Gardening Books

Book SynopsisA fresh and inspiring new guide to gardening for those in the second flush of youth, from active retirees to those with more limited abilities

Read more less

Book SynopsisHelps you create a garden that is quick to establish, and can be maintained in under an hour a week. This book explains how careful planning, design and planting can ensure trouble-free gardening in the future and gives lots of useful information on the best equipment and techniques.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAll gardeners know the disappointment of finding their flowers nibbled, or their prized produce riddled with rust. Armed with this essential guide, which helps you identify, target, and banish the likely culprits, you can stop the destruction.Get acquainted with all the common pests and diseases that afflict ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, and houseplants, and learn the best ways to deal with them. The effective options include both biological controls-increasingly popular in the gardening world-as well as the better-known organic and chemical methods.At-a-glance checklists explain which ailments generally afflict various plant types, from roses and rock-garden plants to soft fruits and vegetables.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat is the best way to kill weeds in paving? How scared should we really be of Japanese knotweed? And what is a weed anyway?Biologist Ken Thompson set out to write a different kind of gardening column, one that tackles what he calls 'the grit in the gardening oyster'. In this new collection he takes a look at some of the questions faced by gardeners everywhere in a bid to sort the truth from the wishful thinking.Why are the beaks of British great tits getting longer? Which common garden insect owns a set of metal-tipped running spikes? Why might growing orange petunias land you in hot water? Are foxes getting bigger? How do you stop the needles falling off your Christmas tree?This expert's miscellany of (mostly) scientifically-tested garden lore will make you look at your garden through fresh eyes.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMonty Don made a triumphant return to our screens as presenter of Gardeners' World. A firm favourite with viewers, Monty's infectious enthusiasm for plants, attention to the finer details of gardening technique and easy charm have seen the ratings soar. Here Monty invites us into the garden at Longmeadow, to show us how he created this beautiful garden, and how we can do the same in our own.Following the cycle of the seasons, Gardening at Longmeadow will introduce readers to the garden from the earliest snowdrops of January through the first splashes of colour in the Spring Garden, the electric summer displays of the Jewel Garden, the autumn harvest in the orchard, and on to a Christmas feast sourced from the vegetable gardens. Describing the magic of each area at different times of the year, Monty will explain the basics of what to do when and how to get the most from each plant. He'll talk through the essential techniques and more complex processes, accompanied by easy-to-follow, step-by-step photography.Longmeadow is a gardeners' garden, but this will be a book for gardening enthusiasts of all skill levels who have been inspired by what they've seen, and who would like to achieve something similar for themselves.

Read more less

Book SynopsisCactus Culture for Amateurs by William Watson is a creative masterpiece that indicates simply how skilled the writer is at combining classical evaluation with ordinary expertise. Watson artwork is extra than only a guide to the complicated global of cactus lifestyle; they may be an experience into the fascinating world of those flora. Watson writing on this book goes past what you'll anticipate from an ordinary educational guide. He efficaciously combines medical records with real-lifestyles stories to make his records useful for each novices and professionals within the area of cactus gardening. Watson's intention is not only to clear up problems, but also to connect humans with every other and assist them learn more approximately the natural international. Watson's new and enthusiastic technique is what makes Cactus Culture for Amateurs so stunning. He affords readers to a wide variety of feelings and studies about developing cacti thru stylish however dependable writing. The book is appealing due to the fact it can make the tough artwork of developing cacti both interesting and academic. William Watson's writing is greater than simply preparation; it is an inventive journey that draws readers into the charming world of cacti at the same time as making sure that his works are exciting and on hand to a wide variety of readers.

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 SynopsisFrom taking cuttings to winning new customers, this is the guide to growing beautiful organic flowers for enjoyment or profit Over 75,000 copies sold! The first edition of The Flower Farmer: An Organic Grower’s Guide to Raising and Selling Cut Flowers helped thousands of small growers start successful cut-flower businesses. This expanded and thoroughly revised second edition has become equally influential for backyard novices and experienced growers alike. New sections in this edition include: Utilizing greenhouses Recommendations for flower cultivars Post-harvest handling Also updated is the acclaimed resource directory, complete with sources of seeds, plants and supplies, and expert information on organic production under the National Organic Program. For the beginner and backyard gardener, there is an extensive section on the basics, including: Variety selection Soil preparation Planting, cultivation & harvest Floral design For the commercial grower, The Flower Farmer, 2nd Edition includes information about: Larger-scale production Advice about selling to florists, wholesalers, and supermarkets Understanding the wedding and farmers market customers This updated edition also includes revised profiles of successful growers, offering behind-the-scenes insight into the operation of some of the most cutting-edge flower farmers in the country. Because of the extensive revisions and enhanced content, The Flower Farmer, 2nd Edition is essential reading for those already in the flower business, as well as those who dream of growing flowers for enjoyment or profit. Trade Review"If you ever have plans to become a commercial flower grower, this book will be invaluable. The author provides in-depth information on every aspect of the subject."--Connie Krochmal, BellaOnline Floral Design Editor

Read more less

Book Synopsis''The best informed, liveliest and most innovative gardening writer of our times'' GUARDIAN''Christopher Lloyd ranks with Gertrude Jekyll and Vita Sackville-West as one of the major figures in twentieth-century British gardening'' THE TIMESIn this gardening classic the forever adventurous Christopher Lloyd takes us on a tour through the garden, to encourage, to reveal and to overturn the old and accepted when experience prompts him. He advises on cuttings, pruning, the art of compromise and takes another look at Miss Jekyll. Gardening was a passion, and throughout his life he developed Great Dixter to be one of Britain''s greatest gardens. For Christo gardening is nothing if not fun and - pointing out that ''to be roused into an argumentative frame of mind is in itself no bad thing'' - he makes it equally stimulating and enjoyable for his readers.Trade ReviewA brilliant gardener and a brilliant writer -- Monty DonChristopher Lloyd ranks with Gertrude Jekyll and Vita Sackville-West as one of the major figures in twentieth-century British gardening ... he was known and respected throughout the world as the voice of serious gardening * THE TIMES *He was the best informed, liveliest and most innovative gardening writer of our times * GUARDIAN *He was the most interesting plantsman I have ever known -- Alan TitchmarshChristopher Lloyd taught us that we don't necessarily have to do things very differently - just better, and with all our heart * SPECTATOR *British horticulture is blessed with many inspired plantsmen and elegant writers, but rarely do those qualities combine as seamlessly as in Christopher Lloyd * INDEPENDENT *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor anyone who wants to live well in their garden, here is a guide to creating stylish and livable outdoor spaces--for entertaining, playing, and relaxing.Pools made private by lush plantings, bedrooms open to the back yard, bar seating by the outdoor oven. California native and exterior architect Scott Shrader is known for creating covetable outdoor rooms for clients including Ellen DeGeneres and Patrick Dempsey. In his first book, he shares the grounds of twelve beautiful properties, all designed to be lived in and enjoyed as extensions of the homes they surround, rich with creature comforts. Shrader shows us how to connect the landscape outside with interior decor; resulting in an exterior environment that flows naturally, stylishly and serenely from this core. He also inspires us to think of the way these outdoor spaces will be used, and plan ahead for ways to keep our family and guests fed, warm, and entertained in them. Folded in between the featured gardens--whichTrade Review"California landscape designer Shrader presents outdoor spaces in his home state, including his own, as lushly verdant rooms where meals, entertaining, and general lounging are all the more luxuriant under ivy and boughs. The book taps into an aspiration, says Rizzoli publisher Charles Miers, to 'take down the wall between garden and house.'" —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

