Gardening: plants and cultivation guides Books

Book SynopsisDear Friend and Gardener is a lively exchange of letters between Christopher Lloyd and Beth Chatto, two long-established friends and distinguished gardeners.Trade Review‘The letters…crackle with ideas, tips, stories bartered back and forth. These are both writers who get their hands dirty. Trust them.’ * Times Literary Supplement *‘This is a wonderful book, a celebration of friendship, optimism, hard work, gaiety, doggedness, and the possibilities of sudden and unexpected revelation.’ * Country Life *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisFormerly Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society, Christopher Brickell is an eminent plantsman. In 1976 he was awarded the RHS Victoria Medal of Honour for his services to horticulture, followed by the CBE in 1991. He has published many botanical and horticultural papers and articles and chaired the International Commission for the Nomenclature of Cultivated Plants.In 1990 he was editor-in-chief for the first edition of Dorling Kindersley's bestselling RHS Encyclopedia of Plants & Flowers (now in its 6th edition and with sales of over three million copies). This was followed by RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening, RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants and RHS Pruning & Training.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhatever your level of expertise, you''ll find everything you need to know in this easy-to-follow gardening guide.This book contains the principles of good gardening - how plants work and how to give them what they need. It also includes step-by-step advice, tips and techniques.Keen on starting your own garden or looking for gardening tips to improve your existing gardening skills? This simple step-by-step guide will show you where to start, what tools and techniques to use, and how to troubleshoot common garden problems. From bulbs to borders, weeds to watering, pick up gardening techniques, practical basics, and simple skills which will have your garden blooming. Master the essentials of gardening through easy to follow steps and photographs.This beginner''s gardening book will make growing your own garden easy and enjoyable. It includes: - The latest environmentally friendly practices- A new section of growing fruit, veget

Read more less

Book SynopsisDo you dream of transforming your back garden into a romantic retreat? Would you like to make a modern-day Utopia on your balcony? Is your ideal outdoor space a minimalist design with easy-to-care-for plants or a family garden with room to grow culinary herbs? Whatever your desire, the Garden Design Bible has a plan that you can adapt to your own space. Choose from 40 off-the-peg designs, or mix and match elements from several to create your ideal garden. Each of the designs is fully illustrated and has a comprehensive plant list and planting diagram. With a huge range of plants, styles and uses, this inspirational yet practical book is the next best thing to hiring a gardener!

Read more less

Book SynopsisPart gardening book and part craft book, This is an absolute must-have for anyone who loves succulents! This complete guide will not only show you basic growing techniques for nearly 200 succulent varieties, but it will also show you how to make high-quality succulent crafts too. With comprehensive overviews on how to grow and care for succulents, detailed plant profiles of more than 180 succulent species are then presented and organized by families – from the easy-to-grow hens and chicks plant to the ever-popular jade plant. Once you understand how to properly cultivate succulents, the craft projects section will inspire you to start creating beautiful home décor and accessories with them, along with other affordable and accessible materials! Featuring 18 step-by-step succulent crafts – from a wind chime, mirror frame, and wreath to a bridal bouquet, boutonniere and birdhouse – this is a one-of-a-kind succulent book that combines gardening insight with crafty inspiration.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe book uses the seasonal checklists, advice and hard-won experience of the UK’ s best-known no-dig gardener to plan a year’ s veg growing.Trade Review‘Charles’ journal is a good aide memoire, peppered with tidbits of useful information and a blank, lined page per month encourages you to use the book as a diary. We always assume it’s our fault when we have a failure, but this might not always be the case. Keeping records is vital, especially if you are a progressive gardener, who is always trying different spacings, varieties and techniques.’'A useful addition to your bookshelf'‘Charles’ journal is a good aide memoire, peppered with tidbits of useful information and a blank, lined page per month encourages you to use the book as a diary. We always assume it’s our fault when we have a failure, but this might not always be the case. Keeping records is vital, especially if you are a progressive gardener, who is always trying different spacings, varieties and techniques.’'A useful addition to your bookshelf'‘This is a sensible and very clearly presented book for those who want to tackle the art of no-dig gardening without being bamboozled by jargon. You will definitely have a clear understanding of the technique after following this guide through the year’'This is such a lovely, lovely gardening book.'

