Coming Soon – Gardens of Texas!
Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State
Release date: October 14, 2025
I am so excited to share this book with you. I crisscrossed the state of Texas to create it, featuring 27 inspirational private gardens across the Lone Star State.
From the prairie of North Texas to the brush country of the Rio Grande Valley, and from the piney woods of East Texas to the desert grassland of the Trans-Pecos, these gorgeous gardens come to life on the page through photographer Kenny Braun’s lens. Through conversations with the gardeners, I share how they’re adapting to our state’s unpredictable weather extremes, as well as the joy they derive from their gardens—not only beauty but wildlife habitat, food production, and daily connections with nature and other people. Join me in learning from their uniquely Texan stories!
Here’s a little more enticement from my publisher, Timber Press:
From colorful pollinator gardens to native meadows, and from edible gardens to contemporary jewel boxes, Gardens of Texas showcases the stunning range of garden landscapes flourishing across the state. With over 600 breathtaking photographs, it’s a visual celebration of 27 remarkable gardens, each a testament to the creativity, grit, and passion of Texans who are redefining what is possible.
Award-winning writer Pam Penick brings these uniquely Texan landscapes to life through in-depth conversations with the garden makers. Discover how they are adapting to heat, drought, cold snaps, and the changing climate—turning challenges into opportunities.
Both inspirational and informative, Gardens of Texas proves that extraordinary gardens are not just possible across the Lone Star State—they are thriving.
How to get a copy
Gardens of Texas is available for pre-order on Amazon and from other online retailers, and it’ll be available everywhere books are sold upon release. Pre-orders are tremendously helpful in getting my book noticed by readers and reviewers. Please consider pre-ordering if you’d like to read it this fall. Thank you for your support!
Book me for a presentation
I’m booking talks and book signings this fall and next spring, so if you’re an organizer, please reach out!
Editorial Reviews
“From the great big state of Texas comes a great big-hearted garden book for our times. Gardens of Texas, a glorious tour of diverse and daring home gardens across the state, offers beautiful lessons in resiliency. It will leave any gardener, new or experienced, in an enchanted, inspired Lone Star garden state of mind.”
―Jennifer Jewell, creator of Cultivating Place and author of Under Western Skies, The Earth in Her Hands, and What We Sow
“Gardening in Texas is not for the faint of heart. Penick introduces us to gardeners who, with a little Texas grit and gumption, are working with—not against or in spite of—their environment to create beautiful, resilient gardens that conserve water and support wildlife. With pro tips and practical how-tos, this book is an inspiration to anyone who longs to put a shovel in the earth and make their world a more beautiful place.”
―Lee Clippard, Executive Director of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
“This gorgeous book shows that by embracing sustainable landscape design concepts, Texas gardeners can create beautiful, uniquely Texan spaces that are as good for our soul as they are for our environment.”
―Jay White, publisher of Texas Gardener magazine
“Gardens of Texas is a treasure, a must-have book about the beauty of nature and how to live in harmony with our environment.”
―John Dromgoole, founder of The Natural Gardener and Texas organic gardening expert
“Gardens of Texas offers an inspiring look at climate-resilient garden making. Compelling storytelling, gorgeous photos, great gardens, and super-practical design tips show the way for anyone interested in creating their own home landscape that meets the challenges of climate change while making space for beauty and joy.”
―Leslie Bennett, founder of Pine House Edible Gardens and co-author of Garden Wonderland and The Beautiful Edible Garden
“Whether you are a seasoned gardener or new to the wonders of Texas landscapes, Gardens of Texas provides an accurate, engaging, and inspiring look at a world where nature and design meet in perfect harmony. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the art and science of gardening, offering both a deep dive into native plant life and a window into the soul of Texas.”
―Nick McCullough, horticulturist, designer, and co-author of American Roots
“Every page enriches our connection to garden love.”
―Linda Lehmusvirta, producer of Central Texas Gardener, Austin PBS
Lawn Gone! Low-Maintenance, Sustainable, Attractive Alternatives for Your Yard
A bestseller since its publication, Lawn Gone! is an essential guide to low-water, easy-care lawn alternatives for beginning gardeners and anyone concerned about the environmental costs of maintaining a lawn. Filled with how-to information, design ideas, and inspirational photographs, it covers all the available options: ecological lawns, ornamental grasses, ground-covering plants, small shrubs and perennials, artificial turf, “people places” like patios and paths, and more. In addition, it includes step-by-step lawn-removal methods, strategies for dealing with HOAs and lawn-loving neighbors, and practical ways to reduce your lawn if you’re not ready to go all the way. Regional plant recommendations from 11 garden experts across the U.S. make up a valuable resource for gardeners everywhere. Lawn Gone! will show you how easy it is to ditch the lawn and create an enjoyable, earth-friendly landscape for your home.
Order from your retailer of choice
The Water-Saving Garden: How to Grow a Gorgeous Garden with a Lot Less Water
With climate change, water rationing, and drought on the rise, conserving water is more important than ever, but that need not entail a sacrifice of style or beauty! The Water-Saving Garden shows you a diverse array of techniques and plentiful inspiration for creating outdoor spaces that are so beautiful and inviting it’s hard to believe they are water-thrifty. Including a directory of 100 plants appropriate for various regions of the country, this accessible, contemporary guide is packed with information on popular gardening topics like native and drought-tolerant plants, rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, permeable paving, and more.