Gardening Books

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Book SynopsisThe latest techniques for propagating crops with terminal, stem, and leaf/stem cuttings are the focus of this horticulture handbook. All the bases are covered—propagation basics, stock plant management, media, temperature, light, nutrition, plant growth regulators, insect and disease management, equipment, and postharvest handling. From these general subjects, the editors focus in on specifics for scores of specialty bedding plants, perennials, specialty cut flowers, and foliage plants. Then they zoom in even closer, covering more than 60 important floriculture crops in detail so propagators and growers can provide high-quality cuttings and young plants to the market.

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Book SynopsisEdible Forest Gardens is a groundbreaking two-volume work that spells out and explores the key concepts of forest ecology and applies them to the needs of natural gardeners in temperate climates. Volume I lays out the vision of the forest garden and explains the basic ecological principles that make it work. In Volume II, Dave Jacke and Eric Toensmeier move on to practical considerations: concrete ways to design, establish, and maintain your own forest garden. Along the way they present case studies and examples, as well as tables, illustrations, and a uniquely valuable "plant matrix" that lists hundreds of the best edible and useful species. Taken together, the two volumes of Edible Forest Gardens offer an advanced course in ecological gardening-one that will forever change the way you look at plants and your environment. What is an edible forest garden? An edible forest garden is a perennial polyculture of multipurpose plants. Most plants regrow every year without replanting: perennials. Many species grow together: a polyculture. Each plant contributes to the success of the whole by fulfilling many functions: multipurpose. In other words, a forest garden is an edible ecosystem, a consciously designed community of mutually beneficial plants and animals intended for human food production. Edible forest gardens provide more than just a variety of foods. The seven F's apply here: food, fuel, fiber, fodder, fertilizer, and "farmaceuticals," as well as fun. A beautiful, lush environment can be a conscious focus of your garden design, or a side benefit you enjoyTrade ReviewHortIdeas- We reviewed the first volume of this two-volume set in September 2005 HortIdeas--in fact, we were so impressed by it that we devoted that month's Book Reviews section entirely to it. Until Mycelium Running--another amazingly important and well-done book--appeared, we were considering doing the same this month for the second volume of Edible Forest Gardens, which is much thicker (by more than 270 pages!) than the first volume. The shorter length of this review certainly does not reflect the relative importance of the volumes--we recommend that anyone interested in experimenting with temperate-zone "gardening in the image of the forest" should study both. Although Volume 2 ostensibly emphasizes "practical" information building on the "theoretical" ideas in Volume 1, it is clear that both volumes are essentially theoretical. That's because (as we discussed in our review of Volume 1) nobody has yet convincingly shown the viability of forest gardening (relying heavily on perennial crops) in temperate areas as a sustainable alternative to conventional gardening (based mainly on annual crops). Jacke and Toensmeier are, admirably, attempting to disseminate ideas gathered from a variety of source that might enable such viability. Ultimately, at this stage development of temperate-zone forest gardening techniques, virtually all approaches are experimental and in need of validation. We simply do not currently know their limitations. Understanding that knowledge on "nest practices" for temperate-zone forest gardening needs to be established experimentally can be exciting for those willing and able to adopt the scientific attitude: no matter how they turn out, the results of an experiment, performed appropriately (meaning especially that adequate control treatments are provided), are never "bad." In other words, we think that would-be