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn one affordable polytunnel, kitchen-garden guru Joyce Russell shows you how to grow vegetables easily, organically and abundantly so that you have something to eat every month of the year. Whether you are a beginner or more experienced, this comprehensive, practical, month-by-month guide to polytunnel gardening has got everything you need, telling you exactly what to do and when to do it, in order to grow the best fruit and vegetables all-year-round. From preparing the site to making a hotbed, from composts and organic feeds to identifying and coping with pests, plus information on how to get the best from each crop and month-to-month planting plans for year-round growing, The Polytunnel Book provides a wealth of practical tips and techniques as well as celebrating what can be achieved. Illustrated with 300 stunning colour photographs, this practical guide to polytunnels hand guidTrade Review'Enhanced by Ben Russell's colourful and purposeful photos, this is a great book to have by your side, demostrating the range and variety of what you can grow in a polytunnel - and all year round too!Table of ContentsCONTENTS Introduction How to use this book 1: SETTING UP A POLYTUNNEL Choosing the right location Choosing the polytunnel Preparing the land Putting up a classic, hooped polytunnel Laying out the inside of the polytunnel 2: A FEW ESSENTIALS Some thoughts on seeds Some thoughts on compost 3: A MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE TO A YEAR IN THE POLYTUNNEL January February March April May June July August September October November December 4: FRUIT AND VEGETABLES AT A GLANCE Aubergines Basil Beetroot Broad beans (early crop) Broccoli (Spring) cabbage Carrots (early crop) Courgettes Cucumbers Figs Florence fennel (as an overwinter crop) French beans Grapes Kohl rabi Lettuce Melons Peas (mangetout, as a spring crop) Peaches and nectarines Peppers New potatoes Pumpkins and squash Salad leaves: rocket, mizuna, etc. Spinach, spinach beet and Swiss chard (Early) strawberries Sweetcorn Tomatoes 5: PESTS, DISEASES AND OTHER PROBLEMS - AN ORGANIC APPROACH Some polytunnel pests Some polytunnel diseases Mineral deficiencies Some physical problems 6: ONGOING CARE Crop rotation in a polytunnel Ten steps to soil health Repairs and maintenance 7: MAKE YOUR OWN How to make a hotbed How to make your own potting mixes How to make liquid feeds List of suppliers Glossary Index Acknowledgements

Read more less

Book SynopsisThere''s nothing we love more than our plants, those steadfast companions that fill our lives with joy and light. Whether you''re a newbie or seasoned plant parent, these three miniature beginner-friendly guides contain essential information and tips for taking care of your houseplants.3 Mini Hardcover Books: Box is 2-7/8 x 3-1/4 inches and includes 3 mini books in the set: Indoor Plants (a practical guide to 100 indoor plants), Outdoor Plants (a practical guide to 100 outdoor plants), and Plant Care (a practical guide to plant-growing success)Unique Gift for Plant Lovers: An adorable miniature size with accessible content, this boxed set is perfect for gift-giving to plant enthusiastsSimple Instructions: The easy-to-read guides and instructions are perfect for beginners and seasoned plant parents alikePortable: Small size allows for plant care anytime, anywhere, from your kitchen to your outdoor garden

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is an illustrated guide to varieties, cultivation and care, with step-by-step instructions and more than 130 beautiful photographs. Everything you need to know about hostas at a glance in one handy practical gardening guide. It includes a beautiful photographic directory of over 40 types, including yellow, green, blue and variegated hostas. For each variety, full botanical information is provided on the plant's history, growth, size and flowering. It offers a step-by-step guidance on choosing, planting, propagating and caring for hostas, and dealing with pests and diseases. It features superb planting ideas for growing hostas in troughs, as ground cover, as edging plants, in mixed borders, in containers and for flower arrangements. It is the definitive handbook for one of the most popular and best-loved garden plants. The versatility and beauty of hostas makes them one of the most popular and rewarding foliage plants. Whether you use larger hostas to create a stately summer border or dwarf varieties to enliven a rocky or aquatic environment, they are reliable, attractive and relatively low-maintenance. Flourishing even in containers, hostas are truly plants for every situation. This beautiful book explains how to use hostas to their best advantage, as well as providing a fully illustrated directory of over 40 types. With expert advice on selecting varieties, planting and growing hostas, the book will help you to create a wonderful display of these popular shrubs.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMaking a haven for wildlife doesn’t require acres of land in the countryside. If you get the habitat and planting right, then even the tiniest of urban gardens can host a variety of creatures from birds and bees to hedgehogs.Covering everything from going organic to making a pond and turning your green space into a wildlife haven – this book is for gardeners who want to apply a more holistic approach to gardening and create their own urban sanctuary. Through a collection of simple projects that can be easily adapted for a variety of gardens and planting guides, this book will help you to re-connect with natural world on your own doorstep.Jane Moore will draw on her 16 years of experience of creating an urban sanctuary in the heart of the city as she lays out the simple ways in which you can approach making even the smallest patch of land a haven for wildlife, great or small.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSeed to Seed is a complete seed-saving guide that describes specific techniques for saving the seeds of 160 different vegetables. This book contains detailed information about each vegetable, including its botanical classification, flower structure and means of pollination, required population size, isolation distance, techniques for caging or hand-pollination, and also the proper methods for harvesting, drying, cleaning, and storing the seeds.Seed to Seed is widely acknowledged as the best guide available for home gardeners to learn effective ways to produce and store seeds on a small scale. The author has grown seed crops of every vegetable featured in the book, and has thoroughly researched and tested all of the techniques she recommends for the home garden.This newly updated and greatly expanded Second Edition includes additional information about how to start each vegetable from seed, which has turned the book into a complete growing guide. Local knowledge about seed starting techniques for each vegetable has been shared by expert gardeners from seven regions of the United States-Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast/Gulf Coast, Midwest, Southwest, Central West Coast, and Northwest.

