Just in time for National Gardening Week, Housatonic Community College’s Dean of Academic Affairs Robin Avant has published her first book, The Spirit of Gardening: Gardening for New Bees The Life Revealed Through Gardening! The 139-page beginner’s resource is a guide, reference book and a collection site for the ‘new bee” gardener.
The book provides gardening basics, including a map of plant zones, seed package information, helpful tips, and a glossary of 50 common starter veggies, fruits and herbs from A to Z. There is even a section to plot out gardening ideas and space for gardening notes.
Presented alongside beautiful, colorful pictures taken by Avant herself, readers will find facts and advice on indoor gardening and potting, outdoor gardening, composting, sowing, watering, germinating, pruning and harvesting. Gardening for beautiful surroundings and tips for working at a community garden are also shared.
“I want readers to explore, have fun and enjoy the journey as they learn the gardening process,” said Avant. “The book provides fundamental steps to take ownership of our food supply, sustaining and supplementing what we put on our table.”
Avant’s love of gardening began at an early age watching her grandmothers in their gardens, then was sparked again later in life when a co-worker began bringing fresh produce into the office from his garden. Her interest grew into a passion when she took the leap and created her own backyard garden in Bridgeport.
“My hope is to get a new gardener off to a good start and to inspire those who have recently started. The book covers the essentials and makes gardening feel accessible to everyone,” said Avant. “The life revealed in gardening is truly amazing, relaxing, uplifting, and rewarding.”
The Spirit of Gardening: Gardening for New Bees The Life Revealed Through Gardening! is published by XULON Press, 2020, and sells for $29.99 hardcover, $18.49 paperback, and 8.99 Kindle version. The book is available by visiting: , barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com, or xulonpress.com
Avant has been a member of the Housatonic Community College faculty since 2012.
“Housatonic Community College supports faculty publishing endeavors and Dean Avant’s new book is a testament to the passion she brings to teaching. She has been at the forefront of helping HCC to become named a Certified Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation, and recently, an edible campus,” said Dr. Thomas G. Coley, Acting President Housatonic Community College and Regional President, CSCU Shoreline-West.
Serving southern Connecticut for over 50 years, Housatonic Community College (HCC) offers a student-centered, high quality and accessible education through more than 75 majors and degree programs to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions. The college also offers occupational certificate programs, and the non-credit division partners with local business and industry to offer workforce training and customized professional development. HCC is distinguished as an Achieving the Dream Leader Institution and is ranked by the Aspen Institute among the nation’s top 150 community colleges.
Caption For Photo Above: Housatonic Community College’s Dean of Academic Affairs Robin Avant published her first book, The Spirit of Gardening: Gardening for New Bees The Life Revealed Through Gardening!