Gardening: plants and cultivation guides Books

Book SynopsisJoel Morrow was editor of the journal Biodynamics for over thirty years, in which he published regular 'biographies' of vegetables. The 76 biographies in this book address all aspects of the vegetables, including how to grow them, their climate of origin, their transformation over time, and their nutritional and therapeutic potential.Arranged alphabetically -- from Asian Brassicas to Winter Squash -- this unique book is more than just a gardening guide. Inspired by Rudolf Steiner's spiritual view of nature, it offers a complete understanding of the vegetables, revealing their inner characteristics and helping growers to improve plant health and yields.

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Book Synopsis“The best recent all-around lavender book with something for gardeners, crafters, and cooks alike.” —Library Journal Lavender is beloved for its and culinary and medicinal uses. In The Lavender Lover's Handbook, Sarah Berringer Bader provides a complete overview of the 100 most colorful, fragrant, and stunning varieties. You will discover expert tips on spacing, planting, pruning, and care and maintenance. Additional information includes tips on how to harvest, cook with, and preserve the plant, along with step-by-step crafts and project that use lavender in beautiful and soothing ways.

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Book Synopsis“A magnum opus of ground covers that deserves a place in every gardener’s library.” —Tony Avent, founder and owner Plant Delights Nursery Ground covers are widely thought of as utilitarian—we turn to them when we have a problem that needs a solution. Yet these plants also offer a diverse range of beautiful and intriguing options with a variety of colors, textures, and forms. They can unify a landscape, knit together plantings and hardscape, and add extra layers of beauty, dynamism, and surprise. As a replacement for lawns, they can reduce our use of water, fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, carbon-based fuels, and transform a yard into a diverse landscape of habitat and food for native insects, birds, and other wildlife. In this meticulously researched reference, nurseryman Gary Lewis profiles more than 4000 ground covers that can perform these roles with aplomb. No matter what kinds of conditions you’re facing—shade, dry soil, heavy clay, excess moisture—there’s a ground cover that will thrive and beautify your garden. Comprehensive, practical, and copiously illustrated, this indispensable volume belongs on the shelf of every designer, landscape architect, and serious gardener.

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Book Synopsis“Designing with Succulents is inspiring, practical, and complete—a treasure for any gardener who loves these otherworldly beauties.” —Kathleen N. Brenzel, Sunset Succulents offer dazzling possibilities and require very little maintenance to remain lush and alluring year-round. No one knows them better than the Queen of Succulents, Debra Lee Baldwin. This new, completely revised edition of her bestselling classic is a design compendium that is as practical as it is inspirational. Designing with Succulents shares design and cultivation basics, hundreds of succulent plant recommendations, and 50 companion plant profiles. Lavishly illustrated with 400 photographs, you’ll find everything you need to visualize, create, and nurture a thriving, water-smart succulent garden.

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Book Synopsis“A boon to all those who plant, care for, and love trees.”—Nina Bassuk, author of Trees in the Urban Landscape The Tree Book is the go-to reference to more than 2,400 species and cultivars, from two of the biggest names in horticulture—Michael A. Dirr and Keith S. Warren. The featured trees include those widely available in the nursery trade, some new and promising choices, and a selection of overlooked options that deserve renewed interest. Each tree profile includes the common and botanical names along with details on foliage; flowers, seeds, fruits, and cones; native range; adaptability; and popular uses in landscapes. The Tree Book is a must-have resource for landscape architects, city foresters, horticulturists, and enthusiastic home gardeners.

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Book SynopsisA Shrub for Every Situation Shrubs are the perfect plant—they are low-maintenance, there is a variety for nearly every need, and they are widely available at garden centers and nurseries. In his new book Shrubs, Andy McIndoe—one of the world’s foremost woody plant experts—shares all the information and advice you need to pick the right shrub for every site and condition. Shrubs includes plant suggestions for challenging growing conditions and restricted planting spaces, along with shrubs chosen for their desirable characteristics—like hardiness in shade, difficult soil, and harsh conditions. Plant profiles include complete growing information, color photographs, and recommended companion plants. With this helpful guide in hand, it’s easier than ever to add shrubs to add to your home garden.

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Book Synopsis“If you want to grow plants indoors, you need this book.” —Niki Jabbour, author and staff writer at savvygardening.comGardening Under Lights is a highly-detailed, accessible guide for seed starters, plant collectors, houseplant fans, and anyone who wants to successfully garden indoors any time of the year. You’ll learn the basics of photosynthesis, the science of light, how to accurately measure how much light a plant needs, and details about the most up-to-date tools and gear available. Also included are tips and techniques for helping ornamental plants (like orchids, succulents, bonsai, and more) and edible plants (arugula, cannabis, oregano, tomatoes, and more) thrive indoors. Whether you are a vegetable gardener who wants to extend the growing season, a balcony gardener short on outdoor space, or a specialty plant collector, Gardening Under Lights is a must-have.

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Book SynopsisDry summer, wet winter climate? This is your must have plant guide. Selecting plants suited to your climate is the first step toward a thriving, largely self-sustaining garden that connects with and supports the natural world. With gentle and compelling text and stunning photographs of plants in garden settings, Gardening in Summer-Dry Climates by Nora Harlow and Saxon Holt is a guide to native and climate-adapted plants for summer-dry, winter-wet climates of North America's Pacific coast. Knowing what these climates share and how and why they differ, you can choose to make gardens that maintain and expand local and regional biodiversity, take little from the earth that is not returned, and welcome and accommodate the presence of wildlife. With global warming, it is now even more critical that we garden in tune with climate.

