Exemplifying her philosophy that "it is the daily ritualistic little things that set the tone of our lives," Linda Vater (The Elegant and Edible Garden), garden designer and creator of garden-inspired content for multiple media outlets, offers chatty, beautifully illustrated tips in A Year of Garden-Inspired Living. Divided into Wintering, Springing, Summering, and Autumning sections, the book has more than 200 one-page pointers that include creative approaches to home and garden management, gift giving, entertaining, and self-care, each presented as an inviting short story. Jules had seeds but a small yard. Voila! Hollyhocks growing in the alley! Jon's grouping of blue and green wine bottles placed bottoms up in a clay pot form a "bouquet" echoing the colors in his garden, underscoring Vater's commitment to reducing consumption.
This colorful, sprayed-edge hardcover collection lies flat and includes an attached ribbon bookmark, making it perfect to keep close at hand for quick reference. Delicate watercolor drawings by Briana Kranz enhance every page, which end with an encouraging "Why not try?" summary. This homage to living intentionally is sure to inspire. --Cheryl McKeon, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, N.Y.