October 20, 2025
To launch my new book, Gardens of Texas, I’ve been doing interviews on radio shows and podcasts. Some of these are sharable, and perhaps you’ll enjoy watching a gardening chat with me on YouTube, or a listen while working out, commuting, or cooking dinner.
But first, here’s where I’ll be meeting gardeners IN PERSON this week. Come see me in East Texas — Nacogdoches, Houston, and Tomball — and pick up a signed copy of Gardens of Texas.
- October 23 – Stephen F. Austin State University’s Fall Plant Fair in Nacogdoches. Book sale 5:00-6:30 pm (at SFA Plantery behind the Ag Bldg.), during the plant sale. Talk 7-8 pm – Free!
- October 25 – Houston Botanic Garden – 2-4 pm. Talk & book signing, plus free beer provided by Saint Arnold Brewing Company! Tickets required: members $10; non-members $25.
- October 26 – The Arbor Gate Nursery in Tomball, 1-2 pm. Talk & book signing. Space is limited to just 40 attendees, and advance payment ($10) is required to secure your spot. Call (281) 351-8851 to reserve.
Big Blend Radio – Garden Gossip
In this “Garden Gossip” video interview on Big Blend Radio, Lisa D. Smith and I talk about “how gardening connects us to nature, promotes ecological health, and serves as a creative response to climate change.”
Here’s a still shot from that fun interview with Lisa.
The Plant Ninja
Take a walk through my garden with me on The Plant Ninja YouTube channel by Natalie McAnarney, where I talk about my favorite shade-garden plants and DIY projects. GIVEAWAY: Natalie is giving away a signed copy of Gardens of Texas, so be sure to watch for that to learn how to enter!
Texas Public Radio – The Source
Listen to my interview on Texas Public Radio for “The Source” by journalist David Martin Davies. This is a 50-minute audio interview.
KVLF – Between the Beats
I’m talking about Texas gardens in a short 16-minute interview on KVLF radio show “Between the Beats,” hosted out of Alpine. There are two ways to listen: at this mp3 link or on Apple Podcasts.
Central Texas Gardener
In case you missed it, I’m interviewed on PBS television show Central Texas Gardener by host John Hart Asher, talking about Gardens of Texas and how I got into garden writing.
The Plantastic Podcast
And I’m interviewed by Dr. Jared Barnes on The Plantastic Podcast, talking first jobs, blogging, and Gardens of Texas.
Garden Rant review
Last but not least, Susan Harris reviewed Gardens of Texas for the opinionated blog Garden Rant — and I’m very pleased to say she gave it 5 stars! Read her review at Garden Rant.
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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 and other online book sellers. It’ll make a great holiday gift for anyone who loves gardens or the natural beauty of Texas. More info about Gardens of Texas here.
Come see me on tour! I’m speaking in cities across Texas to celebrate the release of Gardens of Texas. Talks in October include: SFA State University’s Fall Plant Fair in Nacogdoches on 10/23; Houston Botanic Garden on 10/25; and The Arbor Gate in Tomball on 10/26. Join me to learn, be inspired, and get a signed copy of the book!
Oct. 25: Tour 5 gardens in Cedar Park, Leander, and Georgetown, 10 am to 3 pm, during the Hill Country Bloomers Garden Club’s fall garden tour. Local artists will be at each garden with works for sale, and plants will be for sale at one of the gardens. Tickets are $20 — more info here. Proceeds go to garden grants for local schools.
Nov. 6: 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. The next talk on 11/6 is my own — a presentation on resilient Texas gardens! Tickets available here. Subscribe to Garden Spark by clicking here to email — subject line: SUBSCRIBE.
Nov. 8: Tour 5 Austin gardens on the Open Day Tour for Travis County, sponsored by the Garden Conservancy. I’ll be at the Belmont Parkway Garden with a book-signing table for Gardens of Texas, so come say hi! Tickets for each garden must be purchased online in advance, and some gardens limit attendance, so reserve your spot early. Find full details and ticket links here.
All material © 2025 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