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Book SynopsisThe joy and wonder of a garden-inspired lifestyle is captured in this colorfully photographed, through-the-seasons sourcebook filled with recipes, gardening wisdom, craft and wellness projects, and nature-based activities.Each season in the garden brings new joy and fresh inspiration for connecting with the wonders of the natural world. In The Garden Maker's Book of Wonder, popular gardening lifestyle influencer Allison Vallin Kostovick (Finch + Folly) invites fans of cottage core, gardening, and nature-based living to share her journey as she crafts, cooks, dreams, and creates.Drawing on decades of gardening experience, and illustrated with vibrant photography from her own home and garden, The Garden Maker's Book of Wonder offers sage advice on growing bountiful harvests of favourite vegetables, herbs, and flowers. All levels of gardeners, from dreamers to the experienced, will delight in the variety and creativity of Kostovick's projects, activities, and recipes for enjoying the magic and whimsy of the natural world-no matter what season.From planting a pollinator playground to building a rustic trellis from tree branches, cooking with freshly picked peas and mint to making a sweet viola tub soak, and growing a bird seed mix to crafting one-of-a-kind jewellery beads from the husks of the Job's Tears plant, the inventive ideas in this rich treasury are sure to make it a favourite to keep and to give to anyone who aspires to a more nature-connected lifestyle.

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Book Synopsis'Seasoned and novice growers alike will find a mother lode of information and wisdom packed into this gem of a book!' Nancy Phillips, author of The Herbalist’s Way *Updated with new information about herb dryers and construction, soil fertility, growing cannabis, and more In the first edition of The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer, authors Jeff and Melanie Carpenter presented a comprehensive seed-to-bottle guide for aspiring and experienced growers alike, from basic business considerations to planting and propagation to creating value-added products. Now they’re back with a revised and updated edition, sharing the lessons they’ve learned throughout their twenty-five years of operating a medicinal herb farm that prizes quality over quantity. The Carpenters offer their insights and tips on every aspect of herb farming, including: Size and scale considerations Data management for profit maximization The herbal marketplace and choosing which herbs to grow Field and bed preparation and planting, including building soil fertility Plant-positive weed, pest, and disease control Harvest and post-harvest processing, including scalable dryer construction Value-added products and marketing A new chapter on growing cannabis And much more! The Carpenters make the case that growing organic medicinal herbs is not only viable and profitable, but also an important step for improving the ecological health of farmland, taking pressure off of wild medicinal plant populations, and increasing biodiversity. While local foodways are more often the focus of attention, local medicine ways are equally critical and in need of restoration. The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is a one-of-a-kind resource, complete with detailed profiles of 50 medicinal herbs and over 200 colour photographs. Whether you’re looking to grow an herb farm from the ground up, incorporate medicinal plants on an existing farm, or add tools to your belt as a seasoned grower, you’ll find the information you need in this volume. '[A] beautiful and informative book . . . A dirt-smudged copy should be within easy reach of every home gardener or farmer who grows—or wants to grow—medicinal plants.' Michael McGuffin, President, American Herbal Products AssociationTrade Review“This new edition of The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is a must-have for anyone interested in herb cultivation. The knowledge Jeff and Melanie share is incredibly important for the future of the botanical industry as production in the U.S. continues to grow. They detail each step along the way, from choosing the right botanicals to grow on your land to post-harvest processing. I really appreciate the applied intention and the thoughtfulness involved in growing herbs that Jeff and Melanie transmit. This is a resource that aspiring and experienced botanical farmers alike should keep on hand.”—Nate Brennan, purchasing and sales manager, Pacific Botanicals “Rooted in years of direct experience and a deep love and respect for the healing plants, this book is packed full of practical, on-the-ground herbal farming information. It is an essential guide for young and experienced farmers alike who are interested in growing or integrating medicinal herbs into their farm. We need more caring, respectful, and knowledgeable medicinal herb farmers like Jeff and Melanie.”—Deb Soule, herbalist and biodynamic gardener; founder of Avena Botanicals “The revised edition of The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer goes beyond a traditional herb farming manual, serving as a guide for cultivating not only herbs but also a sense of community and self-sufficiency. Jeff’s emphasis on sustainable practices, ethical harvesting, and mindful consumption inspires readers to embrace a harmonious relationship with the environment and rediscover the profound healing potential of herbs. Whether you’re a novice herb enthusiast or an experienced farmer looking to deepen your knowledge, The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is an invaluable resource that will awaken your senses, nourish your soul, and guide you on an enriching journey toward organic herb farming success.”—Cee Stanley, CEO of Green Heffa Farms“I could almost smell the herbs and feel the soil when I picked up and opened this book. It is full of practical and helpful information, pictures, and guidance for any farmer who wants to know and grow medicinal herbs organically. All of the new information is great, especially the section on constructing and performing herb drying. Too often I have seen farmers grow a good crop but lessen its value with improper post-harvest handling techniques, especially drying incorrectly. Thanks Melanie and Jeff for taking the time to put down in black and white what farmers need to know to be successful. The first edition on my shelf is a bit worn and torn, so this revised edition gives me and readers even more reason to dig in deeper to learn what it takes to supply top-quality medicinal herbs in today’s market.”—Edward J Fletcher, Owner/Operator Native Botanicals, Inc. “The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is an invaluable resource for anyone growing medicinal plants on a small, medium, and large-scale. In addition to details about everything from writing a vision statement to developing a business plan and managing weeds, Jeff and Melanie Carpenter share the reasons behind the decisions they have made, the lessons learned from good and bad decisions, and their advice based on what they have learned. The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is also essential reading for anyone using herbal products to understand what it takes to cultivate and process high quality herbs so that the products made with these herbs are truly the ecological medicine—better for the plants, for people, and the planet—that they are promised to be. The Carpenters demonstrate how the vision of wholeness and healing that is at the heart of herbal medicine guides all the decisions, large and small, that they make on their farm. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.”—Ann Armbrecht, PhD; author, The Business of Botanicals; director, Sustainable Herbs Program “Jeff and Melanie Carpenter give me hope for the future of herb farming. In this book, they generously share very useful experience-based information and lessons learned, which will help young prospective herb farmers to avoid pitfalls and plan for an economically viable and appropriately scaled operation for sustainable production. Read this book before you start up!”—Josef Brinckmann, vice president of sustainability, Traditional Medicinals “Finally, a book to recommend to the increasing number of organic farmers who are looking to grow medicinal herb crops. This inspiring handbook provides the quality and depth of information that only comes from years of first-hand experience. Having begun our own herb-growing and herbal-product manufacture thirty-five years ago, I am completely impressed with the comprehensive breadth of topics and business wisdom that the Carpenters have so generously shared.”—Sara Katz, cofounder, Herb Pharm, and board president, United Plant Savers “Bullseye! Jeff and Melanie Carpenter nail it in addressing the needs of today’s medicinal herb grower. In a friendly, easy-to-read style, the information in The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is straightforward and comprehensive, benefitting beginning and experienced farmers alike.”—Richard Wiswall, author, The Organic Farmer’s Business Handbook “With this beautiful and informative book, Jeff and Melanie Carpenter share the knowledge they have gathered as they have realized their vision over the last fifteen years on their 10-acre farm in Vermont. The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer serves as a training manual to support US domestic production of high-quality medicinal herbs. A dirt-smudged copy should be within easy reach of every home gardener or farmer who grows—or wants to grow—medicinal plants.”—Michael McGuffin, president, American Herbal Products Association “Many of the medicinal herbs used in the herbal industry are still imported, even though we have ideal conditions as landowners and farmers to fulfil the growing demand. United Plant Savers’ motto, ‘conservation through cultivation,’ is a way in which we can take demand off of wild-harvested native medicinals and also stimulate regional sources for a dynamic and growing market. This book could not be more timely. We need domestic herb farmers not only to supply a growing demand for herbal medicine but also as a critical component to ensuring an abundant supply of American medicinal plants for generations to come.”—Susan Leopold, executive director, United Plant Savers “The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer rocks with practical insights for growing healing herbs and making a viable living. Locally grown medicine will be embraced by local food movements as more community herbalists get the word out. The ‘Health Care Marketplace’ we actually need today consists of more hard-working farm couples like Jeff and Mel Carpenter.”—Michael Phillips, author, The Holistic Orchard “I highly recommend The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer to all new and experienced growers of Western medicinal herbs. If you are an aspiring herb farmer, this is your book!”—Peg Schafer, author, The Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm “Drawing on their fifteen years of experience growing medicinal herbs commercially, Jeff and Melanie Carpenter have written the most comprehensive book available on growing, harvesting, drying, packaging, and selling medicinal herbs. Beginning farmers will find this book particularly useful with its detailed instructions on all aspects of herb farming, including field-site selection, cultural practices, tools, equipment, and business planning.”—Jeanine Davis, PhD, associate professor and extension specialist, Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University “Seasoned and novice growers alike will find a mother lode of information and wisdom packed into this gem of a book! Anyone interested in growing or using medicinal herbs will reap the benefits of Jeff and Mel’s meticulous research and hard-won expertise in the field and marketplace. These savvy business people are stellar models of earth stewards making a right livelihood on the land. Reading The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer will greatly help you along the same path!”—Nancy Phillips, author, The Herbalist’s Way

