Lilac In Winter

What can a gardener learn from Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony? Are perennial plants symbols of friendship? Is gardening in the Whig tradition? Are 'non-native' plants 'aliens'? Can the art of writing a novel be compared to gardening? Is Monty Don right about the presence of flowers in the great Renaissance Italian gardens? Do gardens exhibit Late Style? Can mowing be a creative activity? Why is the creation of a new path such a delightful experience? Should gardens open to the public be 'reviewed' in the same way as exhibitions of paintings and newly-published books? Minding The Garden: Lilactree Farm combines brief commentaries on garden history, on rare and familiar plants, on the tantalizing connections between the garden as art form and the other arts, on the pleasures and follies of gardening, in a collection of 125 'Notes' presented in the context of a composite gardening year. Discover how Lilactree Farm evolved over the years, through six retrospective 'plans, ' spaced sequentially throughout the text, and through Des Townshend's spell-casting photographs. Minding The Garden: Lilactree Farm is sure to captivate gardeners, both armchair and active, in the English-speaking world and perhaps beyond....

Mrs. Betty Lilac has always been a sort of mystic and has experienced prophetic dreams since she was a young girl. Now in her late fifties, Betty is a tarot card reader extraordinaire. A kind and generous woman, she uses her gift to help others and to make a difference in their lives. But not everyone approves of Betty's talent. Mr. Gately, her landlord, has evicted Betty from the comfortable home in which she has lived for twenty years. He claims she practices black magic and has garnered a negative reputation, which is bad for his business. In addition, she begins to receive strange phone calls, notices mysterious cars driving by her property, and observes unusual lights at night in the nearby junkyard. Indeed, Betty's year is filled with mystery, danger, sorrow, and loss. Supported by a cast of dedicated friends and clients, she confronts her challenges with aplomb. And when she shuffles and deals the tarot deck, she is surprised at what the cards have to say about her future. AUTHOR BIO Paul I. Freet is an astrologer and tarot reader. He is the author of the poetry book, A world of Bright Burning. He lives near Fayetteville, Pennsylvania, with his canine family: Kikki, Pubby, Pippin, Peaches, and Foster. This is his debut novel.

My Soulful Home, A Year in Flowers offers detailed instruction for those new to floral arrangements and fresh inspiration to the experienced. Join award winning blogger Kelly Wilkniss as she seeks to elevate the every day with fresh cut beauty, illustrated with 105 gorgeous pictures.