Ramsay Farm FYI: Sunday, July 26, 2015

All the signs of mid to late summer are upon

us here at Ramsay as we endure the heat and humidity,

while praying constantly for rain--which passes to the

north and south--routinely avoiding us!

Even so, we enjoy beautiful scenes from Mother Nature

as well as from the hands of all the good folk who help

us take care of this beautiful, historic estate.

Magnificent cloud patterns over the Carriage Turnaround

The hay fields were overrun with clover this summer, prompting a second cut a bit earlier than usual. Cutting hay and maintaining the fields are routine activities on a country estate, but it did make us a little sad to see the clover disappear, taking myriad butterflies and other fluttering creatures away at the same time.

While mowing the pastures, we enjoy views that many never see.

Patsy and her diligent crew are working tirelessl,y upgrading the flower gardens, shrubs, and landscapes. The grounds around the Carriage House serve as a staging area for new plants.

We have several pathway and staging areas at the estate where we use what is locally called "Monticello Dust" -- an upscale mixture of sand and crushed pebbles. The crew from Grelen Nursery in Orange, Virginia came out earlier this week to freshen up several designated areas. This scene is at the old greenhouse site along Farm House Lane.

Some time ago, the owners suggested building a bench around the large Siberian Elm just north of the Grigg Barn. Having a difficult time finding an available--and affordable--carpenter to take on the task, Stephen broke out his tools and took up the challenge a few weeks ago.

A welcomed addition to the Milton Grigg Barn Yard

The setting here at Ramsay--so close to the mountains--provides an on-going slide show of Mother Nature's handiwork. Sunrise, sunsets, storms, clouds, verdant landscapes--the tapestry is ever-changing and wonderful.

Thursday evening of this week, we were treated to a magnificent sunset!