The Earth in Her Hands

July is hot, isn’t it? On hot summer days, it is best to garden in the early mornings, when the air is cooler and there are more shadows. In the afternoon, we often choose to stay indoors.

 

May I recommend pouring yourself a cup or glass of tea (Did you grow that mint?) and spend some time with inspiring women. Imagine sitting in a conservatory full of orchids and talking about gardening with a few lovely women. Well, here is an invitation to spend about 40 minutes in a conversation between Jennifer Jewell, author of The Earth in Her Hands, and writer Jamaica Kincaid. Their environment is beautiful, their voices soothing, their conversation inspiring.

The Earth in Her Hands: 75 Extraordinary Women Working in the World of Plants includes a profile of Jamaica Kincaid. This book is easy to pick up and read for a few minutes at a time.

 

Jennifer Jewell is also the host of Cultivating Place, an NPR podcast that blends society, history and gardening. Her calming voice can keep you company and keep you informed as you are weeding, crafting, running errands or organizing a closet.

I have started reading books with my morning coffee instead of looking at a computer screen right off. I often start my reading learning about one or two women, then switching to a chapter or two of another book. I love books that profile inspiring women. If you do too, look also at She and In the Company of Women (which includes women from my town of Athens, GA). These books are too heavy for a hammock, but great for a rocker on the screened-in porch.

 

In case the links do not work for you:

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFttRtK__wc

Enjoy!