Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State – Pam Penick

BOOK REVIEW by Nancy Pearlman

When I first got the book Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State, I thought that it might be nice to look at but not relevant to someone like me in Los Angeles, California. I was very wrong. Not only does the book present 27 gardens as case studies, author Pam Penick writes some useful information about planting native flowers and trees both for beauty and to encourage wildlife to return to homesteads, whether in the city or in rural areas. The chapters are well-designed for the reader just to enjoy looking and reading about incredible man-made landscapes but also has a page per garden about “trying this at home.” Photographer Kenny Braun provides over 600 breathtaking photographs of closeups of flowers, trees, patios, and more. This visual celebration became truly motivational for me to do more in my own yards/gardens. Every Pantheist will be inspired to create their own mini-ecosystem or will just enjoy looking at the gorgeous pictures and reading the inspirational descriptions. Penick is founder of Garden Spark and advocates for climate-resilient designs. Enjoy the book to see colorful pollinator gardens to native meadows, from edible gardens to contemporary jewel boxes. With climate change a terrible reality, one will discover how plants can adapt to heat, drought, cold snaps, and changing weather/climate. Now, go out and plant natives from your area!  You can hear my interview with her on YouTube channel: Environmental Directions with Nancy Pearlman, show number 2480: https://youtu.be/RiWcmtsqoew?si=oCCHkttQCazT_rrN