WillowsfordLife Summer 2020
Thank You
Greens Playground Committee Thank you, Greens Playground Committee members! These five resident volunteers were appointed to provide a recommendation regarding a tot lot in the southern portion of The Greens that the Developer had planned. Over the past several months the volunteer committee weighed the pros and cons of various potential locations and reviewed resident feedback in order to make their final recommendation to the Developer. Thank you to the committee members for all your hard work on this project!
Lisa Sinsheimer • Eric Holloway • Leslie Riccio Jennifer Adcock • Jenny Burke
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Manager’s Letter
A Note from Tenant House by Rebecca Lyons, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® HOA Community Manager
WillowsfordLife Vol. 3, No. 3: Summer 2020
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s I write this note, I am hoping that all our residents are healthy, safe and (hopefully) getting back to enjoying the amenities and gathering with neighbors. While the world slowed down, Team Willowsford took the opportunity to make improvements throughout the community and adapt our Lifestyle programming. The team is busy melding events so that you can still enjoy Willowsford staples like our annual fireworks and wine tastings. The whole family is sure to enjoy 2020 avant-garde style! The most visually noticeable improvements can be found at the pools. The Board contracted with Premier Aquatics for 2020 in an effort to improve service. At both pools, you will notice new cabana fabric and signage. At Sycamore Pool specifically, the bathhouses were updated with new tile, paint and flooring and the pools were freshened up with a com-
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plete re-plaster of the main pool and repairs to the wading pool. Wait, there’s more! Our newest amenities, Willow Grove Splash Park and Twin Ponds Park are opening in The Grove. Whether you want some sun, good fishing, or the little ones just want to splash about, there is something for everyone who likes the outdoors. Less noticeable, but even more important, is the hard work the new Board of Directors is doing now that the Association has turned over to residents. Want to get involved? Consider attending a Board Meeting to see your neighbors in action. The Board meets every other month with a resident comment period at the beginning of each meeting. There are also plenty of volunteer opportunities with the HOA and Conservancy by serving on a committee, club, or even helping with an event.
Copyright 2020 © Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. WillowsfordLife is a quarterly publication of Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc., 23506 Founders Drive, Ashburn, VA 20148. Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. reserves the right to reject or edit any articles or other content submitted to it for publishing. Any opinions expressed by the authors of articles or other content published herein are the opinions of such author and in no way, represent the opinion of Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. reserves the right to reject advertising determined to not be in keeping with the publication’s standards. Acceptance of advertising by WillowsfordLife does not constitute an endorsement of products or services advertised herein. Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. does not take responsibility for and does not undertake effort to validate any representations by advertisers. Willowsford, Willowsford, Willowsford Conservancy, and are all trademarks of Willowsford, L.L.C. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this publication is expressly prohibited. Liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. Printed in the USA.
I wish you all health, happiness and sunshine this summer!
WillowsfordLife
Willowsford Contacts
SycamoreHouse 23506 Founders Drive Ashburn, VA 20148 (571) 297-2586
TheLodge
41085 Willowsford Lane Aldie, VA 20105 (571) 297-2584
Monday-Wednesday ...................................9 AM - 5 PM
Monday .................................................................. CLOSED
Thursday-Friday ............................................9 AM - 9 PM
Tuesday-Wednesday ................................ 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday ......................................................... 11 AM - 6 PM
Thursday-Friday ......................................... 9 AM - 9 PM
Sunday ............................................................ 11 AM - 4 PM
Saturday ......................................................11 AM - 6 PM Sunday .........................................................11 AM - 4 PM
Willowsford Contacts HOA@willowsford.com HOA Questions, Comments & Concerns DRC@willowsfordlife.com Exterior Modification Applications lifestyle@willowsford.com Lifestyle Programming & Amenity Rentals questions@willowsford.com Willowsford Development Team info@willowsfordconservancy.org Conservancy, Trails & Campsites farm@willowsfordfarm.com Willowsford Farm Team market@willowsfordfarm.com Farm Stand & CSA Program
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Important Contacts LCSO › – Dial 911 LCSO Non-Emergency – (703) 777-1021 Animal Control – (703) 777-0406 Patriot Disposal - (703) 257-7100 Trash – Tuesday & Friday Recycling – Tuesday Yard Waste – Monday NOVEC Electric – (703) 335-0500 Washington Gas – (703) 750-1000 Loudoun County Sanitation Authority – (571) 291-7880 Verizon Fios Phone & Cable – (800) 837-4966 Verizon Fios Internet – (800) 438-3467 SFMC, Inc. – (703) 392-6006
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WillowsfordLife
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8 8 Village Voice 12 Lifestyle 15 In the Kitchen
A Community that Knows its Past In the Moment
18 Family Feature 23 Board Room
Willowsford Takes on Quarantine
Board of Directors
Behind the Plate
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WillowsfordLife
Contents
SUMMER 2020
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18 25
27
25 Design Review Committee 30 Willowsford Farm 27 Community Standards 32 Just for Kids
Paul’s Picks
To Everything, There is a Season
Summer Nights, Exterior Lights
My Colorful Kayak
Summer2020
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Village Voice
Did you know? The Swart Farmstead is just one of many historical sites on which Willowsford has performed archeological investigations to help tell the story of the land we live on.
