The Zen of Gardening

The Zen of Gardening – David Wann

Drawing from his own considerable gardening experience and expertise, as well as leaning on the wisdom of the people he calls ”the Zen Masters of the Western Garden,” David Wann gathers a mix of stories, how-to advice, and simple, doable projects that are ideal for gardeners in the high and arid landscapes of the West. This covers topics such as strategic gardening (how to coax fruits and vegetables from a sun-parched garden), pest-proof planting, choosing the right varieties of edibles for the region, how to become a eed-starting maniac, a Farmer’s Almanac approach to gardening (plant peas when the first cottonwood leaves appear!), as well as profiles of colorful local gardens and gardeners.

The Zen of Gardening in the High and Arid West is a friendly and invaluable guide to such topics as strategic gardening (how to grow salsa or pesto from scratch), pest-proof planting (he playfully advises using a photograph of his face to deter the bugs), choosing the right varieties of edibles for the region (he’s bullish on Sungold cherry tomatoes), how to become a seed-starting maniac using a Farmer’s Almanac approach to gardening (plant peas when the first cottonwood leaves appear!), as well as profiles of colorful local gardens and gardeners.
Wann offers inspiration and invaluable practical advice for success in the garden. He shows how gardening can offer “a Zen exercise in mindfulness, discipline, and the joy of being right in the moment.”