Another outdoor chore is checked off the list - my crew is getting so much done.
My Bedford, New York farm sits on 153 acres of pastures, woodlands, and gardens. Every day, I tour the entire property to visit my animals and to make sure everything is in excellent working order. I also assess the many groves and allees, and discuss with my gardeners and outdoor grounds crew what needs to be done. It's an important part of my day and an important part of maintaining this working farm. One day this week, the team tackled the area behind my tennis court. They pruned the hydrangeas and "limbed up" the spruce trees.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
In late summer, the area behind my tennis court is filled with blooming white hydrangeas – the flowers are so big, they can be seen from the carriage road.
This is how it looks from a distance. This photo was taken last August. I started planting hydrangea shrubs many years ago and they’ve always bloomed so profusely from year to year.
The following photos were taken when these stunning hydrangeas were in bloom. Hydrangea is a genus of at least 70-species of flowering plants native to southern and eastern Asia and the Americas. The Hydrangea “flower” is really a cluster of flowers called a corymb.
Panicle hydrangeas are known for their cone shaped flower heads. These large blooms typically start white and may turn a slight pink. All the paniculatas are very cold hardy.
And here is a hydrangea that blooms with lovely lacecaps. The lacecap is very similar to the mophead, but instead of growing round clusters of showy blossoms, this hydrangea grows flowers that resemble flat caps with frilly edges.
This time of year, the hydrangea flower heads that don’t fall off are dry and brown and can remain through the season if not removed.
Hydrangeas should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before the shrub begins any active growth. Here, one can see one side pruned and the other still to be done.
Domi snips off spent blooms just below the flower head and removes any wayward or straggly canes.
As with any pruning job, it is important to remove any dead, diseased, damaged or crossing stems. These hydrangeas are quite tall, so Chhiring uses a a long-reach pole pruner.
To maintain a tidy appearance, Chhiring cuts everything at the same level so there is consistent shape to the shrubs.
Here, the cut in the center was made last year, resulting in more vigorous growth. The outer cuts were just done.
After a few hours, all of them were pruned. The hydrangeas look so good and level. With proper care, they will continue to bloom profusely for many years.
Behind the hydrangeas and the tennis court is a grove of spruce trees. Some of these trees were actually moved from the other side of the tennis court some years ago to create a privacy barrier. Over the years, they’ve grown so much and look so beautiful.
Evergreens such as these don’t need a lot of pruning at all, and their sweeping lower branches can be left alone, but I wanted some to be “limbed-up” for better light to the plantings below, a better view under the trees, and easier access for my off-road Polaris vehicles and mowers.
The best time to prune evergreens is from late winter to early spring, well before any new growth will take off for the new season. Here, Pasang uses this telescoping pole pruner from STIHL. It has a quiet, zero-exhaust emission, and is very lightweight. Plus, with an adjustable shaft, the telescoping pole pruner can cut branches up to 16 feet above the ground.
It is important to always use sharp tools whenever pruning so that the cuts are clean. Dull tools are difficult to use and could even damage the tree. A straight, clean-cut promotes quick healing of the wound and reduces stress on the specimen.
All the branches are collected and neatly piled. They will be loaded onto the dump truck and taken to our collection area for the chipper.
After the spruce trees were done, there is ample light through the trees and a clear view.
Here is a view of my tennis court in winter – everything is covered with snow and ice. Today’s temperatures are expected to be in the high 40s – good for melting.
And here’s another heart – I wonder who made it? A good reminder that Valentine’s Day is just four days away.
It’s always so exciting when we have babies at the farm - this time, fluffy, little chicks.
Last month, I attended the 2022 Northeastern Poultry Congress - a poultry show held every year in Springfield, Massachusetts. The event features more than 2500 birds, including large fowl, waterfowl, turkeys, pigeons, Guineas, and of course, a variety of wonderful breed chickens. While there, I purchased 18 chickens and 46 Silkie eggs. So far, 11 healthy chicks have hatched - all in special incubators set up in my Stable feed room.
