learning gardens and sustainability education: bringing life to schools and schools to life

Williams and Brown's insightful text examines school-based learning gardens as part of a whole-systems design solution addressing interrelated social, ecological, and educational issues. The text is written for academics, but may also be informative for community activists and general readers. Coverage includes an overview of the topic and the concept of living soil as a metaphorical construct for education; guiding principles for learning gardens, including cultivating a sense of place, fostering curiosity and wonder, discovering rhythm and scale, valuing biodiversity, embracing practical experience, nurturing interconnectedness, and awakening the senses; and first-hand teacher, principal, and superintendent perspectives. Williams (Portland State U., Oregon) specializes in educational leadership and policy; Brown teaches classes in permaculture, whole-systems design, organic gardening, and sustainability education. Annotation �穢2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)