BRIDGEPORT— Housatonic Community College’s (HCC) Dean of Academic Affairs Robin Avant has published her first book, The Spirit of Gardening: Gardening for New Bees The Life Revealed Through Gardening!

The 139-page beginner’s resource is a guide, reference book, and a collection site for the "new bee” gardener, according a release. The book provides gardening basics, including a map of plant zones, seed package information, helpful tips, and a glossary of 50 common starter veggies, fruits, and herbs. There is a section to plot out gardening ideas and space for gardening notes.

Presented alongside pictures taken by Avant, readers will find facts and advice on indoor gardening and potting, outdoor gardening, composting, sowing, watering, germinating, pruning, and harvesting. Gardening for beautiful surroundings and tips for working at a community garden are also shared.

“I want readers to explore, have fun, and enjoy the journey as they learn the gardening process,” said Avant. “The book provides fundamental steps to take ownership of our food supply, sustaining and supplementing what we put on our table.”

Avant’s love of gardening began at an early age watching her grandmothers in their gardens, then was sparked again later in life when a co-worker began bringing fresh produce into the office from his garden. Her interest grew into a passion when she took the leap and created her own backyard garden in Bridgeport.

“My hope is to get a new gardener off to a good start and to inspire those who have recently started. The book covers the essentials and makes gardening feel accessible to everyone,” said Avant. “The life revealed in gardening is truly amazing, relaxing, uplifting, and rewarding.”

The Spirit of Gardening: Gardening for New Bees The Life Revealed Through Gardening! is published by XULON Press, 2020, and sells for $29.99 hardcover, $18.49 paperback, and $8.99 for the Kindle version.

Avant has been a member of the HCC faculty since 2012.

“Housatonic Community College supports faculty publishing endeavors and Dean Avant’s new book is a testament to the passion she brings to teaching. She has been at the forefront of helping HCC to become named a Certified Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation, and recently, an edible campus,” said Acting President HCC and Regional President, CSCU Shoreline-West Dr Thomas G. Coley.