The Gardener's Mindset launch week

A big thank you to all those who helped get the word out. Here's a little roundup

I was so happy the way things turned out for the launch of The Gardener’s Mindset this past week.

It started with an insightful article in The New York Times by Margaret Roach, Want a Riot of Color in Your Flower Beds? Definitely Make a Plan. Margaret and I never actually worked together but we crossed paths a lot. I was gardening editor at Martha Stewart Living several years after she was there as garden editor and editor in chief, but I continue to admire her ability for reporting and storytelling. If you don’t follow her work in the Times and on her A Way to Garden blog and podcast then please do yourself a favor and check them out.

She also did a podcast with me about color schemes and the book here, which was a lot of fun to record. I made her blush about Vita’s favorite rose ‘Cuisse de Nymphe émue’ (literal translation: "thigh of an aroused/moved nymph") . Oh Vita!

On pub day I was honored to be on WNYC radio for All of It With Alison Stewart speaking about the memoir aspects of the book while answering gardening questions from listeners. Listen here.

I used to do call-in radio with Martha when I worked with her and it’s exciting to do live radio. However, you must be quick on your feet and it’s not always easy to have ready answers to everyone’s questions. I struck out on organic ant deterrents (a listener recommended cinnamon) and also I soft-pedaled an answer about growing plants on your fire escape. I know dangerous…but pretty. Urbanites need nature too! Safety first I guess.

Or, in the immortal words of Muriel Spark via Maggie Smith in her role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, “Miss Mackay [the school headmistress]…believes in the slogan ‘Safety First.’ But Safety does not come first. Goodness, Truth and Beauty come first.”

I also had the pleasure of speaking to the Village Garden Club of Dennis, MA for my first book presentation. They also invited other garden clubs from Cape Cod. I was really happy that they booked the historic Cape Cinema as the venue. It is a beautiful hall with awe-inspiring Art Deco murals painted in 1930 by artist Rockwell Kent and elegant Art Deco seats designed by Paul Frankl. Thank you to the club leadership for your hospitality. As I said on stage, garden people are the best people and we almost sold out of books at the signing.

Photos: Marie Susen

I had a lovely piece in Gardenista by Laura Fenton who also does a fantastic Substack at Living Small. Laura and Fan Winston, the editor in chief, chose an essay from the book called The Subtle Art of Shade, in which I reveal my recent obsession with the jewel box offerings of spring shade ephemerals.

They also did a Quick Takes with me (here and here) on a variety of topics ranging from childhood gardening memories with my dad to my distaste for overtidiness.

Little me and Dad, late summer chaos, Pokey after playtime, summer flowers all from the Gardenista Quick Takes

My old alma mater Domino excerpted an essay on the gravel garden we are experimenting with. I think it’s currently my favorite type of gardening. I love the look of it, the spare beauty of the plants sprouting out of the gravel, and the water-wise efficiency of these tough plants in our maritime climate. Read “This Beginner-Friendly Garden Style Will Make Your Yard Look Like a Mediterranean Villa” here.

PS I loved working at Domino and I’m so happy that my former colleagues Lindsey Mather and Kate Berry keep sharing beautiful things out in the world. Thank you to everyone for the support this first week of publication. More to come. One of the best things about doing the book is doing events and connecting with like-minded gardeners.

Our nascent gravel garden.

Oh, I almost forgot the wonderful day of signing books at the Sakonnet Plant Fair. Sakonnet, near Little Compton, RI, is one of the most beautiful and influential gardens in America. It’s creators are Mikel Folcarelli and John Gwynne. It was my first time at the fair and I didn’t have a chance to shop as much as I’d like. But I did love meeting all my fellow plant nerds and all the fantastic growers who came to sell their plants. It was a haute-hort crowd who crowded in by the thousands to gather up all the rare and unusual plants on offer. We will definitely be there next year with cash and plant wagon in tow.

My esteemed fellow authors and book signers at Sakonnet Plant Fair: Janet Mavec, Frances Palmer, and Stephanie Mahon. Thanks to everyone who came by to say hello. (By the look on my face I seem to be directing the photographer which tracks)