temperate-zone forest gardeners who are sincerely interested in helping to establish this novel form of agriculture should proceed by trying to test some of Jacke and Toensmeier's numerous design, site preparation, species choice and establishment, and management guidelines. We view Volume 2 of Edible Forest Gardens not as a recipe book for what works but rather as a compendium of possibilities for what could work--an invitation par excellence to experimentation instead of complacency. Right on!Plants and Gardens News--Patricia Jonas, Brooklyn Botanic Garden- But even if you grow enough organic food to feed yourself, are you doing what's best for the ecosystem? "Many drawbacks of modern agriculture persist in organic farming and gardening," Dave Jacke and Eric Toensmeier write in Edible Forest Gardens, because they do not "mimic the structure of natural systems, only selected functions." Even Quail Hill Farm members are still harvesting mostly annual crops grown in plowed fields. Jacke and Toensmeier offer a radical vision for stepping out of the conceptual continuum of conventional agriculture and organic farming. They point to the productivity of temperate forests--which is twice that of agricultural land in terms of net calories--and take that as their design model. Building on Robert Hart's classic book, Forest Gardening, and incorporating permaculture practice, Jacke and Toensmeier propose a garden where many species of edible perennial plants are grown together in a design that mimics forest structure and function. Edible Forest Gardens is an ambitious two-volume work whose influence should extend well beyond ecologists and permaculturists and, in the best of all outcomes, reach into the mainstream. Volume one lays out the "Ecological Vision and Theory for Temperate Climate Permaculture," and it also includes a very useful analysis of existing forest gardens (one only 50 by 90 feet) and a tantalizing 30-page appendix of "top 100" species. As of this writing, volume two, which focuses on practical design and maintenance considerations, is just being released, but on the evidence of volume one, I have no doubt the set will be an indispensable reference for gardeners and farmers for decades. "When people have food gardens," the authors write, "they usually are tucked out of sight and out of view of the neighbors. They rely on external inputs of energy, nutrients, insect and disease controls, and water and are based primarily on annual plants. For some reason, growing food is considered unsightly, unseemly, possibly antisocial, and in some towns and cities, illegal! The tremendous infrastructure we have built in our cities and towns reflects a culture and horticulture of separation and isolation." The consequences of such attitudes about growing food have been disastrous, and each of us can contribute to the repair effort. Jacke and Toensmeier say that the principles of forest gardening can be applied even in a tiny urban yard or on a rooftop. Containers of edible perennials and annuals on a rooftop are not most farmers' idea of agriculture, but I grow nearly 20 percent of the authors' top 100 species and intend to look for ways to take this small start much further. And what about chocolate and oranges? Clearly there are foods that cannot be grown in a temperate forest. "We do not expect forest gardening to replace regular gardening or the foods we know and love," the authors admit. "Just how far we can take forest gardening in supplying food for ourselves is not yet determined." Finding the answer may be the most optimistic work gardeners and farmers can do."These will be the benchmark works in the field for many years. The level of scholarship and meticulous footnoting is unsurpassed by anything I've seen in permaculture literature."--Toby Hemenway, author of Gaia's Garden"A tree de force! A must-have set of books for anyone serious about polyculture, integrated organic garden and landscape design, permaculture in the temperate zones and, of course, food forests. The charts of condensed information alone are worth the price of admission. The best book on these topics in years Keep these books within arm's reach at all times!"--Robert Kourick, author of Designing and Maintaining Your Edible Landscape Naturally

