Is America still what it once was? As recently as fifty years ago, America was a bold, spirited nation. The world regarded America as a bastion of freedom, democracy, wealth, and strength. Her God-fearing citizens were envied because of their remarkably high standard of living. The nation invited immigration and was always ready to help the downtrodden. One could come to America and become all that one wanted to be. The U.S. was admired as one of the wonders of the world due largely to the Constitution, with its dedication to fundamental rights of the individual and its belief in God. The diverse group of fifty-six signers of the Declaration had set the stage for a noble experiment, the likes of which the world had never seen. Today, the face of America is drastically different, with those who would decry her exceptionalism. In this politically charged book, Warren Jorgenson explores the fundamental differences between conservatives and liberals, whom he labels daisies and dandelions, respectively, and the current state of the U.S. He makes the case that it all boils down to quality of parenting and the first five years of a person's life. Good parenting produces daisies while poor parenting results in dandelions. Daisies and Dandelions is sure to incite heated discussions on both sides, but they're discussions worth having for the sake of America. Warren 'Jorgy' Jorgenson is a graduate of Drake University and an ex-marine and veteran of World War II when he was a prisoner of war of the Japanese. After the war, he spent more than thirty years in the phonograph record industry. He and his beloved Ruth are at home in California.

An educational interactive folding book exploring the delicate geometry of common daisy and dandelion species.

"Based on groundbreaking research that has the power to change the lives of countless children--and the adults who love them." --Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts. A book that offers hope and a pathway to success for parents, teachers, psychologists, and child development experts coping with difficult children. In Tom Boyce's extraordinary new book, he explores the "dandelion" child (hardy, resilient, healthy), able to survive and flourish under most circumstances, and the "orchid" child (sensitive, susceptible, fragile), who, given the right support, can thrive as much as, if not more than, other children. Boyce writes of his pathfinding research as a developmental pediatrician working with troubled children in child-development research for almost four decades, and explores his major discovery that reveals how genetic make-up and environment shape behavior. He writes that certain variant genes can increase a person's susceptibility to depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and antisocial, sociopathic, or violent behaviors. But rather than seeing this "risk" gene as a liability, Boyce, through his daring research, has recast the way we think of human frailty, and has shown that while these "bad" genes can create problems, they can also, in the right setting and the right environment, result in producing children who not only do better than before but far exceed their peers. Orchid children, Boyce makes clear, are not failed dandelions; they are a different category of child, with special sensitivities and strengths, and need to be nurtured and taught in special ways. And in The Orchid and the Dandelion, Boyce shows us how to understand these children for their unique sensibilities, their considerable challenges, their remarkable gifts.

Herbs are quite literally everywhere; it is only our ability to recognise their value that has been lost. Vicky and Kim explore the traditional uses of herbs combined with a modern and scientific understanding of a truly holistic approach so that you can use herbs to treat ailments and improve your general wellbeing. The book contains fascinating information about herbs with suggestions of what each herb can be used for. Did you know that daisies infused in oil can be used to reduce bruises? That roses can help grieving and anxiety? Or that elderflower cordial can bring down a temperature? There is also an introduction to each of the body's systems (nervous, respiratory etc.) and which herbs are best for treatments. And of course, the book is peppered with vinegars, balms, oils, tinctures, creams, lotions and syrups to create your own little herbal health kit. Vicky and Kim also encourage people to reconnect with their local environment in addition to growing herbs in their gardens or windowsills. An all-encompassing guide for the beginner, The Handmade Apothecary is filled with guidance, useful tips and tried-and-tested recipes that will inspire people to make their own remedies. Also by Vicky Chown and Kim Walker: The Herbal Remedy Handbook

'TRULY INSPIRING' Mail on Sunday Now familiar to millions of Gardeners' World fans as Longmeadow (the home of Nigel & Nellie), this is the story of Monty & Sarah Don's early days there. THE JEWEL GARDEN is the story of the garden that bloomed from the muddy fields around the Dons' Tudor farmhouse, a perfect metaphor for the Monty and Sarah's own rise from the ashes of a spectacular commercial failure in the late '80s . At the same time THE JEWEL GARDEN is the story of a creative partnership that has weathered the greatest storm, and a testament to the healing powers of the soil. Monty Don has always been candid about the garden's role in helping him to pull back from the abyss of depression; THE JEWEL GARDEN elaborates on this much further. Written in an optimistic, autobiographical vein, Monty and Sarah's story is truly an exploration of what it means to be a gardener.