Home, Garden, and DIY
September 2020
Recent Releases
Outlander Kitchen: To the New World and Back Again: The Second Official Outlander...
by Theresa Carle-Sanders; foreword by Diana Gabaldon

What's inside: A follow-up to the first Outlander Kitchen book, this offering serves up more than 100 wide-ranging recipes (including vegan ones), all inspired by Diana Gabaldon’s popular Outlander universe.

Recipes include: Mrs. Figg's Flapjacks; Savannah Clam Chowder; Game Pie; Herb-Roasted Salmon; Chicken and Cornmeal Stew; Minnie's Sauerkraut; Stewed Pears; Rumm's Tea Cakes; Almond Biscuits; Rosewater Sherbet; Mulled Cider.
Decoding your Cat: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Cat Behaviors and...
by American College of Veterinary Behaviorists; edited by Meghan E. Herron, Debra F. Horwitz, and Carlo Siracusa

What's inside: accessible, in-depth chapters discussing cat behavior, promoting good health, and what to do when problems occur, along with explanatory anecdotes, illustrations, and charts.

Chapters include: The Language of Meow; Living with Multiple Cats; My House Is Not Your Toilet; Growing Old with Grace.

Did you know? Kids with cats have a lower risk of developing asthma.
Houseplants for All: How to Fill Any Home with Happy Plants
by Danae Horst

What it is: an appealing, upbeat beginner's guide to choosing the right plants for any space that takes into account light and humidity levels. Basic plant care essentials and a resource list are also included. 

Don't miss: the plant profile quiz; the lovely photos, which will please interior design fans as much as plant people.
Chetna's Healthy Indian Vegetarian: Everyday Veg and Vegan Feasts Effortlessly Good...
by Chetna Makan

What's inside: over 80 unfussy vegetarian recipes, including soups, snacks, and mains, as well as details about bean and lentil varieties.

Recipes include: Lentil and Mango Salad; Chana Dal and Lime Soup; Potato, Sweetcorn, and Spring Onion Tikki; Tandoori Veg Kebab; Spinach Masala Chickpeas; Spicy Chana Dal; Chocolate Yogurt Pots.

About the author: Fans of the Great British Bake Off will remember the personable Chetna, who grew up in India before moving to the U.K.
Falastin: A Cookbook
by Sami Tamimi and Tara Wigley

What it is: a culinary tour of Palestine via 110 recipes, with color photos of the country and its cuisine, plus profiles of people like the "yogurt-making ladies of Bethlehem."

Recipes include: Labneh Balls; Falafel with Sumac Onion; Chunky Zucchini and Tomato Salad; Pasta with Yogurt and Parsley Breadcrumbs; Meaty Vine Leaf Pie; No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream. 

Try this next: Jerusalem, an award-winning cookbook co-written by Tamimi, who grew up in the city's Muslim area, and his restaurant partner Yotam Ottolenghi, who grew up in its Jewish area.
At Home in the Garden
Gardening for Butterflies: How You Can Attract and Protect Beautiful, Beneficial Insects
by The Xerces Society, Scott Hoffman Black, Brianna Borders, Candace Fallon, Eric Lee-Mäder, Matthew Shepherd

What's inside: a thorough guide to why butterflies are in trouble, why they matter, and ways you can help; details on butterfly and moth species; information on nearly 120 pollinator-friendly plants; thoughtful garden designs; tips on pest and weed control; inspiring color photos.

Did you know? "A small yard with just a few native plants can attract and sustain dozens of butterfly species."
Creating Sanctuary: Sacred Garden Spaces, Plant-Based Medicine, and Daily...
by Jessi Bloom; photographs by Shawn Linehan

What it is: a practical, thoughtful book that clearly explains how to better connect with nature by creating a peaceful space in your own backyard that incorporates plants, benches, lanterns, and more.

Don't miss: profiles of 50 "sacred plants," such as bee balm, including medicinal properties and self-care uses.
Gardentopia: Design Basics for Creating Beautiful Outdoor Spaces
by Jan Johnsen

What it is: an inspirational, informative guide to planning and creating gorgeous outdoor spaces that covers garden goals, adding accents, increasing color, easy-care plant suggestions, selecting seating, tips on hardscaping, creating themed gardens, and much more.

Don't miss: the stunning color photos; the thorough first section, which lays a nice design foundation for what's to come.
Nature Play at Home: Creating Outdoor Spaces that Connect Children with the Natural World
by Nancy Striniste

What's inside: a variety of DIY projects (from Pizza Box Paver Stones to Hillside Slides); tips on creating welcoming and sensory spaces; plant recommendations; details about nature's child development benefits. 

For fans of: Richard Louv, Joseph Bharat Cornell, and creative nature play. 
Contact your librarian for more great books!