Touching the Earth: Reflections on the Restorative Power of Gardening

Janet Lembke

Burford Books, 2001 - Gardening - 223 pages

Lembke writes a series of essays sure to delight vegetable gardeners. She explains how she and her husband came to be avid vegetable growers, and we follow the evolution of their large kitchen garden in North Carolina. Lembke explores the histories of the many vegetables they grow, along with the natural history of the plants and animals that share her garden, from weeds to reptiles to insects. We meet her neighbours, and she describes their varied gardens. Finally, she shares favourite recipes. Whether she is talking about vegetables or herbs, the natural history of the kitchen garden, or the healing power of gardening, Lembke infuses her essays with the fascination and joy of cultivation. Her book is recommended for gardeners who enjoy growing vegetables or who see a kitchen garden as more than rows of plants.

About the author

Janet Lembke is the author of "Shake Them 'Simmons Down", "Skinny Dipping", "Dangerous Birds", "River Time", & "Looking for Eagles", & is a translator of Greek & Latin classics. She divides her time between Staunton, Virginia, & her home in North Carolina on the banks of her beloved Lower Neuse River.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Touching the Earth: Reflections on the Restorative Power of Gardening
• Author: Janet Lembke
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: Burford Books, 2001
• ISBN: 1580800882, 9781580800884
• Length: 223 pages
• Subjects: Gardening / Essays & Narratives