Walking on Water by Liz Strauss SAMPLE PAGES

Learning about Gardens
I introduced myself to the beige, rock-clay soil of
Texas hill country.
I sat flat on the ground, mixing clay with sandy loam,
peat moss, and humus to make rich, black dirt like
that I had ignored growing up in Illinois. I learned about bark mulch
and native plants. I learned that if you put things in good soil, and
care for them, sometimes nature gives you back something beautiful.


In Massachusetts, I inherited a garden gone wild in an
oak and pine forest. More than a garden, it was a
gardener’s dream.
Every curve had a distinct personality. Where the sun
hit, the dirt was so dry, it needed water to be dust. Four
feet from that spot, shade kept things wet to the touch.

Wherever I stood, I could always see part of
that garden — but I could never see all of it.
Gardens and people have a lot in common.

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©2008 Liz Strauss All rights reserved


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