Gardening from the couch: "Paradise Under Glass"
In "Paradise Under Glass: An Amateur Creates a Conservatory Garden," boomer journalist Ruth Kassinger tells the story of her journey from brown thumb to green, as she studies conservatories, tells their stories and makes one of her own.
Kassinger journeyed across the country talking with plant enthusiasts, butterfly breeders, and commercial growers and gradually created her own Eden––including a living wall––while learning lessons about loss and letting go, nurturing and rebirth, love and serenity. "Gradually, it occurred to me that adding a conservatory onto our house was just what I needed. Warm and humid, beautiful, evergreen, peaceful and still, a conservatory would be the perfect antidote to the losses and changes of middle age. It would be my personal tropical paradise where nothing unexpected lurked in the landscape."I have three copies of this delightful book and I will send them to three randomly selected Garden Variety readers who post a comment here. Include your email address so I can contact you if you win!
Photos courtesy of Ruth Kassinger
Comments
Sounds like a wonderful read!
Posted by: Molly | April 18, 2010 8:45 AM
This book looks fascinating! I'd love to add it to my collection.
Posted by: Sheila | April 18, 2010 10:16 AM
From the title, I thought perhaps it was about terrariums, but it's so much more. Interesting.
Posted by: ruth | April 18, 2010 10:39 AM
What an interesting concept - designing a private conservatory as a place of healing. I would love to have a copy of the book!
Posted by: Melody | April 18, 2010 3:05 PM
Sounds like an interesting story; gardens, indoor or out, certainly do promote a peaceful spirit.
Posted by: Donna` | April 18, 2010 3:11 PM
This looks like another great book to read and dream about.
I do not expect to get this book (after winning the Elizabeth Lawrence's book) but this is a book I want to read.
Thank God there's AMAZON.
Thanks for the great book tips.
Posted by: Jose Santos (greenman) | April 18, 2010 5:20 PM
Plants and gardens offer wonderful solace. When I'm sad, my garden is the best place to be.
Posted by: Karen | April 19, 2010 9:04 AM
Susan: I'm so glad you enjoyed my book. I grew up in Baltimore where I still have family. Conveniently enough, one of my favorite conservatories is in my home town.
The Rawlings? It is a gem! -- Susan
Posted by: Ruth Kassinger | April 19, 2010 9:38 AM