Living Among Giants

When most people walk among giant sequoias, they look up, marveling at the sturdy branches and canopy sprawling hundreds of feet overhead. As a naturalist and artist, however, Shirley Spencer likes to look for the less obvious beauty in her surroundings. And in a sequoia grove, that means bringing her curiosity and keen powers of observation to the diverse plant life that thrives among these famous Californian trees.

In this appreciation of flora commonly found in a sequoia grove, she introduces us to species such as the delicate California azalea and the showy mountain dogwood, the hardy whiteleaf manzanita and the strikingly crimson snow plant. Each two-page spread features an eye-catching watercolor portrait complemented by detailed descriptions. This curated collection of trees, shrubs, flowers, and spore-bearing plants, makes a welcome keepsake or companion for a stroll among the giants and will have readers spotting botanical treasures at every turn.