Read more less

Book Synopsis A stunning guide for gardeners keen to transform small and awkward outdoor spaces into beautiful and practical escapes. From courtyards to rooftops, Kate Gould draws on her experience as an award-winning garden designer to provide tailored solutions and inspirational ideas. Covering topics such as how to design and measure the perfect garden, choose and use the best materials and maintain a lush garden all year round, Small Garden Design includes detailed advice for gardeners undeterred by limited space. This carefully illustrated guide ensures gardeners of all abilities achieve the best results outdoors. Creating a personal and unique space is also at the heart of each project and Kate makes sure to discuss how to tie each design back to the interior of the home.

Read more less

Book SynopsisExplore a lavishly illustrated history on lawnmowers from one of Britain's leading lawnmower authorities.

Read more less

Book SynopsisNational treasure and presenter of ITV's hugely popular Love Your Garden, Alan Titchmarsh brings us his month by month almanac of garden knowledge, facts, advice and inspiration. Here is seasonal advice on what to grow and sow, projects to engage in, as well as wildlife to spot, gorgeous gardens to visit, birds and flowers to celebrate, weather notes, and nature to reflect on in poems, music, and books. A beautifully packaged giftbook with illustrations by Alan himself.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA comprehensive guide to growing herbs for their many different uses in food and medicine.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOpen Miniscapes: Create your own terrarium and discover the creativity and fun of making your very own indoor garden encased in glass. Do you love the greener things in life but don't have the time or space for endless gardening? This is the book for you. Miniscapes has 16 projects covering four biomes (Desert, Forest, Carnivorous and Air plants), suitable for all skill levels. The book equips you with the knowledge you need about soil and rocks, moss, tools, propagation, choosing your plants and containers, and designing your tiny landscape. Between these covers is everything you need to create and maintain healthy, happy terrariums that are cheap to make and easy to maintain (you can even upcycle things you already have at home).

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhere do camels belong? In the Arab world may seem the obvious answer, but they are relative newcomers there. They evolved in North America, retain their greatest diversity in South America, and the only remaining wild dromedaries are in Australia. This is a classic example of the contradictions of 'native' and 'invasive' species, a hot issue right now, as the flip-side of biodiversity. We have all heard the horror stories of invasives, from Japanese knotweed that puts fear into the heart of gardeners to brown tree snakes that have taken over the island of Guam. But do we need to fear invaders? And indeed, can we control them, and do we choose the right targets? Ken Thompson puts forward a fascinating array of narratives to explore what he sees as the crucial question - why only a minority of introduced species succeed, and why so few of them go on to cause trouble. He discusses, too, whether our fears could be getting in the way of conserving biodiversity, and responding to the threat of climate change.Trade ReviewThompson makes his case in a lively, readable style, spiced with a healthy dose of sarcasm towards "aliens = bad" fundamentalists. Better yet, he bolsters his argument with plenty of citations from the scientific literature, which adds welcome heft. -- Bob Holmes * New Scientist *Lively and punchy...You walk away from this book feeling flushed and a bit bruised. -- James McConnachie * Sunday Times *Ken Thompson...challenges us to look at the issue dispassionately and logically...a well put together book about the science and the philosophy surrounding invasive species. -- Simon Barnes * Times *An important and thought provoking book that deserves widespread exposure. At risk of hyperbole, I'd say it is to ecology what Darwin's Origin of Species was to evolution. -- Brian Clegg * popularscience.co.uk *

Read more less

Book SynopsisLulah Ellender's garden in Sussex is an unruly but beloved place. It is also not permanently her own. When just a few weeks after losing her mother, Lulah is told that she and her family might have to leave the rented house that they have made their home, her immediate response is to freeze, to neglect the plants she has spent years cultivating. But before long she finds herself back in the garden, tidying, planning, and planting - putting down roots even though she may not be there to see the shoots emerge. Drawing on her intimate knowledge of this small plot of land in Sussex, as well as her visits to the celebrated gardens close by - Charleston and Sissinghurst, among others - Lulah explores the broader relationship between gardener and garden. From artistic figures such as Vita Sackville-West, Virginia Woolf and Frida Kahlo to the long-gone inhabitants of a ruined village nearby, Lulah considers the ways in which tending the soil, growing plants, and tuning into the unceasing rhythms of nature can help us live with uncertainty and bring a sense of coming home, of feeling grounded, and ultimately of finding one's time-bound place here on Earth. "A lyrical delve into how gardening literally roots us to places and helps us look towards an uncertain future with hope" - Kathy Clugston "A much-needed book that offers a deep and moving insight on motherhood, letting go, and how our gardens can help us" - Alice Vincent, author of RootboundTrade ReviewA deeply moving book that begins in shadow - with a recently-bereaved mother under threat of eviction - and becomes a light-seeking, hope-giving exploration of what it means to cultivate a garden, a life, a legacy, at a time when so many of us will forever rent, never own, the ground we hold dear. Exquisitely-written and full of tender feeling... It is a book like a secret garden, opening doors onto alternative ways of growing and grounding a life -- Tanya ShadrickWe all make our little utopias in our gardens, our attempts to reclaim memories we never had, the futures we hope for implicit in seasons of growth. They are perpetually renewed, here too, in Lulah Ellender's elegant prose and her gathering of personal histories and defiant rites, as the author proposes that optimism which is the garden, our lives, our homes, our hopes, reborn again and again -- Philip HoareThere are turns of phrase to die for in GROUNDING, and I felt like I was given a guided tour through the gardens of others by Lulah's curious eye. A much-needed book that offers a deep and moving insight on motherhood, letting go, and how our gardens can help us -- Alice Vincent, author of RootboundI read GROUNDING as I moved through a period of deep uncertainty; leaving my first garden to step towards a great unknown as a new mother with my small family in tow. Ellender's words delivered such solace; a quiet, soothing reminder that we make home through the way we spend our days - each season we pass through leaving its mark on us - allowing our story to unfurl. This story is one of resilience, honesty, hope and healing. Ellender leads us by the hand through all the gardens we both know and do not; reminding us that to sow is a way to carve a life out of uncertainty; to make room for the returning light, always -- Kerri ní Dochartaigh, author of The Thin PlacesAn intimate exploration of what it means to be rooted in place and of how a garden can become a safe haven in uncertain times -- Sue Stuart-Smith, author of The Well Gardened MindAs Lulah sows, deadheads and weeds she explores her feelings of place and identity, fear and loss. A lyrical delve into how gardening literally roots us to places and helps us look towards an uncertain future with hope -- Kathy Clugston, presenter of BBC Radio 4's Gardeners' Question TimeAn admirer of Ellender's debut Elisabeth's Lists, I also much enjoyed this beguiling blend of memoir and cultural history, in which she describes how she found deep solace in her Sussex garden, even with the threat of eviction from their rented home hanging over her family. While her first instinct was to stop cultivating altogether, she soon went back to putting down roots, even though she knew she might not see the shoots emerge. The result is an absorbing meditation on the reasons that any of us gardens, which had me longing for spring (and ordering a shedload of seeds) -- Caroline Sanderson * Bookseller *Beautifully capture[s] just how important our own patch of ground is to our sense of identity * Daily Mail *Wonderful ... Filled with such a love, such an ache, the child-like need to be understood, the human urge to foster growth -- Jen Campbell * Toast *Glorious... I've read a lot of gardening books... but I've read very few as moving and literary as Grounding * Observer *

