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It's been a year of wild weather - mountains of snow during the early months of the year, and more recently stalled fronts resigning us to days of perpetual grayness and drizzle. But elsewhere in the world, nature has dealt far harsher blows with the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, devastating tornadoes in the south, and floods of historic proportions now threatening the gulf coast region. Images of the devastation left by these outbursts of nature's fury leave us with a raw and renewed awareness of our blessings. This month, as we lead dozens of wide-eyed students into the front garden, stunningly awash with the evanescent beauty of the redbuds, lilacs and spring ephemerals, we are reminded to take stock of the tremendous gift Polly Wakefield gave us all. With the arrival of spring, the beauty of this special "garden room" is truly breath-taking--but this magical vernal moment doesn't last long. Make sure you don't wait to smell those spring flowers before we yield to the hotter temperatures and hues of summer, which will soon be upon us.
-Mark Smith
Executive Director
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 Come out to "Dogwood Days Open Gardens"! Saturday, June 4 and June 11: 12:00 pm- 3:00 pm
The schedule is set for the Second Annual "Dogwood Days Open Gardens" at the Wakefield Estate! Take advantage of this special chance to visit the dogwood collection on consecutive Saturdays, June 4 and June 11, between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm. Join us for a stroll about the estate and view Polly Wakefield's amazing kousa dogwoods! If you prefer to make your own way, the grounds will be open for self-guided walks around the formal gardens with hundreds of kousa dogwoods at their peak (hopefully) bloom. A guided tour will be offered both days at 1:00 pm, rain or shine. |
 
"Sesame" the Rooster's Plight
Becomes Visiting Students' Delight! Executive Director Mark Smith was on his way to the estate to lead our "Backyard Chicken Raising" session on a frigid day in February when he saw something on the snowbank out front. It was the saddest looking chicken he'd ever seen. It had been doused in molasses, rolled in sesame seeds and dumped. It was a complete mess, and while we weren't sure we could do anything for the poor creature, we brought it in and bathed it with Dawn. Underneath was a handsome black bird with a green sheen on its feathers. That night it began to recover in the warm guest room of the red cottage. At 3 a.m., it crowed! We had not known it was a rooster because its comb and waddle were badly damaged. Once it began to heal, we realized it had lost an eye. Our research revealed that it was likely a cochin, a type of chicken known for its docile temperment - and indeed, we had discovered that this chicken was unusually sweet despite all he had endured! Fast forward to this spring when our students returned for their field trips. We soon realized that "Sesame," as he is now called, was truly a gift. He's extremely popular with the students because he allows them to easily pick him up and hug him. Some prefer to just pet him and touch his comb. With recent concerns about anti-bullying, Sesame has allowed us to discuss the importance of respect for other living creatures. The students find that despite his handicap, Sesame is truly beautiful and an extra special chicken. |
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ATTENTION TEENAGERS:
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN UP!
Know of any high school youth looking for a great way to spend two weeks this summer? Space is still open for our 2011 Summer Archaeology Institute. Session 1 is from June 20-July 1; Session 2 is July 5-15. Call us for an application or for more information: 617-333-0924. |
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