What I’m Reading This Spring: My April Book List

Even though it’s spring in the PNW, we’re being constantly gaslit every day. Will it be nice and sunny with blue skies and birds chirping? Or will it be January but in April? Either way, I have so many plans for this season and if you’ve read any of my recent blog posts or newsletters, you know I’ve completely hyperfixated on gardening.

I’m not even a little sorry about it. Herbalism has been a huge hobby of mine for the past few years and this year, all of my studying is coming to a head. I’m being tested on everything I’ve learned in real time and honestly? It’s my dream. Fair warning though, half of these books are, you guessed it, on gardening. 👩‍🌾

Table of Contents

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

This has been on my list for over two years and it’s finally time. After a friend highly recommended it for its super cozy cottagecore vibes, I’m getting it and I’m dedicating time to it. Period.

Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health by Rosemary Gladstar

I. LOVE. ROSEMARY. GLADSTAR.

That’s it. That’s the post.

Okay, not really. In all honesty, Rosemary is not just a writer but a real life herbalist who lives by everything she teaches. I love her knowledge and her Instagram. If you don’t know her, go look her up right now. This book has a recipe for just about everything, plus an entire skincare section that has me completely rethinking my soap making process. Salves, tinctures, face creams, and even a tea for period cramps. I haven’t finished it yet but this is already my favorite kitchen guide and it’s staying on my shelf for years.

Medicinal Herbs by Rosemary Gladstar

Another one from my favorite! This is a guide to medicinal herbs, how to grow them, and all of their beneficial properties. There’s a section on dandelions that genuinely blew my mind and I cannot wait to try some of the teas and salves.

On that note, if you’re looking for a beautiful herbal tea to start your own herbalism journey, I’ve been completely obsessed with The Tea Spot‘s collection lately.

The Crow Trap (Vera Stanhope Series #1) by Ann Cleeves

Just finished this one! Written in the 90s, and I completely forgot about cell phones while reading it. This is the first book in the wildly popular BBC adaptation of Vera. Vera Stanhope is a homely, blunt, and slightly grumpy detective who is set in her ways and somehow completely impossible not to adore. She always gets her murderer and every story is deeply rooted in small English countryside communities.

And yes, I’m already on the second book and I think it might be even better.

Gardening in the Pacific Northwest by Paul Bonine and Amy Campion

I spotted this at Barnes & Noble last week and immediately added it to my list. Seattle gardening is its own unique adventure and I’m really excited to read about the best perennials and fruits for our native soil out here.

Fruit & Vegetable Gardening by Michael Pollock

I picked this up from the library and read through the whole thing. The strawberry section alone was worth it. A great resource when you need a little inspiration or light research at the start of a new growing season.

Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier,
FNIMH

My mom gave me this last year and this is finally the year I’m diving all the way in. It covers over 560 plants and their properties plus remedies for nearly 150 ailments, from skin issues to nervous system stress. The hardcover is beautiful and there’s a stunning limited edition Eaton Press cover that is completely out of my budget. Honestly though, I’m glad to have my copy because I have zero guilt writing notes in the margins and leaving sticky notes on every other page.

Fair warning given, my darling friends! What’s on your spring reading list? I’d love to know in the comments below! 💕