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WillowsfordLife
Village Voice
A Community that Knows its Past Historical Sites
by Kelly Smith, Marketing Associate, Willowsford Operations the Swarts were flourishing farmers who more than doubled their acreage. This success would continue for generations due to the area’s good soil for raising crops, local timber and stone for building and numerous creeks for milling and transporting goods.
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nspired by Virginia’s scenic landscape and rich agricultural heritage, we strove to create a community defined by its expansive natural beauty, unique and engaging recreational spaces, a strong food and farm connection, and activities that encourage an appreciation for the environment and land stewardship. It was clear in the very early stages that the history of the land we were about to develop was important and that soon it would end up shaping much of our land plan. We saw an opportunity to interweave the history of the area with the modern community by protecting the land, preserving sites and doing a little digging. Have you ever stumbled upon the historical site in The Grove or wondered what that big struc-
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ture is behind Sycamore House? About 10 years ago, we partnered with archaeologists and History Matters to unearth hundreds of artifacts and in the process, we learned a great deal about some of the people who lived on the land before you. Take a look… Swart Farmstead Historical Park This Willowsford park found in The Grove highlights the remaining foundations of a farmstead that belonged to Adrian and Martha Swart in the second half of the 1800s. Excavation and research helped Willowsford reveal how the Swarts, a prosperous farm family, worked and lived. The Swarts, descendants of Dutch immigrants to New York, arrived in Loudoun County in the 1770s and bought more than 100 acres of land. Decades later
Adrian and Martha Swart had four children born between 1855 and 1860. At this time, life on the farm required hard work from all members of the household. While the house and domestic yard tended to be the women’s sphere of work and the farmyard the men’s, everyone, including the children, preformed chores all over the farm beginning at an early age. With the help of local historians, we’ve tried to recreate a sense of that farm life. Archaeologists uncovered many artifacts from the site that show how the family worked and played including: pins and thimbles used for making clothing, buckles and buttons used for fastening clothes, clay and glass marbles for children’s entertainment, and pipes for tobacco, to name a few. These excavations also unearthed the original stone foundations of the home and several other buildings on the Swart site. The most exciting of which is The Root Cellar—a 19th century refrigerator—where they kept their own canned, dried, smoked, and preserved foods.
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Willowsford Conservancy. While the cabin no longer stands archeologists have recovered artifacts circa 1800.
Like the Swarts, Willowsford is all about eating and buying local. We can learn a lot about a humbler way of life by studying the Swart family and their lifestyles here in Loudoun County in the 1800s. Come out to The Grove village and take a walk around the Historical Park and read the educational plaques to truly immerse yourself into the history of your land. Stone Dairy The stone building in front of Sycamore Pool is what remains of a farmstead built circa 1800. Standing through two centuries in Loudoun County, the stone dairy, smokehouse and farmhouse were home to many Loudoun County families like the Lees, Laceys, Millers, and Shockeys. The dairy, part of the resident’s domestic yard and garden area, is the only building left standing today. In true Willowsford custom, stone from the farmhouse was used in the construction of Tenant House.
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Before refrigeration became common in the 1930s, there were many methods of preserving food. On farms, where the quantity of food was much larger in order to sell in markets, outbuildings were built close to the house, each with different purposes. Similar to the root cellar found at the Swart Farmstead, one of Willowsford’s other preserved historical sites, the stone dairy was used to keep milk, milk products, and other perishable food as cool as possible. The two-story dairy was built out of stone with stucco on the interior walls. Those materials, the thick walls, a well-water trough system and a first floor set below ground level helped moderate cool temperatures year-round. The second-floor stored fruits and grains while the smokehouse was used to preserve meat.
