Copyright © 2019 Sarah Simon, TheMintGardener LLC
Paige Tate & Co. is an imprint of Blue Star Press PO Box 8835, Bend, OR 97708 www.paigetate.com
For details or ordering information, email the publisher at contact@paigetate.com.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Written and Illustrated by Sarah Simon
Lettering by Clara Kim @euniandco www.euniandco.com
TheMintGardener Logo by Ellen Sontra @lettersbyellen www.lettersbyellen.com
ISBN: 9781944515881
Printed in Mexico
The Plant Lady first introduced herself to me early one morning as I sat at my greatgrandmother’s writing desk. I had a new set of pens and paints and couldn’t wait to create before the rest of the house awoke, and the daily routine began another dance around the clock. We have a few beautiful eucalyptus trees in the backyard of our Seattle home, and I was struck by how the sunlight danced off the small, round sage green leaves whenever they shook in the breeze. I decided to recreate a few of the monochromatic green colors and then thought to myself, what a lovely plant this is—should I draw a vase to hold the branches? Or maybe a person? Before I knew it, The Plant Lady was born. Her long arms followed in ink lines, framing the colorful, leafy boughs. Her face hid behind the branches, with her arms cradling a fascinating hobby. I named her Florence, and just like that, she was here to stay.
The Plant Lady does all the things. She tries all the latest relaxing diversions, and she shares them with me so exuberantly that I have a hard time keeping up with my pen. One of the best parts about her is how she always has something cool to say with her new fascination. In the image with the Banana Leaf Plant, she says, “Slow down and stay awhile. Hang out in this moment with me. There’s time for a good book and a cup of milky tea.” When she’s hanging with her Plant Besties, she’s surrounded by her favorite ladies, encircled in a cascading medley of flowers, all with a meaning unique to their own petals and form.
Surrounded in meaning, depth, texture, beauty, petals, and all the colors you can dream of, The Plant Lady represents every girl. She is anyone who has ever wanted to reimagine herself and try something new. She is someone who loves the adventure of a new fascination. She pursues people and excitement in earnest, and she dives into new pursuits and shares what she discovers. Relatable to all with a mind for friendship and the pursuit of dreams, The Plant Lady shares her happy hopes with you as you color along on her beautiful floral adventures in the pages of this book. She encourages you to slow down for mindfulness with plants and friends—furry and human alike. She celebrates the moments worth savoring. The Plant Lady and her joys can become your very own as you bring her to life with color in this collection of illustrated pages. Use your creativity to whip up an inspiring color palette that calms you and allows you to breathe deeply and savor your own sweet moments.
The Plant Lady is who you imagine her to be. Maybe you see yourself in her. Maybe she’s your best friend.
