Rachel Louchen reports from Millerton. Gardeners and readers (many of whom were both) gathered at Oblong Books in Millerton on Sunday afternoon, January 20, to hear Margaret Roach speak about her new book, The Backyard Parables, as well as get their copies personalized. For the talk, the author read excerpts while touching on her transition from corporate life to the daily maintenance of her garden. After her reading, Roach fielded questions from the group: from how to prevent a fig tree from early blooming fruit to the extremely popular subject of the ethical removal of pests, a bane with which she is all too familiar. “There was a woodchuck that almost put me in the mental hospital” Roach said without a trace of a smile. The crowd, which included neighbors who have helped the author in her garden over the years to new faces who heard an interview on NPR and decided to come meet the green-thumbed goddess in person. “We're all gardeners! Who here has a bad fingernail?” she asked, this time grinning.
Dick Hermens of Oblong Books with Jane Kellner of Salisbury; Terese Giammarco, Bill Birnbryer and Catherine Sangiolo of Garrison.
Paul Schlesinger with his wife, Phyllis Schlesinger of Hillsdale; Jam Ansboyro and Carole Clarin of Monterey.
The author signs a copy of her book for an excited guest.
Pieter Lefferts of Sharon with Steven Irving of Ancramdale; Rae Hart, Joan Syler, and Kathy Bartles of Pine Plains.
Claudia Cayne and Palmer Irving of Ancramdale; Meredith Glabman and Erin Edwards of Taghkanic.
Sheila Schwartz of Millerton with Darlene Rimer of Amenia.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
