Heather Newman

Late March through May, what Vermonters call Mud Season, I assess the effects of winter on our property. Freeze-thaw cycles and spring runoff have taken their toll. Overhanging branches need to be removed, wood rot repaired. Pollen is thick and critters have found new places to burrow. Native trees and invasives are tangled. I love the natural beauty of our spot in Vermont, but I also feel overwhelmed by the responsibility. I am what the locals call a “flatlander” from New Jersey. After sixteen years of ownership, I’m still learning the ropes and relying on seasoned professionals. Our home directly faces Mount Equinox; the views expand from the Taconic to the Green Mountains over the Vermont Valley. Hundreds of millions of years ago, the area was covered by a shallow tropical sea, which left behind thick layers of limestone and marble. Later, mountain-building events uplifted the ranges. Glaciers during the last Ice Age carved and smoothed the landscape. What’s left are the open fields, dramatic mountain backdrops and farmland that we are lucky enough to view. We also sit above Manchester, a busy town that continues to expand with new hotels, condominiums, and restaurants. Retaining a rural view is challenging, so our planting and pruning has become intentional. With each decision, I am reminded that growth and change are inevitable. I am a guest on this ancient land.