Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth[2][4][5].
In 'Animal, Vegetable, Miracle,' Barbara Kingsolver and her family chronicle their year-long experiment of eating only foods they grew themselves or obtained locally. The book contrasts their experiences with the ecological costs of modern industrial agriculture, including the transportation and chemical preservation of food. The family's journey involves learning about farming, animal husbandry, and seasonal cooking, and it explores the broader implications of food choices on health and the environment. The 10th anniversary edition includes new chapters from all family members, reflecting on how their decision to adopt a locally produced diet has continued to shape their lives and contribute to the locavore movement[2][4][5].
In "Kitchen Garden Revival," Nicole Burke provides a modern guide to creating stylish, small-scale, low-maintenance edible gardens. The book emphasizes accessibility and beauty, aiming to dispel the notion that vegetable gardens must be unsightly. It offers practical advice on garden design, plant selection, and maintenance, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners. Burke's approach focuses on creating attractive and productive gardens that fit into various spaces and lifestyles. The book inspires readers to embrace the beauty and practicality of growing their own food.
In "The 5-Minute Gardener," Nicole Burke guides busy individuals on establishing a year-round gardening habit. The book emphasizes the power of small, consistent efforts, demonstrating how even five minutes a day can yield significant results. It's structured by seasons, offering practical advice and various time-flexible options for gardening tasks. Burke's approach focuses on accessibility and habit formation, making gardening achievable for everyone, regardless of their schedule. The book promotes a mindful connection with nature and the joy of cultivating one's own food.
In "Leaves, Roots, and Fruit," Nicole Burke offers a practical primer on plant growth, starting with simple techniques like growing sprouts and microgreens. The book guides readers through the fundamental science of plant cultivation in an accessible and engaging manner. It's designed to help beginners understand how plants grow and develop, building confidence and knowledge. Burke's approach emphasizes a step-by-step learning process, making it easy to follow and apply. The book empowers readers to successfully cultivate their own plants, regardless of their prior experience.
Maybe your New Year’s resolution was to take up gardening, or to garden more, or in a new way? Well, this week’s Cultivating Place conversation is all about making time for gardening even for very busy people!
Nicole Burke, the energy force behind the online forum known as Gardenary, is with us to share more about the philosophy centered in her new book: The 5-Minute Gardener.
It’s the genius of compounded interest – in the garden. And Nicole’s work focuses very specifically on organic, urban kitchen gardens as a way to improve our individual nutritional and physical lives - and as a way to upend the broken and addictive food system we exist within.
Gardening is like any other activities or practices we value – relationships, reading, exercising, spirituality – it takes time and intention, but like all of these other valued endeavors, once the foundation is in place – it does not take all that long to see monumental results – in you and in your cultivation.
A career-long garden designer, garden coach, and trainer of a network of garden consultants, Nicole Burke knows that establishing the habit of gardening is key and once it is set, you really only need 5 minutes at time to “nurture a year-round gardening habit,” which is deeply personal, meaningful, and FRUITFUL.
The author of Kitchen Garden Revival and Leaves, Roots & Fruit, and previously a guest here on Cultivating Place, Nicole offers us great energy for the new seasons ahead. Listen in!
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