Read more less

Book Synopsis***'The best gardening book of 2022.' The Telegraph'A book to make even a quick trip to the corner shop endlessly fascinating. Dark has been dubbed the millennial Monty Don for this beautifully written study of the oft-overlooked nature on our doorsteps...Dark teases the drama, humour and history from even the most commonplace buddleja, box and tulip.' George Hudson, Evening Standard, Favourite Gardening Books of the Year'This enjoyable read throws a spotlight on the everyday.' Rachel de Thame's 10 Best Gardening Books of 2022, the Sunday Times'Gardening for a billionaire taught Ben Dark that "plants alone are not enough to make a garden special". Instead he finds "special" in the people and the history, as well as the plants, that fill 19½ London front gardens. A soulful read.' Tom Howard, RHS The Garden, Best Books of The Year'A wonderful book.' Alexandra Shulman, Mail on Sunday'Meet the millennial Monty Don.' The Sunday Times Style'Ben Dark's beautifully observed book, The Grove: A Nature Odyssey in 19 ½ Front Gardens, tells the stories of 20 key plants growing in a single London street's front gardens in a way that's as engaging as it is informative.' The Irish TimesAny walk is an odyssey when we connect with the plants around us. Each tree or flower tells a tale. Mundane 'suburban' shrubs speak of war and poetry, of money, fashion, love and failure. Every species in this book was seen from one pavement over twelve months and there is little here that could not be found on any road in any town, but they reveal stories of such weirdness, drama, passion and humour that, once discovered, familiar neighbourhoods will be changed forever.There is a renewed interest in the nature on our doorsteps, as can be seen in the work of amateur botanists identifying wildflowers and chalking the names on the pavements.But beyond the garden wall lies a wealth of cultivated plants, each with a unique tale to tell. In The Grove, award-winning writer and head gardener Ben Dark reveals the remarkable secrets of twenty commonly found species - including the rose, wisteria, buddleja, box and the tulip - encountered in the front gardens of one London street over the course of year. As Ben writes, in those small front gardens 'are stories of ambition, envy, hope and failure' and The Grove is about so much more than a single street, or indeed the plants found in its 19 ½ front gardens. It's a beguiling blend of horticultural history and personal narrative and a lyrical exploration of why gardens and gardening matter.'A testament to the secret communal power of a front garden.' Alice Vincent, New Statesman'Find joy in the ordinary plots on a city street.' RHS The Garden'Dark makes horticultural history fun and funny.' Editor's Choice, The Bookseller'Ben Dark is such a wonderful writer - The Grove drew me in from the first line.' Lia Leendertz'The Grove is overflowing with delicious nuggets of cultural, social and garden history ­- and I adore Ben Dark's humour and humility in equal measure.' Advolly Richmond'A heartfelt romp through the wisteria and wilderness of London's horticulturally remarkable front gardens.' Jack Wallington'A confident and elegantly written account of the fascinating narratives and histories entangled within the garden plants of a residential London street ... Dark's prose is in the tradition of classic garden writing: humorous, relatable, poetic and insightful ... The Grove is a refreshing read among modern narrative gardening books.' Gardens Illustrated'Fans of Ben Dark's mellifluous tones on The Garden Log podcast will be delighted by how perfectly his lyrical musings transfer to the printed page as, with infant son in tow, he invites the reader upon a series of horticultural expeditions inspired by the deceptively ordinary planting of the front gardens in a south London street. The kind of thoroughly enjoyable read where you realise, late in the day, that learning has snuck in by the back door, though you feel inclined to forgive the author on account of the fun you've had along the way.' Andrew O'Brien'Dark creatively blends practical horticultural knowledge, meditations on his own dream garden, and literary references, including Vita Sackville-West's husband's letter on JP Morgan's garden: "All very good taste and depressing. No inner reality." This will leave armchair gardeners seeing their surroundings with fresh eyes.' Publisher's Weekly'Dark's book amused and educated me during recent bouts of insomnia. I found snippets of information that now elevate my occasional street wanderings to something approaching a botanical exploration. At less than a tenner for the paperback edition, that's truly affordable schooling.' David Wheeler, The Oldie

Read more less

Book Synopsis***'Bellamy makes gardening seem simple, expressive and joyful. Anyone can do it.' - Evening Standard'Offers a fresh take on gardening in small spaces.' - Countryside Grow 5 reveals a brilliantly simple, fast way to make a beautiful garden, whether you have a small plot or a handful of pots. With 52 planting 'recipes' using a palette of just five plants, you can create:- a low-carbon flower garden for a changing climate- a micro-meadow in a city space- an urban garden inspired by an ancient woodland- high notes of colour in a tiny courtyard- a stylized slice of nature in a potThis practical and inspirational book by award-winning garden expert Lucy Bellamy and photographerJason Ingram includes more than 100 of the newest and best plants and how to use them through the seasons.

