The garden is full of miracles that happen every day. A seed sprouting or flower opening is a miracle. So is the life journey of a butterfly, or a songbird symphony, or the multitude of ways a dandelion can be enjoyed. This book of true stories are about just such everyday miracles, and the human lives they touch. It is a miracle when hope is discovered in the gift of a rose. It is a miracle when a victim of abuse is empowered by the successful nurturing of a seed into a giant pumpkin. It is a miracle when a group of special needs children become the experts at their school garden. It is a miracle when certain symbolic plants bloom out of season, just in time to celebrate a special meaning known to those who discover it. Perhaps you will be inspired to seek the miracles growing in your garden. Or you might help someone else find their own discoveries in their gardens, or the plants within their homes or offices. This book even includes recipes for Dandelion Blossom Ice Cream, Tomato Pie, and Tumbleweed Soup! This is a great gift for the gardeners in your life! Just be sure to keep a copy for yourself.

A waterproof guide for container gardens. It includes advice on which plants work well together. It features wipe-clean pages which are dirtproof.

DIVEverything starts as a dream. The goal could be a new home, a wonderful relationship, an exotic vacation, or fulfilling work, but in every case the dream comes first. In Plant Your Dreams and the Miracles Will Grow, Christine Miller (aka Swirly Girl) combines her inspirational words with whimsical, four-color illustrations to create a unique and cheery gift book about making dreams come true. Throughout the book, Miller offers cheerful, uplifting words and art to inspire readers to turn their dreams into reality. "Imagine the greatest your life can become and dare to follow that vision." "An open heart is a magical vessel to carry you toward dreams come true." "Following your heart is the greatest gift you can give the world…The energy you create will light the way for others." "Nurture your dreams with joy in your heart and love in your soul." /div

Passionate, forthright and enthusiastic, Carlos Magdalena is a world-renowned horticulturist - known both for his charisma and his conservation work. The Plant Messiah follows Carlos' dreams and disappointments; from his days as a school boy in the death throes of General Franco's Fascist dictatorship, to his advent as The Plant Messiah at the forefront of conservation, backed by the reputation and resources of The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and enthused by the potential that lies beyond. The book discloses for the first time the details behind his 'codebreaking' exploits and the secret stories behind his work; his genius, lateral thinking and steadfast belief that everything is possible.

Ken Druse, one of today’s most acclaimed and popular garden writers, takes us on a ceaselessly fascinating stroll through the life of the garden, from the botanical marvels displayed by virtually any plant to the exploits of the plant explorers who once—and still do—race across the globe like Indiana Jones in search of rare and exotic specimens, to the need to conserve the threatened diversity of the natural world. Ripe with facts, punctured myths, serious investigation, and practical gardening wisdom, this is a gloriously illustrated and enlightening celebration of the plants that delight and sustain us. For Ken Druse, the garden provides both a refuge from the world and an irresistible invitation to explore the wonders of nature. In planthropology, Druse celebrates the secret stories of plants and explains their im-portance within daily life, now and since ancient times. A pleasingly random and ever delightful garden stroll of a book, it uncovers scientific facts, dispels myths, exposes controversies, tells some rollicking good anecdotes, and, along the way, casually dispenses an abundance of practical gardening wisdom. Using many of his own favorite plants as examples, Druse reveals little-known facts about both rare and common beauties. For instance, if you like winding down on a terrace or patio after work, Druse suggests planting petunias. Why? Because they are evening fragrant—their pollinators only come out at night. Perhaps you may not have noticed the beautiful spiraling patterns on sunflower heads; Druse explains that all plants feature such spirals, and that they correspond exactly to mathematical principles that have captivated great thinkers (and artists) throughout history. With the authority and assurance of someone who demonstrates both deep passion and uncommon ex-pertise, Druse takes us chapter by chapter through the history, biology, economics, and cultural significance of plants. We meet bumblebees who literally shake pollen free from flowers with sonic vibrations. (Druse can’t recommend petting the fuzzy little apian teddy bears as they sleep in a sheltering blossom, but he has tried it!) Here too are the adventures of the plant explorers who sailed and trekked across the world in search of new and exotic specimens, and whose exploits were far more harrowing than you might imagine. Some plants even factored into the instigation of war. But Druse then gives us a handy primer on the language of flowers (a single gardenia says, “I love you in secret,” and acacia blossoms say, “Let us be friends”). He considers the influence of plants on the history of fine and decorative arts, the way we garden now with stalwart, low-maintenance plants, and the ever more critical need for conservation. Planthropology is a wondrous ac-knowledgment, from one plant lover to his fellow devotees, of the limitless pleasure and deep wisdom to be found in the garden.

A comprehensive guide to beautiful and productive gardens. This is much more than a descriptive plant selection resource.

Imagine gathering fresh herbs from your doorstep, picking veggies for dinner from your patio and delectable fruit from your balcony. No matter how small your space, you can have a bountiful healthy harvest for you and your family.Box gardens are not only practical but they are also beautiful. Being able to grow a garden within site of your kitchen window adds even more value to this gardening method. If you have bad knees or a stiff back you can still enjoy gardening by using elevated box gardens that are simple to build, plant and maintain.This book includes a variety of plans to make your very own instant box gardens and step by step instructions for planning and caring for theme gardens as well as suggestions for using your harvest in creative and delicious ways.No need to worry about having a green thumb, the instructions and tips in this book will ensure that you have nothing but delicious success with your box garden.Instant box gardens are a perfect activity for the whole family. I have shared some of my favorite theme gardens and activities in this book that my very own children have enjoyed for years.Growing food has never been easier or more fun. Grab a cup of coffee and dig into this book that I hope will inspire you to join millions of other passionate box gardeners!