The Garden Maker's Book of Wonder: 162 Recipes, Crafts, Tips, Techniques, and Plants to Inspire You in Every Season

by Allison Vallin Kostovick

The joy and wonder of a garden-inspired lifestyle is captured in this colorfully photographed, through-the-seasons sourcebook filled with recipes, gardening wisdom, craft and wellness projects, and nature-based activities.

Each season in the garden brings new joy and fresh inspiration for connecting with the wonders of the natural world. In The Garden Maker's Book of Wonder , popular gardening lifestyle influencer Allison Vallin Kostovick (Finch + Folly) invites fans of cottagecore, gardening, and nature-based living to share her journey as she crafts, cooks, dreams, and creates. Drawing on decades of gardening experience, and illustrated with vibrant photography from her own home and garden,  The Garden Maker's Book of Wonder offers sage advice on growing bountiful harvests of favorite vegetables, herbs, and flowers. All levels of gardeners, from dreamers to the experienced, will delight in the variety and creativity of Kostovick's projects, activities, and recipes for enjoying the magic and whimsy of the natural world—no matter what season. From planting a pollinator playground to building a rustic trellis from tree branches, cooking with freshly picked peas and mint to making a sweet viola tub soak, and growing a bird seed mix to crafting one-of-a-kind jewelry beads from the husks of the Job's Tears plant, the inventive ideas in this rich treasury are sure to make it a favorite to keep and to give to anyone who aspires to a more nature-connected lifestyle.     

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Nature, Reference, Art, Crafts

256 pages, Hardcover

Published August 29, 2023

About the author

Allison Vallin Kostovick is a seasoned organic gardener and the creator behind Finch + Folly, a popular gardening lifestyle website and related social media accounts, that offers educational content and advice to gardeners of all skill levels. Her expertise has been featured in Fine Gardening, Architectural Digest, Home & Garden, and many more.

After more than 25 years of gardening, Allison's philosophy of "Grow with the Flow" reflects her belief that gardening should be fulfilling beyond the harvest. Her goal is to feed your soul as well as your belly, which is why she often refers to the concept of "everyday magic." For Allison, everyday magic is the practice of slowing down and observing the subtle beauty in your surroundings. It's about finding inspiration in the everyday, and using Nature to nourish your soul.

In her new book, “The Garden Maker’s Book of Wonder,” coming out August 2023 from Storey Publishing, Allison shares simple ways for readers to celebrate garden life and relish Nature all year long. The book offers sage advice on growing bountiful harvests of favorite vegetables, herbs, and flowers, along with nature-based projects and seasonal recipes. Join Allison on her garden journey and learn how to unleash the power of Nature and find joy and Inspiration in your garden journey

When Allison isn't meandering about her garden, she is the art director for the Farmers’ Almanac, a role that builds on her vast experience as an art director for companies like L.L. Bean, Tom’s of Maine, Stonewall Kitchen, and Thos. Moser. She and her family live with their menagerie of happy animals in the woods of New Gloucester, Maine. You can connect with her through her website, FinchandFolly.com, and on social media @FinchandFolly where she shares her passion for natural living, herbal remedies, seasonal eating, and the simple life.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Truly. I've followed Allison's Instagram account for years and always hoped she would get a book deal. The book is informative, easy to read and beautifully illustrated. Highly recommend.

[Donna Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beautiful that I expected it to simply be a pretty book of plants and dreamy flower thoughts. Wrong! Ms. Kostovick has created a gorgeous book that is an easy-to-reference treasure trove of information for the gardener who wants to go just a little further with it.
I’ve been regretting adding this book to my Christmas wishlist. I really want it now.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am content getting most books from the library. Sometimes, I will take pictures from this kind of nonfiction books to refer to later, or I will take notes on a few sections that interest me. But as a gardener who has a particular interest in growing food for myself and wildlife such as birds and bees, and growing plants for aesthetic purposes, AND for making decorations or beauty products with, this book just has too many good things in it. Darn it, I am going to have to buy it!

[Arisu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great beginner friendly garden book that covers a bit of everything garden - and I'd say somewhat homestead living too - and just pure pleasure to read. The texts and photos are both informative and aesthetically pleasing (not like a textbook with the readers being word vomited at with information), seriously just great to flip through regardless of whether you're experienced or beginner gardener or just looking for something to engage with!

Only thing I'd prefer to have added is the zone to get better idea of context.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley (thank you!), and this is my honest review.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely gorgeous book with a wealth of practical information for novice as well as experienced gardeners. It is extremely well organized and includes planting methods, pest control, recipes, home remedies, beauty treatments, and hints on natural living. I checked it out from my local library, but have ordered it from my preferred bookseller because not only is it a beautiful book, but is an all-in-one gardening reference.

[R.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So great! This is both an aesthetically and substantively lovely survey of veg and flower gardening practices and tips, as well as crafts, home and body creations, and food recipes. I’ll definitely be pursuing several of the things in this one, and will look out for further publications from Kostovick in the future!

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pour a cup of tea, and let this wonderful book fill your senses with joy and inspiration.

Kostovick takes you through the seasons with hints and tips for planning, sowing, and getting the most out of your garden. This author is all about "letting Mother Nature take the wheel." You'll learn how to grow a pollinator's paradise, how to dry and store herbs, and how to create mini-greenhouses out of milk jugs. Learn everything from seed starting to putting your garden to bed for the winter. Kostovick offers projects featuring unusual ways to use blossoms and herbs picked from your garden, and recipes for using your bounty.