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Book SynopsisSouthern Africa is the natural home of the richest and most diverse succulent flora in the world. These plants come in all shapes and sizes, from trees such as the baobab at more than 20 m tall, to miniature soil huggers, just a few millimetres high, which mimic their pebble-desert surroundings. This user-friendly, richly illustrated field guide features more than 700 southern African succulents, focusing on the most interesting and commonly encountered species. An introduction to families and their key features will help readers identify the relevant plant group, while concise accounts describing the plants' diagnostic features, along with distribution maps, will enable quick ID of species. More than just an ID guide for plant lovers, this book will inspire gardeners who are turning to indigenous, low-maintenance and waterwise plants for cultivation.

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Book SynopsisThis book features the best plants for spring, summer, autumn and winter displays, with over 300 photographs. You can make the best of your garden throughout the year by planting seasonal flowers, trees and shrubs. Inspirational displays include flower beds and borders, ponds, window boxes, hanging baskets and tubs. It shows you how to choose suitable plants for every situation - from berried shrubs to twiggy hedges and floral climbers - and how to display them effectively. Vibrant and stunning photographs capture the beauty of delicate spring bulbs, fiery summer annuals, pretty autumn seedheads and verdant winter trees and grasses. It features a wide range of garden styles - from traditional country cottage to formal and contemporary. It features an at-a-glance calendar of key gardening jobs to do during and after each season. From the long-awaited first buds of spring and the riotous displays of summer, to the rich hues of autumn and the structural quality of the winter landscape, your garden can mirror the changing seasons and the wonderful variety of plants available. Season by season, this book takes an inspirational look at bulbs, annuals, perennials, climbers, shrubs and trees, with full descriptions, flowering times, tips on the best growing conditions and hardiness notes. Ideas are presented for pretty window boxes, hanging baskets, tubs, and eye-catching beds and borders. There are also useful lists of jobs that should be done during each season to ensure your garden stays looking its best. With a wealth of practical advice and over 300 photographs, this book is sure to inspire all year round.

