Matt Puchalski
NOMINEE - Council on Botanical & Horticultural Libraries 2024 Literature AwardFINALIST - COVID-19 category - 2024 Next Generation Indie Book AwardsFINALIST - LIFESTYLE/HOME/HOW-TO category - 2024 Next Generation Indie Book AwardsA MUST READ for anyone interested in gardening in confined spaces. A personal account of trial-and-error, self-reflection, and growth. With gorgeous pictures throughout, the reader feels the flow of time with every new plant introduced and new idea tested.During the global COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, one man discovers meaning in his own back yard. In this personal journey set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, author Matt Puchalski takes the reader with him during a year of isolation focusing on his back yard. From a confined urban setting Puchalski walks the reader through turning concrete and trash into life and vibrancy. Starting from an old home past its peak, the reader learns how a person can take rubble and promote life in their community. A good year for growing but a difficult year for humanity, Puchalski discusses his escapism into his back yard and his desire to create a form of normalcy during an evolving pandemic.Puchalski provides practical advice on starting a garden intermixed with personal anecdotes on how his first season gardening worked for him. Going beyond the garden, Matt Puchalski shares tips and tricks for how to prepare what you’ve produced in your yard. From the garden variety pickle to the highly forgiving kimchi to the oft overlooked elderflower liqueur, recipes are provided inside.Recipes include:Rhubarb SyrupElderflower LiqueurMatt’s Quick PicklesElderberry JellyFrom The Garden Kimchi
