Home & Garden

This beautiful book vastly expanded my repertoire of what I can do with plants from my garden. From Salt-Preserved Herbs to Calendula-Infused Essential Oil, from Lemon Bee Balm Tea to Gardener’s Salve, there are projects for mind, body, and soul. “Harvest tempts me with all the goodness that I can create from even the most common plants. The projects are fresh and unfussy [and] each is infused with love.” —Johanna Silver, Garden Editor of Sunset magazine - S.B.

I could spend hours looking at these uniquely imagined workshops, studios, guest homes, and hangouts. The in-depth profiles of each tiny place are an endless source of inspiration for emptying your own shed and transforming it into an art studio or an eco-oasis house. A coffee table treasure, Anatomy of Sheds is an excellent tome on tiny spaces. - Megan

Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden is quite possibly the most beautiful book on flowers I’ve ever seen. From bulbs to branches, blooms to foliage, author Erin Benzakein (who runs a small organic family farm in Washington) shares her flower growing, harvesting, and arranging tips in page after page of gorgeous photographs. Opening this book is like falling into a pile of blossoms. Wildly inspirational. - S.B.

Indoor plants are trending, and for good reason. They add a sense of the outdoors, tropical living, and effortless style to any home-- all while filtering toxins out of the air. This beautifully designed guide features plenty of ideas and inspirations for styling and caring for indoor plants. - ND

I opened this book with apprehension and low expectations. I then proceeded to read the entire thing in one night and began de-cluttering the next day. Some of Kondo’s practices were a bit extreme for me, but I found her overall method simple to follow and easy to maintain. I recommend giving this book a shot; even if you don't think you need to. - Jade

Inspiration for beautiful outdoor spaces—from untamed to highly manicured gardens—abounds in this gorgeous book. Dozens of gardens are profiled, and each includes a “Steal This Look” feature that contains tips (and sometimes resources) to help readers emulate the design. I loved reading about how travel, history, or well-known landscapes (like the High Line in New York) influenced many of the featured gardeners. I can imagine that Gardenista will be a similar source of inspiration. —S.B.

Are you a student of design? A lover of understated luxury? I dare you to walk away from this book of impeccable interiors—wall treatments that will saturate your senses, mid-century modern delights at every turn—by Christiane Lemieux, founder of DwellStudio. If you appreciate timeless design, you’ll want this gorgeous book on your coffee table.  —Molly

The outstanding public garden of dry gardening pioneer Ruth Bancroft, planted in the early 1970s and located on eight acres in Walnut Creek, is a stunning place to visit. But those who cannot make it there will find much to learn, and be inspired by, in The Bold Dry Garden. Bancroft is a fearless planter, and her landscape designs are packed with breathtaking colors, textures, and shapes. If you need a nudge toward being a more adventurous and water-wise gardener, this should do the trick. —S.B.

Herbarium is a book about plants. Or is it a book about food? History? Health? Art? No matter how you categorize it, Herbarium is terrific. With a beautiful block-print style and an overview of 100 different herbs—including tips on growing, uses for cooking, and ideas for beauty and health—Herbarium would make a winning gift for any herb lover or a great addition to your own library. —Megan

Another excellent title in the 1001 series, this book covers all of my planting dreams. It has information on everything from classic flowers to new hybrids, revitalized heirlooms to the downright odd. Logically organized, with beautiful photos and in-depth advice, 1001 Plants works as both a reference book and as coffee-table eye candy.  —Rachel