Inspiration can come in many forms, and from many places. Recently, I was scrolling through Instagram and caught sight of the book, "Roots Shoots Buckets & Boots." The lady with the picture was commenting that she goes to this book again and again for inspiration. Well....I had to check it out.
I clicked on over to our local library's website and put the book on hold. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Lovejoy also had many more books! I was pleasantly surprised, and put a few more on hold.
It was a happy day when I went to pick them up. What a treasure trove of information, beautiful illustrations, gardening inspiration.....I think you get the idea. I have learned so much. I read a little bit in one book, then read a bit in another. I need to just commit and read one book at a time.
My littlest son Benaiah, and our dog Sophie, accompanied me out back where we took a few pictures for you near my little clump of blooming daises. Fun :) Just so you now, this post does contain affiliate links.
This quote from the forward really puts into words beautifully what this book is about.
'Too often, the voice of experience comes to us in the form of a haughty scold or a boring dissertation: Not so in the case of author Sharon Lovejoy. Playful, modest, and full of fun, Sharon's light hearted essays and whimsical watercolor illustrations combine scientific fact with scholarly observation in a manner that captures our hearts and makes us wiser as if by magic.....For more than ten years, the readers of Country Living Gardener have come to Sharon's "Heart's Ease" column to be entertained. And they have left feeling educated and befriended. For those devoted readers - and for gardeners, backyard biologists and kindred spirits everywhere - we offer this collection of essays, illustrations, and weekend projects." Marjorie Gage
Each essay is a quick read, but is packed with little hints and tidbits. It would be a nice book to keep in your tote as you run errands, sit at soccer practice or wait in line.
OK, I love all these books. But, I especially love this one. The cover of the book really says it all:
"130 Wonder-Filled Grandchild-Friendly Activities!"
"Turn an Hour, a Day, a Weekend into a Lifelong Memory"
"Includes... Firefly Lanterns, Worm Hotel, Pizza Box Solar Oven, Faerie Houses, Memory Boxes, and Peek-a-Boo Planters"
Wow. This book also has recipes, herbs, backyard birding and crafts. Whats not to love? And no...I have not been paid to say any of these things. Sharon Lovejoy doesn't know I exist, but if by chance she ever reads this, "I would love to meet you!" Ahem...sorry about that.
Fun and simple gardening projects with useful tips. Sayings like: "When the fly's upon the wall, Rain is surely going to fall", are sprinkled throughout the book. She dances through the seasons and introduces us to quiet places. Always with such a lighthearted air.
What doesn't this book have. It is wonderful. Whether you garden with children, or just like to act like one sometimes, you must get this book. It gives garden basics, tips for a natural medicine chest, a Top 20 Plants For Kids list and tons of resources. This is such a fun book, I can see why you would want to grab it again and again. I can't help but mentioning that my children have loved looking at these books. Her sweet illustrations are full of detail and really draw you in to look at the details.
This book is so much more than just Sunflowers (which would be OK, because I love those, too). The book contains enchanting garden ideas, with lists of flowers to complete them. Her lovely watercolors illustrate the pages and little poems and remembrances are dotted here and there.
I am so glad that I discovered this author and her wonderful books. Even if you aren't a gardener there are a ton of ideas for you to use.
Let me know what you think. Have you read any of these books? Maybe you have read some of her other titles. Do you have an author that you enjoy that is in this same subject matter? Leave me a comment!
We have not read any of her books, yet, but they sound wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop this week. We hope to see you drop by our neck of the woods next week!