The Plot Newsletter

Recently, someone asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I realized I had a problem. I know what you are thinking, and no it’s not depression. I have a book problem and possibly seasonal depression. Luckily, a day full of gifts and attention can sooth both ailments. I started gathering together ideas for the best gardening books that have been released in the last year or two that I didn't have a copy of on my bookshelf. This wish list is a curation of some of the books that shaped the gardening world in 2025.

Building this list actually surprised me with the sheer quality of these gardening books. We are truly lucky to live in a time where such fabulous writers are bestowing their gifts upon us. Surely if I purchase enough of them, I might absorb a modicum of their gardening wisdom. Buy these books, read these books, and cherish these books. You can even take this list and start a gardening book club next year. Please invite me if you do. I’ll bring my copy with me, because I am pretty sure I am getting at least one of these treasures.

Gift Guide: Best New Gardening Books of 2025

1. Garden to the Max by Teresa Woodard (photography by Bob Stefko): On a rainy day this Summer at Olbrich gardens, I joined a group to listen to Teresa present her new book. It’s a celebration of maximalism in the garden, which is a design style that revels in excess. Teresa did a wonderful job of centering her book and presentation on the gardeners and the garden community.

2. A Life in the Garden by Barbara Damrosch: In A Life in the Garden, Barbara draws on her time (a lifetime) in the kitchen garden. You are drawn into the garden with her personal and irreverent tone, and will walk away with new insights on how to grow food for yourself and your family. 

3. Bad Naturalist by Paula Whyman: If you have ever dreamed of owning a piece of land and spending your days restoring its natural beauty, then this book is for you. Written by an incredibly funny, ambitious and humble woman, Paula brings us along for the obstacles and the awe inspiring relationship with the Blue Ridge Mountains.

4. How Can I Help? By Douglas Tallamy: I recently attended a webinar from Wild Ones where Doug answered questions from this book. It is a primer for anyone who wants to improve the environment around them, but doesn't know where to start. This book is an FAQ to regaining your sense of power in the face of environmental crises.

5. The Food Forward Garden by Christian Douglas: This new book bridges the gap between food gardening and beautiful design. Christian has been designing food gardens for over 12 years in Northern California, and in that time has championed bringing food into prime real estate in the garden, instead of exiling food to the square plot in the back of the yard.

6. The New Beautiful by Gardens Illustrated: Gardens Illustrated is the popular gardening periodical from the UK. I have a subscription for the beautiful photos and in depth stories, despite living in the US. This book is a must read treatise on modern garden design and a tour of inspiring gardens. Put it on your coffee table, so your garden friends know you mean business.

7. The Garden Against Time by Olivia Laing: There is a common thread running through most gardens; a desire to recreate paradise. In The Garden Against Time, Olivia Laing investigates this idea as she restores a walled garden in Suffolk. This book is an account of the abundant pleasures of the garden. Rather than a place to hide away, it is an encounter with life at its most pungent. 

8. Plants for the Winter Garden by Warren Leach: We don’t think enough about Winter. This guide will help you design to extend the enjoyment of your garden into the cold, harrowing months of Winter. It will teach you how to select plants with striking features, and also dives into hardscaping and structural elements.

9. Black Flora by Teresa J. Speight: A first of its kind book featuring the work of contemporary Black experts working in the world of flowers. Black Flora showcases a range of floral expertise from over 20 growers, florists, and designers. A valuable read on the intersection of flowers and community.

10. Garden Wonderland by Leslie Bennet and Julie Chai: This book is a visual delight of 19 different gardens that is paired with practical advice. It explores what it means to tailor a garden to your own desires and needs, and guides you to achieving that vision. We all need more visually appetizing books like this in our lives.

A Secret 11th Option

If you enjoyed this guide today, then I need your support. The Plot survives because you show up each Thursday. I want to write garden stories that matter, with real stakes. This is the part where I ask for your help.

Becoming a Founder now means you were here at the beginning, backing real garden stories before they grew big. You keep this project alive at the exact moment it matters most. If you believe in this work, now is the time to join me.

Let’s grow something worth reading.

Field Notes:

1. There has been a larger woodpecker visiting my feeders recently. The cats and I have enjoyed watching her from the kitchen window. There is a red spot on her head, and she has a dark colored back with white speckles all around. She never stays for long, just has a quick go at the feeder and then back to the sides of one of the trees I meant to remove this year. It’s a white mulberry, which I snack from in the Summer, but it is growing out of the fence. The yard was not cared for by the previous owner. I seem to be the only one who has decided that the tree is in the wrong spot. The birds and squirrels are big fans of the tree cover on the fenceline. They may have planted the Mulberry seed to begin with.

2. I saw someone complaining on Nextdoor the other day, which will be no surprise to users of this neighborhood app. A man complained that he had missed the pickup date for all the leaves he raked to the curb, and the city would not pick it up. He was fed up with the liberal propaganda telling him to “Leave the Leaves” for the environment. I left my leaves, and now they are under 10 inches of snow and of no bother to me or the neighborhood at all. Guess he could have saved himself the hassle of raking them to the curb.

Plotter’s Commons:

What has been your favorite article this year? I’m working on a yearly roundup and would love to hear your thoughts. Just reply to this email.

Community Board

• Follow: The Youtube Channel - Nothing on there yet, but I am setting an intention to make 1 video a month in 2026. Subscribe now if you want to see the first videos.

• The Canopy Sessions – Olbrich Gardens (WI) | Live sitar, flute, and tabla under the palms in Olbrich’s tropical conservatory. Catch me there.
  Radiant Nature – Houston Botanic Garden (TX) | Giant glowing lanterns shaped like mythical plants and animals.
  Botanic Garden of Lights – Tulsa Botanic Garden (OK) | Fire pits, jazz, and festive lights on the lakeside trail.
  Illuminate – San Antonio Botanical Garden (TX) | A one-mile path of massive handcrafted Chinese lanterns.
  A Longwood Christmas – Longwood Gardens (PA) | 500,000+ lights, jewel-toned trees, and fountain shows.
  Garden Glow – Missouri Botanical Garden (MO) | Two million lights and floral projections on the mansion.
  Garden Lights, Holiday Nights – Atlanta Botanical Garden (GA) | A riot of LEDs and glowing plant creatures.

Written for 230 bookworms. 💌
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Until next Thursday,
Ken Welch

About the Author

Ken Welch is a horticulturist by training and research professional at UW–Madison. He’s drawn to native ecosystems, community gardens, and helping others grow confidence in their craft.

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