Gardening by Heart

I really enjoyed reading "Gardening by Heart" by Joyce McGreevy.A lovely A lovely gentle sense of humour runs through it.The authors command of language and her imaginative writimg is impressive. Of course Im not surprised really,having read, several years ago, her hauntingly beautiful poem "These needles through our own lives, too, have moved." Its a book for all seasions, entertaining,humorous, informative. I have always loved gardening, especially the cultivation of roses, but if I had never gardened before I feel that I would be absolutely compelled to "have a go" after reading this lovely book. All the chapters are entertaining but I especially liked the wonderfully descriptive and inspiring prose of "Sacred Gardens are Everywhere". In "Eating, Sleeping and Living in the Garden" we get wistful, nostalgic recollections plus some mouth watering recipes. However I think Ill skip the "Iced Tea" recipe. I tried it once in Concord, New Hampshire many years ago and found that it was not for me! In "Strawberries at Dawn" we get wonderful imagery - "Ones mind is fertile with dreams whose meanings flower best in a hushed world." However I think my favourite is "Its all Rented". Of course I may be biased - its about Galway! But no, really I just love the mischievous humour. In short the book is full of wit and humour and a joy to read. I would also like to commend "Sierra Club Books" for a beautifully produced product. Sean Stafford, Galway, Ireland.

This book is a treasure. With wit and humor, with sensitivity and moving candidness, McGreevy shares her thoughts and experiences with all of us. Reading this book, one quickly feels that one is in conversation with an old and much loved friend. Though I have long recognized my personal joyful connection to "puttering with flowers," this book renewed my passion. McGreevy's love of Nature and ability to find it everywhere, even in the weed growing from the sidewalk crack, is an inspiring reminder to treasure the small gifts of everyday life. This is a book to read, then dip into again and again for laughter and insight. McGreevy is as charming and gracious in person as in her writing. If you get a chance to catch one of her readings, don't miss her!

In this touching work I was captivated by the depth of human understanding McGreevy sprinkled with humor that makes you laugh with you soul. A wonderful book- I have already passed it on to my family, a real gift that we will share with our families to come... Bravo! I hope to read more works from this budding author in the near future!

Steal some moments from your hectic day and let Joyce McGreevy entertain you. You might want to steal more than a few because once you start this book you will not want to be interrupted.This is a story book of life inspired by her Mother's death and her Mother's garden. And, her Mother must have been a remarkable woman. She certainly seemed to know how to enjoy and transfer, if even subtly, her love of plants.Now, a gardener herself, Ms. McGreevy shares the wonders of gardening with both practical ideas and anecdotal musings. Her book contains a smattering of recipes and practical tips all peppered with her miraculous insight.  To quote her quoting her Mother, "Life is like a party. It starts before you arrive and keeps on going after you leave, so you might as well celebrate while you are here."She may call herself The Potato Queen (you will have to read why for yourself), but Joyce is really the queen of her 'party'. Hopefully, after you read her book you will feel like the queen (or the king) of your 'party' too.