From the Orange Mailbox: Notes from a Few Country Acres

by A. Carman Clark

From the Orange Mailbox is the first collection of A. Carman Clark's award-winning columns of good country wisdom. Written with humor and intelligence, Clark's essays cover topics ranging from the history of her 170 year old farm on Sennebec Pond to the use of narcissus bulbs in ancient Rome to the proper care of an asparagus bed. The book also contains many of Arley Clark's "good book recipes"; delicious concoctions made from asparagus, rhubarb, blueberries and apples grown on her own farm.

Genres: Gardening

273 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Gena Lott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This uplifting and thought provoking collection of short essays reminds me why I'm a country girl at heart and gives me that shot of rural hominess when I am overwhelmed by the city. The book contains everything from garden cultivating and harvesting tips to recipes, to relaxing anecdotes. It is a gem!

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lovely little collection of short essays that were published in a Maine newspaper in the 1960s by a woman who had a pretty large property in midcoast Maine, where she gardened (both veggies and flowers) and mused on country living. Organized by month, as many books of this type are. This would be a lovely book to own, and pick up and read in the appropriate season.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gem. I randomly picked it up off a thrift store shelf seeing the title. Having my own handful of acres and doing a homesteady type lifestyle, I bought the book. I am so glad I did! I am in love with nature just like Ms. Clark, and loved seeing her world through her eyes. It was a mix of lovely prose, practical tips on gardening and such, and a bit memoir. I absolutely loved it and I hope her children and grandchildren now live on her farm and live that lifestyle she so loved.

[Lanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one took me forever to read because the 'chapters' were the weekly columns, and after one or two I'd shut the light off and fall asleep!

[Treasure Island Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Essays on country living in Maine.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed this book and the gardening wisdom shared. This author seemed like a good friend by the end of the book. Really had great stories. How I want to get things done. She accomplishes a lot in her garden, her home and life. Does this as a single lady.