Print Friendly Version“God gives all men all earth to love, but since man’s heart is small, ordains for each one spot shall prove beloved over all.” ~Rudyard Kipling
My favorite garden-themed books:
Two of the most beautifully illustrated books I’ve ever read are In and Out of the Garden and South of France-A Sketchbook by my friend Sara Midda. These were the books that inspired me to write and illustrate books of my own. They’re full of dreamy watercolor paintings and are completely hand lettered by their amazingly talented author.
In and Out of the Garden has a cute recipe for “Noah’s Soup” that I just love, and it’s a great way to use some of those veggies you have growing in your garden plot.
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen is an enchanting work of fiction where a magical garden is the main character. Make yourself a pot of tea or a pitcher of rosemary lemonade and indulge in this feast for the imagination while taking in the sights and sounds in your own garden.
Wicked Plants by Amy Stewart is one of the most interesting books on plants I’ve ever read. Who knew the flora on our planet had such a nasty side? I didn’t expect this book to be as engrossing as it was…but I read it from cover to cover in one afternoon.
Simple Pleasures of the Garden by Susannah Seton is a sweet little book full of garden stories, tips, ideas and recipes that are sure to delight and inspire!
This time of year people are talking about their gardens. I’m kind of a ‘fly by the seat of my pants’ type gardener. I’m not at all serious about it. For years I had a kitchen herb garden right outside my kitchen door, but we now have a deck over that space. I really miss the luxury and convenience of having fresh herbs at my finger tips, so this year may be the year to re-think the herb garden and find a new spot for it. My friend Nancy has the biggest, most beautiful flower gardens of anyone I know. She has offered to share some of her plants with me, so I look forward to possibly planting some new varieties this year, and broadening my gardening horizons.
I always plant container flower gardens for our deck, and four hanging baskets for our Victorian cottage’s porch pillars. Gracie and I are planning how we’re going to plant a “pizza garden” this year too. Will you be gardening this summer?
~Melissa