MGV Book Club

This summer’s read is over, but check back for next year’s book club pick!

The 2026 virtual Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Book Club read was “Garden for Life: Strategies for Easier, Greener, More Joyful Gardening as We Age” by Rhonda Fleming Hayes.

You do not have to be a Master Gardener Volunteer to join. Weekly discussion questions are posted Fridays in the Florida MGV Book Club Facebook Group. Then we wrap up the summer with an author interview on Zoom.

Watch a recording of our chat with summer 2026 author Rhonda Fleming Hayes on YouTube.

Summer 2026 Author

“In ‘Garden for Life,’ Rhonda Fleming Hayes brings a lifetime of gardening experience, research-based advice and collective wisdom to older gardeners who are looking for inspiration and practical strategies. This delightful comprehensive guide presents new techniques and tools to make gardening less strenuous, and highlights plants that ‘multitask’ to make a garden more sustainable — for both the gardener and the environment. It also advises on how and when to ask for help to lighten the load so we can focus on the life-enhancing aspects of spending time in the garden.

‘Garden for Life’ reminds us that gardening is a simple way to answer the human need to connect with nature, a craving called biophilia, while highlighting its many proven health benefits. Gardening offers a low-intensity workout with a variety of natural movements, provides a sense of purpose while nurturing a meditative state that decreases stress, fosters improved nutrition and better brain health, and grows social connection and community. In short, gardening is excellent for health and longevity!”

How do I join the book club?

Come back for Summer 2027. We’ll share purchasing information for the chosen book. Then, join the Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Book Club by sending a request to our Facebook group. This is where you will check for the discussion questions and leave comments to your fellow book-club members. You do need a Facebook account to participate. We hope you join us next summer!

Book Club Schedule

Discussion questions are typically posted in the Facebook group in the morning on the last business day of the week (Fridays usually). You can participate by leaving your written responses in the comments at any time. Note that these are not live meetings. However, the virtual author chat at the end of reading schedule will be a live discussion. A registration link will be posted in the group as the date nears.