The Echoing Green: The Garden in Myth and Memory

This well-written book is an engaging blend of garden-related reminiscences, recollections, and ruminations. As the child of a diplomat, the author has memories of gardens in far-flung places around the world. She also relates touching memories of beloved family members -- whether young or old, alive or departed -- who loved to garden, too. Her most detailed accounts are of her present urban garden in Boulder, Colorado and her trials and triumphs with the weather and her neighbors; by the end of the book I was as enchanted by her garden as if I'd personally toured it. These various gardening anecdotes are skillfully interwoven with brief discussions of plants in folklore, superstition, and mythology. Heath's knowing combination of these disparate themes captures the magical all-inclusiveness of gardening -- how gardening opens up worlds previously unnoticed and is such a metaphor for our existence. Although the authors' personalities, writing styles, and gardening preferences are extremely different from each other, I think if you liked the book Mrs. Whalley and Her Charleston Garden you will also like this book, The Echoing Green.

I am currently reading the book now, I have to say I have enjoyed it well. Its so personal, but yet you still want to know more. I have been wanting to start planting bad, but this book has sustained me and inspired me. Its such a wonderful, light book full of goodness and light. It includes stories on the authors life and family, as well as bits and pieces of world myth and Irish traditions. An excellent book to pick up for a sunny day! I wish there were more books like this out there!