In Tending the Garden State, Charles Harrison tells the story of the state's rich agricultural history from the time when Leni-Lenape Indians scratched the earth with primitive tools up through today. He recalls New Jersey's rural past, traces the evolution of farming over the course of the twentieth century, and explains innovative approaches to protecting the industry.

How to keep any garden looking its best, through the seasons and through the years. Gardening is the primary recreational activity of Americans. Since the 1980s, when gardening caught fire as a national passion, we have spent billions of dollars on what we grow for our own pleasure; and in all that time, not one book has been published on the broad subject of garden maintenance. For twenty-five years, the Haywards, expert horticultural consultants and authors of many books and articles, have been tending their own garden in Vermont. Here, beautiful photographs illustrate how and what the Haywards do in their garden from earliest spring until snowfall: pruning trees and shrubs; planting, staking, and dividing perennials; and edging, deadheading, and weeding. They also include many tips for reducing maintenance. Their advice can be put to work in the reader's garden, regardless of size or location. Line drawings by Elayne Sears give more details on specific techniques. Anecdotal, encouraging, and crammed with information, this is a gorgeous treatment of a very practical subject.

Behind all gardens is Eden, and that mythical paradise figures into the poems, but so does my backyard garden and the larger "garden" of the earth.

Tending the Garden is a unique perspective and approach nurturing of Christian spirituality using the garden and gardening as a metaphor. Marshall and Julie Welch combine their experience and expertise in spiritual formation and gardening as an invitation to tending to one's spirituality. Whether an experienced or novice gardener, the reader will gain insight not only into the art of gardening, but Christian spirituality as well. Spirituality is presented as a relational way to grow compassion and sensitivity to self, others, the environment, and to God. The book can be read individually or as a small book club group. Guidelines for facilitating a small group discussion are presented in the introduction. Part I consists of 14 short, engaging chapters, with titles such as "Weeding: Spiritual Discernment," "Manure Happens: Desolation and Consolation," and "Thank You Very Mulch: Our Spiritual Security Blanket." The narrative is written in a very conversational voice. Each chapter begins with scripture and an inspirational quote and concludes with a series of reflection questions as well as tips on how to "cultivate" one's spirituality. The "tips" are easy-to-do activities that are grounded in a long tradition of spiritual exercises presented in a contemporary context. In Part II, the authors also use their experience as co-coordinators of a community garden in their own church congregation to present step-by-step suggestions on how other communities of faith can start and maintain their own garden. Church gardens are introduced as a unique form of spiritual formation through a sense of community with other gardeners and a form of mission and ministry.

Tending Adam's Garden describes and explains the way in which our immune system works from a novel perspective. The book uses metaphors and examples to bring the immune system to life and explores the fundamental miracle of nature. Written in plain language for a broad audience, this book encompasses much more than just immunology, exploring more fundamental matters such as causality, information, energy, evolution, cognition and individuality, as well as the strategy of the immune system and its role in health and disease. - Provides a unique perspective on the immune system from one of the keenest scientific and philosophical brains in the world - Uses metaphors and case histories to explore themes in an accessible manner - Written in plain language requiring no specialized vocabulary or specific scientific background in the subject

Be Smart About Being Happy Gods may exist, but they’re too far removed to care about humans. So our best purpose in life is not to please gods, but to be happy. Which is not as easy as it sounds, since short-term pleasures and selfishness create longer-term misery. Thus taught Epicurus, 2,300 years ago. Hiram Crespo brings the Epicurean passion for maximum happiness into the modern age with this practical guidebook. Step one in what Crespo calls the “hedonic calculus” is to rein in desires, so they become easier to satisfy – just the opposite of the luxurious indulgence so often incorrectly associated with Epicureanism. From there, he offers a blizzard of ideas, from healthy recipes that stimulate natural “feel-good” chemicals in the brain to the journaling of positive events, even on a bad day. The highest attainable happiness, though, is communing with friends – it just doesn’t get any better than that. Being smart about being happy means using the best knowledge and tools available. Tending the Epicurean Garden is an excellent place to start.

Bring the great outdoors in with the lovely bouquet of quilts and projects blooming in Barb and Alma's latest book. The bestselling authors' quilts look at home no matter where they are displayed. They made their featured quilt, with lush fabric flowers, in three colorways because it's always a surprise to see what a change in color can do for a quilt. The trendsetters also have included rug hooking and cross stitch projects.

Discover the sustainable haven hidden within the heart of New Jersey's suburbs with "The Garden State Grows"—a quintessential guide to transforming your suburban residence into a flourishing homestead. This comprehensive eBook invites you into an inspiring world where the charm of homesteading meets the conveniences of suburban living. Step into the increasingly popular movement of self-sufficiency with this treasure trove of carefully curated knowledge, guiding you through the initial assessment of your space to the sustainable production and preservation of your own food. "The Garden State Grows" merges the beauty of backyard farming with environmentally-conscious practices, offering an array of strategies that harmonize perfectly with your suburban lifestyle. Navigate the intricate web of local laws with ease, ensuring your homestead not only thrives but also remains in delightful compliance with community standards. Learn how to wield essential tools, amplify your homestead's potential through innovative master planning, and tap into the vast potential of your existing backyard. Embrace eco-friendly techniques as you delve into the secrets of soil health, composting, and savvy water management that will set your homestead apart. Elevate your gardening game with smart space utilization tips, including raised beds and vertical gardening, maximizing productivity without sacrificing aesthetics. The garden-to-table journey continues through chapters dedicated to organic practices, where you will discover how to attract pollinators and beneficial insects, and how to naturally combat pests. Follow that with an exploration into creating an enticing edible landscape that marries food production seamlessly into your suburban vista. From the delight of raising chickens and bees to the essential practices of preserving your bounty, "The Garden State Grows" spans topics that resonate with both novices and seasoned homesteaders. Explore the promising world of renewable energy and learn cost-saving tips that add to the sustenance of your homestead without breaking the bank. Cultivate a community spirit by connecting with fellow local homesteaders, initiating groups, and participating in skill shares, as well as marketing your fresh produce. A portion of the book ushers readers through the subtle beauties and challenges of each season, while also proffering solutions on how to adapt to climate change and build a resilient homestead that can withstand the test of time. Embark on this delightful journey, armed with a thoughtful action plan that ensures your homesteading adventure aligns with your goals, reflecting the practicality and joyful essence of the suburban homesteader's lifestyle. Are you prepared to plant the seeds for a healthier, more sustainable life? "The Garden State Grows" is not merely a guide; it's the catalyst for a transformative way of life right in your own backyard.

"In Tending the Souls Garden Denise Rushing gives full expression to her vision of a better world for the children. Drawing on her many gifts as a poet and politician for the earth, Denise invites us onto a joyful and practical path of harmony, hope and transformation. This timely book is a must read for these challenging times. Jim Conlon Holy Names University/Sophia Center, Oakland, CA "This Book is a Must Read" --Steve Elias Tending the Souls Garden is an introduction to applied permaculture, offering an innovative way to engage in the difficult and transformative work of our time. It is dedicated to cultivating the soil of our inner garden so that we may bring forth abundance in our lives and our world. Permaculture, also known as ecological or regenerative design, offers a path-- a design for living in complex changing systems using principles found in nature.