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Book SynopsisPrick is a stylish, practical, modern guide to the world of cacti and succulents."A comprehensive guide" BBC Gardeners' World MagazineCacti and succulents are the plant of the moment. Beautiful, affordable and - if you know how - easy to care for, they're a short cut to creating brighter, calmer, more relaxing spaces in the home and office.In Prick, cactus and succulent expert Gynelle Leon gives you all the knowledge you need to help your plants thrive in a simple, easy-to-understand way. Featuring: A plant gallery, showcasing the many weird and wonderful varieties A chapter of styling ideas to show off your plants A care guide to help your cacti and succulents flourish As an RHS-award-winning plant photographer and founder of London's only shop dedicated to cacti and succulents, Gynelle is the perfect guide on your path to cactus know-how.Trade ReviewIn case you missed it, the humble cactus is having a major moment right now. Just take a quick stroll through Instagram. Have a look at any cool person's desk. Behold the prints and patterns on stylish people's shirts. You'll spot cacti all over the place. * Metro *Where once houseplants were the province of an older generation who had the time, knowledge and space to tend them, they're now proving popular with a younger, cooler crowd. * The Telegraph *

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Book Synopsis'A thoroughly recommended read if you want your garden to have that designer touch - and to look good all year round' - Alan Titchmarsh 'This book is reassuringly methodical. From the initial survey to the planting palette and how to design for privacy, shelter or noise control. It's a helpful primer for any design project.' - Daily Mail'Inventively presented with a lot of info packed in without seeming deterrently difficult.' - Evening Standard'Great design tips, ideas and planting schemes for year-round interest.' - House BeautifulConfused by the bewildering range of plants on offer at your local garden centre? How do you choose, use and create beautiful planting schemes like the professionals? The book takes you on a structured journey through the design process, from the initial assessment of your existing space, through choosing a theme or style, to putting it all together. Learn what various plant groups can provide and how to problem-solve by selecting the right species. Understand the role that form, colour, scent and texture play in the garden, and how to use focal points and accent plants for added interest. Tiny courtyard gardeners and suburban gardeners alike will learn how to mix plants in pleasing combinations that will provide interest through the seasons and last for years. RHS How to Plant a Garden proves that a good planting scheme can transform your garden from the ordinary to the truly inspirational.

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Book Synopsis***'With an approachable layout and excellent illustrations, including both photographs and line drawings, this book is just the thing for someone discovering the pastime and would be ideal for those who have just acquired a garden of some size. Topics covered range from plant biology and propagation, to everyday garden care, fruit and vegetables and growing under cover.' The English GardenKeen amateur gardeners and aspiring professionals can learn from the expertise of the RHS with this handy guide.It doesn't matter if you're an old hand at gardening or just starting out, there are always things to discover and opportunities to improve, whether it's mastering a new technique or brushing up on your botany.RHS Gardening School is the perfect guide for gardeners who want to learn. Inside you'll find chapters on: Understanding plants Everyday garden care Problem solving Planting design Gardening through the year and much more. Hands-on guidance and step-by-step instructions explain topics such as pruning, pests and diseases, weed removal and caring for lawns. Expert gardeners explain the underlying principles in plain English, while clear diagrams and beautiful photographs inspire and inform.This revised edition will have a fresh new look with new illustrations and photographs and an easy-to-navigate layout making it an ideal handbook for the new gardener.Become a better, smarter, more productive gardener with this complete guide to horticulture in one handy book.

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Book SynopsisWith fans far and wide, cacti and succulents come in myriad shapes and sizes too. These firm favourites of Instagram influencers are perfect for adding greenery indoors, and can add structure and detail to outdoor spaces as well. Smaller plants are companions for 'generation rent', since they are easily moved from place to place. Generally low-maintenance, being 'plant mum' to one or two of these tiny plants often starts a life-long fascination, and an ever growing horde.The Little Book of Cacti and Succulents is an inspiring and indispensable guide to growing these fascinating plants. Detailed Plant Profiles are divided into sections according to style and shape, from beautiful trailing plants to intricately formed rosettes. At the beginning of the book, you'll find practical advice on getting started, caring for the plants through the year and how best to show your plants off. You can also discover how to grow your collection using various propagation techniques with step-by-step guidance.Cacti and succulents provide year-round interest for very little input, and caring for their fascinating forms is an enchanting hobby. Full of beautiful photography and sweet illustrations, The Little Book of Cacti and Succulents is an encouraging and down-to-earth guide to these weird and wonderful plants.

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Book SynopsisEven with the best planning and care, every garden can run into a problem or two. Whether you are beset with beetles or blighted by blackspot, The Garden Problem Solver has the solution.Guided by the team of experts at Gardeners' World - including advice from Monty Don, Alan Titchmarsh, Carol Klein, Arit Anderson, Adam Frost and more - The Garden Problem Solver contains the practical tips, tricks and techniques to deal with the obstacles that every home gardener has to face.Broken down into easy-to-follow steps, this handy guide will help you anticipate, avoid and troubleshoot the most common garden problems which crop up when growing your favourite fruit, veg, flowers and more.With a foreword by Adam Frost and complemented with hand-drawn illustrations, The Garden Problem Solver holds the secrets to making your garden look its very best.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, Dan Torre explores the intriguing and multifaceted natural, cultural and social history of the orchid. Orchids are one of the largest families of plants - approximately 8 per cent of all the Earth's flowering species. They are known for their beautiful flowers with bright colours, delicate forms and delicate fragrances. However, when we look deeper into their world, we find that they are much more than an elegant flowering plant and behave in unexpected ways that no other flowers do. Philosophers have contemplated them; countless artists have celebrated them; millions of people have cultivated them, displayed them and even consumed them. Orchids occupy our thoughts, our stories, our societies, our greenhouses, our florists, our supermarkets and our homes. And that is merely the beginning.

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Book SynopsisA celebration of the potent plant, and its renaissance from everyone's favourite drag to simply being dope.

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Book SynopsisWhat was tulipmania? Where would you find a boreal forest? And why are fungi not plants?Exploring everything from algae to the wood-wide web, this brilliantly eclectic and beautifully illustrated book delves into the roots, meaning and compelling stories of 250 botanical words.Guided by the experts at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant Words is a cornucopia of horticultural terms. From plants that have changed the course of history to those that talk to each other, and from trees as old as dinosaurs to gardening in outer space, this intriguing collection will cultivate your curiosity and give you the inside story on plants.Table of ContentsBotany • Growing • History • Documentation • Environment • Science • Index • Credits.

