Perennials, Sheep and Paintings
For many years, I lived in Bowdoinham, so I had a keen interest in meeting the farmers and artists opening their doors for Bowdoinham Farm & Studio Day. The event was part of the statewide Open Farm Day, but Bowdoinham officials promote their town’s creative businesses with a special map and campaign. I called two friends to come tour and photograph, and off we went.
Andrew Fiori’s Campo di Fiori was our first stop, and his lands and gardens are beautiful! Andrew sells perennial plants and has large gardens where one can see these flowers in bloom and in concert with others. Chickens, fields, the nursery and old trees round out his surroundings, and Andrew is the major caretaker. Andrew had also invited Lynn Sternfels to display and sell her hand-printed rayon and silk scarves dyed with botanicals. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit.
We went on to East of Eden Flower Farm. Gardener Julia has surrounded her home with fields of peonies and dahlias; a farm stand with cut flowers, cheeses, and unique gifts; and greenhouses filled with annuals. Rows upon rows of sunflowers and other flowers can be found next to her farm stand which is right on Main Street near I-295. A feast for the eyes!
It was on to Apple Creek Farm which offers organic meats and eggs for sale. Farmers Abby and Jake raise sheep, chickens, goats and cattle and have quite a large operation. What work! The pair had invited food vendors and a Makers Market for the day, and we had a chance to photograph potters, mosaic artists, jewelers, and clothing makers.
Finally, we came into town to visit the various artists showing work at Cathance River Gallery, blacksmith Nicholas Downing at work at his forge, and good folks working at the Bowdoinham Food Pantry. Volunteers there were busy preparing a BBQ feast for Farm and Studio tourists. There were other spots we have yet to tour, and will!