Read more less

Book SynopsisJapanese Style Companion Planting brings the techniques of a master farmer in Japan to home gardeners all over the world, with over 175 easy-to-follow color illustrations and detailed texts.Japanese gardeners typically work with small plots and are experts at making the most efficient use of available garden space. They have long understood that when compatible vegetables and fruits are grown together, the result is increased yields, healthier plants, fewer pest problems and better taste. Vegetables from small gardens are the mainstay of Japan's famously healthy cuisine and movement towards farm-to-table dining tradition.Author Toshio Kijima is head of the Biotechnology Department at Tochigi Agricultural Station in Japan and principal of the Nogyo Daigakko School of Natural Farming. In this book, he provides 88 different plant pairings, including common favorites such as: Tomato with basil Eggplant with green beans Carrots with edamame Iceberg lettuce with broccoli Strawberries with garlic Green beans with arugula Blueberry bushes with mint …and dozens of other pairings that yield tasty, nutritious vegetables and fruits, all grown without the need for pesticides or chemical fertilizers. This book also covers excellent combinations for relay planting, such as watermelon followed by spinach, spinach followed by broccoli, broccoli followed by potato, and many more. Clear and precise instructions are given for each combination—from planning and preparing your plot to planting depths and spacing—all accompanied by detailed color drawings and photographs.Information on the theory and basics of companion planting will ensure a smooth transition to sustainable gardening techniques that millions of home gardeners are using!Trade Review"Clear and precise instructions are given for each combination…accompanied by detailed color drawings and photographs. Information on the theory and basics of companion planting will ensure a smooth transition to sustainable gardening techniques that millions of home gardeners are using!" --Midwest Book Review"…certain to become a pocket guide and fine companion for any small-space gardener seeking to accomplish efficiencies in mixed and relayed planting as well as intercropping for better yields…Brilliantly executed graphics will make expert gardeners out of beginners with easy-to-follow measurements and tips for success." --Washington Gardener Magazine"This book is not about Japanese gardens as we know them, but is about how the Japanese grow much of their fruit and vegetables in a most efficient, and very interesting, way!…Life on my allotment is soon to get VERY interesting!" --Shakkei Journal

Read more less

Book SynopsisNo dig organic gardening saves time and work. It requires an annual dressing of compost to help accelerate the improvement in soil structure and leads to higher fertility and less weeds. No dig experts, Charles Dowding and Stephanie Hafferty, explain how to set up a no dig garden. They describe how to: Make compost, enrich soil, harvest and prepare food and make natural beauty and clean ing products and garden preparations. These approaches work as well in small spaces as in large gardens. The Authors' combined experience gives you ways of growing, preparing and storing the plants you grow for many uses, including delicious vegetable feasts and many recipes and ideas for increasing self reliance, saving money, living sustainably and enjoying the pleasure of growing your own food, year round. Charles' advice is distilled from 35 years of growing vegetables intensively and efficiently; he is the acknowledged no dig guru and salad expert both in the UK and internationally. Stephanie, a kitchen gardener, grows in her small, productive home garden and allotment, and creates no dig gardens for restaurants and private estates.She presents truly delicious seasonal recipes, made from the vegetables anyone can grow. She also explains how to use common plants you can grow and forage for to make handmade preparation for the home and garden.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSTICKER BOOK – Adults like stickers, too. We just (unfortunately) don’t have trapper keepers to put them on anymore. That’s why Brass Monkey made this–a book of stickers designed to be used. This book of Googly Fruit is here to say what fruit can’ t– make clever comments and judge all the people, places, and inanimate objects around you. They’re perfect for bar tabs, tax bills, and, well, life. BOOK INCLUDES – Features a wide range of googly fruit (sourced from vintage illustrations) with even judgier comments. Includes 18 pages of traditional over-sized stickers (and 2 bonus pages of vintage-inspired ‘puffy’ ones). Each page features as many stickers as we could physically cram onto it (sorry to be so technical). That’s 60+ over-sized stickers in case you’re counting. USE THEM EVERYWHERE – Put them on a calendar, your coworker's desk, or add a personal touch to parking ticket paym

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewA really handy overview to foraging – great for beginners or if you want to pop it into your pocket to reference during a walk. -- Megan Shersby * Discover Wildlife *[This guide] briefly covers identification and use of 194 species and has the great advantage of being genuinely pocket-sized and covered in protective plastic. * Morning Star *Table of ContentsAn Introduction to Foraging Foraging Safely and Legally Storing, Preserving and Preparing Foraged Food - How to make fruit jam - How to make mead - How to make dry herbs - How to store mushrooms - How to forage shellfish safely Fruits Nuts and Seeds Flowers Greens and Vegetables Herbs Roots Whole Plants Fungi Seaweeds Shellfish Glossary Index Acknowledgements

