Writing and illustrating: A Naturalist’s Book of Wildflowers

I am thrilled to say that my 26th published book is finally available for shipment. A Naturalist’s Book of Wildflowers: Celebrating 85 Native Plants of North America was published by Countryman Press in New York and is available in many independent bookstores found at Bookshop or major chains such as Amazon. Barnes and Noble

It will make a nice gift, I think, for wildflower enthusiasts. If you’d like an autographed, inscribed copy, you can contact me by email or by using the contact form listed on the sidebar.

This is probably my favorite of all the books I’ve published. (To see the other books, click on “Books” listed on the sidebar.) Not only was I able to do the research and writing, I also did all the illustrations. My idea was to have the book resemble my field journals, in which I take notes, make sketches and jot down ideas and information. The result, I think, is stunning. The publisher did an excellent job of transforming my mud-splattered, scribbled notes and sketches into a beautiful book showcasing America’s favorite wildflowers. And it feels good to hold in your hand. At 280 pages with 85 full page illustrations and hundreds of smaller sketches, it feels substantial. It’s available as an e-book too of course, but I do love the feel of a real book.

It’s been over 40 years since I wrote my first book, Wildflower Folklore, and surprisingly, much has happened during those decades. Perhaps there has never been greater interest in growing native plants and I included gardening information wherever possible and appropriate. There is a separate chapter dedicated to native plant gardening with information and suggested plantings for each region of the country.

Our native flora provides an invaluable contribution to our native fauna. For each plant entry, I described its role in the ecosystem – what pollinates it, what eats it, how it fits into the bigger picture. I also included information about its conservation status, as many of our native plant populations have diminished over the past decades.

Perhaps the most fun information is about the medicinal and cultural value of each plant. While few of our native wildflowers are of great economic value, many have been used by native peoples for medicine and magic. Some were used to make useful items such as baskets and string.

Camas: Camassia quash

Of course, kids were never far from my mind, so I included a chapter on Kids and Wildflowers and one on using the wildflowers in crafts and projects.

Wildflowers have been my love and passion for many decades and I’m so pleased to be able to share this through my writing and art. I hope that you enjoy it and that together we can continue to be good stewards of this precious land.

Laura

P.S. If you order the book and enjoy it, a review would be most appreciated!