A seedbed is a specially prepared area of the garden that has been made suitable for the sowing and germination of plant seeds. A seedbed has usually been well broken down into a fine tilth[?] using a tool such as a rake[?], and will have had any stones or weeds removed. The site will have been levelled for even drainage.
... of Count Vronsky to the jealously of Dolly's sister Katarina (Kitty) whom he has previously been courting.
As the novel opens, Stiva's friend Levin has returned ...