Drawing from his own considerable gardening experience and expertise, as well as leaning on the wisdom of the people he calls "The Zen Masters of the Western Garden, " David Wann gathers a mix of stories, how-to advice, and simple, doable projects that are ideal for gardeners in the high and arid landscapes of the West. The Zen of Gardening in the High and Arid West is a friendly and invaluable guide to such topics as strategic gardening (how to coax fruits and vegetables from a sun-parched garden), pest-proof planting (how to protect those disappearing bulbs), choosing the right varieties of edibles for the region (apples, snow peas, tomatoes, etc.), how to become a seed-starting maniac, a Farmer's Almanac approach to gardening (plant peas when the first cottonwood leaves appear!), as well as profiles of colorful local gardens and gardeners. For gardeners of the high plains and mountains who are "meteorologically and topographically challenged, " who routinely grapple with wild weather swings, high elevations, and scarcity of water, Wann offers inspiration and invaluable practical advice for success in the garden. Wann also shows how gardening can offer "a Zen exercise in mindfulness, discipline, and the joy of being right in the moment."

"The Zen of Gardening in the High and Arid West is a friendly and invaluable guide to such topics as strategic gardening (how to coax fruits and vegetables from a sun-parched garden), pest-proof planting (how to protect those disappearing bulbs), choosing the right varieties of edibles for the region (apples, snow peas, tomatoes, etc.), how to become a seed-starting maniac, and a "Farmer's Almanac approach to gardening (plant peas when the first cottonwood leaves appear!).

Who else but savvy master gardener David Wann would know to plant peas when the first cottonwood leaves appear? With passion and good humor, Wann provides tips, tools, and techniques for growing everything at higher altitudes--from peanuts to poppies. The colorful narrative offers a blend of stories, practical how-to advice, doable projects, and interviews with time-tested gardeners. The result is a book jam-packed with urban gardening tricks gleaned from the community garden enclaves and from the author's own repertoire.