The photos are spectacular, and a real treat for anyone who may be missing their monthly dose of Martha Stewart Living magazine.


Highly recommended for both active gardeners, and armchair dreamers alike. It's a lovely book!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for sharing this one.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful gardening book Allison Kostovick has created. I will admit at the beginning of my reading I felt like the writing sounded more like posts from a blog, but the more time I spent with the book I felt the writing was spot on.

Allison gives you a lot of pertinent information, but doesn’t overload you with things that you really do not need to know to get started gardening. The gardening tips, recipes, and craft ideas are easy to understand and I found myself writing quite a few of them down.

I should also mention the beautiful photography that went along with the seasons throughout the book. Just gorgeous.

All in all a very enjoyable read and it would definitely be a nice gift to give to a fellow gardener, herbalist, or nature lover.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Anna L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful and informative book that will appeal to both new and experienced gardeners. The author takes us through the seasons and provides advice and tips on what to grow as well as recipes and ideas for craft projects using home-grown bounty from the garden. There is also a wealth of information on topics such as soil health, companion planting combinations, tips for germinating seeds and flowers that are edible and that attract pollinators. The author writes in a way that is easy to understand and encourages you to ‘grow with the flow’ (i.e. relax and work with nature rather than against it). The book is full of beautiful pictures of the author’s garden in New England that will inspire you to get outside and make the most of your plot regardless of its size.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! I read so many gardening books that it’s hard to impress me but this one is just a delight. It’s packed with photos, projects, lists, musings, tips, recipes and more, arranged by season. I love that she includes some foraging information and also just the mood of the book, the beauty in the book and the wealth of info on everything from the flavors of edible flowers to how to protect your chickens from predators to tips for growing peas to a violet syrup recipe. Many veggies, flowers and herbs are profiled with in depth sowing and growing info too.

Truly a joy for gardeners of all skill levels.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.

[Kathryn Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have spent hours with this book, savoring each beautifully rendered page. It is the perfect compilation of all the things gardeners love - beautiful flowers (edible, top pollinators, favorite cut flowers) - how to grow them, craft with them, harvest, preserve and best utilize them in creative ways, folklore wisdom and history, recipes for herbs and veggies including teas, self-care tonics and preserves, and wildly gorgeous cottage gardens mixed with the astute advice of letting Mother Nature lead the way. I have been gardening and farming for over 35 years and still found tips and tidbits to ponder, inspiration to try something new and confirmation that I was not alone.

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The garden maker's book of wonder, this book truly is the most fabulous book of gardening that I have seen for quite awhile. If you like gardening you will love this book, full of fabulous photos and lots of information on natural growing, eating and improving. Divided into the four seasons, the book shows the food, the flowers the tasks and the way to a gentle life for each season. A must buy book for an gardener who loves their garden and what lies within it.. Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DR

[Miska Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It is exactly what I have been looking for!

The author’s voice is so relatable, and yes, I was trying to pluck my seedlings to “save” them. I will have to snip-snip them in the future.

I wanted something informative, Native Plant promoting, and with individual sections for the most commonly grown items in the garden.

I am going to purchase this book, but I did receive it from Net Galley for a review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book a delightful guide that brings the joy of a garden-inspired lifestyle to life. Filled with vibrant photos and practical advice, the book is a treasure trove of gardening wisdom, creative projects, and nature-based activities suitable for all levels of gardeners. The author's sage advice on growing plants and her imaginative projects make this a charming and accessible resource for those looking to embrace the magic of the natural world throughout the seasons.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

After getting about 20 pages in and realizing that I wanted to copy essentially every single one of those pages, I decided to request this book as a Solstice present! This book is so lovely and chock-ful of tips, tricks, recipes, and gorgeous, soothing photos. I would love to see a book like this written by a Pacific Northwest gardener.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
The book is full of information for gardeners of all skills. It works as inspiration for gardening and what to do with what you grow.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely photos and great tips! Would be a great coffee table book or gift for a pro gardener.

The book assumes a certain level of expertise already (regarding phrases and processes), so I wouldn’t recommend this for beginner gardeners.

[Chronically Well Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I INHALED this book. So peaceful and relaxing to read while also being super inspirational but not overwhelming. Can't say enough good things. My only negative is I don't like the texture of the cover. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book if you love gardening: richly illustrated, easy to follow and full of ideas
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Robin Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've learned something on every page! This is truly a book of wonders for anyone who is a gardener, loves a garden, or wants to be a gardener! This book stays within reach from now on.

[Juli Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warm, practical, and beautiful guide to gardening in the Northeast.

[Kerrific Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for those wanting to start a garden adventure. Beautiful pictures. Helpful information on vegetables, flowers, and herbs. A perfect gift!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice reference book for an experienced gardener. Lots of ideas arranged by season, but not really geared for beginners.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot packed into this book!

[Jennifer Brown]

DNF’d PG 106

[Cheska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great info! I especially enjoyed the plant family profiles, recommendations and companion planting guides.

[Sweet Brier]

Shaping

[Alix St Amant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book, lovely photos, lovely recipes.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely!! To the garden I go, inspired.

[June Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great photographs and gardening tips from an author who exudes a love for nature and gardening!

I borrowed this book from our local public library.

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