Julia Jackson lived an unfortunately tragic life. She was widowed young, remarried, and then died in childbirth at the young age of 33. While widowed she worked as a seamstress and taught school to feed her three living children. Stonewall Jackson was Julia Jackson’s third-born child. He is known as being one of the best Confederate commanders of the American Civil War and is associated closely with the “Valley Campaign of 1862” and the “The Battle of Chancellorsville.“ Due to his superior skill on the battlefield, his movements and tactical decisions in these battles are studied in great detail. Jackson often spoke tenderly of his mother and it is believed that their short time together had a great impact on him. Julia Jackson’s gravesite can be found on Westlake Cemetery in Ansted, West Virginia.
Julia Jackson Pond & Park This pond and surrounding park area are named in memory of Julia Neale Jackson (1798-1831), the mother of Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson, who would become one of the Civil War’s best-known Confederate generals. Julia Neale Jackson was born in a small cabin on “Peach Orchard Farm.” Archaeologists believe the actual site of her dwelling is located on Willowsford open space, now maintained by
Go Explore Next time you’re walking on the Willowsford trails, look onto the foothills which sustained generations and think of those who lived before us. Walk to the dairy or visit Swart Farmstead and learn more about the history of the land and farming practices from a time when it was commonplace for families to grow, nurture, and produce the vast majority of their food right in their very own backyard.
WillowsfordLife
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Lifestyle
* All events are tentative due to COVID-19
First Friday Happy Hour Friday, August 7th *
Ic
Sunda
In the Moment Summer at Willowsford by Susan Walters, HOA Lifestyle Director
Kids Night Out
Saturday, July 18th *
T
he world has changed considerably since our last issue of WillowsfordLife. Many of our community events have been put on hold and I’ve been dreaming up ways to bring our residents together through online culinary classes, virtual experiences for the kids, curbside takeaway meals, and more. While we weren’t able to gather together in large crowds, we found ways to adapt to our new normal and help keep everyone safe. This pandemic has changed us all. Hopefully you were able to take some time to slow down, spend more time with family, explore the great outdoors, and enjoy some of our virtu-
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al offerings. Thank you Willowsford residents for adapting with us! Which leads me to this summer’s tentative events. They may be structured differently or even virtually, but will still be a blast! Whether its enjoying the sunshine and a cold beverage at First Friday Happy Hour or picnicking al fresco during our Summer Concert, this season will be one to cherish as we slowly begin to gather together once again. In June we celebrate the most important man in
WillowsfordLife
Summer Concert
ce Cream Socials
Friday, August 21st *
ay, August 16th & 23rd *
Havana Nights
Saturday, July 25th * your life at our Father’s Day Crab Feast. Maryland crabs are steamed on-site and the beer is flowing. What more could you ask for? Or, if you’re looking for an event catered specifically to kiddos, you’ll want to attend Kids Night Out in July. Will this special evening feature a magician, musical group, or other mystical surprise? Stay tuned—more details to come! Perhaps one of our most unique events this summer is Havana Nights hosted in July. This magical evening features a mix of Cuban cuisine, amazing cocktails, and salsa dancing that will
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Father’s Day Crab Feast Sunday, June 21st * transport you to a tropical destination. You and your partner will learn dance moves from a professional instructor and later sample food and drink specialties from Havana. Finally, we wrap up summer with our Ice Cream Socials. Pile on as many toppings as your heart desires and don’t forget the whipped cream! You can find out what’s coming your way by checking the Willowsford Weeklys or visiting the Lifestyle Calendar at WillowsfordLife.com.
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In the Kitchen
ond grade. We cooked our way through both volumes that winter. It felt like a grand adventure to find the ingredients (remember, this was the early 1970s!), cook with eastern techniques and taste dishes with little or no reference points for what they were actually supposed to taste like. We cooked so much we had to invite people over to help us eat it all. That began our tradition of throwing great dinner parties while learning about food from all over the world.
Q: Where did you study and train?
A: From an early age, I fell in
Behind the Plate
QA
with & Chef Bonnie
Interview by Susan Walters, HOA Lifestyle Director
W
e caught up with Chef Bonnie Moore, Willowsford’s Culinary Director, to find out her favorite dish, kitchen tips and tricks, and more! Since coming on board in 2012, Chef Bonnie has helped promote fresh, local ingredients and seasonal menus to integrate healthy eating, culinary arts and the food and farm
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connection across a variety of creative activities and events at Willowsford.