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Book SynopsisWhether you have a green thumb or not, you''ve likely asked yourself just what would grow in one challenging location or another. This book provides concise answers by presenting a descriptive listing of the very best plants available on the market today for a better yard. For the expert or novice gardener, this is sound advice. This title introduces the concept of growing plants for a purpose, whether it''s to provide privacy in a tiny yard or placing the right plant in a particular spot where nothing seems to grow. This is the first in a three part series.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the joys of gardening using traditional plants and planting methods that have withstood the test of time. Create and maintain a garden filled with hues and scents of old-fashioned plants. This book includes everything from natural horticultural methods of propagation, soil fertilization, care and cultivation, to period garden design and layout. This is an absorbing reference for all those wishing to garden the traditional way.

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Book SynopsisThe author describes the glorious but laborious work of converting what had been a general dumping-ground to a rich and productive wildlife haven. As work progressed, May took many photographs and kept observations of the varied wildlife she observed during the many evenings which were spent working and watching in the reserve. How she and her husband achieved their dream of creating their own nature reserve as part of the country house hotel they ran, makes illuminating and fascinating reading. This grand labour of love over fifteen years was rewarded as the reserve was visited or colonised by many species such as badgers, bats, foxes, and goshawks to the more unusual elephant hawkmoths and the very rare rhododendron lacewing. Interesting facts gradually emerged - an exceptionally fine collection of rhododendron which came from the Kingdom Ward Collection had originally been brought back from Chile, Burma and China for the Royal Horticultural Society many years previously. The award-winning nature reserve, with its countless animal and plant species, often featured in many wildlife documentaries and was officially opened by Professor David Bellamy. 'Just Before Dawn" will be an inspiring read for all lovers of nature and wildlife, and will be of particular appeal to gardeners and anyone who wishes to encourage and observe wildlife in their garden.

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Book SynopsisA great must-have book packed full of brilliant tips and ideas from award-winning BBC radio gardening presenter and journalist, Steve Brookes. The book is a result of Steve's 30+ years as a professional horticulturalist and nearly 20 years as a gardening broadcaster and presenter. It is packed full of ideas for banishing slugs, snails, aphids, ants, cats, squirrels and countless other garden pests, plus many fun, money-saving and innovative tips for growing healthier plants in your garden. Steve has included many useful plant lists for different garden aspects and some brilliant recycling ideas that will really get you smiling. The book also forms the basis of Steve's 'The Greatest Gardening Tips in the World' live show, which he performs around the UK and on cruise ships across the world. Novice and experienced gardeners alike will find this a rewarding and enjoyable read, which they will refer to again and again!Trade ReviewWhat a fantastic little book this is! I couldn't put it down. I have been gardening for many years and yet I still found this book a really fascinating read and will find it a worthwhile addition to my gardening library. It contains a whole host of amazing tips that I can't wait to try. The author has taken a gentle, humorous approach and has kept the terminology simple which will make it very accessible to novice gardeners as well. The illustrations and amusing quotes are great and give the book a life of its own. There are some useful plant lists for different situations which have the plants listed with both common & Latin names making researching and ordering them at the garden centre an easy task. This is a quality book that I can see every gardener eventually owning and, at GBP 9.99, excellent value! Professor Andy Collingridge RHSTable of ContentsA few words from Steve, Chapter 1: Germination, planting & cultivation, Chapter 2: Feeding & watering, Chapter 3: Weeds, pests & diseases, Chapter 4: Soils & situations, Chapter 5: Odds & sods, Plant Lists Index, General Index, The Greatest Gardening Tips DVD, About The Author.

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Book SynopsisBased on her hit Allotment Tales column for "The Scotsman and New Consumer Magazine", Antonia Swinson - the First Lady of the allotment - shares, not only her tips for gardening and allotment management, but also the effect of her time spent in the mud. Written with humour and vim You Are What You Grow is her extraordinary original vision of how the world ticks. Scything down the caricature of the allotmenteer, this is a social and political critique from an allotmenteer's point of view. Antonia explores issues such as the history of British land ownership, organic produce and self-sufficiency, community building and the psychological benefits to be found by allotmenteering. The work is divided by season with gardening tips, money saving ideas and promotion of healthy, and organic food.Trade ReviewMore a lively account of her musings over a year spent in her plot than a practical guide to growing radishes, but gives food for thought, as well as for the plate. THE SUNDAY TIMESYou Are What You Grow, Antonia Swinson's charming and amusing essays on our relationship with the earth, allotments and food and her reflections on our relationships with the land are the ideal accompaniment to Shakespeare, taking us out of our fuggy living rooms and into the reality that Shakespeare faced on his yearly returns to Stratford. THE GUIDE

