A Garden Parable

The January page in my 2022 Living Color calendar begins with this quote from my soon-to-be-released book Color In and Out of the Garden:

“The garden teaches us endurance.
Every year is different.”

These little violas prove the point, emerging from last week’s snow and ice undaunted. Completely unfazed.

Surely if they can keep going, then so can I.

(You’ll find all of my daily posts and garden musings here on Instagram.)

Doing the days

The above heading, “doing the days," is a gift of an idea from Elise Joy, a maker that I follow online who has touched me in so many ways with her optimistic yet grounded approach to setting goals and crafting an intentional life. The origin of this phrase is a gem—and a reminder that tomorrow always shows up and allows us to try again.

Speaking of days, the response to the release of my 2022 Living Color Postcard Calendar was tremendous and a bit overwhelming. I’ve put a stop on ordering reprints, but to express my gratitude for the continuing interest, email subscribers can unlock a free copy of the digital version by entering the code DAYBYDAY at checkout.

This is a digital product. You will receive an email with a download link to a zip folder containing 15 pdf files (cover front & back, 12 months, and a mailing side common to each month in case you’d like to produce a calendar/postcard collection, like the print edition.

Next month, February 9—13, 2022, the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival returns after a pandemic year off with “Greetings from Spring.” Once again, lavish displays, a tempting marketplace, and an amazing slate of lectures, demonstrations, and friendly competitions will transform the cavernous Washington State Convention Center into a botanical wonderland. 

I’m incredibly honored to have been asked to participate in judging the show gardens. My brief will be to select a garden for its best use of color—of course. I’ll also be crossing trowels with my friend Sue Goetz on the Container Wars stage, and presenting a lecture entitled Cultivating Delicious, both on Wednesday, 2/9. Festival details and ticket information here.

Bonus! I’ve got 5 complimentary tickets to share. Simply respond to this email and tell me your favorite color (or just say “I’m in”). On January 31st, I’ll randomly select 5 individuals and send you a ticket. Hey, maybe we could even arrange to connect in person?

So, 2022 is well and truly here.

I’m still finding my footing amid COVID, online publishing, and my constant quest to find and tell garden stories. But topping my list of intentions for the coming year, is paying attention to every precious moment as my new book, Color In and Out of the Garden, makes its way into the world this spring, courtesy of Abrams.

Mary Oliver once said, “Leave some room in your heart for the unimaginable.” This, my friends, is what that looks like. My heart is full. I can’t wait to share this very personal story with you. I’m sure you know how much preorders can impact a book’s reach. Please consider pre-ordering (affiliate link) and I’d love to have you share the news with your local bookseller as well. Thank you.

As we step into the New Year, I’m so glad you’re here,

xo
Lorene

My daily practice is a love letter to the natural world. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I’m launching two new sets of postcards.

In the language of flowers pansies and violas signify loving thoughts and loyalty.

My shell collection, while not quite as intricate as an authentic Sailor’s Valentine, will surely please those who like things more on the salty side.

Each package contains 2 each of 6 different color studies. Again, quantities will be limited but email list subscribers get first dibs.

As always, thank you for your support!

Recent writing: “The Gifts That Keep On Living” GROW in The Seattle Times How to keep your holiday plants perky after the festivities have faded.

Reading: Grow and Gather, A gardener’s guide to a year of cut flowers, by Grace Alexander
Alexander celebrates seasonal highlights, offers practical advice, fair warning, and encourages us all to savor every moment of the entire growing season.

Find this book, along with a selection of my favorite authors and titles in my a handmade garden Bookshop