Q: What is your first food memory?
A: I remember my dad giv-
ing me The Joy of Chinese Cooking Volume 1 & 2 for Christmas when I was in sec-
love with cooking and soon decided I would become a chef. The only problem with that plan was my traditional father. “No daughter of mine,” he snorted. I was to attend college and learn to “think.” To avoid having to read or write sentences, I majored in math and minored in physics where I could write equations instead. To liven up my geeky life, I got a job in a restaurant and fell in love with restaurant people—to me, they were far more interesting than mathematicians. After I got my degree, I broke it to my dad—I had to go to cooking school. I studied at Johnson & Wales in Providence, Rhode Island. But it was my time at the Inn at Little Washington that really shaped my career. I felt completely at home cooking with seasonal products and working with local farmers and
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In the Kitchen
producers which reminded me of the way my grandmother’s kitchen operated. Patrick O’Connell, the chef and proprietor, promotes all manner of wild and wacky ideas and hones them into a theatrical back drop for his Michelin three-star restaurant. After four years of statistics and thermodynamics, I cannot tell you how addictive it was to color outside of the lines!
Q: What brought you to Willowsford?
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A: My mother grew up in mari-
time Nova Scotia, the fourth of six children raised by her widow mother in a two-bedroom house. They were dirt poor. But the food in that little house was always delicious. They grew, raised, or caught everything they ate. As a kid I spent summers at the tiny house with my grandmother and I grew up thinking this way of eating unprocessed, local, fresh food was normal. My experience at the Inn at Little Washington reinforced that way of thinking. When the Develop-
ers of Willowsford brought me in to discuss their idea of a farmto-table community, I fell in love with the concept and wanted to do everything in my power to help make it a reality.
Q: What is your favorite dish to cook at home?
A: You can’t ask that question!
If I could only cook one thing, I would hate the dish in two days. What is intoxicating about food is there’s always a seasonal ingredient to look forward to
WillowsfordLife
(right now, I’m looking forward to a decent peach since I haven’t had one since last September) or new cuisine to explore.
Q: What kitchen tool can’t you live without?
A: A decent pan, preferably a
whole set of them. So, what is a decent pan? It’s a heavy pan that heats evenly. Usually these pans are also easy to clean!
Q: Why is sourcing local ingredients important to you?
A: First, small batch, local food
just tastes better. Beyond that, I like knowing how my food was produced and what is in it.
Q: What advice would you give to our Jr. Chefs?
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A: Pick a favorite recipe and
practice it until you have mastered it. Only after you master a dish begin to play around to see if you can add some local or favorite ingredients that enhance the dish. Not every experiment will be a success. What is important is that you learn something from the trial. Maybe the dish was too sweet, and it needs a little salt or a splash of lemon. Then try again.
Q: How long have you been working with Real Food for Kids?
A: I helped found the organiza-
tion over 10 years ago to advocate for access to real food for all school children every day.
Q: How have you been able
to give back to your community during the pandemic?
A: Real Food for Kids launched
a joint project called Chefs Feeding Families when schools closed in March. After working with school administrators, parents, and students for the last decade, we knew there would be gaps in accessing meals in the absence of school. And we suspected these gaps would widen as the hospitality industry closed and unemployment grew. Real Food for Kids along with our chef collaborators produce more than 5,000 meals each week from Gaithersburg, MD to Annandale, VA. With continued financial support we hope to expand the program to more sites and sustain them throughout the pandemic.
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Family Feature ver the past few months, Willowsford has seen many changes. Perhaps the most profound change was the near-constant encouragement to stay at least six feet away from every other person around us. But eventually we learned to adapt and innovate, while still having the ability to participate and share experiences together—as a community. We asked you to share how you spent your time in quarantine, and as you can see there was much happening. Thank you for sharing your stories and photos with us!
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Willowsford The Caldwell Family, The Grove Gives Back The generosity of our residents is certainly something to be applauded. Countless families found ways to donate their time, money, and resources to helping those affected by the pandemic. Two such families include the Caldwell family who organized Adopt-a-Grandparent for neighbors to collect and deliver needed supplies, The Kotraba Family, The Grove and the Kotraba family who celebrated Earth Day by challenging neighbors to dedicate an hour of their time to picking up trash throughout the community.