Read more less

Book Synopsis“‘Wild about Weeds’ sensibly distinguishes between the under-appreciated plants that conjure life into our gardens, and those potentially invasive species that are undesirable for good reason." Jonathan Drori CBE, author of Around the World in 80 Trees Not all weeds are ugly uncontrollable brutes. Yes, they can be difficult and intimidating, but by learning how to grow weeds in unexpected ways you will become a better gardener with a more interesting garden. This book profiles over 50 weeds and shows you surprising ways to grow them, no matter what your garden type: from borders to boxes, sunny to shady, poor soil to rich, tropical to formal, Japanese-style to prairies. With interviews, tips and advice from celebrated gardeners, learn how to let weeds flourish without taking control. Wild about Weeds is the must-have guide for modern gardeners that explains how to tame and nurture the most challenging of plants. "In this excellent guide, garden designer Wallington rehabilitates the lowly weed...Wallington’s humour (“part of me—the rebellious, weed-like part!—likes weeds purely because people tell me not to”) and passion for his subject shine through on every page. This new spin on an old subject will encourage both new and seasoned gardeners to look at what’s already growing in their garden (and what could be) with fresh eyes." Publishers Weekly “A lovely, practical gardening book that celebrates the beauty and ecological value of the gorgeous plants that we have been silly enough to overlook. Gardens with native ‘weeds’ are quintessentially English, tangled and tousled, and self-deprecating. Yet they burst with life, for these are plants that have evolved alongside our pollinators such as bees, and other insects that offer themselves to birds. Wild about Weeds sensibly distinguishes between the under-appreciated plants that conjure life into our gardens, and those potentially invasive species that are undesirable for good reason.” Jonathan Drori CBE, author of Around the World in 80 Trees

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis garden notebook is based on Sue''s practical experience and has been specially designed to be an invaluable aid to gardeners. Alongside space for notes, shopping lists, gardens to visit, the notebook contains concise information for gardening jobs including vegetable planting, plant and soil health, pruning tips and much more.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe permaculture classic that launched a new movement in edible, wildlife-friendly gardening! The Permaculture Garden shows you how to transform a yard or even the smallest space into a highly productive garden that works in harmony with nature. Learn how to: * Plan your garden layout for easy access and minimum labour * Save energy on unnecessary chores like digging and weeding with techniques like mulching and growing ground covers * Save money by using upcycled containers to create a beautiful space * Use successional cropping to produce year-round harvests and build healthy soil * Choose the best plants for different sites and enjoy the benefits of plant communities * Reduce your impact by saving energy and harvesting water * Discourage pests and diseases without using chemicals. Gardening expert and world-class permaculture teacher, Graham Bell, offers a wealth of practical advice including planning a garden from a bare plot, designing raised beds, creating ponds and streams, building terraces on slopes, constructing greenhouses and providing special areas for children or animals. Whether you are looking for just a few improvements or the beginnings of self-sufficiency, you can become a positive changemaker in your own back yard with this lively, practical guide.Trade ReviewThe Permaculture Garden is an excellent book about actually putting it all into practice in your back garden. It contains excellent species lists for useful plants for a wide range of situations. The first chapter is a kind of philosophical treatise on why to garden, and is littered with beautiful quotes from literature about the joy of gardening. This book is crammed with useful ideas. Rob Hopkins, Co-founder of the Transition Movement

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisHave you ever wondered how some of nature''s smallest creatures spend their days? Here''s your chance to take a scientifically accurate peek into the life of a mealworm, (Tenebrio molitar), beginning with egg-laying.  Striking illustrations and a lively storyline capture the real life challenges of the mealworm. Perfect to read to young children.

Read more less

Book Synopsis“If you loved Wilder’s books, or if you garden with a child who loves her books, you will enjoy the read.” —San Francisco Chronicle In this revealing exploration of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s deep connection with the natural world, Marta McDowell follows the wagon trail of the beloved Little House series. You’ll learn details about Wilder’s life and inspirations, pinpoint the Ingalls and Wilder homestead claims on authentic archival maps, and learn how to grow the plants and vegetables featured in the series. Excerpts from Wilder’s books, letters, and diaries bring to light her profound appreciation for the landscapes at the heart of her world. Featuring the beloved illustrations by Helen Sewell and Garth Williams, plus hundreds of historic and contemporary photographs, The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder is a treasure that honors Laura’s wild and beautiful life.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom an award-winning artist, designer, and the host of the podcast Design Matters, this book tells the visual story of falling in love with gardening—and the philosophies that work conjures. Debbie Millman always thought of herself as a bad gardener. Nevertheless, she kept trying. Over the years she came to realize that no one is a bad gardener—a garden is a journey that develops over time, through space, and evolves along with our hearts. In Love Letter to a Garden, Debbie Millman shares her journey to make and grow a garden—and the plants she has collected along the way—a process that started with handed-down houseplants from beloved friends and a lone peony.  Spread throughout are simple recipes using the garden's ingredients from Millman’s wife, bestselling author Roxane Gay. Love Letter to a Garden is a little gem of a book—an inspiring, impulse-friendly story that can be read in one setting, then shared, experienced, pollinated, and perpetuated.  

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Gardening is the best medicine for the mind' - the GuardianGardening, like mindfulness, is a way of finding a sense of calm in an otherwise chaotic world, a simpler existence, even if it is only for a few minutes. Both forge a connection to the world around us, to nature and wildlife, which can bring pleasure and peace. In this beautifully illustrated guide to gardening for mindfulness, horticulturalist and mindfulness practitioner Holly Farrell provides a blueprint for a more contemplative way to garden, including projects, meditations and inspiration.Projects for the mindful gardener, including growing something from seed, planting a tree and creating a mandala, put the theory of mindfulness into practice, while plant lists and design ideas aim to enhance mindfulness in the garden through the senses. Easy to follow and beautifully packaged in a new format, this is the perfect book for keen gardeners, devotees of mindfulness, or simply those looking for calm in a busy and hectic world.Trade ReviewStep into spring by getting your garden into shape in a contemplative way. Spring-cleaning for the mind, if you like, plus great projects, from tree-planting to mindfulness-enhancing designs. * The Lady *An inspirational guide to a more contemplative way to garden. [...] Beautifully illustrated, this is the perfect book for keen gardeners, devotees of mindfulness, or simply those looking for calm in a busy world. * The Garden magazine *