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Book SynopsisDo you know every gardening technique and rule of thumb off pat? Or do you occasionally straighten up from your digging to try and remember exactly what you're meant to be doing? How deep should you plant these bulbs? Was it now you were supposed to prune this rose, or in February? Can you compost this weed? Is it OK to plant out these seedlings now? It's such a pain having to go indoors, kick off your boots, shed your outdoor clothes and start looking up the answer to your question in some great gardening tome. And that's where The Gardener's Pocket Bible comes in. Now, you can stay in the garden and look up all those essential facts and figures in an instant. At your fingertips you'll have all the answers to your on-the-spot questions such as: Which plants do you need to protect from frost? When should you cut the hedge? What plants need staking, and when? How can you get rid of greenfly without using pesticides? This indispensible little guide will tell you what you need to know, when you need to know it - and will save you thumbing through gardening encyclopedias when what you actually want to do is get on with the gardening.This beautiful hardback edition has both dust-cover and gold embossing on the spine making it the perfect gift. Every Pocket Bible is lovingly crafted to give you a unique mix of useful references, handy tips and fascinating trivia that will enlighten and entertain you at every page. There is a Pocket Bible for everyone...Other titles in the series: The Outdoor Pocket Bible, The Camping Pocket Bible, The London Pocket Bible, The Camping Pocket Bible and The Railway Pocket Bible.

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Book SynopsisThis second volume of Hertfordshire Garden History considers how Hertfordshire’s historic parks and gardens have been influenced by, and reflect, the social and economic history of their time. Beginning with the hunting parks and Renaissance gardens of the Bacons, Cecils, and Capels in the 16th and 17th centuries—and their gradual replacement by designed landscapes—this book shows how, in Hertfordshire, individuals have long sought greater space and comfort within easy reach of the capital, London. With examples from both well-known and less-visible or vanished gardens from the past 500 years, it is sure to delight garden enthusiasts.Table of Contents1. The London connection: gardens of the 16th and 17th centuries Deborah Spring 2. Hertfordshire's lost water gardens 1500 - 1750 Anne Rowe 3. Hadham Hall and the Capel family Jenny Milledge 4. Mr Lancelot Brown and his Hertfordshire clients Helen Lieper 5. Gardens and industry: the landscape of the Gade Valley in the nineteenth century Tom Williamson 6. Some Arts and Crafts gardens in Hertfordshire Kate Harwood 7. Planting the gardens: Hertfordshire's great nurseries Elizabeth Waugh 8. Salads and ornamentals: a short history of the Lea Valley nursery industry Kate Banister

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Book SynopsisHow many times when we are visiting gardens, or thumbing through a glossy magazine, do we look at our own garden with mixed feelings of disappointment and despair, and exclaim 'Why can`t my garden look like that?'. The simple answer is `it can`. This book demonstrates just how easy it is to make adjustments to what is already there to make your garden stunning, whatever its size. Whether it's an issue with design, plant selection or pruning - or even lack of time - simple solutions are described in clear, jargon-free language that will appeal both to the complete novice and those with more experience. Written in an informal, easy-to-read style this book will enable everyone to have a garden they can be proud of.Trade ReviewShortland blossoms with enthusiasm, prompting the process of creating, then maintaining, a garden. Deceptively simple ideas that could help generate your own dream garden. * The Lady *It holds your hand right through the process of creating a garden that even the Joneses will drool over. * Four Shires *There are some real gems to be taken from it. * English Garden *This is a straightforward, easy-to-follow manual for gardening which, although aimed at the wider public, still contains pearls of wisdom of use to more experienced and professional gardeners. * The Professional Gardener *Why Can't My Garden Look Like That? is full of good tips on how to improve your garden so that it looks good right through the year. -- Constance Craig Smith * Daily Mail *Practical and creative ways of making your garden stunning. * Bee Craft *Table of ContentsThe author looks at every aspect of transforming what you've got, including: -Sorting out what you are trying to achieve - The best use of time a busy person can make in their garden -Improving the layout of your garden -Maintaining visual interest throughout the year -Using plant combinations, colour and foliage for maximum impact -Tips on how to prune (even when you don't know what the name of the plant is) -Managing effective weed and pest control

