December 01, 2025
Last week I headed over to BookPeople, Texas’s largest independent bookstore near downtown Austin, to sign a bunch more copies of Gardens of Texas. My first round of signed books had sold out (thank you to everyone who bought one!), and this time they had a bigger stack of books awaiting my autograph. What a vote of confidence — thank you, BookPeople!
Signing at BookPeople
Me feeling like a star in a quiet signing room at BookPeople (thanks, Devanshi!)
I was thrilled to learn that BookPeople included Gardens of Texas in their 2025 Gift Guide.
Thank you for picking Gardens of Texas, Leah!
I came back that evening to find my books on display…
…in multiple places…
…lots of copies everywhere…
…and labeled a BookPeople Bestseller #1 Gardening! Woot!
The day after Thanksgiving, my sister-in-law texted me from BookPeople, where she’d spotted this: “Our Favorite Books of 2025” and a table full of books…
…with my book on it!
I encourage anyone who wants to buy locally in Austin to hop on over to BookPeople and grab a signed copy. Gardens of Texas will make a great gift for anyone who loves gardens, plants, or the natural beauty of Texas. For everyone else, BookPeople has it covered with books galore, plus lots of fun Austin-centric gifts. I also like their witty greeting card selection.
Review at Succulents and More
Last week Gerhard Bock, the talented garden writer, photographer, and blogger at Succulents and More, reviewed Gardens of Texas. He explained the book’s relevance for West Coasters (and other non-Texans) like himself, shared how it stands out from other regional books, and called out his favorite gardens. I especially love that he cited a few quotes from my interviews with the garden makers — words about the lived experience of gardening that resonated with him.
He concluded, “It’s not just a beautiful book (it truly is), it’s a thoughtful exploration of how gardeners are creatively meeting environmental challenges. Pam brings heart, expertise, and a sense of place. For anyone passionate about gardening in a demanding climate, or who simply admires garden beauty, this book gets my highest recommendation.”
Thank you very much, Gerhard!
On Gulf Streams podcast
Today you’ll find me chatting about sustainable gardening in Texas on the podcast Gulf Streams with host Weston Twardowski. I hope you’ll take a listen.
Gulf Streams, a co-production of Rice University’s Center for Environmental Studies and KPFT Houston, is described as “your source for environmental and climate news. Covering a range of topics around Houston, the Gulf Coast, and the world, Gulf Streams brings you the best in conversations with community leaders and advocates, academic experts, and national thought leaders.”
Come see me Friday at Get Lucky Gallery
Lastly, if you’re looking for something festive to do this Friday evening in the wider Austin area, join me in Lockhart. I’ll have a book signing at Get Lucky Gallery, 5 to 8 pm, on the charming downtown square. It’s part of First Friday, when businesses stay open late and everyone comes out for a good time. Get Lucky is a uniquely Lockhart gift shop and gallery featuring one-of-a-kind local artists. Come say howdy, pick up a signed copy of Gardens of Texas, and check some lucky folks off your holiday shopping list!
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Digging Deeper
My new book, Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State, is here! Find it on Amazon, other online book sellers, and in stores everywhere. It’ll make a great holiday gift for anyone who loves gardens or the natural beauty of Texas. More info here.
Come see me on tour! I’ll be speaking and hosting book events across Texas this fall and into next spring to celebrate the release of Gardens of Texas. Join me to learn, get inspired, and say hello!
Learn about garden design and ecology at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. Subscribe to Garden Spark by clicking here to email — subject line: SUBSCRIBE.
All material © 2025 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
