Books for Nurturers
A special kind of joy comes from tending to a garden, watching tiny buds unfurl into blooms. As a flower lover and grower, I've spent countless hours with my hands in the soil, coaxing life from the earth and feeling deeply connected to the rhythm of nature. Over the years, I've found inspiration in the garden and the pages of books that celebrate the art, science, and soul of growing flowers. If you, like me, find solace and strength in nurturing a garden, here are a few books I believe every woman grower should have on her shelf.
"Cut Flower Garden: Grow, Harvest, and Arrange Stunning Seasonal Blooms"
by Erin Benzakein
Erin Benzakein’s book is nothing short of a masterpiece for anyone who loves flowers. As the founder of Floret Farm, Erin has built a thriving business from the ground up, and her book reflects her deep passion and expertise. "Cut Flower Garden" perfectly blends beauty and practicality, offering detailed advice on growing, harvesting, and arranging flowers throughout the seasons. The stunning photography alone will make you want to run outside and start planting, but the hands-on tips and Erin’s encouraging tone make this book a treasure. For any woman looking to turn her love of flowers into a garden that blooms year-round, this is the book to guide your journey.
"Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants" by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Robin Wall Kimmerer’s "Braiding Sweetgrass" is a book that goes beyond the garden, delving into the profound relationship between humans and the natural world. As both a botanist and a citizen of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Kimmerer weaves indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge to explore how we can live in harmony with nature. This book is a must-read for any woman grower who sees her garden as a hobby and a sacred space of connection and stewardship. It's a reminder that our gardens are part of a larger ecosystem and that how we care for our plants can profoundly impact the world around us.
"The Flower Farmer: An Organic Grower’s Guide to Raising and Selling Cut Flowers"
by Lynn Byczynski
If you're a woman with dreams of turning your flower-growing passion into a business, Lynn Byczynski's "The Flower Farmer" is the ultimate guide. This book covers everything from selecting the right flowers for your climate to marketing your blooms at local markets. Byczynski’s advice is rooted in years of experience as an organic flower farmer, and she offers invaluable insights into the challenges and rewards of growing flowers for profit. But even if you’re not planning to sell your flowers, this book is full of tips on organic growing practices that will help you create a healthier, more vibrant garden.
"A Garden Can Be Anywhere: Creating Bountiful and Beautiful Edible Gardens"
by Lauri Kranz and Dean Kuipers
While "A Garden Can Be Anywhere" focuses on edible gardens, the principles and inspiration Lauri Kranz provides are easily applicable to flower growing. Kranz’s approach to gardening is all about making the most of whatever space you have, whether it's a sprawling backyard or a tiny balcony. This book is perfect for the woman who wants to blend beauty and utility in her garden, using flowers to complement and enhance her edible plants. The book is filled with design ideas, planting guides, and practical advice, all presented in a way that’s accessible and inspiring.
"The Language of Flowers" by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
For those who love a good story as much as they love their gardens, "The Language of Flowers" is a novel that weaves together the art of flower growing with a touching narrative about love, loss, and redemption. The book follows the life of Victoria Jones, a young woman who finds solace in the Victorian language of flowers—a way of communicating emotions through the blooms she grows and gives. As a flower lover, I found this book resonated deeply, reminding me of flowers' emotional and symbolic power. It's a beautiful read for any woman who believes that flowers are more than just decoration—they're a language of the heart.
"In Bloom: Growing, Harvesting, and Arranging Homegrown Flowers All Year Round"
by Clare Nolan
Clare Nolan’s "In Bloom" is another gem every flower grower should consider. This book is a comprehensive guide to growing and arranging flowers at home, focusing on creating lush, seasonal arrangements that celebrate the natural beauty of each bloom. Nolan’s photography is breathtaking, and her practical advice makes it easy for growers of all levels to cultivate a beautiful and productive garden. What I love most about this book is its emphasis on the year-round joy of flower growing, encouraging readers to find beauty in every season.
As women growers, we are part of a rich tradition of nurturing life from the soil and finding peace and purpose in the simple act of tending a garden. These books have deepened my knowledge and skills as a grower and enriched my soul, reminding me why I fell in love with flowers in the first place. Whether you are just starting your gardening journey or have been growing for years, I hope these books inspire you as much as they have inspired me. Happy growing!