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This article appears in print in the January 2019 issue. Click here to subscribe.

“Plants make people happy!” says local greenery evangelist Jen Stearns. There’s some truth to that: According to her new book, The Inspired Houseplant (Sasquatch, January 29, $24.95), studies show that indoor plants filter our air, increase office productivity and give us a dopamine boost. All great news, unless you’re the sort who manages to kill off anything green that crosses your threshold.

But as Stearns points out in The Inspired House Plant, “There is no magic to good plant care, just basic science and simple rules.” Her book is a treasure trove of educational information and also includes some projects—terrariums, hanging gardens—perfect for crafting on long winter evenings.

If you still have questions after reading the book, visit Stearns at her plant-centric boutique, Urban Sprouts (Renton, 724 S Third St.; 206.789.0710). “My goal is that my business becomes that friend who knows all about plants and is always willing to help,” she says. “This book is just another amazing opportunity for me to [make] plant care in our homes approachable and beautiful.”