Traces the author's endeavors to restore and recreate her suburban garden, an effort during which she combated pests, neighborhood ecological limitations, and other elements while discovering the joys of organic gardening. People frequently spring into action only when their backs are against the wall. In Browning's case, the wall would actually have to collapse before she would begin to make much-needed major changes in her garden, and in her life. When the downpour of a sudden storm undermines the foundation of a beloved garden wall, Browning is forced to deal with the daunting consequences of ruined plants, altered vistas, and expensive reconstruction. Contrary to her lofty position as editor in chief of the venerable House and Garden magazine, Browning lives a down-to-earth existence in suburbia, replete with the problematic noisy and noisome neighbors, confounding critters, and trespassing teenagers so familiar to her readers. Such obstacles present creative and practical challenges whose solutions only reveal themselves when Browning ultimately learns to follow the paths of her own heart's desire. Just as her garden must be, Browning's intimately personal chronicle is filled with lines of breathtaking beauty, simple in their understated elegance yet profound in their impact on the human psyche. Carol Haggas Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved "A journey -- sometimes bittersweet -- that slowly reveals the importance of family and friends, lost love and renewal." -- Chicago Tribune "Just as in her readers' lives, perfect plans come and go like fireflies. A likable blend of life and style." -- Washington Post "Wickedly detailed. A wonderfully funny yet poignant book." -- The Boston Globe "[Browning] has cut a smart niche for herself in garden writing: unceremonious, except when ceremony is in order." -- Kirkus Reviews A bittersweet account of one woman shaping her world . . . a tale of few illusions and many delights, unerringly wise. -- New York Times Book Review Dominique Browning has been the editor in chief of House & Garden since 1995. She was previously the editor of Mirabella, an assistant managing editor of Newsweek, and the executive editor of Texas Monthly. She lives in New York with her two teenage sons.