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Book Synopsis“A fascinating and intimate portrait of a garden over time … Reading is like being given a rusty key to a beautiful secret garden." - Ben Dark, Author of The GroveHidden away behind high stone walls in the centre of London is Lambeth Palace Garden, a 10-acre site that has been continuously cultivated for more than a thousand years.Join Head Gardener Nick Stewart Smith as he unlocks the gates and invites us to wander through a secret garden where nature is at the heart of everything and where a thoughtful approach to gardening creates a haven for all sorts of native wildlife, allowing nature to flourish in the midst of one of the world’s busiest cities.The Thousand Year Old Garden is a comforting meditation through the seasons on the act of renewal, hope, gardening, and our place in nature.Trade Review“It is a fascinating read and best of all, with appetite whetted, the reader can arrange to visit the garden which opens to the public through the National Garden Scheme.” * Country Life magazine *“A unique insight into a special place, written with tenderness and passion by a gardener with a real eye for detail” * Countryside magazine *Steward Smith professes not to be a writer but his easy, conversational style married with an extraordinary eye for horticultural, historical and even personal detail belies this. * The Field magazine *Readers will have their interest piqued by this captivating work, and can visit the garden to see for themselves (though Lambeth Palace itself is closed for refurbishment) * The Field magazine *His book is like the contented conversation between two people sharing a bench: ruminative, tangential, full of wisdom. * Church Times *A most charming and original story of a gardener and his garden -- Roy LancasterA wonderful grasp of the natural world, and the delicate balance between the cultivated and the wildlings, and the gardener's role in bringing out the best of both -- Roy Lancaster

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Book SynopsisThis stunning series of pocketbooks from Kew offers a snapshot into the diverse and beautiful world of plants. Each book lavishly showcases choice examples from individual plant groups or collections, and this new title showcases Japanese plants, from chrysanthemums, to cherry blossom, camellia and maples. Published to coincide with the new Japan festival at Kew Gardens in October 2020. The Library, Art and Archives at Kew is one of the most extensive botanical libraries in the world, with the oldest item dating back to the 1370s. In this pocketbook series from Kew, each book presents 40 botanical paintings from the collection, illustrating the variety within each plant group, as well as the diversity of the collection and artistic styles. An introductory chapter by a Kew expert provides an overview of the plant group or theme, and extended captions accompany each painting. The luxury finish on these books make them a must-have gift item, printed on uncoated paper and with a cloth and foil finish.

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Book SynopsisThis stunning series of pocketbooks from Kew offers a snapshot into the diverse and beautiful world of plants and fungi. Each book lavishly showcases choice examples from different groups or collections.

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Book SynopsisA guide to the ways in which plants enhance our daily lives, from the essential functions of making our planet habitable, through meeting basic needs, such as food and clothing, to inspiring our creativity. Explores the way in which plants are used and explains how their extraordinary properties make them perfect for the job. Each of the 51 ‘things’ offers a different activity or insight into how we can interact with plants, be it from making perfumes, or making tea, to reducing noise, improving office productivity, or building a den. From global to community, and to individual, there are a huge range of topics and activities included. This book offers an ecological journey into the world of plants and their importance in our daily lives, often in unusual ways, and will guide the reader to sustainably connect with the botanical bounty around us, for our own benefit, and the planet’s.

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Book SynopsisA green-fingered gardener, Amy Stewart has always delighted in the sight of freshly cut flowers, but she grew increasingly curious and uneasy about the journey those flowers take to reach her bouquet. In Gilding the Lily, Stewart introduces us to the people, places and plants that make up this multi-million-pound industry, from a lily grower in the American Northwest to the rose fields of Ecuador and the tulip greenhouses in Holland. Gilding the Lily is a page-turning enquiry into the controversial practices that lie behind each bloom, including the treatment of the workers in the fields and greenhouses, the issue of patenting and the use of pesticides, and the financial forces that drive the quest for the "perfect" flower. It is also a wonderful story about the romance and the reality of growingand cultivating flowers.Trade ReviewRevealing on how your supermarket roses get to you, why they don't smell anymore, and other controversial practices * Bookseller *Stewart does an admirable job ... some first- rate reportage -- Charles Elliott * Literary Review *I also heartily recommend Amy Stewart's very readable book, Gilding the Lily, wherein she inquires extensively into the world of commercial flower growing: including matters such as worker conditions, air miles, plant breeding, patenting, pesticides, and the reason why flowers don't smell any more -- Jane Powers * Irish Times *It is interesting to learn of ancient concerns about the distorting effects of flower production -- Geoff Simons * Morning Star *An informative guide to the global cut flower trade * Amateur Gardening *Amy Stewart goes inside the cut flower business ... and reveals the stories behind the world's favourite lily and the search for a blue rose * Choice Magazine *One of the quirkiest books of the last quarter * Oldie *

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Book SynopsisOne of the most exciting aspects of gardening is growing your own plants from scratch. In this definitive guide, Alan Titchmarsh shows how simple it is to propagate plants by following a few basic techniques. Learn how to produce a flourishing garden filled with ornamental and edible plants, at very little expense. * Demystified, down-to-earth approach to propagation * Easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step diagrams * A–Z directory with recommended propagation techniques for each plant * Key tips on taking cuttings, sowing seed, layering and division * Guidance on promoting growth of young plants

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Book SynopsisThis book is a fully updated amalgamation of two previously published titles - Growing Vines (1972) and Wines from your Vines (1974). It is concise, yet detailed, and covers all aspects from planting the vines through cropping and vinification to enjoying the final product. The quality of English wine is constantly improving and this book will help the amateur to produce high-quality wine from home-grown grapes providing the right varieties are used and the simple rules followed.Table of ContentsIntroduction. History of Vine Growing in England. Vine Varieties. Site Soil and Spacing. Planting, Training and Pruning. Vine Pests and Maladies. Propagation. Vines in Pots or Tubs. Vines under Glass or Plastic. Winery and Cellar. Vintage. Preparation of the Must. Fermentation. Stabilisation and Preparation of the Bottle. Bottling, Maturing and Storage. Dessert, Sparkling and Pomace Wine. Suppliers. Bibliography. Conversion Tables. Useful Adresses.

