Well, here we are again. More than a year into the pandemic and we’re back into another extended lockdown. It’s hard not to be discouraged—or worse. Heaven knows we all need some kind of solace to help us get through these times.

Gardening is just such a solace for me. It brings me peace and contentment. Somehow my cares fade away when I spend time outdoors, attending to the mystery and wonder of cultivating my garden. I’ve already planted some seeds (lettuce, kale and beets) into little pots and some seeds (lettuce) directly into the ground.

If you are eager to try gardening, or continue gardening, or expand your gardening, WPL can help! Gardening books (plus magazines and DVDs) are perennial favourites at the library–and annual favourites too (a little gardening joke for you). You’ll find your basic how-to guides, plus books on any number of topics, like gardening with kids, gardening in small spaces and community gardening. Heck, WPL even has books on growing your own cannabis.

Going through the library’s shelves recently I picked out a couple of new titles, The New Gardener’s Handbook and How to Create An Eco Garden. I’ve pretty much got my (mostly vegetable) gardening routine down pat, but I love looking through gardening books. I’m always on the look-out for reminders, timely tips and fresh inspiration.

In a slightly different vein, I’m also reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. The bestselling author (The Poisonwood Bible, Unsheltered) recounts how she and her family spent a year living off the land in rural Virginia, trying to be as food self-sufficient as possible. Kingsolver also examines broader food issues in this excellent book.

These are challenging times, and I hope you too are able to find a measure of peace and contentment. And if not in gardening, then in some other way.

— Penny D.