Most Popular Books by Laura C. Martin

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As a tribute to the gardening of a unique region this volume portrays 32 of the most celebrated gardens of the American South, ranging from the grand gardens of the Antebellum Plantations to strikingly simple, creative plantings of the modern era.

A charmingly illustrated keepsake and guide to native, wild plants of North America. In this exquisitely detailed naturalist’s handbook, Laura C. Martin provides profiles of 85 wild plants and flowers found across North America, each accompanied by lovingly illustrated and charming watercolor paintings. With dozens of notes, arrows, and details, each chapter encourages the reader to look at the plants as a naturalist would—opening up a whole new way of seeing nature. Martin gives details on where the plants can be found, how they grow, how to identify them, and what natural properties they each have. The handbook features plants from across North America, including the Purple Coneflower, found along the East Coast from Quebec to Florida, and the Opuntia (prickly pear) cacti found in Mexico and America’s Southwest. In addition to the wildflower profiles, readers will find information on growing native plants, instructions for plant crafts, tips for conservation, and ideas for activities with children. They’ll also discover recipes for teas, herb mixes, tinctures, and salves using the plants described. Crafts and activities include making dyes, simple baskets, wreaths, and crowns. A Naturalist’s Book of Wildflowers is a gift book and field guide in one, with its treasure trove of handy information and beautiful colored drawings.

Lose the sugar with recipes for sweet and savory treats that use only natural sweeteners and seasonal products: no white sugar, corn syrup, or chemical substitutes allowed. Celebrity chefs from across America contribute their favorite recipes to this unique collection, which offers suggestions for delicious dairy- and gluten-free treats, along with vegan and low-fat variations. And every recipe has been tested and re-tested to perfection. Plus, Laura Martin demystifies the art of substituting natural sweeteners for refined products, so readers can use these sure-fire alternatives in their own favorite dishes!

No matter where you dwell, from desert to forest, this practical guide, now in its second edition, tells how to grow and maintain a gorgeous wildflower meadow. Detailed descriptions of more that 150 species of wildflowers are accompanied by lovely pen-and-ink botanical drawings.

In all, thirty gardens open to visitors are illustrated in 215 specialy commissioned, dazzling photographs and described in a lively, informative text.

The writer and botanical illustrator presents fifty projects for creating botanical designs on tablecloths, napkins, pillows, lampshades, place mats, scarves, and greeting cards. Original.

A usable guide for cultivating wildflowers, Southern Wildflowers is also a beautiful gift for any nature lover. Each wildflower narrative is accompanied by an exquisite, full-color watercolor painting.

Laura Martin explores the history and mystery of more than 100 garden flowers, explaining how they got their names, where they came from, and their medicinal and culinary uses and sharing their legends, supersititions, and language. More than 100 pen-and-ink drawings and 6 pages of watercolor illustrations.

Provides descriptions, origins, growing instructions, and legends associated with various trees and shrubs.

"Offers heartwarming crafts, mouthwatering recipes, and pampering beauty products all created with items straight from her own Georgia garden that can also be grown in yours."--Jacket.

The statistics are startling--one out of every ten women will be raped; one out of every four college women will be sexually assaulted. In A Life Without Fear, Laura Martin instructs women in how to prevent sexual attack, conquer feelings of helplessness, and cope with the trauma of assault.

Documenting the phenomenon that spans continents and generations, a volume featuring hundreds of illustrations of the collection, its creators, and collectors highlights the history of Precious Moments and reveals how collectors unite in a spirit of loving, caring, and sharing.

Discusses recycling and provides information and instructions for making art projects from a variety of recycled materials.

Take your child’s creativity outside! Laura C. Martin offers 65 art projects that kids can make with materials found right in their backyard. There’s no limit to the imaginative possibilities as children mix paints from colorful flower blossoms, dig clay for molding elf-sized furniture, and craft functional twig baskets. Cultivating a respectful engagement with nature while developing artistic skills, Nature’s Art Box is an inspiring handbook for the next generation of expressive and conscientious stewards of the earth’s resources.

Describes the characteristics and range of a variety of common birds, and shares myths and folklore associated with each bird

This guide shows how your gardening can sustain your spirit in new ways, whether you grow one fig tree on an apartment terrace, or five acres of wheat in the country. It may also help you realize, as never before, that for each fruit and vegetable associated with every holiday, there is a profound and sustaining reason.

Texas gardening varies widely from semi-tropical coast to desert plain, from dense woods to prairie grassland. Drawing on a wide range of expert experience and advice, Martin provides detailed information on the agricultural zones, soil types, rainfall averages, growing seasons, and frost dates for all points on the map. In a lively question-and-answer format, she reveals the tips and tricks shared by both professionals and seasoned enthusiasts, covering such areas as: -- heirloom and organic gardens; -- landscape and garden design; -- fruits and vegetables; -- flowers, herbs, trees and shrubs; -- and native plants. Chock full of practical advice, helpful hints, and valuable resource lists, Texas Gardening is a must-read for all Texas gardeners.

Presents projects that can be made from materials found in the garden, including pressed flowers, evergreen wreaths, rosebud napkin rings, and a variety of recipes

Covering eighty different animals, this volume includes legends, myths, and superstitions, as well as facts about the history, characteristics, and habitats of each animal