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Book SynopsisThe way we currently produce our food is damaging both to ourselves and our planet: we need to create gardens, woodlands and farms which are in harmony with nature. Though all natural ecosystems provide excellent examples to follow, Plants For a Future specifically focuses on edible species, suggesting a wide variety of easily grown perennials and self-seeding annuals which produce delicious and healthy food. Describing edible and other useful plants, both native to Britain and Europe, and from other temperate areas around the world, Plants For a Future includes those suitable for: the ornamental garden, the lawn, shady areas, ponds, walls, hedges, agroforestry and conservation. It offers alternative methods of growing these plants in ways that are in harmony with the local environment and can help to improve the overall health of the planet. In his thoroughly useful book, Ken Fern shares his experiments and successes in growing herbs, vegetables, flowers, shrubs and trees. Packed with information, personal anecdotes and detailed appendices and indexes, this pioneering book takes gardening, conservation and ecology into a new dimension.Trade ReviewKen Fern leads us through a garden of improbable delights - cold climate yams five feet long, edible fuschia fruits, trees laden with delicious berries all through the winter, leaves and flowers with the most subtle and astonishing flavours. It shows us how to use land more efficiently and sustainably than ever before, and it brings to our sadly limited cuisine a vast new range of remarkable foods, all around the year. It is, in short, the first shot in an impending horticultural revolution. The result of an insatiable curiosity and years of painstaking research, this book is comparable in stature only to the works of Evelyn and Culpeper. George Monbiot

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Book SynopsisGrow your own fruit and vegetables, herbs, salads and sprouts, and then turn your produce into delicious, no-fuss vegan meals that are healthy for you and the planet. Father and daughter team, Piers Warren and Ella Bee Glendining, share successful growing techniques and seasonal recipes, plus years of experience of animal-free, healthy living. They show you how to: * Grow your own food * Garden without animal products * Grow more challenging but delicious crops * Produce food all year with practical growing techniques * Store any excess to keep you going through the leaner months * Cook your produce with a selection of satisfying and delicious recipes Discover the fun and huge sense of satisfaction that comes from cooking something you have produced yourself. Grow and eat for a more ethical, healthy and sustainable world!Trade Review"The title of this lovely book really says it all, but what it cannot convey is the sheer joy of learning so much about the beautiful vegan cuisine available to us, and how easy it is to make sensational dishes which will delight everyone eager to eat well and healthily. At once scholarly and entertaining, it is gloriously illustrated and the recipes are easy-peasy to follow. It's for everyone who wants the world to be a better place for animals, for plants and for us. Delicious in every way." - Joanna Lumley (actress and activist); "If you have a small plot, this is for you, if you have a balcony, this is for you, if you have a window box, this is for you, and if all you have is hope, this is for you ... After reading this brilliant book something strange came over me, I just wanted to eat it. It's that good." - Benjamin Zephaniah (poet, writer and musician)

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Book SynopsisBorde Hill Garden is set in historic parkland in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in West Sussex. The Elizabethan mansion was purchased in the 1890s by Colonel Stephenson Robert Clarke (known as Stephie), who set about creating the garden and woodland using plants from several continents brought back to England by the great plant hunters of the early 1900s. Well over a century and three generations later, Borde Hill remains in the ownership of the Stephenson Clarke family, and today is renowned for its collection of rare shrubs and trees. This beautiful new book - the first dedicated to Borde Hill - is structured in two main parts. For the first, 'The History', Vanessa Berridge has had exclusive access to the Borde Hill archive, which contains not only family photographs but also a wealth of written sources, such as letters between Stephie and nurserymen, directors of botanical gardens, other landowners, and plant hunters. Giving unique insight into the horticultural world and social history of the interwar years, this correspondence reveals acts of courage by such famed plant explorers as George Forrest and Ernest Wilson and the professional level of accomplishment of Stephie and his gardening acquaintances. The second part of the book takes the reader on an extended tour of the garden, illustrated by the glorious photography of John Glover. Borde Hill is laid out as a series of intimate outdoor 'rooms', including the Old Rhododendron Garden, the Rose Garden and the terraced Italian Garden. With its variety further encompassing wide lawns that flow out into the countryside, many plant species not found elsewhere in Britain and one of the country's largest collections of privately owned rare trees, it is no wonder that Borde Hill lays claim to offering visitors the world in one garden. Concluding with information on Borde Hill's historic plants, its many RHS Awards of Merit and its 70 champion trees, this authoritative, engaging book is a fitting celebration of one of Britain's great heritage gardens.Table of ContentsForeword by Stephen Lacey Map Introduction: The World in One Garden The History The Garden Historic Borde Hill Plants RHS Awards for Borde Hill Plants Borde Hill's Champion Trees Timeline Family Tree Select Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisFuchsias - The New Cultivars follows George Bartlett's first volume, Fuchsias - A Colour Guide, profiling another 1500 newly created cultivars with over 500 colour photographs. Starting with practical advice from an expert on how to care for this beautiful plant , it then updates the fuchsia enthusiast and specialist with entries on the very latest cultivars.

