When was the last time you saw a garden grow from… bird poop? Not exactly the beginning most of us imagine for a vibrant flowerbed — and that’s exactly what makes The Bird Poop Garden so delightfully unexpected. In this charming new book, names like “Bird Poop Poppies,” “Bird Poop Sunflowers,” and “Bird Poop Lupine” are not jokes. They’re the real, happy result of nature’s surprises driven by a flock of crows, a little help from Mother Nature — and a grandpa’s backyard.
Written from the perspective of a child named Davey visiting his grandparents, the story captures the wonder and magic of how seeds travel, germinate, and transform into colorful, beautiful blooms. It’s a “true tale” — not a fantasy — and in that realism lies the book’s special power.
The Heart Behind the Garden: Barbara Plantholt Melera
Barbara Plantholt Melera isn’t a first-time gardener nor a newcomer to botanical storytelling — she’s a lifelong gardener, matriarch of a family of seven gardeners (including grandchildren), and co-owner of the gardening company Harvesting History. Her relationship to plants goes way beyond hobby: with seventy years of backyard gardening under her belt, she brings a deep respect for seeds, soil, pollinators, and the history of gardens.
Through Harvesting History, Barbara has long shared her horticultural knowledge — advising on heirloom varieties, seeds, pollinators, and gardening traditions worldwide. This book is a natural continuation of her mission: to reconnect people (especially young ones) with the origins of plants and the fascinating journeys seeds take before they bloom.
Why This Book Matters: More Than Just a Children’s Tale
- It demystifies nature’s cycles — Many of us forget that gardens don’t begin neatly at a nursery; they often begin humbly, sometimes with seemingly messy beginnings. The Bird Poop Garden shows that even something as unglamorous as bird droppings can become the cradle of beauty.
- It’s rooted in real gardening history and experience — Barbara’s decades of hands-on gardening and knowledge of heirloom plants give the story a grounding in real-world horticulture, not just whimsical fantasy.
- It’s ideal for families and young readers — The structure is simple and accessible; the concept — that life comes from unexpected places — can spark curiosity, respect for nature, and a sense of wonder.
- It bridges generations — With grandparents and grandchildren working side-by-side, this story celebrates gardening as a family tradition and highlights the intergenerational sharing of knowledge, values, and joy.
Where Gardening, History & Imagination Meet
The connection between The Bird Poop Garden and Harvesting History is more than incidental. Through Harvesting History, Barbara and her collaborators preserve and promote heirloom seeds, traditional growing methods, and the stories behind plants and pollinators.
This book doesn’t just entertain — it carries forward a philosophy: that gardens are living histories, shaped by animals (like crows!), the land, and human care. It encourages readers to see their own backyards as potential gardens, full of stories waiting to unfold.
For Parents, Educators, and Garden-Lovers — A Book Worth Turning into Real Life
If you’re a parent looking for a gentle, nature-infused story to read to a child, The Bird Poop Garden offers a wonderful mix of wonder and education. If you’re an educator or someone who loves gardening — it’s a small but powerful reminder that every plant’s journey matters, and that sometimes, magic comes from the most unexpected places.
I encourage you to give this book a read — or gift it to a young person who could use a fresh dose of wonder about the natural world. And maybe, this spring or summer, plant some seeds together and see what happens. Who knows — you might just grow your own “Bird Poop” flowers.
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