Dear friends,
This year has demonstrated more than ever that public outdoor spaces are crucial. PowellsWood has always embraced its mission to provide an oasis for our community.
As a result, we have made the decision to continue to stay open throughout the year! Normally at this time, we would be preparing to go dormant until April 1st. Instead, we are inviting you for fall/winter strolls, Tuesday- Saturday from 10am-3pm.
The air may be a little crisp. There may potentially be a few really small raindrops. The varying shades of decaying plant material may be less than vibrant. You may possibly collect a tiny bit of mud on your boots. If you’re lucky… you may even catch us dredging the pond by hand (the ghastliest winter chore of the year… volunteers?).
On the other hand, seasonal interest awaits! The hellebores have grown weary of flaunting all winter without admirers. They have already started picking out new flowery outfits. The mosses and lichens have agreed to look extra mossy and licheny. Tree bark gains a whole new appreciation during these months. The perennials drew straws and the winners will be showcasing their seed heads… the birds didn’t complain. With the threat of increased foot traffic, the local vole population has decided to disband their annual Tunnelfest which they hold every winter in our lawns (one can dream). The 1.2 mile trail to Cold Spring will continue to be open for the woodsy types. For all of you topography enthusiasts, the structure of the garden is ready to impress. Bones will be exposed and our hedges will stand tall and strong. The garden, in and of itself, still promises the same measure of respite and wonder as it always has. And you are welcome to partake.
We ask that you continue to maintain social distancing guidelines in the garden. We are honored to remain a safe location for recreation.
We also would like to thank our community for your amazing generosity during this trying season. Without our members, visitors, and supporters, none of what we do here would be possible.
Hope to see you soon,
Justin Henderson
Garden Director
P.S.
The garden will be closed:
-Thanksgiving weekend, Nov 26-28
-Christmas thru New Years, December 24- January 2
To our faithful garden friends,
We truly miss having you here, and I hope that you are all staying safe. Just as your lives are adapting and changing in these challenging times, life at PowellsWood has looked much different this season as well. But while there has been a lack of people and activity, the garden remains full of life!
The songbirds continue to sing loudly and fill up the empty space. The occasional call of a frog reminds us we still have his company, yet he chooses to remain elusive. A mighty blue heron swooped in last week, just long enough to say hello before leaving as quickly as it came. I even encountered a river otter merrily trotting through the woods. Both of us were startled at the lack of social distancing and it abruptly fled!
The plants have also woken up to an unusual world, but they don’t seem to mind at all. I think they’re actually enjoying this! Every day they remind us of their magnificence- if only for a few to behold. Bright reds, layered pinks, subtle blues, radiant yellows, and soft whites are slowly occupying the green and brown landscape. I never tire of seeing the beautiful transformation our garden goes through every season.
I had hoped that the weeds would take the season off this year, but alas they are taking full advantage of the situation! We’ll make sure they find their place in the compost pile they belong to!
In the meantime, please continue to enjoy PowellsWood from afar. We will open when the time is right, and I am looking forward to connecting in person with you all soon. I hope you are enjoying the photos of the spring flowers. These flowers have brought much joy during these trying times, and they help remind us of a gardens worth in our society. More than ever, they are an oasis of rest, healing, and delight.
We are very grateful to be a part of a passionate, garden loving community.
All the best,
Justin Henderson
Garden Director