The Andreoni Family, The Grange
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Eating In Quarantine did not mean giving up restaurant-quality food! Willowsford Kitchen put on Friday Market & Suppers To-Go offering nourishing meals along with the opportunity to stock up on pantry items such as soup, cookies, and wine. In addition, numerous food trucks and vendors brought their talent to Willowsford offering curbside takeaway directly from the parking lots of Sycamore House and The Lodge each week.
WillowsfordLife
Family Feature
Willowsford Takes on Quarantine
by Kacie Ward, HOA Communications Coordinator
Chalk the Walk Hope and beauty were spread throughout Willowsford all while practicing social distancing measures. Residents were invited to break out the chalk and draw inspiring art or encouraging messages on their driveway or sidewalk, creating gorgeous works of art to be admired from afar.
The Jordan Family, The Grove
The Viswesh Family, The Greens
The Murphy Family, The Greens
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Family Feature
Virtual Offerings Just because we couldn’t gather in Willowsford Kitchen doesn’t mean our culinary program was closed. Chef Bonnie hosted a Biscuit Basics virtual cooking class where residents followed along from home. In addition, many other programs were offered virtually including weekly group fitness classes, children’s entertainment events, and more.
The Schrank Family, The Grove
The Phillips Family, The Grange
The Worrest Family, The Grove
The Clifford Family, The Greens
Feathered Fosters Thank you to all the little farmers who participated in Willowsford Farm’s Feathered Fosters program and took such great care of our baby chicks. We love the connection between the community and Farm that a program such as Feathered Fosters cultivates. The baby chicks, only a week old, taught children responsibility and the gentle care that goes into raising young farm animals all while bringing the whole family a step closer to local agriculture.
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WillowsfordLife
Outdoor Living Although the Fitness Center remained closed, there were still many other amenities to appreciate here at Willowsford. The most impressive being our 40-mile network of winding trails, paths and sidewalks! Many residents took the opportunity to get out and enjoy some fresh air while biking, hiking, or strolling the trails.
Family Feature
The Yoon Family, The Greens
The Taylor Family, The Grange
Keeping Busy We loved seeing the innovative and creative ways you kept busy during lockdown! Some dedicated time to perfecting a hobby in solitude, while others organized cul-de-sac happy hours and scavenger hunts to keep in touch with neighbors—from six feet away.
The Stensrud-McLendon Family, The Greens
The Alimusa Family, The Grange
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Board Room
Board of Directors
Welcome New (and Returning) Members!
Mike Russiello, President
Lisa Bradford, Vice-President
Harry Pugh, Treasurer
Frank Blackstone, Atwill Secretary
William Atwill, Director
“We want to emphasize that all members of the HOA can attend Board Meetings. There is always resident comment period at the beginning of each meeting and any resident can share concerns or suggestions during that time. We usually don’t try to solve problems during that time, but it’s a great way to get the process started. The remainder of the meeting is also open to residents… Please attend and participate!” — HOA Board of Directors
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ver 700 households The role of the Board of Direcincludes annually adopting a voted in this year’s tors is to govern the overall opbudget, directing maintenance election as the HOA eration of the Association which of common areas and ameniBoard of Directors ties, and applying the turned over all five documents. Upcoming Board Meeting Schedule Association seats to residents. ConThe Board hires and digratulations to William rects staff to oversee Atwill, Frank BlackTo view past and present Board Meeting agendas, day-to-day operations, stone, Lisa Bradford, minutes, open session packages, presentations, and they approve contracts Harry Pugh, and Mike more please visit WillowsfordLife.com > Document and expenses, but most Russiello! We thank you Center > Community > Board Room. importantly they implefor your willingness to ment the vision for July 9th 5:30 PM assist in the continued Willowsford Life. September 10th 1:30 PM success of Willowsford. November 12th 5:30 PM
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Design Review Committee
Paul’s Picks DRC Seasonal Favorites
plant in containers, butterfly gardens or massed in borders.
by Paul Jeannin, DRC Member
Joe Pye Weed Eutrochium dubium
any of you know me as a member of the DRC and reviewer of your Exterior Modification Application. Hopefully as you drive through the community you are impressed by the quality of the outdoor projects our residents have implemented. As a Landscape Architect I’m always on the look-out for new plants and improved varieties. Like many of you, I enjoy gardening and incorporating these species into my own yard. Here are three of my seasonal favorites!
