Fall Into the Gardens: A Seasonal Book Guide
Cozy up with these staff-recommended reads that celebrate nature, gardens, and the changing seasons. Visit the Library at the Gardens to explore these selections and more!
Looking for a cozy read this fall? The Library at the Gardens has you covered! Our staff has handpicked their favorite books to inspire your connection with nature, from classic literature to non-fiction musts. Visit the library to check out one of these recommendations and immerse yourself in the harvest season!
BY Sebastian Ortiz Muñoz
For Fiction Lovers

The Overstory by Richard Powers
(W. W. Norton & Company, 2019)
“For those who enjoy fiction with an environmental twist, The Overstory is a masterful novel that weaves together the stories of diverse characters, all connected by their shared bond with trees. The book spans generations and continents, bringing readers into a lush, immersive world. Power’s exploration of forests and their future is thought-provoking, and the novel’s structure mirrors a tree’s own growth—twisting and branching in ways you might not expect.” —Rachael Daughtry, Library and Information Services Manager

For Conservation Enthusiasts

A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold (Oxford University Press, 1986)
“Aldo Lepold’s A Sand County Almanac is one of the most formative works in nature writing, shaping generations of environmentalists, gardeners, and conservationists. It has influenced how I navigate my own personal work in the Kaul Wildflower Garden. Leopold’s essays explore the delicate relationship between humans and the land, making it an essential read for anyone who loves wildflowers, conservation, and the natural world.”—Keith Turney, Senior Horticulturist for the Kaul Wildflower Garden

For Year-Round Gardeners

Fallscaping by Nancy J. Ondra and Stephanie Cohen (Storey Publishing, 2007)
“If you want your garden to shine even as the weather cools, Fallscaping is a must-read! This book offers a practical guide to extending your garden’s beauty through autumn and early winter. It’s an inspiring and accessible guide for novice gardeners and seasoned pros who want to showcase the often-overlooked beauty of fall.”—Tom Underwood, Executive Director

For Families and Nature Lovers

One Leaf Rides the Wind By Celeste Mannis and Illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung (Puffin Books, 2005)
“This delightful counting book is a wonderful blend of nature-inspired haiku poems and vibrant illustrations of a Japanese garden. Perfect for children of all ages, the book introduces a variety of garden elements that refresh the spirit!” —Ellen Hardy, Education Program Coordinator

Become a Friend of the Gardens and join us in our mission to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Thank you for your support!