Read more less

Book SynopsisGardens Illustrated Books of the Year 2022 A simple, stylish and complete guide for any houseplant owner Whether you have just one or many houseplants, this is the book they need you to read. It is a clear and practical toolkit on all aspects of plant care from how to choose a plant to tips for everyday care. Changes in your plant's appearance are often a cry for help and this book will help you understand their needs. Learn how to help your plants not only survive but thrive. Sarah, also known as @theplantrescuer, is a self-taught houseplant obsessive who firmly believes every plant deserves a happy life. Her determination to see beyond the ‘perfect plant’ and to rescue unloved plants makes her the go-to guide.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor fifteen years, The Savage Garden has been the number one bestselling bible for those interested in growing carnivorous plants. This new edition is fully revised to include the latest developments and discoveries in the carnivorous plant world, making it the most accurate and up to date book of its kind. You may be familiar with the Venus flytrap, but did you know that some pitcher plants can—and do—digest an entire rat? Or that there are several hundred species of carnivorous plants on our planet? Beautiful, unusual, and surprisingly easy to grow, flesh-eating plants thrive everywhere from windowsills to outdoor container gardens, in a wide variety of climates. The Savage Garden is the most comprehensive guide to these fascinating oddities, gloriously illustrated with more than 200 color photos. Fully revised with the latest developments in the carnivorous plant world, this new edition includes:   •  All the basics—from watering and feeding to modern advances in artificial lighting, soil, and fertilizers.   •  Detailed descriptions of hundreds of plants, including many of the incredible new species that have been recently discovered and hybridized.   •  Cultivation and propagation information for all the plant families: pitcher plants, Venus flytraps, sundews, rainbow plants, bladderworts, and many other peculiar plants from the demented mind of Mother Nature.Whether you’re a beginner with your first flytrap or an expert looking for the latest exotic specimen, this classic book has everything you need to grow your very own little garden of horrors.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe instantly recognizable English cottage garden encapsulates that delightful mix of scented climbers, drifts of flowers inter-mingled with herbs and vegetables, fruit trees and traditional features. Much loved and copied throughout the world, it is uniquely individual. With no strict rules to adhere to, it is a garden style that is both informal and functional, celebrating fragrance, flowers and seasonal interest at its heart. The old cottage style of gardening, that blended planting to create a flowery yet productive plot within a small space, is still highly relevant and easily transferable to today's modern garden, whether it be a city courtyard or a large garden in the country. Appropriate for gardeners of every level of ability, The English Cottage Garden covers all aspects of designing a cottage-style garden; from choosing the right trees, climbers, shrubs and perennials to creating an authentic cottage feel to the planting It also covers the use of colour within the garden; how features can establish a framework and create focal points; and why companion planting is essential to this style. Illustrated throughout with a wealth of photographs showing gardens, planting combinations, colourful border schemes and individual flowers, this book is an essential read for anyone interested in the quintessential cottage garden.Trade Review...if you want to know anything about cottage gardens from what they are to how to make them, it is a truly comprehensive guide. -- Reviewer - Chatty Gardener * The Chatty Gardener *An inspiring book by Andrew Sankey to guide you through all aspects of creating a cottage style garden, from choosing the right plants to design and care -- BBC Countryfile reviewer * BBC Countryfile magazine *In his book The English Cottage Garden, Andrew Sankey sets out to explain its origins, and how to make a start at creating this style of garden today…This book should be extremely useful to anyone starting out in gardening, helping them to achieve a well-rounded knowledge on various aspects of horticulture… for instance, companion planting. -- Annie Guilfoyle, reviewer HPS * Hardy Plant Society *

Read more less

Book SynopsisHouse plants are having a moment. Inexpensive to purchase, easy to care for and a statement in any space they inhabit, growing these plants is virtually foolproof.The Little Book of House Plants and Other Greenery is a source of green inspiration for small-space gardening, featuring a directory of 60 of the most popular varieties of foliage to own. From dramatic palms and tropical leafy wonders to beautiful ferns and flowering potted plants – this book covers everything you need to know about nurturing and growing your own.Each of the 60 plants is accompanied by luscious photography and an easy-to-follow breakdown of all the essential requirements for that variety. This includes details on size, growth and flowering, along with any extra tips on caring for that specific plant.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis Elevate your backyard veggie patch into a work of sophisticated and stylish art. Kitchen Garden Revival guides you through every aspect of kitchen gardening, from design to harvesting.Author Nicole Johnsey Burke, founder of Rooted Garden, one of the leading US culinary landscape companies, and Gardenary, an online kitchen gardening education and resource company, leads the way with expert advice.Participating in the grow-your-own movement is important to both reduce your food miles and control what makes it onto your family’s table. If you’ve hesitated to take part because installing and caring for a traditional vegetable garden doesn’t seem to suit your life or your sense of style, Kitchen Garden Revival is here to show you there’s a better, more beautiful way to grow food.Instead of row after row of cabbage and pepper plants plunked into a patch of dirt in the middle of the yard, kitTrade Review“One of the other things I really loved about Kitchen Garden Revival is Nicole’s new takes on established garden ideas.” * The Kitchen Garten *“Whether the reader is a novice or experienced gardener, Kitchen Garden Revival offers information that is practical and helpful. Eric Kelley’s 230 color photos add clarity and beauty to the written word.” * OregonLive.com *“Burke’s book is filled with witty, easily-read information. The facts are intermixed with humorous stories of her mistakes while attaining her self-taught expertise.” * Triangle Garden *Not only will you learn about what crops to grow and when, but the book also guides readers through the process of building a garden and its benefits. * LifeSavvy.com *Table of ContentsPREFACE INTRODUCTION What’s a Kitchen Garden and Why It’s Time for a Revival Part One: Creating the Kitchen Garden CHAPTER 1: SITE Find the Perfect Kitchen Garden Spot CHAPTER 2: GATHER Select Your Kitchen Garden Elements CHAPTER 3: FRAME Install the Kitchen Garden Structures CHAPTER 4: FILL Add Soil and Water Part Two: Growing the Kitchen Garden CHAPTER 5: PLAN Create Your Kitchen Garden Calendar CHAPTER 6: PLANT Begin to Grow In Your Kitchen Garden CHAPTER 7: TEND How to Care for Your Kitchen Garden CHAPTER 8: HARVEST Ways to Enjoy Kitchen Garden Growth Appendix One: How to Take the Next Step in the Kitchen Garden Revival Appendix Two: Garden Listing Appendix Three: Celebrate Local Resources About the Author About the Photographer Acknowledgments Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis inspiring book offers expert information on how to create the perfect Japanese-style garden in any location, with a history of the garden styles and philosophy.

