Garden Anticipation

Another morning of below zero temperatures plus seed catalogs filling the mailbox, have this gardener longing for spring. Peter White Public Library provides some fascinating reads to enjoy by a cozy fire during the remaining dark days until planting time.

For that no-man’s land between the sidewalk and the road, Hellstrip Gardening by Evelyn J. Hadden gives plenty of inspiration for ways to dress up that typically drab piece of real estate. Hadden provides solutions for dealing with poor dry soil, traffic, community covenants, utilities and other potential pitfalls. Attractive environmentally friendly designs for wildlife, water and labor conservation are well illustrated and suitable for various regions of the country, even our challenging climate. Find this book on the new nonfiction shelf under call number 635.9 HA.

To satisfy the restless green thumb and  help in garden planning, Trellises, Planters & Raised Beds published by Cool Spring Press may be the ticket. It is chock full of do it yourself projects for the yard that will double your growing space. Well-illustrated with clear directions, this book gives anyone handy with tools the inspiration to create an endless variety of garden accessories and aids to extend your growing season. New non-fiction: 681.7631 TR

An added bonus to any garden is the variety of birds, insects and creatures that the plantings attract. The Living Landscape by Rick Darke and Doug Tallamy is a comprehensive guide to increasing the biodiversity of your piece of earth. This collaborative work between a landscape consultant and professor of ecology, describes the layers and relationships in any planting and how these interactions can be enhanced for the benefit of humans and wildlife. Full of gorgeous photos and charts of useful plants, this volume will help steer you toward a more sustainable garden philosophy. New non-fiction: 712.2 DA

Working toward a more sustainable planet is the focus of Oil and Honey by Bill McKibben. The book provides a unique blend of storytelling about the author’s work in the global climate fight plus the culture and development of local honey.  Author/activist McKibben shares his journey of civil disobedience in protest against the Keystone XL pipeline while highlighting small scale, local answers. An inspiring read by a man committed to the cause of finding the balance to help sustain our planet. New non-fiction: 363.7 MC

The Wealth of Nature by John Michael Greer provides an interesting new perspective on our economy. The author bases his thinking on the reality of today’s ecology rather than current politics and re-examines the meaning of wealth. Greer poses the concept of centering the study of economics on natural capital- raw materials that sustain human life-to move society toward a more ecologically sound relationship with our planet. Plenty of food for thought on public welfare vs. corporate profits in this age of declining abundance. New non-fiction: 338.0 GR

In the face of climate change, peak oil and looming economic crisis, Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone may be the book to encourage you. Subtitled “How to face the mess we’re in without going crazy,” this book helps readers strengthen their resolve to respond to challenges with resilience and power. A scholar of Buddhism, systems theory and ecology, author Macy joins forces with Johnstone, a physician focused on the psychology of behavior change, to create a collaborative model for communities of all sizes to work together to achieve the positive transformation of our world that we all envision. New non-fiction: 303.4 MA

To understand where we are heading it is important to comprehend where we have been. In Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation, Bill Nye (yes, the Science Guy!) takes us on an empowering journey through the study of evolution and the way it has shaped our lives, believe it or not. With his trademark infectious enthusiasm, Nye explains how “evolution is one of the most important ideas in the history of science…and that it is also the most meaningful creation story that humans have ever found.” New non-fiction: 576.82 NY

Read on, keep learning, be inspired and hope for spring!

~Margaret Boyle, Programming Coordinator