Moonbeam Coreopsis Coreopsis verticillata
M
Design Review Committee Charles “Max” Harwell Scott McIntosh William “Dallas” Hubbard Bill “Skip” Powers Paul Jeannin Eastern Blue Star Amsonia tabernaemontana I decided to focus on several native perennials this time around. First up is the Eastern Blue Star! With its showy blue blooms in the spring and attractive foliage color—this one is a winner! It is relatively easy to maintain and deer rarely cause severe damage. It tolerates our clay soils and occasional drought. It should be planted in full sun or at least partial shade. Use this
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Joe Pye Weed is a well-known native perennial. Butterflies, bees and other insects are attracted to the flowers for their nectar and hence is a popular choice for a butterfly garden. It requires full sun to partial shade, a humus rich soil and likes to be wet. Therefore, be prepared to water in August! Other uses include rain gardens, meadows and borders. Unfortunately, don’t use this one if deer are a problem in your yard.
The Moonbeam Coreopsis is a very popular selection in today’s gardens. It thrives best in well drained soils with full or part shade. It can also tolerate poor soil and occasional drought. It flowers from late spring to late summer for lots of show. Like the Eastern Blue Star, it is easy to maintain and relatively deer resistant. I have used this in containers and as a perennial accent, but it also works great in butterfly gardens and massed in borders.
Exterior Modification Applications Here are some upcoming DRC dates to keep in mind. If you have any questions about the process, please reach out to DRC@willowsfordlife.com. Note that DRC dates are officially advertised through the Willowsford Weekly emails and on the Willowsford Community Calendar online. Dates listed herein are subject to change.
June 3rd – Application Deadline 9th – Pre-Review 17th – DRC Meeting July 8th – Application Deadline 14th – Pre-Review 22nd – DRC Meeting August 5th – Application Deadline 11th – Pre-Review 19th – DRC Meeting
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Community Standards
Summer Nights, Exterior Lights Seasonal Reminders
by Sierra Sims, HOA Community Standards Manager
A
re you the kind of person who makes the most of warm weather and spends as much time as you can enjoying your yard? Me too! Here are a few seasonal tips and reminders to help create an inviting outdoor atmosphere while maintaining the beauty and integrity of the community.
Property Maintenance & Appearance Mowing Standards Afternoon rain showers are a common summer occurrence that help grass and plants grow. Please remember to trim lawns on a regular basis to keep below the 6-inch maximum height. This includes edging along walkways, driveways, home foundations, patios and deck posts, etc. Owners are also responsible for mowing and edging the grassy areas between the street and sidewalk, as well as ditches.
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In the Weeds Please ensure beds are free of weeds, shrubs and plants are trimmed regularly and kept neat in appearance, and any bare areas of lawn are seeded. Grilling Out Ready to break out the barbecue and sizzle up some delicious burgers and brats? Just make sure that your grill is stored in the rear yard and covered when not in use. Grills, whether in use or not, cannot be placed in the front yard or driveway. Firewood Storage Fire pits bring the time-honored ritual of gathering around the fire together to the modern home environment! Which means you’ll likely keep some firewood on hand for when the mood strikes. Firewood should be kept neatly stacked in the rear yard to avoid adverse visual impact on adjoining properties. If a cover is necessary, please pick one that is a muted brown or tan color to blend in.
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Community Standards
Exterior Modifications Lighting At Willowsford, many enjoy taking advantage of the daylight and the sunshine, but some also enjoy summer nights under a dark sky! Should you need additional light while hanging out in the evening and wish to install up-lighting (home or landscape), brighter bulbs, motion lights, floodlights, etc. you must first submit an Exterior Modification Application and all additional information to the Design Review Committee for review and determination. Residents may install up to 12 pathway lights without prior approval as long as they are spaced at least 5-feet apart. Landscape Design Some flora and fauna might not have made it through the winter, so keep an eye out for any dead or dying plants, trees, and/or shrubs so they can be properly removed and replaced with Association review and approval. Please refer to the Design Standards for full details on the process for removal and replacement of any plants, trees, and/ or shrubs.