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘The most romantic, creative person in garden design I know.’ Piet Oudolf‘Jinny's genius is to marry a beautiful vision to an extraordinary empathy with the landscape into which that vision will fit, resulting in a pastoral harmony second to none’ Victoria, Lady Getty Prolific designer Jinny Blom embraces a wide variety of styles, from large garden spaces to formal walled gardensand contemporary installations. What defines her work is her skill with plants and her ability to create a garden that responds to the history of the site and the wider landscape. The gardens Jinny creates are as different as their owners and their locations. In this book, Jinny shares her insight into the creative process she has developed while designing more than 250 gardens around the world. The Thoughtful Gardener contains modern takes on traditional forms, and is split into six sections: seeing, understanding, structuring, harmonising, rooting, and liberating. All of Jinny's gardens share a commitment to beautiful craftsmanship and considered planting. Structure and detail are important, and receive close attention. The styles vary considerably – logical, calm, beautiful, romantic, naturalistic, formal, sometimes spare – but the principles remain firm. Jinny designs for the long term, with consideration for the environment; these gardens are built to last. Reflecting Jinny‘s highly individual character, there is plenty of wit and quirkiness alongside the expert knowledge, and it will appeal to the widest audience of garden lovers. Thoughtful and beautiful, yet practical and informative, this book marries artistry with functionality.Trade Review"(She) is a bona fide horticultural celebrity." * Wall Street Journal *“Written with wit and insight, it sets out an approach to design that is intuitive, thoughtful and holistic – a philosophy that is clearly successful and clearly manifest in this designer’s beautifully executed gardens. It is a book that will make you think about design, about landscape and nature, and about the benefits of engaging with a garden yourself.” * House & Garden *The Thoughtful Gardener, at once a lavishly illustrated coffee-table tome and a friendly hands-on primer, offers a glimpse into some of the most magical gardens in the world… * Architectural Digest US *"Landscaper Jinny Blom’s long-awaited book is so beautiful that you will not want to rush it. As the title suggests, there is more to this than lovely photography: the pages of The Thoughtful Gardener will stop you in your tracks and make you think about the potential of gardens, in a way that has never struck you before." * Gardenista *Alas, the world has been offered a publication on garden design that is written in neither a cookbook nor a “how to” format. Rather, The Thoughtful Gardener, by Jinny Blom, is more like a treasure map. It is a window, or in some cases, a panoramic view into the thought processes that should precede all garden design. With an emphasis on historical precedent and sensitivity to the local vernacular, Jinny, most eloquently, takes the reader on an odyssey through the conception, development and execution of each creation. This coupled with her extensive working knowledge of both plant and building materials, not to mention her unbridled imagination (and sense of humor) the reader can expect to close this book enlightened, amused and inspired. A timeless, horticultural manifesto! * Gunner Peterson *"A detailed and richly illustrated account of how one of the UK's leading practitioners approaches the art of garden design." * Gardens Illustrated *

