January 19, 2026
The new issue of American Gardener magazine contains an article I wrote (and photographed) about SummerHome Gardena visionary privately owned, public garden in an urban Denver neighborhood.
I first visited SummerHome and met owner Lisa Negri in September 2024. I was so impressed by Lisa and her mission for SummerHome — to inspire and educate Coloradoans about waterwise plants and gardening — that I invited her to be a Garden Spark speaker here in Austin. She came in April 2025 and gave an engaging talk about how the idea for SummerHome arose, obstacles overcome in creating it, and its importance to the community, which helps to maintain it.
The garden resonates with people the world over, thanks to Lisa’s knack for attracting press, and I’m happy for my own opportunities to write about it. I hope SummerHome will continue to inspire others to follow Lisa’s example in making waterwise, climate-appropriate gardens that sustain pollinators and other wildlife as well as the human spirit.
Find this story, “An Open-Source Garden,” in the January/February 2026 issue of American Gardener. The magazine is the subscriber publication for the American Horticultural Societyand you’ll need to become a member to receive a copy.
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Digging Deeper
My new book, Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star Stateis here! Find it on Amazonother online book sellersand in stores everywhere. It’s for anyone who loves gardens or the natural beauty of Texas. More info here.
Come see me on tour! I’ll be speaking and hosting book events across Texas this spring to celebrate the release of Gardens of Texas. Join me to learn, get inspired, and say hello!
Learn about garden design and ecology at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. Subscribe to Garden Spark by clicking here to email — subject line: SUBSCRIBE.
All material © 2026 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
