Housatonic Community College 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 ”” just in time for the planting season.
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.
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.
“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.
Avant has been a member of the Housatonic Community College faculty since 2012. “”¦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 Thomas G. Coley, HCC acting president.
The book is available by visiting https://www.barnesandnoble.com/, https://www.amazon.com/, or https://www.xulonpress.com/.
