Roots, Shoots, Buckets, and Boots by Sharon Lovejoy

Back in May, Matt and I started talking about planting a garden. He wanted vegetables so that we would have some fresh produce coming in for a while and might save on the grocery bills and eat healthier. I wanted flowers because, quite frankly, my yard is pretty ugly and also I've always been surrounded by flowers. My mother is a master gardener and she has filled her yard with a vast array of flowers and flower beds and whimsical decorations. When it came time to plant (which is to say, when we got off our lazy butts and decided to do something), we ended up with vegetables. The harvest is already rolling in and I am happy with our decision but I keep thinking about what flowers I'll plant next year.

I really liked this book. See, my first thought about gardening was that I just don't get it. I don't have my mother's persistence. I want pretty flowers but don't know which ones to get and the ones I know that I like (roses and hollyhocks and peonies) grow in full sun and, thus, not in my front yard which is heavily shaded by a maple and some pines. I went right for a children's book. Way simpler.

The book is organized into different gardens that are perfect for kids because they are quick growing and hardy. The one I found myself enchanted with was the night garden. All I want now is a back porch with a little night garden of moon flowers and evening primrose at the bottom. The other gardens include a sunflower house with a morning glory roof (morning glories are a favorite of Matt's) and a garden of giants full of pumpkins and gourds. There are drawings and activities and easy to follow (I think) directions for planting and care. All of the gardens are meant to be fertilizer (except for manure) and pesticide free.

This is a great book if you are stuck like I am or want to get kids into the garden.