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Book SynopsisThis title features: over 50 glorious gifts and ideas to create from the natural produce grown in your own garden; how to create a wonderful variety of practical and ornamental garden items, both for your garden and as gifts for fellow enthusiasts; over 50 ideas, gifts and projects, illustrated step by step with beautiful photographs; create lovely decorative items like customized garden furniture and containers, painted pots, a decoupage seed box, and a lavender and herb garland. Try making useful tools and accessories such as a gardener's first aid kit, citronella candles, hand-painted plant labels and fruit-picking bags. It includes a seasonal checklist of activities, and planting practicalities such as growing from seed and potting on, to keep you busy in the potting shed through the year. This book takes its inspiration from the potting shed, the practical refuge that provides the perfect space in which to enjoy the potential of your garden. Here are dozens of projects to make, from decorated gift boxes and themed plant baskets to all manner of ornamental garden accessories. Ideas include items that you'll be tempted to keep for yourself, as well as for gifts any gardener would be delighted to receive, such as candle holders, a plant theatre, and a potted Mediterranean herb garden. All the projects are shown with easy-to-follow instructions. With over 350 glorious photographs by well-known, award-winning photographer, Michelle Garrett, this book captures and celebrates the creative spirit of gardening.

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Book SynopsisEat Your Front Garden, which could be called the ?invisible allotment,? offers suggestions for edible plants which are easily grown in ornamental gardens. The book gives detailed advice on how to grow and eat the produce from these plants, many of which you may already be growing. Your front garden won?t look like an allotment, but you?ll still get a significant amount of food out of it.

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Book SynopsisGardening in the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 grew exponentially as a hobby, particularly amongst those who have a good plot of land. Richard Brown is a horticultural teacher in a college, up in the North of England, in Yorkshire. The fact that he has been successfully growing melons for several years is a credit to his powers as a gardener. Melons, squash, pumpkins and cucumbers are members of the same botanical family, and you will learn how to grow them all. Richard Brown will teach the aspirant gardener all they need to know about propagation, technique, germination, compost and growing conditions, so that the reader can successfully grow melons and bring them to the table. He will also discuss growing cucumbers and other members of the cucurbit family. All in all, if you wish to amaze your friends by the end of the summer, this is the book you need. In fact, if you have a small front garden with a metal fence, you can grow pumpkins there and delight passers by, and maybe ripen some treasured home grown melons there also. There are also recipes for impressing your guests, showing how versatile the melon can be, from jellies and jams, to salsa and sauces.