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this book, Scottish gardeners will find accurate information and hundreds of plants ideally suited to where they live.Trade ReviewImagine if you were to head off on a tour of Scotland, stopping to chat with the country's garden experts at every town along the way.You could find out which trees stand up to the wind in Shetland, which climbers will survive on a north facing wall and even which plants are widely offered for sale in Scotland but should be left on the shelf. Sadly most of us don't have the time, resources or contacts to take such a trip, but the good news is that two men have done it for us. || An essential companion for any Scottish gardener, both experienced and beginner. || An invaluable source of information for those selecting plants for Scottish gardens. This book certainly lives up to its title. It is informative, authoritative and will be a helpful source of information not just for gardeners in Scotland, but for anyone who gardens in a cold, wet and windly location. || When all the gardening world is focused on plants for drought, it's good to find a book for those who garden in the cold and wetter parts of the north. Garden Plants for Scotland (Frances Lincoln GBP 25/offer GBP 22.50) hits the spot nicely. Kenneth Cox and Raoul Curtis-Machin know that climate well enough (Cox is part of the Glendoick Cox family of nurserymen, who have been collecting and growing rhododendrons for three generations) and so if a plant figures here, even a variety of rose, then you can be pretty sure it's going to do well north of the border and in the soggy, blasted Pennines. So keen are they on reliability that they have set up their own notional bone-hardiness rating in defiance of the Royal Horticultural Society's southern take on hardiness, and also their own Scottish Garden Award, similar to the RHS's Award of Garden Merit, for their best 500 plants, chosen after consultation with experts throughout Scotland. There are lists of plants " resistant" to deer and rabbits too - there's brave! || Contrary to what many Sassenachs might think, Scotland is one of the best places in the world for gardening, it ample rainfall and lack of severe droughts mean that many plants including raspberries and rhododendrons- thrive there. And yet there have been very few books devoted to Scottish gardening. This excellent volume aims to put that straight... || If you are gardening north of the Border you could not fail to find this book extremely informative, but also a source of amusement and entertainment and there are not many gardening books with this winning combination.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAlpines have been a favourite plant for generations of gardeners and are as popular now as ever. Historically they were used in rockeries, but they offer far more potential for today''s gardens, which are generally becoming smaller. Whether planted in troughs, window boxes, raised beds or between paving, alpines offer fantastic versatility and colour for nearly every month of the year. Topics covered include: traditional and contemporary settings for growing plants; ideas for incorporating alpine plants into a new or existing garden plot; advice on planting and maintenance and information on propagation methods and facilities. There is an A-Z of over 180 of the best alpine plants, with a useful table of flowering times. Aimed at both the beginner and the more experienced enthusiast this essential guide, new in paperback for 2022, contains a wealth of beautifully illustrated information.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis book will be of use to gardeners of any ilk - seasoned enthusiasts and hobby gardeners as well as landscape architects and designers. Hirons provides plenty of detailed and expert advice, whether you're planting a new hedge from scratch, restoring a neglected one or creating softer internal divides within a space. -- Martin Ogle, Gardens Illustrated * Gardens Illustrated *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA glorious garden filled with fragrance can affect our mood and wellbeing. Make the most of scented bulbs, annuals, perennials, herbs and small trees with this practical and accessible handbook.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn easy-to-follow manual for successful pruning without stress, from basic principles to more advanced techniques. Here is pruning guidance for every type of plant, from roses and climbers to hedges, fruit trees, cordons and esapaliers, shrubs and fruit bushes. Step-by-step photographic techniques and artworks make it simple.

Read more less

Book SynopsisCreate plants for free with detailed step-by-step instructions for seeds, cuttings, dividing, layering and grafting. With an illustrated directory of 375 flowers, grasses, trees, shrubs, climbers, vegetables and herbs, and 1100 photographs.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBecome the best plant parent you can be Houseplant hysteria is here to stay. For new and seasoned plant owners alike, Houseplants & Succulents For Dummies is the ideal resource on plant care, growing cycles, unique plant varieties, and all the essentials you need to know about your rooted friends. Ensure that your sprouts grow and thrive, with tons of tips and answers to all your questions. Are they getting enough light? Are you overwatering? Why are the leaves turning yellow? This fun Dummies guide teaches you to find the right plants for your personal plant care style, identify common varieties, choose the right potting soil, and pick the perfect little nook for your leaf baby. You'll also learn how to rescue your plants when pests and diseases strike, and even how to use plants as part of a stylish home décor approach. Get growing! Learn about the different types of plants and choose the ones that will work for youFigure out how to keep your plants happyand what to do about it if th

Read more less

Book SynopsisHerbs are the most liberating and confidence-boosting of ingredients: grow some and you feel like a proper gardener, bring some into the kitchen and you feel like a proper cook. They allow you to experiment and bring individuality to your cooking while, at the same time, anchoring you in sound culinary tradition because herbs are often responsible for those key flavours that ''make'' a dish. Not only that but they are a step on the road to a more self-sufficient, homegrown, organic way of eating.In the first part of the book, Nikki explains how to get the most from herbs. She outlines the basic choosing, picking and using guidelines. The second part is a catalogue of herbs, each with grow-your-own notes, flavour descriptions and mini-recipes. Among the forty herbs that Nikki describes are basil, bay, bergamot, chives, coriander, dill, fennel, horseradish, hyssop, marigold, marjoram, mint, parsley, perilla, rocket, rosemary, sage, scented geranium, tarragon, thyme, wild garlic and winteTrade ReviewTells you everything you need to know -- Anna Pavord * Independent *If you have yet to come across the River Cottage Handbooks, I can’t recommend them enough * Rachel Khoo, Daily Mail *

