Milkweed

No, this isn't why people hike the Leverett Triail, at least not the principle reason. This is just -- I think -- Common Milkweed, of which there is an abundance along that part of the trail that empties out onto what remains of the Teawaddle Hill Farm. As is true of the milkweed growing at York River State Park near my home, it's a dining favorite of the Monarch butterfly, among other species.

Shhh!

Shhh! This is supposed to be a secret. Only a discerning few know the true destination of many of the folks who hike the Leverett Trail. I'll let you in on the secret only on condition that you tell no one I told you about it. :-)

Garden Wall

Just a parting shot from another one of Naumkaeg's lovely gardens.

Chinese Temple Garden

Naumkaeg

Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Linden Garden

Naumkaeg

Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Gardens

I've read that Naumkaeg's gardens and landscaped grounds were first designed in the late 1880s by Nathan Barrett, then transformed and expanded between 1926 and 1956 by Fletcher Steele and Mabel Choate.

Study

Linda, the other day, commented on the staff that would be required to keep Naumkaeg, with its 44 rooms, clean. Well, in addition, to hiring people to do that, he also employed a secretary (note the desk in the foreground) and, eventually, a butler and footman. I'm told he employed the latter after a visit to some of the great homes in England.