This book of informative and insightful essays chronicles the author's gardening adventures in Marin County, California, and in the southern Peloponnese of Greece. Each easy-to-read essay conveys practical information, set in the context of the author's own experience. Learn about creating a habitat garden for birds and insects; low-water gardening; gardening with native plants; medicinal herbs; plant history and lore; and garden basics. Much of the information in the book applies to gardens in other climate zones as well. Plants such as salvia, yarrow, rosemary, lavender, barberry, vining geraniums, bamboo, pomegranates and others all thrive in various moderate climates. Essays on general topics such as weed control and water management pertain to gardens everywhere.