< 16 Many books, one Marin
Talk dirty to me
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TALKING DIRT: THE DIRT DIVA’S DOWN-TOEARTH GUIDE TO ORGANIC GARDENING by Annie Spiegelman, illustrations by Maggie Agro. Perigree Books. 286 pages. $15. Gardening books run the gamut—from the spiritual to the technical. But no one writes about soil and plants and how to nurture and cultivate them quite like the Pacific Sun’s Dirt Diva, Annie Spiegelman. She’s clear from the start: If a girl from New York City can become an accomplished master gardener, you, too, have what it takes to garden successfully. And the manner in which she lays out the steps, an organic garden—whether it’s a plot or a few pots—seems so doable. Her lighthearted approach and her obvious passion for gardening in general, and organic gardening specifically, belie the wealth of information she provides. Never didactic or pedantic, Spiegelman imparts valuable knowledge in a style that’s clever, witty and just plain funny. Divided into five parts, plus a section on resources, a plant hardiness zone map, a helpful bibliography and an extensive index, the book covers just about everything necessary to start—or improve—an organic garden, whether edible or ornamental. The Dirt Diva is devoted to educating as many of us as she can on the merits of working with our environment to establish—and enjoy—a beautiful, healthy garden. (And she just loves worm poop!). Each
chapter ends with “a plant recommendation from the Dirt Diva Royal Horticultural Society,” which includes an illustration, growing requirements, hardiness and a “universal botanical whaaa-whaa rating” based on how showy, needy and thirsty the plant is. Get a copy of the book and dig in. I can only hope the Dirt Diva approves. As she is fond of saying: Critics will be composted... —Carol Inkellis
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ED HARRIS
4-TIME OSCAR® NOMINEE
Touching HOME BA SED ON A TRUE STORY O P E N S , F R I D AY, A P R I L 3 0 T H
SM ITH R A FA EL FI L M CENTER
www.cafilm.org
18 PACIFIC SUN MAY 7 - MAY 13, 2010