East Parsonsfield, Maine.  As October approaches, we know that nippy temperatures are just around the corner, here in the foothills of the White Mountains.  Luckily, lilies love cool temperatures.  Still, we have to make sure that the greenhouses maintain just the right temperatures.  We also monitor our lighting.  It must come on right where we need it, and when we need it.

Now we are happy we planted lots of yellow, orange and red varieties of lilies in the middle of summer, because everyone wants those colors in their homes now.  We're glad we planted our pumpkins and sunflowers in June, too.  I wish our dog, Julie, didn't relish our little Baby Bear pumpkins as much as she does.  They are supposed to be decorations, not snacks!

Hand in hand with the harvest season is the grand celebration of country living, the Fryeburg Fair.  It has been taking place in our corner of the world since 1850.  I don't think a lot has changed at the Fair in all those years.  People love to see the repetition of the growing season and its produce.  Jars of pickles, tomato sauce, jams, jellies, stacked next to apples, potatoes, squashes, onions, garlic, etc.  Crafts of every description abound, colorful quilts, skeins of handspun yarn, handmade socks and mittens, furniture made from twigs, baskets made from grasses, etc.  Brilliant flower gardens and flower-filled pots line the walkways.  A time to drink in the sweet scents and tart flavors of Fall to fortify us through the winter.

Until the next time,

The Maplecrest Lilies Crew