Read more less

Book SynopsisGARDEN MEDIA GUILD PRACTICAL BOOK OF THE YEAR 2012 Fruit and vegetables have formed a fundamental part of the Scottish diet for thousands of years. This fascinating and practical book explores the history of fruit, vegetable and herb growing in Scotland, and provides a contemporary guide to the best techniques for growing produce, whether in a garden, allotment, patio or window box. Packed with hundreds of colour photographs, drawings and descriptive diagrams, this is a detailed and comprehensive bible for the gardener. In addition to advice on climate and soil conditions, it has contacts for organisations, specialist societies, nurseries and suppliers, as well as a detailed bibliography and list of useful websites. This is an essential reference book for anyone aiming to get the best possible results from their garden produce north of the border.Trade Review'Instructive and fascinating' * Daily Mail *'In the cooler north of the UK, growing conditions can be more challenging for gardners. How purposeful, then, is [this] book. Filled with detailed and practical advice on growing methods, varieties and storage, this will prove very instructive both to new and more experienced Scottish growers' * Kitchen Garden *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the experts at Gardeners' World comes the essential guide for budding gardeners, explaining how to garden in ten easy steps. Do you have an outside space that you're not sure what to do with? Or want to feel the benefits of getting out into nature, but don't know where to start?Gardening: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide is your key to unlocking the world of gardening, created especially for beginners. The team of experts at Gardeners' World have identified ten easy steps to help you get stuck into gardening, giving you:Hands-on guidance on selecting the right plants for your space, and the right time to plant themStep-by-step methods guiding you through every gardening jobThe skills to create the perfect growing conditions for your plants to thriveThe confidence to tackle any garden problem, with easy troubleshooting solutionsThe tools to create an oasis for butterflies, bees, and wildlifeConfidence in taking care of your garden in every seasonExpert advice on watering, weeding, a

Read more less

Book Synopsis From dramatic palms and tropical leafy wonders to beautiful ferns and flowering potted plants – this book covers everything you need to know about nurturing and growing your own. Each of the 100 plants is accompanied by luscious photography and an easy-to-follow breakdown of all the essential requirements for that variety. This includes details on size, growth and flowering, along with any extra tips on caring for that specific plant. Perfect for anyone wanting to grow their indoor plant collection or a gift for a plant-loving friend, The Big Book of House Plants is the ultimate modern guide to all your indoor planting needs.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn Botanical Style, popular stylist and bestselling author Selina Lake brings her signature romantic vintage style to the current trend for all things botanical. The first chapter, Botanical Inspirations, sets out the ingredients of the look – antique botanical prints and artworks, flower stalls, potting sheds and houseplants – as sources of fresh ideas to transform your home. Moving on, Selina explores five different facets of the style. Vintage Botanicals celebrates the gentle palette of floral watercolours and pressed flowers, while Boho Botanicals has a free-spirited 1970s vibe, with jungly potted plants and flower garlands. The varied textures and contemporary appeal of Industrial Botanicals give it a modern edge, combining polished concrete, rusted metal and laboratory glass with peeling paint and vintage science posters. Next, Natural Botanicals is based around antique prints and museum specimen cases for a nostalgic feel, while Tropical Botanicals features bold leafy motifs, cacti and palm trees for a glamorous retro flavour. Throughout the book, Selina’s DIY Makes and Style Tips provide suggestions for how to recreate the textures, tones and ambience of botanical style at home. First published in 2016, this is a new edition.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this classic 1960s gardening book, Margery Fish's advice and enthusiasm for horticulture has stood the test of time and remains a go-to book for green-thumbed gardeners today. She guides the reader through techniques for creating and maintaining a cottage garden with humour and ease, perfect for both beginners and experienced gardeners. In her imaginative adaption of the traditional cottage garden style that she saw disappearing around her, she brought together old-fashioned plants and contemporary plants in the same vein. Today's mixed borders are a direct descendant of the style Margery Fish created at East Lambrook Manor in Somerset, now once again open to the public. Cottage Garden Flowers covers plants that grow easily and naturally in British soil, including easy, adaptable bulbs, perennials and shrubs, such as Astrantia, columbines, daffodils, daisies, Dianthus, foxgloves, hollyhocks, Japonica, old roses, Phlox, Primula, or Virburnum. No longer in danger of being forgotten, these traditional flowering plants have now res-established their place at the heart of garden design. Graham Rice, the widely published gardening author and the former London Evening Standard gardening correspondent, has reviewed the plant names in the original text, providing a plant name section at the back of the book. This allows readers to identify current plants from the old Latin names within the text.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor years dahlias have been dismissed for being garish, gaudy additions to gardens and arrangements, but when you find the right variety it's hard to think of a better garden plant or more striking cut flower. The next title in Pavilion's series of stylish floral gardening guides celebrates the diversity and return to fashion of the dahlia. This title explores the history of the dahlia from its Aztec origins and its highs and lows as a cultivated plant, to its current status as one of the most adored flowers on the planet. Pavilion's guide to over 60 beautiful varieties reveals their charms and assets together with practical cultivation tips for any garden. Including classics like Café au Lait and Karma Choc, together with modern, dark-leaved stunners like the Mystic series, the varieties and forms range from perky pompons and lush dinner plates to those that resemble sea-anemones or spectacular fireworks! With contemporary commentary on each bloom, easy-to-follow advice and glorious photography, this book will appeal to everybody who appreciates the glamour and versatility of the dahlia.Trade Review'[H]andsomely produced and lushly illustrated.' * The Irish Times *'[L]avishingly photographed…if you haven’t already fallen in love with dahlias, this book will surely convert you.’ * Daily Mail *'This is a visually stunning book with superb photography, which makes it a beautiful experience to turn each page…a great introduction to the genus.' * Garden Answers *'lively descriptions…and the photographs are simply glorious too.' * Daily Mail Weekend *'A comprehensive, quick-reference guide. This is a visually stunning book with superb photography, which makes it a beautiful experience to turn each page – a great introduction to the genus' * Gardens Illustrated Magazine *'Leaves no question of cultivation unanswered.' * Hortus *