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Book Synopsis‘To see a meadow in bloom is a great delight – it’s alive and teeming with life, mysterious, dynamic . . .’ So Christopher Lloyd began his much-admired instructive and celebratory account of meadows, first published in 2004. Few people knew more about meadow gardening than Lloyd, who spent much of his long life developing the flowering tapestries in his garden at Great Dixter, creating scenes of great beauty and a place of pilgrimage for lovers of wildflowers and wildlife. In Meadows he imparted that lifetime’s learning, exploring the development and management of meadow areas, explaining how to establish a meadow in a garden setting, describing the hundreds of beautiful grasses, bulbs and perennials and annuals that thrive in different meadow conditions and detailing how to grow them. Lloyd's classic text remains at the heart of this new book, which also includes – as well as much stunning new photography – an extensive introduction by Fergus Garrett, Lloyd's head gardener.Trade Review"For anyone caring for an existing meadow, or thinking of taking one on, the information contained here is priceless." * Professional Gardener *"Packed with practical tips....This breezy mix of gardening, appreciation of natural processes and symbioses with other species makes the book very engaging and enjoyable. These evolving meadow diaries are set to become classics." * World of Interiors *"A new look at Meadows, in an updated edition, is as timely as ever. In this comprehensive book, every type of meadow is discussed, from bulbs to the “cornfield scene.”" * Gardenista *“Meadows is an inspiring book, factual and enchanting. Whether you have vast acres or a tiny suburban plot, it will encourage you to look at meadows with a new awareness and tempt you to try converting an area of your garden into your own wildlife haven, full of natural and unpretentious beauty. A highly recommended read.” * Cottage Gardener *‘Inspiring imagery.’ * The English Garden *‘Ideal for those wanting their own wildflower patch’ * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisGriselda Kerr has drawn on over 20 years of gardening knowledge and experience to create the book that she wishes she had had access to when, as a complete beginner, she started to revive the “dismal looking” plants in her garden - an indispensable, practical guide to how and when to look after more than 700 garden plants. No coffee table book this, it is designed for constant quick reference, to be used, perhaps as a stand-in for a knowledgeable friend, for advice on specific plants. Look up each plant in a specially formatted index spread across the year and a page reference will take you to a short, clearly written entry on what to do in a particular month - whether to clip, deadhead or divide, cut right down, feed, mulch or leave well alone. Each of these gardening techniques is also explained in a comprehensive glossary The Apprehensive Gardener is an attractive, durable, easy-to-use guide to plant care which will be referred to over and over again and will stand the test of time. Trade Review"An accumulation of 20 years' of practical gardening by the author...easy to use and very helpful." * International Dendrology Society journal *"This month-by-month guide is crammed with good advice and suggestions on the best plants to grow. A really useful guide for novice gardeners, written with charm and verve." * Daily Mail - Best Gardening Reads of 2019 *"A comprehensive, practical guide to growing and managing garden plants." * Gardens Illustrated *"New and more experienced gardeners will welcome this informative guide on when best to prune, feed, mulch, cut back or leave well alone. Excellent cross-referenced index." * Derbyshire Life *"[The author] has made everything she has learnt available to any of us who step outside with a pair of secateurs and wonder where to start." * Derbyshire Life *"Designed to be used either as a reference book - each plant mentioned appears in a comprehensive index that allows you to track its care through the year - or as a monthly guide...there is always something new to discover. I really liked this book." * The Chatty Gardener *"An accessible, easy-to-use and attractive guide to caring for the plants in your garden…a bit like having a knowledgeable gardening friend to hand." * Genus - Potpourri Newsletter *"Ideal for novices, this delightful book is divided into months of the year, covering maintenance, plant care and which areas of the garden to focus on, depending on the season. With a cheerful, encouraging tone, it contains a wealth of information." * Daily Mail *"A straightforward layout, easy to use and full of the kind of plant knowledge acquired through many years of testing and experimenting. Eminently practical...An essential reference book...it's highly recommended for horticultural students as well as for garden designers who need to know about particular plants, and is destined to become a classic." * Garden Design Journal *"Likely to prove itself invaluable to rooky gardeners and to those better experienced but who still describe themselves as "apprehensive" when it comes to practical gardening. I will give copies to two chums new to gardening and keep mine close at hand for quick and easy reference." * Hortus *"The internet can provide instant information, but it is so much more relaxing and enjoyable to leaf through a book on days when the weather is not welcoming outside...Set out as a compact easy-to-use reference, this book guides the reader month by month on exactly how and when to take care of individual plants and has an extensive index of 600 genera and 700 plants cross-referenced in the months where care and attention is needed." * Topiarius *"A novel format...An easy-to-use book." * The Irish Garden *"A quick reference guide to dealing with a variety of plants and problems in an easy to follow format, designed to reassure beginners and more experienced gardeners alike...Handy...helpful...extremely good value." * The Reckless Gardener *"An excellent guide to the practicalities of gardening." * House and Garden *"Griselda Kerr's impressive and useful tome on how to manage the plants one finds in the garden is a boon to the amateur....stuffed with sage advice...arm yourself with this guide and a pair of secateurs." * The Field *"Accessible and very much designed to be used with a muddy thumb...an ideal work for those who may have recently inherited an established garden, or who might wish to extend their garden practice." * The English Garden *"Griselda Kerr describes The Apprehensive Gardener as a crook to lean on - a guide to how to make the plants in your garden happy. Maintenance becomes a creative force in Griselda's hands and her tips are interesting and well presented." * Country Living *

