An Early January 2018 Storm
Here in the Northeast, everyone is still digging out from under all the snow left by this week’s winter storm.
The storm, which was called Winter Storm Grayson and "historic bomb cyclone”, left nearly a foot of snow across my Bedford, New York farm that began falling during the early morning hours. The snow came with frigid temperatures, gusty 30-mile-per-hour winds, and very low visibility. I was scheduled to travel back from Florida, but all flights were cancelled - check my Instagram page @MarthaStewart48 to see how I spent my extra time. This winter weather system crippled much of the region, but it still left a beautiful thick coating of powdery, white fluff across the landscape.
Here are some photos taken during the January blizzard of 2018 - enjoy.
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- The snow started coming down overnight, and continued to fall furiously for the entire day.
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- Snow fell an estimated inch-per-hour in the area. It was accumulating so fast. These green trees in my Christmas tree garden are hard to see – and it is not a black and white photo.
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- Regardless of the conditions, it is hard to resist taking photos during a snow storm. We always try to take a good selection to share with you.
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- Here is a bit of color – the bold green of these trees with the browns of neighboring tree trunks.
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- A state of emergency was declared for Westchester, New York City and Long Island because of the blizzard-like conditions.
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- Some meteorologists called the storm a “bomb cyclone” because of how quickly the barometric pressure fell creating very strong winds. Branches of trees were swaying – fortunately we didn’t have any major damage at the farm.
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- It is so windy, snow did not collect on the cross bars of this 100-year old white spruce fencing I purchased in Canada.
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- My outdoor grounds crew checked every greenhouse and every outbuilding to ensure everything was in perfect order. Although they cleared around every greenhouse, and shoveled the steps to every outbuilding, the snow fell fast. Everything will have to be shoveled again.
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- Here is another view across the paddocks – my newest linden trees are barely visible.
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- The carriage roads look so pretty unplowed. My farm is a wonderful place for cross-country skiing.
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- Here is a look into the Japanese Maple Tree Woodland.
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- These trees were also moving in the wind, but they all stayed intact.
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- I always love passing through the Pinetum on snowy days. This area includes pines, spruces and firs, as well as other evergreens – all the trees are doing so well. Hopefully, it will develop into a nice green woodland.
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- Here is a view looking down the drive toward my front gate. On the left is the cutting garden.
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- I was so glad to see so many birds feasting at the feeders. This is a tough time for our wild birds – they are very hungry. I make sure their bird feeders are refilled every day, and give them leftover bread whenever possible – they love it.
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- This is the Stewartia Garden – we planted so much in this space, but all our shorter plantings are completely covered in snow.
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- On one side of the garden is my Basket House, where I keep my vast collection. I love how the snow collects on the wood framing of the door – so pretty.
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- Across from the Basket house is this old apple tree – standing strong with its natural wooden crutches. There are still several apples holding onto its branches.
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- Here is a view of the carriage road leading to my Winter House. The carriage road is also completely covered in white snow. I am glad we have stakes marking the edge of the roads, protecting the grass and garden bed borders.
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- With visibility so low – it’s hard to see this end of the long allee of linden trees. This was the first section planted. We extended the allee this past fall.
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- This is actually a view across the paddocks from my Winter House terrace – the chicken coops are so faint in the distance.
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- The upper terrace parterre outside my Winter House was buried under the snow too – it is impossible to see the steps separating the lower and upper terraces.
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- This pot is one of two huge cast iron sugar kettles I keep as fire pits at the farm. They add such a nice accent to the landscape and have always been fun conversation pieces during gatherings. The snow created a “snow pit” for this great vessel.
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- And while the storm has ended, temperatures dropped precipitously overnight, with a wind chill taking it below freezing. The single digit temperatures are expected to stick around through the weekend. If you live in this area, please stay warm, and please remember to bring your pets indoors.
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