Read more less

Book SynopsisDIY Hydroponic Gardens and Farmer Tyler show home DIYers how to build over a dozen hydroponics growing systems, some of which cost only a few dollars to make.Trade ReviewReaders serious about home hydroponic gardening will find this a useful guide to getting set up. * Booklist *Table of ContentsOutline What Is Hydroponics? History Key Features Benefits Easier Than Growing In Soil Crop Nutrient Density Flavor Increase Sugar Content Increase Vitamin C Faster Growth High Yielding Sustainability No Runoff Reduced Fertilizer Use Water Conservation Grow Anywhere Clean Produce No Dirt No Pesticides Fun! Hydroponic Systems Soil vs. Soilless Growing Drain-To-Waste vs. Recirculating Irrigation Technology Deep Water Culture & Floating Rafts Nutrient Film Technology Aeroponics & Vertical Towers Dutch Buckets & Top Drip Irrigation Flood & Drain Systems For Specific Locations Kitchen Counter Closet Basement Outdoors Greenhouse Outer Space! Fertilizer & Plant Nutrition Conventional Fertilizer Organic Fertilizer Measuring Fertilizer Concentration Crop Selection Herbs Recommended Varieties Recommended Environment Recommended Fertilizers Recommended Systems Lettuce & Leafy Greens Recommended Varieties Recommended Environment Recommended Fertilizers Recommended Systems Peppers Recommended Varieties Recommended Environment Recommended Fertilizers Recommended Systems Tomatoes Recommended Varieties Recommended Environment Recommended Fertilizers Recommended Systems Cucumbers Recommended Varieties Recommended Environment Recommended Fertilizers Recommended Systems Strawberries Recommended Varieties Recommended Environment Recommended Fertilizers Recommended Systems Starting Seedlings For Hydroponic Systems Equipment General Water Pumps Air Pumps Trays Pots Fans Trellising Grow Tents Greenhouses Lights High Pressure Sodium Metal Halide Fluorescent LEDs Meters E.C./PPM pH Lux/PAR Common Problems Other DIY Systems Hydroponic Rafts Flood & Drain Top Drip Irrigation Aeroponics Aquaponics

Read more less

Book SynopsisThere is something uplifting about having butterflies in your flowerbeds, frogs in your water feature and birds in your bushes, and knowing they''re there because of you. Rich in detail and accessible in style, Gardening for Wildlife is the crucial companion to novices and expert gardeners alike. Adrian Thomas dispels myths and offers new insights and ideas, helping everyone understand what to do so gardens, large or small, can become ideal homes for wildlife.Building on the success of the award-winning first edition, this expanded and updated edition reflects the latest research and developments in nature-friendly gardening.The book serves as an expert guide to the practical aspects of this rewarding pastime and educates readers about the ecological principles involved, while exploding commonly held misconceptions that often deter people from pursuing a kinder approach to gardening.Adrian Thomas provides a detailed guide to the many and varied species that caTrade ReviewAdrian Thomas's highly attractive book will inspire all those who pick it up to turn their gardens into wildlife sanctuaries. * Sunday Express *An excellent book that brings together a lot of information in one place, challenges preconceived wisdom and manages to be informative and entertaining. It's possibly the most definitive work on the subject in recent years. * Garden Illustrated *Written in a friendly tone, RSPB Gardening for Wildlife offers a huge amount of information...It will help you make the most of what you've got in your backyard. * BBC Wildlife *...stuffed with hundreds of colour photos and shows how wildlife gardening can fit any garden (and any gardener!) * The Lady *A practical and contemporary look at how to embrace the little pockets of wildlife that exist in every garden, this book teaches you how to create habitats for all manner of butterflies, bees and other creatures. * BBC Countryfile *Gardening for Wildlife is the crucial companion to novices and expert gardeners alike. -- Emily Peagram * Grow Your Own *Table of ContentsForeword Gardening for Wildlife Why Everyone Should Garden for Wildlife Myth-busting So What Is Gardening for Wildlife, Then? How Wildlife Sees Gardens Gardening for Wildlife at a Glance The Right Home for the Right Species Gardening for Birds Gardening for Butterflies Gardening for Mammals Gardening for Reptiles and Amphibians Gardening for Bees Gardening for Dragonflies and Damselflies Gardening for Moths Gardening for Creepy-crawlies Gardening for Primitive Plants and Fungi Creating Different Habitats Making a Woodland Home Making a Scrubland Home Making a Wildflower-meadow Home Making a Heathland Home Making a Cornfield Home Making a Wetland Home Making a Hot-rot Home Gardening for Wildlife in a Big Garden Gardening for Wildlife in a Small Garden Balcony Gardening for Wildlife Low-maintenance Gardening for Wildlife Gardening for Wildlife in the Function Zone Gardening for Wildlife in the Leisure Zone Gardening for Wildlife in the Production Zone Gardening for Wildlife in the Aesthetic Zone Gardening for the Planet The Top 400 Garden Plants for Wildlife Gardening for Wildlife Calendar Measuring Success Acknowledgements Recommended reading Index Photo credits The RSPB

Read more less

Book SynopsisVenture beyond the impeccably styled rooms and into the private gardens of the world's most celebrated interior designers

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe long-awaited debut book on Craig Bergmann, pre-eminent designer of traditional gardens along the North Shore of Chicago

Read more less

Book Synopsis50 illustrated cards covering everything you need to know about collecting, planting and nurturing seeds. Nothing is more satisfying than growing plants from seed yourself. With this unique gardening kit, you can confidently collect the right seeds, watch them germinate, and see them grow to their full glory? whether you?re growing veggies, herbs, or flowers. A beautiful package combining illustrated cards, an information booklet and envelopes for seed collecting, The Seed Collector?s Kit is the ultimate guide to creating a sustainable garden (for free!). FEATURING BEAUTIFUL, ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS from internationally renowned natural history illustrator Rachel Pedder-Smith.INCLUDES EXPERT TEXT by Becky Searle (garden writer, soil expert and co-creator of The Seed Pod).A BEAUTIFUL, UNIQUE GIFT for gardeners of all levels.EACH CARD INTRODUCES A DIFFERENT SPECIES, while the 28-page booklet lays the groundwork for your seed collecting. LEARN how to store seeds so they retain their potency, and plant them so each seed?s chances are maximized. CARDS INCLUDE: Vegetables: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale, Arugula, Parsnip, Radish, Chard, Tomato, Pepper, Chilli, Lettuce, Kohl Rabi, Luffa (Squash family), Cape gooseberry, Carrot, Peas, Beans, Sweetcorn, Popcorn, Eggplant, Okra, Achocha, OnionHerbs: Basil, Cilantro, Chive, ParsleyFlowers: Rudbeckia, Zinnia, Viola, Nasturtium, Cosmos, Poppy, Marigold, Calendula, Antirrhinum, Dahlia, Sunflower

Read more less

Book SynopsisGardens for the Soul shows how a sustainable and eco-friendly ethos can be at the heart of creating a beautiful garden, whatever its location or size. There are a multitude of different ways in which we use our outside spaces, and in Gardens for the Soul Sara Bird and Dan Duchars explore ways to create and style a haven that will suit your lifestyle. Day Dreamers seek solitude and a therapeutic experience, and Home Harvesters use their garden space to grow flowers or fruit and veg; while Garden Partiers put their outside space to work as an entertaining zone for friends and family and Great Escapers aim to recreate a chilled holiday vibe at home. Sara and Dan visit real-life gardens that fall into these categories, from tiny patios to larger spaces, to glean ideas, tips and inspiration. With a focus on sustainability and reclaimed materials, there are suggestions for choosing garden elements, from décor to lighting to furniture and accessories, as well as easy craft projects that add quirky personal touches.Trade ReviewIf you’re looking for ideas to make your garden a more eco-friendly space, this book encourages you to think about how your choices impact your own landscape and the world beyond your garden. Whether you crave a serene urban oasis, cottagecore escape, or place to entertain friends and family, the photos show whimsical gardens of every size and use - Veranda.com