Enjoy these photos.
Down at the stable, we set up our incubating and hatching equipment from GQF Manufacturing, Inc. in Savannah, Georgia – a company that specializes in game bird and poultry supplies. There are several crucial conditions needed for proper embryo development in all birds. These factors include: proper temperature, controlled humidity, and sufficient air circulation.
The eggs are placed into the incubator where they are safe from other birds and closely monitored until they hatch. Chicken eggs take 21-days. While the eggs incubate, they are automatically turned once a day, 45-degrees each way, back and forth during this period.
From days 17 to 21, they’re placed into the hatching cabinet, where it is still warm. Each egg has its own section, where it safe and cannot roll during the hatching process.
Meanwhile, my stable manager, Helen, who is also very experienced in raising chickens, sets up my large antique bird cage for all the chicks.
A heat lamp is placed into the cage to keep it warm.
Towels are used to line the floor – this will provide good footing for the babies. The chicks are fed organic chick starter for the first six to eight weeks.
And fresh, clean water is always provided. In fact, every chick is personally shown where their food and water sources are, so they know where to find it.
Here is a close look at one of the peeps just starting to break through its shell.
The next day, the first of 11 peeps emerges – it’s nothing short of adorable.
Now, we currently have 11-chicks doing excellently in their enclosure.
They are all up and about and playing and interacting with each other. They also peck at each other playfully.
There are eight Silkie color varieties accepted by the American Poultry Association. They include black, blue, buff, gray, partridge, splash, and white.
Baby chicks need constant monitoring until they are at least a month old. Here in the Stable feed room, they are checked several times a day. This room is also free from drafts. Chicks require an air temperature of 95 degrees during the first week, 90 degrees the second week, and so on – going down by around five degrees per week until they’re ready to transition to the coop.
These chicks hatched within hours of each other, which is good, so they are not lonely.
All these chicks have clear eyes and are very alert – signs of good health.
Here is one of the black Silkie chicks – notice, Silkies have black eyes. The buff Silkie on the right is falling asleep.
It is always nice to see such a strong and energetic group of babies. Silkies grow a bit more slowly than other breeds. They are also slower to mature. Silkie hens start laying at approximately seven to nine months of age.
Remember these adolescent Silkies I brought home from the same show? These four are doing very well.
If you’re unfamiliar with Silkies, they were originally bred in China. Underneath all that feathering, they have black skin and bones and five toes instead of the typical four on each foot. Silkie chickens are known for their characteristically fluffy plumage said to feel silk- or satin-like to the touch.
Silkies are also adaptable, playful, and friendly. And, they are naturally more calm than most other breeds.
I wonder what their conversations are like. In general, chickens are quite vocal. They make around 30 different calls to communicate with each other, expressing everything from “I am hungry” to “there’s a predator nearby.”
Here, one can see their grayish-blue beaks, which are short and quite broad at the base.
I am so pleased with all my Silkies – they are strong, healthy, and happy. They will all be great additions to my flock.
After nearly two years of "working from home," I am finally spending a little more time back at our New York City Headquarters. Marquee Brands is located in midtown-Manhattan, about one hour from my Bedford, New York farm. Because the risks COVID-19 poses continue to evolve, we're currently following a hybrid business model that allows small groups to work in the office on various days, while others continue operating remotely. Earlier this week, I went into the city for an in-person executive meeting and I'm happy to report - it was informative, productive, and most of all, safe.
Enjoy these photos.
Our offices are new and bright and very inviting. It is refreshing to be able to return to our safe corporate environment, and to see colleagues after all this time. Our partner, Marquee Brands, is a leading global brand managing and marketing entity. It was founded in 2014 and is sponsored by well-known investment corporation, Neuberger Berman.
