The version of An Ecology of Enchantment by Des Kennedy that I just read was the tenth anniversary edition where the master gardener takes the reader on year’s visit to his west coast garden, week by week throughout the course of a year. Using wit, humor and his vast knowledge of plants the author captures the essence of gardening in the unique setting of west coast Canada with it’s mild, wet winters, long springs and autumns and hot, dry summers. I live in an apartment these days but this book brought back my own gardening memories – both good and bad.

Even better I was reminded of my grandmother’s garden. She was another master gardener and her property was divided into various spaces each with it’s own unique plantings and personality. My siblings and I never tired of exploring. As Des Kennedy described how his garden awakened after being dormant in the winter, to the new life of spring, on to summer bloom and then the closing of the garden during autumn, I was reminded of my own gardening journeys.

An Ecology of Enchantment lays out both the highs and the lows of the gardening year. He also describes some of the wild creatures who visit, the changing of the seasons and the various weather one experiences living on the west coast. The author’s observations and stories informed, amused and touched me and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. ( )