted to serve us all breakfast on her terrace before the tour began! Wow!
Everyone was instructed to meet at a nearby parking lot where they would then be shuttled to Martha's farm in two large vehicles to arrive by 9 am. It only took four runs to get everyone assembled in Martha's driveway.
Once everyone was assembled in the driveway and greeting each other with smiles and excitement (this was the first time many of had met in person), Carey Lowe passed out the name tags she had made for all of the group members. This is Steven Bednasz's nametag held up against the Tenant House as the backdrop.
Everyone was thrilled to see Ryan McCallister arrive! He was a 'surprise element' that Bernie, Dennis and myself had to keep secret. Originally, he was not scheduled to be there but made it home from his trip to the Netherlands in time to lead the tour. Everyone cheered when they saw him!
The group was led over to a shady spot in the berry patch. Martha remarked that the group was very large but very enthusiastic and was very pleased that we were all on time. She looked so nice in a striped blouse and denim trousers.
We all looked quite nice too, if I do say so! Carey, Hayden, Brian, Matt, Andrew, Paul, Anthony, Matt.
Martha briefly explained the history of her farm and the enormous amount of planning and execution required to build all of these gardens from scratch. It has been 25 years since Martha purchased this estate and radically transformed it into what it is today.
Adjacent to the berry patch was Martha's beautiful rose garden, which was already very much in bloom.
The tour progressed into Martha's cutting garden. Peonies of all colours were in bloom. You can see the greenhouse in the background.
The entrance to the greenhouse looks so stately.
The gardens were lush and everything was coming up so beautifully. My friend Jordan, a professional photographer, lingered in the garden for awhile to take some thoughtful photographs.
Here is an example of one of his photographs of the cutting garden: cinematic!
So many glorious specimens to admire!
Jennifer and Justin pose for a selfie in the garden: Kristina and John in the background.
The terrace was just next to the Winter House, Martha's main residence on the farm.
When we arrived on the terrace we were astonished by the array of foods that had been set out for us: hardboiled eggs (from Martha's chickens), delicious pastries from
LMNOP Bakery in Katonah with assorted jams and jellies, coffee served in Wedgwood drabware ceramic cups and saucers and Martha's famous green juice, as well as refreshing iced teas.
The pastries were extraordinary: croissants and cinnamon pastries that were perfectly flaky and melted in your mouth.
Carey Lowe captured a close-up with the terrace garden in the background.
Steven did the same with his croissant and egg.
Everything was wonderful.
Martha explained what everything was.
Help yourself!
Martha also enjoyed the pastries!
Bernie and Dennis on the terrace.
Bernie, Dennis, myself and Justin.
Nathan looks so happy!
Kevin Sharkey took this great photo of the group from a second-story window.
Just before breakfast ended, Bernie, Nathan and Justin went to retrieve our large gift basket for Martha. Bernie and Dennis gave Martha a very rare variety of the Boston fern, which had curly, almost fluffy fronds. Martha loved it and said she would be taking it to Skylands.
All of our gifts were laid out on the kitchen island by Kevin Sharkey who snapped this photo. Martha was so pleased with everything!
After our breakfast, the tour continued towards the peony garden, the sunken garden behind the Summer House, the new maze and much, much more! Stay tuned!
(Photos by Jocelyn Santos, Andrew Ritchie, Justin Giannuzio, Nathan Schmidt, Steven Bednasz, Carey Lowe, Kevin Sharkey, John Roberts, Jennifer Butler-Zimmerman, Hayden Regina, Jordan Munn).