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe local mayor has a dinner date with death…With school out for the summer, Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are taking advantage of the break to go on holiday. They plan to explore the village of St-Martins-on-the-Water and rest before the chaos of Mrs Smith's impending hen do. By the end of their first night, the local mayor lies dead on the floor of the hotel restaurant, having been poisoned by his meal. The villagers are convinced: The Poisoner is back.As the residents turn to the duo with suspicion and begin to freeze them out, Margery and Clementine are left with more questions than answers. Everyone is convinced that the pair – and Clementine in particular – are bad news, but why? And as more people in the village start to become unwell, the question remains, is The Poisoner back, or is this the work of a new killer? And will they strike again?A charming cosy mystery that will make you laugh out loud, perfect for fans of Julia Chapman and Fiona Leitch.Praise for A Terrible Village Poisoning ‘A Terrible Village Poisoning is a really great cosy whodunnit. The plot had me guessing right to the end and the cast of characters, so warm and vivid, were an absolute joy. I'm really looking forward to the next one.’ Ian Moore, author of Death and Croissants‘A favourite series of mine. Hendy has written a great mystery with the perfect blend of suspects, clues and red herrings that you’ll be scratching your head till the end. Highly recommend!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘An enjoyable, light hearted read. I love Clementine and her dry wit and humour, and Margery is the perfect partner for her... The characters are so well written that they are really easy to picture in the mind's eye.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I am absolutely in love with the series… it made me laugh out loud! Margery and Clem are a delight. Can’t wait for book four!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘This cozy crime was a perfect read on a cold day snuggled under a blanket and drinking hot tea. I really enjoy this. I loved Margery and Clementine.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Another excellent adventure.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I'm a massive fan of Clementine and Margery, if ever I needed a crime solved I would definitely call on these two. This book had so many twists and turns and it definitely did keep me guessing till the end. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of cosy crime and classic murder mysteries.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘It was lovely to be with Margery, Clementine and the gang… a quick read with an easy going storyline that comes to a satisfying conclusion.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Loving the dinner lady detectives, they are fantastic! This instalment won’t leave fans disappointed because the ladies are back to mischief… a great fun-filled read, highly recommended.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Margery and Clementine are so loveable, and they always make me smile and warm my heart. This was another fun, entertaining, cosy mystery.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe earth is in great peril, due to the corporatization of agriculture, the rising climate crisis, and the ever-increasing levels of global poverty, starvation, and desertification on a massive scale. This present condition of global trauma is not "natural," but a result of humanity's destructive actions. And, according to Masanobu Fukuoka, it is reversible. We need to change not only our methods of earth stewardship, but also the very way we think about the relationship between human beings and nature. Fukuoka grew up on a farm on the island of Shikoku in Japan. As a young man he worked as a customs inspector for plants going into and out of the country. This was in the 1930s when science seemed poised to create a new world of abundance and leisure, when people fully believed they could improve upon nature by applying scientific methods and thereby reap untold rewards. While working there, Fukuoka had an insight that changed his life forever. He returned to his home village and applied this insight to developing a revolutionary new way of farming that he believed would be of great benefit to society. This method, which he called "natural farming," involved working with, not in opposition to, nature. Fukuoka's inspiring and internationally best-selling book, The One-Straw Revolution was first published in English in 1978. In this book, Fukuoka described his philosophy of natural farming and why he came to farm the way he did. One-Straw was a huge success in the West, and spoke directly to the growing movement of organic farmers and activists seeking a new way of life. For years after its publication, Fukuoka traveled around the world spreading his teachings and developing a devoted following of farmers seeking to get closer to the truth of nature. Sowing Seeds in the Desert, a summation of those years of travel and research, is Fukuoka's last major work-and perhaps his most important. Fukuoka spent years working with people and organizations in Africa, India, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States, to prove that you could, indeed, grow food and regenerate forests with very little irrigation in the most desolate of places. Only by greening the desert, he said, would the world ever achieve true food security. This revolutionary book presents Fukuoka's plan to rehabilitate the deserts of the world using natural farming, including practical solutions for feeding a growing human population, rehabilitating damaged landscapes, reversing the spread of desertification, and providing a deep understanding of the relationship between human beings and nature. Fukuoka's message comes right at the time when people around the world seem to have lost their frame of reference, and offers us a way forward. Trade ReviewKirkus Reviews- From the late author of bestseller The One Straw Revolution (1978) comes a similar book about a philosophical approach to natural farming."The fundamental concept of a natural farm," writes Fukuoka (The Natural Way of Farming, 1985, etc.), "begins with intuitively grasping nature's original form, where many varieties of plants and animals live together as a harmonious whole, joyfully and in mutual benefit." In this English translation of the author's last work (first published in Japan in 1996), he decries the "indiscriminate deforestation and large-scale agriculture carried out in order to support the materialistic cultures of the developed countries." This process has created a condition called "desertification," the inability of the soil to grow anything. Because humans have lost their connection with nature, Fukuoka advocates foregoing harmful modern methods of farming in favor of a simpler approach. Based primarily on the success of his farm in Japan, the author believes the solution lies in aerial distribution of a large variety of plants via clay seed pellets, the use of cover crops, and a no-tilling approach to the soil. By seeding a wide variety of species in the desert, nature will select those plants best suited for a particular location. These plants will flourish, drawing water from deep within the earth and thereby allowing other plants and trees to prosper. Taking his philosophy to Africa, India and the United States, among other places, Fukuoka demonstrated that, given sufficient time, seeding fallow earth with vegetables, plants and trees created a lush setting. More a spiritual analysis of farming methods than a hands-on approach, the book still provides viable and simple solutions to the world's increased need for productive land. An enlightened method for reclaiming the barren soils of the world. Booklist- The vision of the late Japanese farmer and philosopher Fukuoka, a pioneer in natural farming techniques and author of the now classic The One-Straw Revolution (1978), extends far beyond agriculture. In his final book, a far-reaching treatise on ‘earth stewardship,’ he considers dragonflies, Darwin, and even a meeting with Einstein’s niece as he reflects on the best possible future for human society. At times Fukuoka’s prose can be striking in its simplicity as when he writes, ‘In nature there are no beneficial or harmful insects,’ and furthermore, ‘this is a human construct akin to saying the right hand is good and the left hand is bad.’ Fukuoka never wastes a word or thought, insisting the reader consider all aspects of how we grow our food everywhere in the world and how the food industry manipulates supply and demand for gross profit in ways both economically and socially damaging. Fukuoka’s techniques have been and still are world-changing; the challenge now is to continue practicing them without the master here to lead the way. ForeWord Reviews- Small-scale and urban farming as well as sustainable living and organic food purchasing are so prevalent right now that these practices are moving from a foodie trend to a fundamental shift in our food system. One of the people to thank for that momentum is Masanobu Fukuoka, whose The One-Straw Revolution became a must-read for organic farmers and their supporters around the world. Before his death in 2008, Fukuoka spent decades working on natural farming techniques that he felt could benefit the world. He didn’t plow his field, use fertilizer, or flood his rice fields, in keeping with the methods traditional to many indigenous cultures. Commonly referred to as ‘Do-Nothing Farming,’ his techniques are part of a wider philosophy about respecting nature’s own principles and rhythms. The success of his work sent Fukuoka from his small village in Japan to speaking engagements across the world, where he spent a great deal of time addressing issues of limited resources in areas like Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. In this, his last major book, Fukuoka draws from those experiences to create, once again, a timeless work that has the ability to create a revolution in agriculture. Beyond Fukuoka’s important philosophy, his book is a lyrical, lovely valentine to nature. He’s passionate about bringing other people to the near-enlightenment state in which he lived, where every single leaf moved him to appreciation. Expertly argued and backed by experience, anecdotes, and simple logic, Fukuoka’s last work shines just as brightly as his first.Publishers Weekly- Renowned Japanese agriculturist and philosopher Fukuoka’s (The One-Straw Revolution) final work calls on modern-day farmers to reconsider their methods and heed the needs of the land. Navigating work with international organizations—particularly in Africa, South Asia, and the United States—he illuminates regional disparities in environmental and agricultural thought and practice. Through trial-and-error and years of acute observation, Fukuoka developed a pioneering vision to ‘avoid unnecessary work, especially work that was created as an adverse side effect of previous actions.’ He describes these misguided experiments and failures, such as leaving an orchard completely on its own, as ‘not natural farming; it was abandonment.’ In clarifying popular misconceptions about organic and natural farming, he advises that we must not focus on cash crops, because ‘there is no good or bad among life-forms on earth.’ Only by the co-existence of myriad micro-organisms and vegetation will we be able to preserve and maintain our land. More important, the best farming was simple, ‘rather than the modern approach of applying increasingly complex techniques to remake nature entirely for the benefit of human beings.’ Though elimination of mechanization might be tough for modern agriculturalists to swallow, Fukuoka’s last message provides a spiritually and environmentally enriching alternative to the farming conditions we know today."Masanobu Fukuoka ran a course on natural farming, and gave our Howard lecture at Navdanya's biodiversity farm in the Doon valley of India, and we even have a cottage named the Fukuoka hut. He was a teacher ahead of his time. 'Sowing seeds in the desert' is what all of humanity has to learn to do, whether it is in economic desert created by Wall Street, or an ecological desert created by globalized corporate agriculture."--Vandana Shiva, founder of Navdanya Research Foundation for Science Technology & Ecology "Distilling what he has gathered from a lifetime of learning from nature, Masanobu Fukuoka offers us his gentle philosophy and a wealth of practical ideas for using natural farming to restore a damaged planet. Sowing Seeds in the Desert will persuade any reader that the imperiled living world is our greatest teacher, and inspire them to care for it as vigorously as Fukuoka has."--Toby Hemenway, author of Gaia's Garden "This book is a bombshell. Forget the gentle and retiring farmer of The One-Straw Revolution fame, replaced now by a flaming, world-travelling revolutionary. To achieve the kind of natural farming that can avoid worldwide collapse, Masanobu Fukuoka bluntly and fearlessly insists that we must first reject traditional ideas about God, the after life, accepted economic systems--especially capitalism--much of current agricultural thinking including organic farming, and even parts of science which he says are based on mistaken notions about the connection between cause and effect. Once we return to a way of life dictated by nature, not institutional religions, he says, we can apply his unorthodox farming methods to make the deserts bloom and the green fields stay lush without much expense or even labor involved.Be prepared to be mystified, irritated, shocked, and maybe even, if you persevere to the end, enlightened and encouraged by this trail-blazing book. Disagree with Fukuoka's provocative pronouncements at your own risk. Some of what he predicted in this book, originally written in Japanese in the 1990s has already happened, especially the collapse of the Japanese economy in recent years and the spread of deserts throughout the world."--Gene Logsdon, author of A Sanctuary of Trees "From our first meeting with Masanobu Fukuoka Sensei in the late 1970's at Green Gulch Farm Zen Center, he has served as a primary guide, teacher, and inspiration in the engaged practice of organic farming and Zen meditation. Now with Sowing Seeds in the Desert, Fukuoka Sensei's teaching of Natural Farming continues to grow, sending deep roots down into the terrain of global restoration and food security for a hungry world. This wonderful book is to be celebrated and savored for its grounded, encouraging wisdom."--Wendy Johnson, author of Gardening at the Dragon's Gate "Fans of Fukuoka's The One-Straw Revolution will be delighted by Sowing Seeds in the Desert, his last book. It is a rich treasure trove detailing how his own philosophy of farming evolved and how he decided to apply what he learned on his own farm in Japan to other parts of the world. His insights into the tragedies of taking Western, industrial agriculture to places like Africa to 'enrich the national economy,' and his alternative approach of working with indigenous farmers to enable them to become self-sufficient, is instructive for all of us."--Frederick Kirschenmann, Author of Cultivating an Ecological Conscience: Essays From a Farmer Philosopher "This book is not a breath of fresh air, it's a howling gale from the East. It challenges us to think outside our normal, rational frames and venture into a whole new way of relating to spirituality, the earth, and the growing of food. As I read, I was tempted to pick holes in Fukuoka's prescriptions for greening the world's deserts, but I kept coming back to the inescapable fact that he farmed his own land according to these principles over many years and produced a lot of food."--Patrick Whitefield, author of The Earth Care Manual Table of Contents1. The call to natural farming 2. Reconsidering human knowledge 3. Healing a world in crisis 4. Global desertification 5. Revegetating the earth through natural methods 6. Travels on the west coast of the United States