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE BEST GARDENING BOOKS OF THE YEAR - GARDENS ILLUSTRATED''Informative and enthusiastic'' i PaperPLANT-BASED MEDICINE FOR A CALMER, HEALTHIER LIFE It''s easy to turn to the pharmacy when we''re stressed, sick or feeling under the weather, but what if you turned to your garden instead?In this accessible and easy to use manual, horticultural expert, former Gardener''s World presenter and Guardian columnist, Alys Fowler, shows how to take control of your health by adopting a more natural lifestyle. For thousands of years, people who had no access to clinical medicine knew how to boost their well-being by using the ingredients they found in plants. Herbs are the people''s medicine; often freely available and abundant, they are ready and waiting to be plucked from around you to soothe and heal your body and mind. With guides for how to use and grow over 100 herbs - for example how to use fennel for indigestion, camomile for anxiety and nettle for hayfever - you''ll soon be heading into the garden, rather than opening the medicine cabinet. Offering a fusion of botanical, practical, cultural and historical information, A Modern Herbal reveals how common herbs are the simple, cleansing way to better health and happiness.''An important and accessible herbal for the 21st century . . . For anyone delving into herbs for the first time or those who want to broaden their herbal repertoire in the garden and home, this book is much needed'' Gardens IllustratedAS SEEN IN THE GUARDIANTrade ReviewInformative and enthusiastic * i Paper *An important and accessible herbal for the 21st century . . . this book provides plenty of practical growing advice . . . Her extensive experience as a hands-on gardener gives this book added weight . . . For anyone delving into herbs for the first time or those who want to broaden their herbal repertoire in the garden and home, this book is much needed * Gardens Illustrated *Explores the many medicinal uses for herbs and other plants * Daily Telegraph *Gardener and writer Alys Fowler has a knack with words as well as plants, and in this compendium of herbs (each one smartly illustrated), she infuses each page with lore, understanding and green-fingered know-how. It makes you feel like you're tapping into ancient botanical secrets. * The Herald *Your garden can be an invaluable medicine cabinet, says expert Alys Fowler * Woman's Weekly *Dip into this charming miscellany of herbs from renowned horticulturalist Alys Fowler. It is ready to answer all your herb-related questions. Packed from cover-to-cover with useful growing pointers, medicinal benefits, cultural and historical background information. A must-have reference resource for any potting shed or kitchen bookshelf * Grow Your Own *Alys Fowler explores remedies from the herb patch * The Simple Things *This manual shows you how to live a healthier lifestyle, involving the use of tried and tested plants * Garden News *Informative, enthusiastic and ideal dip-in material, it makes you feel like you're tapping into ancient and worthy botanical secrets * Belfast Telegraph *Equips you with the knowledge to harvest everything you need * Weekly News *

Read more less

Book SynopsisJekka knows herbs like no one else let her help you transform your garden and your cooking!' Jamie OliverIf you want to grow the very best herbs, you need this book in your life. In fact, this book is way more than that, it's packed full of Jekka's knowledge, advice and observations from a lifetime of dedication to the wonderful world of growing. Herbs are life!' Nathan OutlawNo one has done more to both educate and enthuse the nation in the appreciation and use of herbs as part of our gardens and kitchens as Jekka.' Monty Don100 Herbs to Grow includes the most productive herbs ones that are easy to grow, taste delicious and have medicinal properties.This is a comprehensive gardening guide, so Jekka details how to grow in the garden, in containers and from seed as well as guiding you through propagation, division, cuttings, harvesting and yearly maintenance. And because she grows over 500 different herbs, she knows which species and varieties are the best of each herb (including ones that she has personally cultivated and bear her name!). In the forty years she has been growing, she has witnessed the change of climate and pests and diseases that affect herbs so she has created an up-to-date and authoritative herb handbook.Jekka also offers historical knowledge and anecdotes as well as culinary and medicinal uses so you can reap the rewards of your successfully grown herbs.

Read more less