Home & Garden

One of the first books that had a big impact on me as a gardener was Martha Stewart’s Gardening: Month by Month, which I loved because Stewart’s aesthetics (alas, not her resources!) were so similar to mine. More than 25 years later, I still find inspiration in her books, including her latest, Martha’s Flowers. With its advice and lessons on growing and cutting blooms as well as its gorgeous photos of lush arrangements, this sumptuous volume takes readers through the seasons, bloom by beautiful bloom. - S.B.

This sweet book is the perfect place to learn about creating a garden with a purpose. Attract honeybees to whatever space you can carve out for them—be it a big backyard or the tiniest of Santa Cruz apartment balconies. The block print–style illustrations make this an enjoyable artsy read as well as a guide to making thousands of new insect friends. - Megan

A joyfully illustrated guide to creating a “house jungle.” The perfect housewarming gift for serial plant killers and bright-eyed beginners, or just to inspire yourself. This book would look perfect on a shelf between houseplants, where it’d provide continuous motivation to keep your new plants happy. - Natalie

Justina Blakeney’s colorful, comfortable, and free-spirited design style made her first book, The New Bohemians, a bestseller. Now Blakeney returns with a handbook that shows readers how to create that style for themselves. The best part about her design philosophy is that the most important elements have nothing to do with money; rather, Blakeney stresses clarity, color, plants, and natural materials to create a welcoming home that speaks to you and makes you (and your guests) happy the moment they walk in the door. I can’t get enough of her love of pattern, texture, tiles, and textiles—not to mention her joyous nature. “Home décor should be fun. If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.” - S.B.

We are lucky to have some of the most beautiful and diverse gardens in the world here in California. These two new books showcase many of them and are packed with gorgeous photos and creative ideas for the home gardener, garden enthusiast, and garden designer. Let The California Garden Tour be your guide to planning a garden-filled road trip, and keep Private Gardens of the Bay Area on your coffee table for ongoing inspiration. - Natalie

We are lucky to have some of the most beautiful and diverse gardens in the world here in California. These two new books showcase many of them and are packed with gorgeous photos and creative ideas for the home gardener, garden enthusiast, and garden designer. Let The California Garden Tour be your guide to planning a garden-filled road trip, and keep Private Gardens of the Bay Area on your coffee table for ongoing inspiration. - Natalie

Beautiful photography, whimsical staging, and organization solutions! The first Remodelista book was an inspiring design book, and this second volume shows all the organizational tips and tricks you need to know. It’s the younger, hipper, cooler version of Real Simple (which I also love). - Megan

As cannabis legalization advances in California, regular aficionados will need to decide whether they want to go the commercialized route or try going DIY, which allows you to avoid pesticides while saving money and experimenting with your favorite strains. This well designed book is the best introductory guide I’ve seen for the casual backyard grower. - Natalie

This adorable little book is the perfect guide for beginner plant parents. Helpful photos and an uncomplicated layout make it easy to use and it’s so small you can even bring it along to the nursery for reference. It also has lots of suggestions for fun pots to house your new succulent friends. - Jade

This book does a fantastic job of covering nearly every aspect of transferring your life into a tiny home, from the cost of materials to efficient housing plans to codes and regulations on all (government) levels what should actually be in your new home. Part game-plan, part self-help, part reference book, this frames the current tiny house movement. - Ian