Walking down one of the corridors is a wall showcasing all the brands managed by Marquee – we’re in very good company.
Valerie Waterman is our office manager – always so enthusiastic and ready to help.
Our space has both private, executive offices as well as open desk seating. To ensure everyone remains healthy and safe, we all follow strict guidelines – all employees must wear masks, provide recent proof of negative Covid-19 testing, and work on a scattered schedule.
On various walls, we also remind employees to remain distanced whenever possible – a sign of the times.
My Bedford operations manager, Stephanie Lofaro, joined me in the city on this day. She usually works at the farm. She and my executive administrative manager, Dorian Arrich, joined forces and worked across from each other at their stations – six feet apart.
And you all recognize Kevin Sharkey, our EVP design director. Kevin has worked with me for about 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge about our brand and our many, many Home products. He also takes excellent photos – follow his Instagram page @seenbysharkey.
More giant inspiration images line the long hallways.
Here’s a view of our test kitchen, where all our book and magazine recipes are tested and retested until they’re perfect. It is complete with lots of light, large working islands, multiple commercial refrigerators and freezers, and side-by-side door wall ovens.
On another wall, we have a complete set of magazines for quick reference – everything is organized and tidy.
Jerry Haggerty is our EVP of brand strategy – Home at Marquee. He stopped for a quick snapshot during one of his many Zoom conferences from his office.
On another wall, a row of large photos featuring all the Marquee Brands businesses. Our Martha Stewart brand has a very busy fun year ahead – stay tuned to all our social media platforms and web sites to keep informed on everything we’re doing.
Among our other partners – my friend, Emeril Lagasse. Emeril is the chef and proprietor of 12 restaurants in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Pennsylvania, Florida, plus one at sea. He is also a national television personality and has hosted more than 2000 shows.
Sur la Table is a retail company based in Seattle, Washington, that sells a host of kitchenware items including cookware, cutlery, cooks’ tools, small electrics, tabletop and linens, bakeware, glassware and bar, housewares, food, and outdoor products.
Bruno Magli is an iconic Italian luxury brand.
In 1936, Bruno Magli and his siblings, Marino and Maria, began crafting women’s shoes in a small basement in Bologna, Italy. Today, the company also sells luxury essentials ranging from accessories, handbags, and men’s tailoring to timepieces and personal care items.
Ben Sherman is a British clothing brand that focuses on shirts, sweaters, suits, outerwear, shoes, and men’s accessories.
BCBG stands for “bon chic, bon genre,” a French slang phrase that roughly translates as “good style, good attitude.” BCBG sells clothing, shoes, and accessories for women inspired by the evolving landscapes of European culture, art, and design. BCBG includes BCBGMaxazria…
Body Glove is an American brand of watersports apparel and accessories that was founded in 1953 by twin brothers Bill and Bob Meistrell. The brothers are often credited with inventing the first practical wetsuit in the early 1950s behind their Redondo Beach, California surf shop. I posted a blog about their fun paddle boards last summer – click here to revisit it.
Dakine is an American outdoor clothing company specializing in sportswear and sports equipment. Founded in Hawaii, the name comes from the Hawaiian Pidgin phrase “da kine” meaning “very good,” “the real deal,” or exceptional.
Destination Maternity oversees A Pea in the Pod, one of their two designer maternity wardrobe businesses. A Pea in A Pod offers clothing for every stage of pregnancy.
Their other business is Motherhood Maternity, the world’s largest designer and retailer of maternity apparel, based in Moorestown, New Jersey.
Here is our VP of product development, Zaki Kamandy, on the left, with Keith Li, one of our dedicated IT consultants – don’t worry, they only removed their masks for this photo.
And here I am in our meeting – everyone is well and ready to continue working on our many projects for 2022. We took this photo of our group on the large monitor.
And here is the actual view. It was so nice to see everyone face-to-face. I hope you are all able to resume your regular work routines to some extent – productively and safely.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