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Book SynopsisThis is a new edition of a classic of early seventeenth-century food-writing. The book was written by the Italian refugee, educator and humanist Giacomo Castelvetro who had been saved from the clutches of the Inquisition in Venice by the English ambassador, Sir Dudley Carleton in 1611. When he came to England, he was horrified by our preference for large helpings of meat, masses of sugar and very little greenstuff. The Italians were both good gardeners, and familiar with many varieties of vegetable and fruit that were as yet little known in England. He circulated his Italian manuscript among his supporters, dedicating it to Lucy, Countess of Bedford, herself a keen gardener and patron of literature. Gillian Riley''s translation of this hitherto unpublished document has been recognized as being fluent, entertaining and accurate from its first appearance in 1989. Castelvetro takes us through the gardener''s year, listing the fruit and vegetables as they come into season, with simple and elegant ways of preparing them. Practical instructions are interspersed with tender vignettes of his life in his native city of Modena, memories of his years in Venice and reminiscences of his travels in Europe

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Book SynopsisAs the earth's neighbour, the moon affects not only ocean tides but also the growth and development of plants. In this finely illustrated, full-colour book - packed with practical tips for the novice as well as the advanced gardener - Peter Berg offers a clear summary of the basics of lunar and biodynamic gardening, together with in-depth sections on: activating and enlivening the soil; biodynamic preparations; making good compost; crop rotation and green manuring; cultivation work and care of the garden; practical plant protection; rich harvesting; saving your own seed. Building on the the intensive research of his mentor Maria Thun and the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, Berg explains how the subtle influences from the cosmos work on the plant world, distinguishing between 'root', 'leaf', 'blossom' and 'fruit' days in the working calendar. An understanding of such natural processes, in conjunction with the practical knowledge described in this book, can lead to productive, chemical-free gardening, with healthy plants and abundant harvests.

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Book SynopsisFrom ?Bing? cherries, names after one of the Chinese workers in the 1870s Oregon cherry farm owned by Henderson Lewelling, to maraschino cherries which originated in Yugoslavia when a liqueur was added to the local cherry ?Marasca?, cherries are a herald of summer. They originated in the Caucasus Mountains, and were mentioned in 74 BC by Pliny the Elder, and then spread from Rome to Britain. We have much to learn about cherries and mulberries, and we need to discover how versatile they are. Now, the country that produces the most cherries is Turkey, but they are easy to grow in your own garden, attract the local wildlife and birds, and are beautiful.

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Book SynopsisGlasshouse Greenhouse fuses together cultures and countries under one glass roof. In their debut book, photographers India Hobson and Magnus Edmondson take you on a worldwide journey through their favourite botanical spaces. The Haarkon Greenhouse Tour began as a self-initiated adventure in Oxford’s botanic garden four years ago. Since then, Magnus and India have visited countless locations in the UK, Europe, America, Asia and beyond in search of dream glasshouses and greenhouses, capturing dramatic palm houses, tropical hothouses and private potting sheds along the way. Divided into seven thematic chapters – History, Specimen, Community, Research, Pleasure, Hobbyist and Architecture – the featured spaces in Glasshouse Greenhouse are depicted via a series of photo-essays that draw out the style, plant collections and character of each space.Trade Review‘The authors have a talent for storytelling through images…the photography throughout is exceptional.’ * The Garden magazine (RHS) *'[S]umptuously illustrated.' * The Irish Times *‘[I]ts dreamy, contemplative feel will transport the houseplant lover to the warm fug of a greenhouse on the coldest winter day.’ * Gardens Illustrated *

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Book Synopsis'A beautifully photographed guide for gardeners' - Daily Telegraph'Nick offers solutions for every season' - Country Living'A thought-provoking and beautifully written book' - Fergus Garrett, Head Gardener, Great DixterIn 365 Days of Colour in Your Garden BBC Gardeners' World presenter Nick Bailey shows you how to plant and manage your garden, whatever its size, to ensure year-round colour and interest. Initially explaining simple colour theory principles and how to apply them to your garden, the book goes on to highlight beautiful plants and planting combinations for every season no matter what type of garden you have. With chapters covering the longest flowering plants, pot recipes and gorgeous plants for difficult sites, along with a comprehensive seasonal directory, this book will inspire and delight both experienced gardeners and beginners alike.

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Book SynopsisMost gardens do not have smooth, flat lawns and borders of rich, easily dug soil. We have to put up with damp, sunless corridors between houses, awkward slopes or plots shaded by trees or neighbouring buildings. Equally difficult to plant are seaside gardens exposed to gale-force winds and salt spray; waterlogged plots, where the drainage is poor; and dry ground exposed to the glare of the sun day after day, without the slightest shade. In short, few gardens benefit from perfect conditions. What you need for these sites are tough plants that will not only shrug off all the worst conditions in your garden but will actually thrive in them. Tough Plants for Tough Places includes a directory of nearly 100 plants that are practically invincible in the specific hostile conditions they have evolved to cope with. Trade Review"It seems there are plants that laugh in the face of shade, and really like the damp, while sea breezes stiffen their sinews. It's simply a matter of picking the right ones, and in this optimistic book, Amos recommends more than 100 that thrive in hostile conditions." * Saga magazine *"Although aimed at beginners, it contains advice that all gardeners would benefit from a recap of...all well explained in an easy-to-read writing style." -- Rosy Hardy * Gardens Illustrated *"If you are struggling with growing conditions in your garden you will find plenty of solutions in Tough Plants for Tough Places...clearly laid out with excellent illustrations and includes a comprehensive plant directory covering sun, shade, dry, damp, exposed and seaside conditions." * Reckless Gardener *"Whatever problem you have, this book can help, from assessing your garden and its microclimate, to advising on the best plants for 'difficult' conditions. This is a valuable reference manual that I, for one, will turn to time and again." * The Countryman *"Amos has produced a shrewd, indispensable and beautifully photographed reference for gardeners the UK over." * The Bay (Swansea) *"A brilliant book and a great addition to any gardener's bookshelf whether they be a beginner or experienced." * The Blackberry Garden *

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Book SynopsisGarden of Your Dreams is an inspirational and practical guide to complete outdoor transformations - from the smallest urban courtyard to a rural paradise.Let award-winning garden designer and landscape expert from Better Homes & Gardens Charlie Albone walk you through the process of turning your outdoor space into your own personal oasis. Start by identifying your dream design style, then learn how to make a plan that works for your site, budget and aspirations. Create an entertaining space you are proud of, prepare the soil and then the real fun begins - planting!Packed full of ideas and inspirational how-to as well as Charlie's personal plant guide, Garden of Your Dreams is the ideal first step to dreaming up your own outdoor transformation.Table of ContentsIntroductionMy storyPART ONE: Planning Your Dream GardenWhere do I start?It's all in the planningEntertaining spacesSmall spacesPART TWO: Getting Your Hands DirtySoil preparationPlants and lawnMy top fivesConclusionAcknowledgementsIndex

