Gardens by Kelly Productions

Well, the announcement is here.  It’s in a festive mood with great pleasure that I finally share some exciting news with you–I’m writing another book for Timber Press!  It’s tentatively called Dig This–A Style Guide to Kickass Gardening.  

Freshly approved, this next project will embody the very essence of what this Plantsman’s Advent Calendar–chic plants for hip gardeners, the ethos of much of my creative work for the last several years.  From the introduction in progress:

“Kickass gardening isn’t only a way to garden—it’s a mindset and an attitude, and age has nothing to do with it.  Sass, irreverence, candor, audacity, and independence are marks of a kickass gardener, some ever young-at-heart soul who just wants to make a little paradise where it doesn’t otherwise exist.  Kickass gardening is about digging in the groove, finding the niche where you can unplug, connect with the earth, beautify some space, and be you.  There are no rules, just good taste and style.”

The book itself though isn’t just another twist on a philosophy for horticulture, no matter how pragmatic.  It’s a book for people who love plants and who want to live in plant-filled spaces.  Plants, after all, are the very essence of taste and style in the garden.  The book will craft an ethos around what it means to be a ”gardenista”—remember, if you don’t have to be a fashion designer to dress well, then you don’t have to be a professional horticulturist to create a great garden.  I look forward to sassing up the world of cool, kickass, waiting-to-be-rockstar plants with this next project.

And now a plant.  I mean what kind of advent calendar would this be without a chocolate treat on Christmas morn?  In an homage to the colors of my alma mater, I’m sharing with you one of my favorite species tulips Tulipa acuminata, the flame tulip of heirloom renown.  Native to Turkey, these twisted-petalled flowers scream to be the topic of conversation in mid-May and always look photogenic.  Planted in drifts, there’s nothing quite so irresistible.  Fortunately, too, this is available from several bulb suppliers including two favorite nurseries below.  Plant abundantly and light up your spring life.

In closing, Merry Christmas to those celebrating this hallmark occasion of love and joy across the world.  I’ll be back on New Year’s Eve to reflect a little and to look ahead.  Until then, have a blessed holiday season.

Sources:

Brent & Becky’s Bulbs

Odyssey Bulbs

Tulipa acuminata, ©2011, Kelly D. Norris