For the last three years I have been working on my new book, Garden Up Green.
For those of you who might be unfamiliar with my connection to gardening, this title came from my retired blog. It was a neat journey that began in 2014 to 2020.
I lost count how many times I stopped and started this project because gathering six years of content was no easy task.
I blogged in three categories, raised bed gardening, DIY projects and quail.
My biggest challenge was that I had basically three sets of readers. Some came just for the quail; others loved my DIY and many were reading just for my gardening tips.
Originally, I was going to write three books, one for each category. So, I started with Ground Raised Quail first. This book is a complete manual on how to raise those amazing birds for the purpose of eggs and meat.
This left me with two more categories in addition to sorting through content because I saved everything.
As I was sorting, I started to unfold my story and I forgot how much took place in those 6 years, so this book is quite extensive.
Inside, I walk you through how to establish a
raised bed garden without all the headache while unpacking how to maintain a
growing space through the seasons.
This is an important step in gardening and something that I took note of from my grandmother.
When I was writing it was my goal to provide the most simplistic gardening methods. These steps are the foundation of
gardening and have worked for generations.
They are definitely not complicated to learn,
and you will quickly discover your likes and dislikes.
The best part is this insight will allow
you to tailor a garden that fits your lifestyle without skipping the important details.
There is a lot inside, including the joy of gardening this is probably the most important part because if you don't enjoy something you will find yourself struggling to succeed.
Then there is the DIY chapter, this one is huge. So I broke it down into three sections and it came together better than I expected.
By sharing parts of my story, it made this book more personal instead of just instructional. Gardening is personal and that's what makes it beautiful.
Am I proud of this publication? Yes, I am and for anyone wondering, I did dedicate Garden Up Green to my grandmother.
If you click over to amazon, you can read a sample on your laptop.
There was something very peaceful about writing this story and it sort of brought me back to gardening in a way that is incredibly joyful.
I could spend every day outside if the weather cooperated because there is always something new and exciting to experience. Especially now because I am in the middle of expanding so I can grow more flowers.
Every day I get a little bit closer to my goal; it reminds me of all the hours I spent working with my grandma. We never stopped and I understand why; the garden is the best place to be.
It is my hope this colorful garden book is one you will use as a beneficial treasure and an easy-to-use resource for years to come.
Whether you are new or seasoned, I find all garden books to be a blessing because we all have a little different perspective.
Once you discover raised bed gardening, I have no doubt you will uncover the joy and the value of growing goodness.
All of my books can be purchased on Amazon and Garden Up Green can be found here.
Be the good,
Carole West
Review
Carole West Introduces us to the very beginning of her beautiful garden journey by combining rich text and gardening memories with her "spirited" Italian Grandma. Her grandmother provided Carole with memorable adventures in the garden as well as a sturdy lifelong foundation for practical and successful gardening practices. Carole's commitment to growing in raised beds is highlighted in photos, details instruction and supply lists for building our own raised beds. In this book we find that there are many ways to build our own raised beds, which really resonated with me. I love options when I garden. Carole also shares what to grow and how to grow, which includes propagation, transplanting and various choices for fertilization. Her last chapter includes one of a kind DIY project with photos for the projects as well. After reading Garden UP Green I was left with the feeling that I had just spent time with Carole in her gardens chatting over a glass of iced tea. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is just starting out in their garden journey as well as a seasoned gardener too. There are words of wisdom through the book!
-Joyce Olson
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