When a beloved grandmother becomes ill and unable to be out in the sun, her creative grandchild is inspired to help her feel better. With Poppa’s help, the child secretly transforms Nana’s garden into a nighttime paradise where she can once again be with creatures and plants that bring her joy.  Will Nana discover their surprise before the garden is ready?  Join them as together they find the healing power of their new “shadow” garden – a true gift of love.
Educational sidebars introduce nocturnal plants, animals and insects and give tips to build a garden.

OUR SHADOW GARDEN, illustrated by and benefitting children in treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center, winner of the 2010 Growing Good Kids: Excellence in Children’s Literature Award from the American Horticulture Society and Jr. Master Gardener Program.
Here’s what people are saying about it….

“I defy anyone to read this book and not be touched by its tenderness, love of nature and gardening, and the very special bond that ties grandparents and grandchildren…. Cherie Foster Colburn is a name you should remember.”

Brenda Beust Smith, “The Lazy Gardener”
author of THE LAZY GARDENER’S GUIDE, Houston Chronicle garden columnist

“A magical story of helping those we love when they are sick, with perfect illustrations by the children of the MD Anderson Cancer Center.  You may shed a tear as you turn these pages, but you’ll be smiling when you finish this wonderful little book.”

Bob Schieffer
CBS News

“A charmingly written, inspirational tale that made me eager for summer so I could enjoy the special flowers and creatures of the evening.”

Cathy Wilkinson Barash
author of EVENING GARDENS, past president of The Garden Writers Association

“This is a special book for many reasons….The text shows (Cherie’s) skill in telling about ecosystems with simple words children understand.  The story itself is lyrical with a dreamlike quality…. Each reader, no matter his age, will doubtless find his own special reason to treasure this book.”

Betsy Friauf
Dallas Morning News

“I simply loved this book – it brought tears to my eyes – and feel teaching children the healing values of nature is a priceless education. We should all be teaching children and our families how to connect with nature for the betterment of our health.”

Shawna Coronado
author/syndicated gardening writer

“Our Shadow Garden is the story of a family enchanted by the healing power of the night garden, a true gift of love.”

The American Horticultural Society and Jr. Master Gardener Program

“Thank you for reading of OUR SHADOW GARDEN …. You brought together people from several different communities and everyone had a wonderful time!”

Susan Hawes
The Haven Center and Dayschool