The Book Nook

By: The Garden Staff

“All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis” | Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson

It is easy to feel the doom and gloom of living in a world with a rapidly changing climate, but there are so many things that can still be done, so many things that can still be saved. The climate crisis needs to be addressed and combated by a cooperative and collaborative community, and this book provides hope that this is happening. This climate anthology includes essays by 60 women from different backgrounds, disciplines, and occupations. It has a mix of perspectives from the political to the ecological to the artistic. “All We Can Save” elicits inspiration and excitement about all the work that people are doing to help our planet.

Recommended by Kylie Etter, Ecology Technician

“California Plants: A Guide to Our Iconic Flora” | Matt Ritter

Best kept close by — on a nightstand, coffee table, or atop your commode — this book celebrates California’s native plants with 1,000 color images of our iconic flora. If you’re looking to nudge someone over the precipice of plant enthusiasm, “California Plants” is the perfect tool. Leaving behind jargon and technical language, Matt Ritter orchestrates an introduction to our state’s major plant communities. Within the book, you will meet 500 species of California’s vascular plants. As you flip through the pages, I challenge you to find a species you haven’t yet met. Along the way, you may fall deeper in love with the plants that make up our home.

Recommended by Annie Ayers, Herbarium Technician

“Golden State Naturalist” Podcast |Michelle Fullner

I realize this isn’t our typical recommendation in that it is a podcast, but I’m so excited about this one that I felt it deserved a place on our list. I first caught Michelle Fullner’s “Golden State Naturalist” podcast on my way to work one morning and was inspired by her episode with John Muir Laws about nature journaling and why it’s important. Hint, attention and curiosity are skills, and you need to practice them to improve! Even beyond this episode, there are lots of topics to explore as Michelle interviews some of our leading experts about what makes California so “golden.” And, if you ask me, Michelle’s enthusiasm is contagious, so I always leave feeling inspired to continue our work to conserve California’s precious natural resources, starting with our native plants.

Recommended by Kevin Spracher, Interpretation and Exhibitions Curator

“Black in the Garden” Podcast | Colah B. Tawkin

I’m in love with this podcast. With every new episode of “Black in the Garden,” Colah B. Tawkin is inspiring a new generation of plant lovers to join the movement. I’ve learned so much about the historical aspects of botany and horticulture, improving my skills both in and out of the garden, plus her down-to-earth approach and absolutely hilarious sense of humor often have me laughing out loud. If you’re looking for a fresh take on horticulture, I highly recommend you listen in. Colah makes it fun to learn, connect, and grow through her love of her culture and plants. Also, accompanying her podcast, you must check out the beautiful art by Portland, Oregon–based artist Paula Champagne, @makerchamp. It’s so good!

Recommended by Melissa G. Patrino, Director of Development