Sometimes you’re too close to something to really see it. We came to the farm about five years ago, (maybe six) and the first thing we did, even before we moved in, was plant three maples trees, two lilac bushes, and a magnolia bush in the front of the house, which was bare of shade and healthy gardens.

Florence Walrath, the owner, was 102 when she died, she was clearly a devoted gardener, but couldn’t tend to her gardens towards the end of her life. Maria adopted them, they have come back to life.

There are at least eight gardens planted all around the farmhouse – an herb mound, a Dahlia garden, two wildflower gardens, gardens around the side of the house, and all around the back porch.

The topography of the house has changed radically, it is ringed with trees, young and old. On the South Side of the farmhouse, we’ve planted eight white birch trees, and two pines. They have also grown up and the house has a new sense of privacy and nature and beauty.

Our Little Free Library, now visited regularly by neighbors and passers-bye, is a tiny institution all of its own. We planted each one of these trees and bushes by ourselves, and have watered and nurtured them faithfully.

We love these ring of life ourselves, and sometimes think ahead to the people who will follow us, and see the old farmhouse nestled in a circle of green and color. The trees give shade, songbirds and privacy. When we first moved no, there were no trees in front of the farmhouse, it was white and bare.

We seem to have this passion and addiction for planting, it is an elemental part of our life together. Maria comes to this naturally, I learned it from her. I can’t imagine a life without planting and watering things.