Read more less

Book Synopsis“For those of you—and your numbers are growing—gardening in drought-stricken parts of the country, The Bold Dry Garden will quench your thirst for inspiration.” —New York Times Book Review Ruth Bancroft is a dry gardening pioneer. Her lifelong love of plants led to the creation of one of the most acclaimed public gardens, The Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek, California. The Bold Dry Garden offers unparalleled access to the garden and the extraordinary woman responsible for it. In its stunningly photographed pages, you’ll discover the history of the garden and the design principles and plant palette that make it unique. Packed with growing and maintenance tips, profiles of signature plants for a dry garden, and innovative design techniques, The Bold Dry Garden has everything you need to create a garden that is lush, waterwise, and welcoming.

Read more less

Book SynopsisCapture all the hues of the garden with a few simple brushstrokes and Lorene Edwards Forkner’s inspirational advice on observing color in nature, painting with watercolor, and gardening with joy and intention. If you love flowers and the rich colors of the garden, Color In and Out of the Garden is for you. Artist and garden expert Lorene Edwards Forkner shares her simple watercolor techniques for capturing every lovely hue in a miniature artwork. Along the way, she also offers practical advice on topics from painting (no matter your skill level) to gardening mindfully to celebrating life. This delightfully useful and addictively readable little book may just inspire you to begin keeping a garden journal of your own, so you can record favorite plants with just a few simple brushstrokes. Arranged by color, each chapter helps readers sharpen their powers of observation and capture nature’s lovely palette. Plant profiles and personal reflecTrade Review“Color In and Out of the Garden pays homage to plants and processes, to seeing and believing in small acts of creativity as a means connecting to ourselves and the natural world. A gem of a book.” -- Christin Geall * author of Cultivated: The Elements of Floral Style *Color In and Out of the Garden so honestly taps into our visceral yearning to experience nature. Lorene Edwards Forkner's watercolor studies give the gift of sight and insight, inspiring any of us to make a personal practice of observing the palettes of our environment—during any season and at any place on this planet. -- Debra Prinzing * Founder/Creative Director, Slow Flowers Society *Color In and Out of the Garden is a rich visual feast for gardeners and artists alike. Lorene Edwards Forkner brings horticultural wisdom to the daily, restorative practice of painting. With a few tubes of paint and a bit of time and attention, she immerses herself in the wonder that can be found in her own backyard. What began as a hundred-day project in the aftermath of a devastating loss has become a personal journey, sustained over many years. With this gem of a book, we are all invited to take that journey with her. -- Amy Stewart * New York Times bestselling author *From the evocative title of this heavenly missive, you might think you need to be a gardener or a painter to harvest the full richness of its many gifts, but you do not. You need only be human—as worried and full of wonder, as pained and patient (or impatient), peculiar and particular as all of us. This collection of careful color studies of botanical (flowers, leaves, seeds, stems) and botanically adjacent (think time worn stones, beach bleached shells) treasures is offered out to us by the knowing hands of a gardener, the refined eye of an artist, the time-tested taste of a cook, and the heart of a compassionate mother. On one level it is an encouragement to practice being present to practice paying attention and taking good care in and of the natural world, to practice really seeing; but on its highest level, it is a much needed (longed for?) reminder born of both joy and deep grief to live your own days (and thus life) in full color, in and out of the garden. A plea to savor and cherish every last living vibrant cell of it in the process: the extraordinary, the quotidian, the steadfast constants, and the heartbreakingly fleeting. A sometimes funny, sometimes sobering prayer to notice and celebrate all the variations and permutations of green (for survival), red (for ripeness), pink (for extravagance), yellow (for luminosity), orange (for energy) and brown—the foundation of all living things—in all their colorful diversity. As Lorene might say, “Yes, please.” See for yourself. You will never see your garden, food, art, sky, ground (life) quite the same again. -- Jennifer Jewell * creator of the Cultivating Place, Conversations on Natural History and the Human Impulse to Garden podcast *“While I walk away from this book with some [ideas for] plants I'd like to find room for (and a new appreciation of the role of color in my garden), the real lessons of the book are in the insights gleaned—and so generously shared with us—from blending a daily painting practice with a lifelong love of plants. Edwards’s poignant wisdom leaves me feeling grounded, grateful, and in really good company, whether with her words or with the living things right outside my door.” -- Johanna Silver * gardener and author *“Lorene Edwards Forkner's Color In and Out of the Garden is a gentle call to attention, ‘looking in and looking out.’ Open it anywhere to find yourself transported to the lush offerings of a garden, to ‘seeing’ color you hadn’t noticed, and the poetry, philosophy, and natural history of plants: revelations with life lessons that will expand your view.” -- Sally Schneider * creator of Improvised Life *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAlan Titchmarsh has had a passion for gardening for as long as he can remember. Aged 8, he announced to friends that he was going to be the next Percy Thrower, although he thought it was no more than a dream.With the magic touch of a best-selling writer, Alan tells his own story from Ilkley Moor to Pebble Mill and to the final realising of his dream of becoming TV''s favourite gardener. Along the way, the cast of characters includes everyone from Auntie Ethel to Nelson Mandela and the Queen.With great charm, humour and passion, this is probably the best story Alan Titchmarsh has ever told.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDesign a succulent garden of your own, with inspiration, advice, and instructional step-by-step projects for container gardens, small-space gardens, mixed gardens, and more.You can't help but be mesmerized by the eye-catching geometric forms and jewel-toned colors of succulents. But how do you grow these beauties in your own garden? One of the only books dedicated to succulent garden design, Striking Succulent Gardens is a stylish, modern gardening book for beginners and enthusiasts alike.Known for his colorful approach and bold use of varied textures and shapes, garden designer Gabriel Frank offers practical ideas, simple concepts, stunning full-color photography, step-by-step instructions for a dozen different gardens, plant recommendations, basic succulent care, and an inspired approach to creating living art in your own garden. For those in colder climates, there is a list of cold-hardy succulents and advice for bringing container gardens indoors for t

Read more less

Book SynopsisPresents step-by-step techniques on everything from planning and design to planting, propagation, care and cultivation through each season. This title contains advice on choosing the best plants for all types of garden, with entries arranged alphabetically within plant categories for quick and easy reference.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAll the essential gardening tasks and accessible expert advice in one comprehensive how-to volume.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA unique celebration of gardening written by an award-winning novelistDespite the fact that she has only six square metres of grubby urban soil and a few pots, Charlotte Mendelson has a secret life. She is an extreme gardener, an obsessive, an addict. And like all addicts, she wants to spread the joy.Beginning with Late Winter, Charlotte takes the reader through her gardening year, via Wasting Money Wisely (the lure of the seed packet), Thirty-Three Alternatives to Lettuce (the greatest salads don''t need bacon or croutons), Tree Envy (dreams of owning a plum tree), and Fantasy (gardening is an unfulfilled fantasy, never disappointing and always a source of perfect, fruitful happiness). Inspiration for city-dwellers and the many people with small spaces to garden.''An extremely entertaining and inspiring story of one woman''s passionate transformation of a smal

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisMichael and Anne Heseltine tell the story of how they created their extraordinary garden and arboretum at Thenford.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA fascinating look at the history and legacy of Roman gardens, focusing on Great Britain. The author is a board member of the Association for Roman Archaeology and a prolific writer of papers on Roman art and architecture and has lectured on the subject of Roman gardens.

Read more less