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Book SynopsisAnyone who loves their garden knows that there’s something happening in nature every day of the year. Whether it’s the first crocus of spring, summer’s explosion of colors, fall’s abundant harvest, or the renewing dormancy of winter these outdoor sanctuaries offer daily opportunities for investigation, contemplation, and appreciation. This stunning daybook offers 365 elegant photos of some of the world’s most exquisite gardens, following the yearly cycle of growth and rebirth. Each photo is accompanied by engaging texts such as planting tips, design techniques, natural history, and botanical facts that provide both ideas and helpful information. In addition, there is room on each spread for gardeners to record and preserve their own daily observations and reflections. The perfect keepsake for gardeners of all levels of expertise, this beautiful daybook deepens the rewards of gardening all year round.

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Book Synopsis“This book will help you keep your plants healthy.”—Minneapolis Star Tribune, 7 Books to Shake Up Your Home Decor Houseplants are more popular than ever before—especially with millennials, who are setting up their homes for the first time and discovering that nothing can add energy, style, and that essential “lived-in-ness” to their spaces better than a little bit of green. Whether it’s a statement-making fiddle-leaf fig or a tiny tabletop succulent, a houseplant instantly elevates the look of your home. But where to begin? In Decorating with Plants, Baylor Chapman walks readers through everything they need to know to bring houseplants into their home. First, there’s Plant Care 101: from how to assess light conditions to tricks for keeping your plants alive while on vacation, Chapman gives readers the simple, foundational info they need to ensure their plants will thrive. Then she introduces us to 28 of her favorites—specimens that are tough as nails but oh-so-stylish, from the eye-catching Rubber Tree to the delicate Cape Primrose. Finally, she guides readers through the home room by room: Place an aromatic plant like jasmine or gardenia to your entry to establish your home’s “signature scent.” Add a proper sense of scale to your living room with a ceiling-grazing palm. Create a living centerpiece of jewel-toned succulents for a dining table arrangement that will last long after your dinner party. From air purification to pest control, there’s no limit to what houseplants can do for your home—and Decorating with Plants is here to show you how to add them to spaces big and small with style.Trade Review“Chapman tackles the houseplant craze and cuts through the noise. Her tips are practical and always given with an eye towards creating beautiful spaces in your home.”—Sunset “Decorating with Plants gives you the most basic of information, plant by plant: How much light do they need? How much fertilizer? What about water? What about bugs? And once you get past the primer, the good stuff starts: where and how to hang them; which groupings look best; where to find lovely containers; how to keep your herbs thriving all year round. . . . Healthy plants add color, life, and a whiff of outdoors to a room. This book will help you keep your plants healthy.” —Minneapolis Star Tribune “Covers all the basics a plant lover needs to know to beautify your home.” —Austin American-Statesman "This book makes me feel like I just took a warm bath, had a massage, a cup of chamomile."—Albany Times Union “An easily followed roadmap to horticultural success. . . . Chapman's inviting tone mixed with the gorgeous photography makes for an ideal volume for the brown- and green-thumbed alike.” —Publishers Weekly “Copious ideas for styling your living spaces, room by room, with a wide variety of houseplants. Narrow entryway? Big flat-screen TV? Noisy neighborhood? Yes, there’s a plant for all of that, and Chapman’s design ideas will leave you ready to frame a window with cacti, geraniums and pelargoniums or to outfit a kid’s room with touch-friendly greenery. Chapman has an artist’s eye and a plant lover’s delight in the details. Her go-to plant list digs deeper than basic care info, occasionally weaving in historical background.” —BookPage “Horticulturist Chapman encourages readers to add a green thing (or two or three) to every room in the house—for mood, tone, fragrance, clean air, and just plain good looks. . . . Room-by-room ideas . . . . Inspiring photographs. . . . [A] reference for any room, any lifestyle." —Booklist, starred review “At last! A book where savvy interior design and houseplant smarts intersect with finesse. Your home will be more beautiful, your life will be uplifted.”—Tovah Martin, author of The Unexpected Houseplant “I will let you in on a major decorating secret: Every room in your house would look better with a houseplant (or three) to add some life to it. With Baylor Chapman’s handy guide, you can pick the best plants—whether for a sunny windowsill or a dark corner—as well as create artful arrangements that will thrive in your home.”—Michelle Slatalla, author of Gardenista “Yes, Baylor is a masterful designer—that’s evident from the beauty she conjures in everything she touches. But Decorating with Plants reveals Baylor’s other magic power: Teaching. Her latest masterpiece offers endless design pursuits, all effortlessly demystified from start to finish.”—Johanna Silver, author of The Bold Dry Garden “This fresh approach to designing with houseplants goes well beyond the basics of selection and care, providing lushly illustrated style guidance for every room of the house. A fantastic mix of practical and inspirational.”—Susan Morrison, garden designer and author of The Less Is More Garden

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Book SynopsisWhen it comes to fresh vegetables, nothing comes close to growing your own - but where to start? For those of us that crave the crisp taste of home-grown tomatoes, peppers, courgettes and more but lack the crucial experience and know-how, it can be difficult to make those first steps to transform a barren patch into a luscious kitchen garden - even for experienced gardeners, the move from decorative gardening to practical vegetable growing can prove tricky.Gardeners' World: First Time Veg Grower can help you make that journey, with simple and practical expert advice from the moment you first don your wellies right up until you're harvesting your own crops. With step-by-step guides and clear colour illustrations helping you to get the most out of your plot all year round, this compact guide is an essential addition to any gardener's shelf. From preparing your ground to sowing, nurturing and maintaining your plants, let the practiced hands at the UK's best-selling gardening magazine help you create the vegetable patch of your dreams.

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