*2019 Green Earth Book Award winner* Two cats lead the way as young readers learn how to choose seeds, dig holes, and water their plants to create their own peaceful garden. From carrots and lettuce to sunflowers and daisies, this is a garden that children will be eager to plant and tend. With comforting text from Lucy London and charming illustrations from Christa Pierce, A Peaceful Garden shows young readers everything a peaceful garden needs to grow. Perfect for fans of Plant the Tiny Seed, When Spring Comes, and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt. To grow a peaceful garden, wait for the last frost (just kiss the cold good-bye!). Now dig yourself a patch…

The area around your home is your haven, your sanctuary, your refuge from the noise and irritation of traffic, eyesores, and nosy neighbors. Or at least it could be if there was some sort of barrier between your front yard and the sidewalk, or if you didn't have to stare at the back of the neighbors' garage when you want to relax on your patio. Landscaping for Privacy brims with creative ideas for minimizing or even eliminating the nuisances that intrude on your personal outdoor space. Scores of real-world examples show you how to keep the outside world at bay by strategically placing buffers (such as berms or groups of small trees), barriers (such as fences), and screens (arbors or hedges, for example) around your property. And the helpful plant lists tell you precisely which varieties to choose in order to enhance your sense of seclusion. If you've ever felt frustrated by the lack of privacy whenever you step outside your home, this inspiring book will steer you toward an achievable solution.

Create an outdoor haven of peace and tranquility with this beloved Japanese tradition Whether it's on a small balcony or in your backyard, a Zen garden can beautify your outdoor space and be a deeply meditative practice. Even if you have no experience with Zen or Zen gardening, this book will teach you everything you need to plan, build, maintain, and enjoy a garden of your own. There's no need for special equipment—Zen gardens are created with natural elements like gravel, rocks, stones, and greenery, making them perfect for the beginner and the minimalist alike. A holistic approach to Zen—Get an introduction to the background, philosophy, and aesthetic principles of Zen gardening, and find peaceful meditative practices to do in your own space. Zen gardening for everyone—Explore a variety of garden designs, both traditional and contemporary, that accommodate a multitude of budgets, space constraints, and garden sizes. Instructional illustrations—Discover insightful diagrams that show you how to execute different Zen gardening designs. Retreat to your own tranquil Japanese rock garden with The Zen Garden for Beginners.

Set in Seattle amid sensuous garden beauty and lush summer evenings, The Garden House is about finding meaning in the second half of life. Turning fifty has Miranda re-evaluating her life now that her two children have left the nest. In an attempt to rediscover the thrill and hope of her younger days, she decides to convert the garden house into an artist studio – only to find that her husband has already rented it to a somewhat mysterious young man. Though Miranda at first welcomes the shy tenant, she soon develops a sense of unease about him. Is he the nice man he appears to be? Or is he the reason behind her increasingly disturbing dreams? An uplifting – and sometimes suspenseful – story about a woman who pursues a life of love, creativity, and beauty. “I was completely swept away by this tale. I was engaged in the mystery, the confusion and all the secrecy….This book is one that will definitely test your intuition.” – NetGalley Review “Mahkovec’s prose is sharp and fluid, building tension in small domestic scenes….The premise is a fun one, and Miranda is a finely drawn character.” – Kirkus Reviews

Explores the creation of a garden sanctuary with practical advice on plant selection, color, creating pathways and gates, and sharing the space with wildlife.

Jean is learning what it takes to move on in life…after death. In between reminiscing about her experiences with the mad-cap friends she's left behind and getting to know the other residents, Jean must also work on her advancement to the next level of existence. To complicate matters, she and her new companions must unravel a mystery and find its solution before any of them are allowed to advance. But the more Jean looks for solutions, the more problems she encounters. Will the pieces ever fit together? Will Jean and her friends ever be able to advance beyond Peaceful Gardens? It will take all the resources of the residents, including two little girls born a century apart and a caretaker with a problem of his own, before the puzzle can be completed and Jean can continue on her journey.