Meadows

While visiting one of my favorite houses recently, I was struck by the sheer beauty of the adjacent meadow, and I realized that it had been awhile since I had seen a true meadow. Unfortunately, they are disappearing.

This house sits on the site of a former farm. Part of the land is still used to gather hay for horses by a neighborhood farmer.

Not simply a field, I have learned that a meadow is a small, flower-rich, grassland that is most likely bordered by stone walls or hedges, remnants from the original farm. Undisturbed areas with grasses, wildflowers, like buttercups and thistle, attracting butterflies and bees, are allowed to grow tall before mowing and baling.

Many meadows have disapppeared over the years and have been replaced with housing developments or if the land is still farmed, with higher yield cash crops. But in Tiverton and Little Compton, you can still come across them. Lots of open space.

If you do happen to be driving about on your busy days, and come across a meadow, please take a moment to appreciate the simple beauty. I did, and I keep thinking about it.