Ever since she was a child, Polly Richards has dreamed of writing a book. That dream has come to life with her debut, Adele and the Whispering Garden. Inspired by her passion for gardening and caring for our planet, Polly's love for the outdoors blossomed during her childhood visits to her Aunt Nora’s expansive garden in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago. Surrounded by blooming flowers, a small pond, and serene hideaways, those memories remain close to her heart. The scent of phlox effortlessly transports her back to those magical moments.

Polly is a graduate of the Chicago Botanic Gardens' Garden Design program, where she learned about the native trees, shrubs, and perennials that thrive in her community's growing zone. She has since created her own vibrant garden and serves as the coordinator for the Jubilee Garden, affiliated with St. Francis de Sales Church in Lake Zurich, IL. Each season, the garden produces about 2,000 pounds of vegetables, all donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.

Through her writing, Polly aims to share her deep love for gardening and the importance of sustainable practices, inspiring a new generation to appreciate and nurture the planet. Adele and the Whispering Garden is just the beginning of her journey as an author, combining storytelling with a mission to educate and inspire.

Polly Richards is a passionate gardener who resides in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with her husband Bill, their daughter Adele, and their two beloved dogs, Scotty and Olive.

In addition to tending her own garden, she manages a garden for her church, where an average of 2,000 pounds of fresh produce is lovingly grown and donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.

Her love for gardening led her to explore various approaches, from organic gardening to companion planting and the use of friendly bugs, such as ladybugs, to handle pests and promote pollination. She is on a mission to share these methods, whether for a blooming flower garden or a bountiful vegetable patch.

Polly firmly believes that we are the caretakers of this planet, a responsibility bestowed upon us by God. Saddened by the lack of concern for sustainable living, she decided to spark change at the grassroots level, starting with children. This inspired her to create the series ‘Adele and the Whispering Garden’.

Polly Richards is a passionate gardener who resides in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with her husband Bill, their daughter Adele, and their two beloved dogs, Scotty and Olive.

In addition to tending her own garden, she manages a garden for her church, where an average of 2,000 pounds of fresh produce is lovingly grown and donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.

Her love for gardening led her to explore various approaches, from organic gardening to companion planting and the use of friendly bugs, such as ladybugs, to handle pests and promote pollination. She is on a mission to share these methods, whether for a blooming flower garden or a bountiful vegetable patch.

Polly firmly believes that we are the caretakers of this planet, a responsibility bestowed upon us by God. Saddened by the lack of concern for sustainable living, she decided to spark change at the grassroots level, starting with children. This inspired her to create the series ‘Adele and the Whispering Garden’.