WAYSIDE MEADOW FARM, RYEGATE VT

This custom design came to life after a family's heirloom cut-leaf maple tree tragically fell in 2020. To honor this loss, my client sought a custom design using a remnant of the felled tree's limb to surprise Bumpa, her father-in-law.

Through our collaborative process, I learned that this tree was a landmark signifying the farm's beginning and her family’s roots. My client recounted, "Bumpa's grandfather's mother planted the tree circa 1880". Astonishingly this homestead has continued within this family since inception, with plans to continue as such for another century.

We all understand a sunrise's role in a farmer's world and land. Bearing that in mind, I intentionally utilized the cross-section to create a sunrise scene peeking over the barn as a nod that this inheritance would see another first light. Additionally, the barn's modern white cutout symbolizes the farm's future. This design nods to the family's past and future on this homestead.

I am privileged to be part of such an homage where a family's quintessence lies in the stewardship of their land and the heart of their family's inception. It is rare to encounter a person who can share that their family has owned and run the same farm since the 1880s and even more knows the tree's origin dating that far back. The devotion embedded in this family's story is one aspect I love about Vermonters. I am beyond grateful to honor the tree’s legacy as well as the senior figure who continues to inspire and lead his family with this one-of-a-kind design.