Pets & Pools Dog Days of Summer Willowsford occupants also include our furry friends! The warmer months are perfect for exploring the Dog Parks (one in each village) or letting your pet wander within a fenced backyard. Please remember to diligently clean up after pets,
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whether in your own yard or out in the community. There are numerous dog waste stations scattered throughout for your convenience. This keeps the community fresh and gives all residents—both human and furry—a safe and clean place to explore. If you don’t have a Willowsford dog tag for your pet, please stop by Sycamore House or The Lodge front desk to pick one up. Temporary Wading Pools Splish splash! In an effort to provide relief to residents and their families during the challenging times of social distancing, the Design Review Committee, Board of Directors, and Founder have agreed to allow temporary wading pools up to 10 ft. in diameter and 3 ft. deep without approval. Further details on this temporary variance may be found in the Document Center online.
Comments, Questions & Concerns Reaching Out We are here for you year-round! For general comments, concerns, or maintenance requests regarding street trees, open space, common areas, etc. please visit WillowsfordLife.com and click the “Submit a Request” button. On the other hand, questions regarding Exterior Modification Applications should be directed to DRC@willowsfordlife. com. As always, you are welcome to call Sycamore House or The Lodge to speak with a staff member directly.
WillowsfordLife
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Willowsford Farm
Did you know? Willowsford Farm proudly welcomed over one hundred new families into our CSA program this year! We offer flexible schedules, home delivery or your choice of multiple pick-up sites, and easy payment plans. All this, plus the traditional benefits of knowing your farmers and bringing home the freshest, healthiest food.
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WillowsfordLife
Willowsford Farm
To Everything, There is a Season From the Farm by Collin Thompson, Farm Manager fresh bread to supplement our customized veggie boxes. We’re here for you in this new season!
T
he past few months brought both mild weather and unprecedented circumstances to Northern Virginia. Lifestyles shifted and social distancing became the norm, but some things were brought closer—including local food. Everyone needs to eat… and we believe that the very best food is locally grown and freshly harvested, by a Farmer you trust. Transparency and reliability are built into the way we grow at Willowsford Farm. Spring brought a comforting resurgence of activity. Seeds were ordered and planted. Tractors worked the fields according to our crop plans. The high tunnels now hum with life—and tomatoes! Our heritage pigs are about to become mamas for the first time. New partners have joined to offer local cheese, coffee and
Summer2020
Often, we describe our Farm as “diversified” which means we grow a variety of crops, from roots to fruits. Our Farm-ily is diverse as well, with different routines and food expectations. For some families, it means fostering chicks in spring and visiting us for a “Pick Your Own” pumpkin patch in the fall. Others may join us during a bulk harvest of sweet potatoes or winter squash. Willowsford residents can take CSA-inspired culinary classes with Chef Bonnie, and all our members have digital access to new materials of storage techniques, recipes, tips, and hacks to make this year’s CSA extraordinary. The Willowsford Farm crew is grateful for the support from friends and neighbors. We’ve watched our Farm-ily grow
far beyond our hopes for the season and feel so lucky to be farming right in the center of a beautiful, vibrant community. We are privileged that so many recognize the potential of local food and agriculture to bring nourishment and comfort. We are excited to pay it forward by welcoming over one hundred new families into our CSA program this year, and even more new friends through Farm Stand Online! What’s Farm Stand Online? It’s one of our favorite options for e-commerce where you can order customized veggie boxes when we harvest more than we need for our regular CSA members. As a Farm Stand Online subscriber, you’ll receive the opportunity to purchase extra shares when available. Register today! For Farm news, including programming and events, follow along on Facebook and Instagram or through our website WillowsfordFarm.com. Thank you for joining us in thinking globally and acting locally, and for celebrating all the good in our lives over a table of responsibly grown and delicious local food!
farm@willowsfordfarm.com WillowsfordFarm.com
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Just for Kids
The Art Gallery My Colorful Kayak
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Annabelle Van Slooten, Age 5
Noelle, Age 7
Ariana Singh, Age 8
Olivia Nagle, Age 6
Gabriella, Age 8
Tania Katyal, Age 7
Jackson Nagle, Age 9
Thomas, Age 6
WillowsfordLife
Just for Kids
Next Issue Want to be featured in the fall issue of WillowsfordLife? Autumn is a splendid time for an overnight adventure at The Grant Family Campground! Kids—use your creativity to decorate the tent above. Kindly drop off artwork at Sycamore House or The Lodge by August 1st. All submissions become property of Willowsford HOA and may be published in a future issue. Name & Age: ___________________________________________________________________________ (may be published) Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ (used for verification purposes only)
Summer2020
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