Blooms by the Bay: Reflections and Reverie- A Gardening Guide from a Woman who made Plants Her Why Hardcover – March 7, 2026

Blooms by the Bay: A Memoir-Style Gardening GuideBlooms by the Bay is more than a gardening book—it’s a place to grow.Blending practical, accessible gardening education with deeply personal storytelling, this memoir-style guide invites readers to learn how to grow flowers, vegetables, herbs, and fruit while cultivating patience, healing, and connection along the way.Rooted in generations of growing on Long Island, Marisa Lohwasser shares the knowledge passed down from her grandparents, the lessons learned through years of trial and error, and the ways gardening helped her navigate grief, loss, and rediscover joy. With a warm, honest voice, she reminds readers that gardening doesn’t have to be complicated—at its core, growing comes down to sun, water, dirt, and love.This book is designed to be used, not just read. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned grower, Blooms by the Bay meets you where you are and grows with you.Inside you’ll find:A clear, beginner-friendly breakdown of the plant life cycleGuidance on USDA growing zones, with an in-depth focus on Zone 7aHow to read seed packets and plant labels with confidencePlanting methods including direct sowing and transplantingGarden planning, spacing, watering, and maintenance tipsInsight into pollinators, pests, and beneficial insectsSeed saving, harvesting, and seasonal garden transitionsThoughtful personal reflections woven throughoutBlank monthly garden calendars and lined pages for notes, tracking, and reflection (print editions)Written with heart, humor, and hands-in-the-dirt wisdom, Blooms by the Bay is part how-to guide, part garden journal, and part memoir—created for anyone who has ever found comfort, connection, or healing in the soil.Whether you’re planting your very first seed or returning to the garden after a long season away, this book is an invitation to slow down, get your hands dirty, and grow something meaningful—both in the garden and within yourself. Read more