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Martha Stewart Chats About Why Living in Maine is a Good Thing.

July 23, 2008 - BOOTHBAY — Martha Stewart arrived at the preview party for the Antiques in the Gardens show at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens after what had already been a busy day.

The author and TV personality, a longtime homemaking maven, sailed from her home on Mount Desert Island -- she has owned that residence for 10 years -- and arrived at the gardens a little later than expected.

After a guided tour, she still had plenty of energy. She spoke to members of the Maine Antique Dealers Association, did three TV interviews and then ventured into the tents that had a collection of antiques on display.

Looking closely at the exhibits as she walked, Stewart stopped early and picked up a piece of sterling silver, talking about it with the stall holder. When a painting caught her eye later, she took a photograph of the typed description and information hanging beside it.

"I am a passionate gardener and a lover of all things old, of all things vintage," she told the antique dealers, explaining why she was so pleased to come to the show.

Patrons were reluctant at first to interrupt Stewart as she worked her way through the stalls. But people would come up and say hello, stating that she had met them before. Some antique dealers had her sign their books or copies of her magazine, Martha Stewart Living.

When she tried the hors d'ouevres, she would sometimes chat with the chef.

Mostly, Stewart was happy to chat about her love of Maine.

She told the antique dealers about how she had come to buy the former Edsel Ford estate about 10 years ago on a visit to the state. But, first, she wanted to talk to her financial adviser.

"People go to Maine and buy a lawn ornament or L.L. Bean boots, and you are going to buy Skylands?" the adviser said to her.

She said she loves the traditions of Maine, especially on Mount Desert, where they bring in pine needles to create paths through spruce woods because the color is unique; where they put pink granite on the drives each spring; and where they line the driveways with evergreens in winter to guide the snowplow drivers.

Stewart also praised much about Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, including the landscape architects' designs, the plant selection and the excellent stone work.

She said that, with the hiring of Bill Cullina, who has appeared on her TV show several times, the gardens are in good hands.

Cullina is a well-respected gardening and horticultural expert and the author of several gardening books.

Barbara Freeman, publicity and publications officer at the venue, said Stewart was quiet and reserved at first.

"By the time we got to the Meditation Garden," Freeman said, "she really opened up and realized we have something special here."

Stewart said the public appearance in Maine was not an unusual thing for her.

"Not really," she said. "I open my garden to the public for tours. And I am out and about, visiting the shops like everyone else does."

Stewart said she takes pride in promoting Maine products, mentioning specifically a mustard company that was about to go out of business but got a boost after being featured on her show and in her publications.

She said she also promotes Maine blueberries as well as all sorts of Maine seafood.

Garden officials estimated that between 500 and 600 people attended the preview party. Tickets were $100 for people entering at 5 p.m. and $45 for those entering at 6.

The parking lots were packed, with garden staffers radioing each other whenever a space opened up.


By TOM ATWELL, Staff Writer, July 17, 2008, Portland Press Herald


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