December 05, 2025
Say hello to my neighbors — deer and big live oak trees. I spotted these snoozy companions on a recent walk.
Until recently, we had an exceptionally warm and dry fall. The dryness continues, but we finally have cooler weather. Still, I find it hard to say farewell to fall. It’s my favorite season in the garden, when flowering begins again and the light mellows.
In the front garden, copper canyon daisy is flowering pumpkin-orange alongside silver Mediterranean fan palm.
Inside, I’m still holding onto fall too.
Plus a few daisies in a little mouse vase
But I’m starting to segue into a December mood. I spoke this week at a Christmas lunch for Hill Country Garden Club, and they kindly gifted me this beautiful orchid dressed for the holiday.
We got our tree up too and promptly filled up the skirt with presents sent from family, plus a few of our own.
My book at Whole Earth Provision Co.
An early Christmas present for me is spotting my new book, Gardens of Texas, in the wild at stores around town. Whole Earth Provision Co. is carrying multiple copies at their Westgate store — hooray! I hear it’s at their N. Lamar store too, as well as at Whole Earth’s other 4 stores across Texas.
Thanks so much, Whole Earth Provision! Y’all, this is a great place to shop, with all kinds of nature-centered gifts, books, decor, and clothing. Check ’em out.
Gardens of Texas in Houston
In Houston, my sister-in-law spotted it at Kuhl-Linscomb, a fabulous shop for gifts, housewares, clothing, jewelry, paper goods, and more. They even offer shoppers a complimentary margarita and free gift wrapping! Look for Gardens of Texas under a Texas-themed Christmas tree right as you walk in. Thanks for carrying it, Kuhl-Linscomb!
Come see me Friday evening at Get Lucky Gallery
Lastly, if you’re looking for something festive to do this 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.
