Wakefield Estate

"I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape - the loneliness of it, the seemingly dead feeling of winter. Something awaits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show." 

-Andrew Wyeth

With every passing dark cloud I look up and wonder if it will bring the first real snow of the season.  As I write, a passing flurry provokes some excitement that maybe this is it!  But here we are, about mid-way through the winter, with very little snow on the ground. It's been a different winter, for sure. And yet, because of the lack of snow and deep drifts, this winter has afforded us the opportunity to move more freely around the estate, seeing areas which are typically observed only three seaons of the year. At Winterfire this month, visitors were able to walk the garden's all�es, illuminated with fire and lights that revealed incredible beauty beyond that of the trees' sculpted winter silhouettes. Not only have we been able to feel the bones of the landscape this winter, as the Wyeth quote conveys, but we have been are able to see its bones as well.  Now, it'd be nice to see some of those bones covered in snow! 
  

  


Donate! 

Consider supporting our work with a generous contribution.  

    

Like us on Facebook

Like us on Facebook   

Join Our Mailing List! 

 

Winterfire Offers a Warm Welcome to a Crowd

Our second annual Winterfire was held Saturday, January 7, a night that turned out to be one for the record books with temps hovering in the sixties! An enthusiastic crowd enjoyed a walk around the estate, following the path between three fire pits illuminated by luminaires. Most visitors enjoyed roasting a marshmallow or sausage over an open fire and relaxed under the light of a nearly full moon in a perfectly clear sky. Afterwards, many took a peek inside the Isaac Davenport mansion and shared light refreshments.

conley

 

Backyard Homesteading: Raising Backyard Chickens
Saturday, February 11- 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Back by popular demand!
Join us for the first of our 2012 Backyard Homesteading series. This year's first session, co-sponsored by Brookwood Community Farm, is designed for people who are interested in learning how to start a backyard chicken coop for years of enjoyment and fresh food. This workshop generally draws a "standing room only" crowd and space IS limited so please pre-register by email or calling 617-333-0924. Suggested donation for the workshop is $15. After the indoor portion of the workshop, there will be a tour of the coops and chicken tractors on site, so dress accordingly. 

Save the Dates for more of our Backyard Series: 

Creating Your Own Compact Orchard

March 24, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Become a backyard orchardist and grow your own fruit! Even in a small backyard, you can enjoy fruit from your own trees with minimal effort and cost. This step-by-step workshop, co-sponsored by the Arnold Arboretum, will teach you all you need to know to plan and create a compact orchard for years of enjoyment. No experience necessary. Participants will spend part of the workshop outside in the orchard for a pruning demonstration, so dress accordingly. Suggested donation $20. Space is limited; pre-registration required. Register online or call the Arnold Arboretum at 617-384-5277 or our office at 617-333-0294. 

Pruning Your Backyard Trees and Shrubs 

April 7, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. 

Jen Kettell, horticultural technologist at the Arnold Arboretum, will lead this session on pruning with an emphasis on trees, shrubs and vines you might find in your own backyard. The session will begin with a 45-minute overview of the theory and practice of pruning followed by outdoor learning and practice on some of the Wakefield Estate's trees. Participants should dress accordingly and are welcome to bring their own work gloves, safety glasses, bypass hand pruners and/or saws. 

 

For more information this workshop or to register, call 617-333-0924.

 

Mary M. B. Wakefield Charitable Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Staff:
Mark Smith, Executive Director - email: mark@dogwoodlanefarm.org
Erica Max, Landscape Supervisor and Educational Coordinator - email: erica@dogwoodlanefarm.org
Dave Cafaro, Grounds and Building Maintenance - email: dave@dogwoodlanefarm.org
For more information, call us at (617) 333-0924 or check out our website at wakefieldtrust.org