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Inspirational Book of the Year, Garden Media Guild Awards Ambra Edwards and Charlie Hopkinson explore, in words and pictures, the lives, visions and achievements of fourteen very different head gardeners. "Ambra Edwards's fascinating interviews show what diversity there is in British gardens. It's a book about people and how they tick - people who happen to be gardeners." - The Times "An informative and eye-opening delight." - Philippa Stockley, Country Life “The author, well-known for her sparky writing style and broad hinterland of interests, has interviewed 14 head gardeners in search of some answers, teaming up with the highly empathetic and skilled photographer Charlie Hopkinson to produce this visually appealing and revealing book about some remarkable people in horticulture… Nor is it hard to argue with her view that gardeners are undervalued by society, in status and reward. Let’s hope this brilliant book goes some way to redressing that.” - Ursula Buchan, The Garden Trade Review"This is a marvellous book. The photos and the text together make for a very successful piece of publishing." * Kent Gardeners Trust *"An informative and eye-opening delight." -- Philippa Stockley * Country Life *"Ambra Edwards's fascinating interviews show what diversity there is in British gardens. It's a book about people and how they tick - people who happen to be gardeners." -- The Times"Edwards is so skilled at unearthing the often conflicting passions of her subjects you feel as though you are eavesdropping on an intimate conversation, illuminating person and place. Charlie Hopkinson's eloquent photographs capture the essence of their subjects. The book is also a covert plea for investment in gardeners at all levels." * Gardens Illustrated *"Rarely do garden books move me to tears, but certain pages in Head Gardeners were so moving that I found myself welling up. This is a book which celebrates a gardener's resilience and imagination as well as the traditional gardening virtues." -- Gillian Mawrey * Historic Gardens Review *"From Cumbria to Cornwall Ambra Edwards has talked most enjoyably to working gardeners in charge of very varied gardens." -- Robin Lane-Fox * Financial Times *"Thoughtful, sympathetic essay-interviews. Charlie Hopkinson's photographs illustrate this compact volume well - and it's a new insight into the dedication of those who do the hard work of keeping great gardens alive." -- David Sexton * Evening Standard *"Includes interviews with 14 of Britain's most exciting gardeners. It allows head gardeners to tell their story, and gives us an insight into how their eyes and brains work." * Image magazine *"The writing is luminous and the stories are fascinating. It is a book that is achingly poignant and entirely inspiring." * Berkshire Life *"An engaging book … the skill set required is boggling: from arboriculture to folly maintenance, budgets to blogging, Charlie Hopkinson’s brilliant portraits capture their doughtiness.” * World of Interiors *“The author, well-known for her sparky writing style and broad hinterland of interests, has interviewed 14 head gardeners in search of some answers, teaming up with the highly empathetic and skilled photographer Charlie Hopkinson to produce this visually appealing and revealing book about some remarkable people in horticulture… Nor is it hard to argue with her view that gardeners are undervalued by society, in status and reward. Let’s hope this brilliant book goes some way to redressing that.” -- Ursula Buchan * The Garden *"How wonderful to see the passion and craftsmanship of 14 head gardeners celebrated in this new book." * Waitrose Weekend *"Lowther Castle's Martin Ogle features on the book's cover as Charlie's fantastic photographs provide real glimpses into each gardener's working life. Martin's own words on managing volunteers and the evolving life of Lowther's gardens are fascinating." * Cumbria Life *"Ambra Edwards shines a bright light on the challenges of a profession that’s too often underrated and misunderstood." -- Fionnuala Fallon * Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisLeading landscape architect Kim Wilkie is revered for his unusual vision and his acute grasp of how people have moulded their environment over the centuries. This updated version of his classic book, Led by the Land, has been expanded to include fresh thoughts on farming and settlement and new projects, both huge and intimate, from the designs for new cities in Oman and England to the Swansea Maggie's Centre, and from plans for London's Natural History Museum grounds to the sculptural setting of a furniture factory in Leamington Spa. Wilkie has taken his genius to many parts of the world - including the United States, Chile, Russia, Transylvania, Italy, the Middle East, the very edge of the Arctic Circle, as well as the British Isles - but to each undertaking he brings the same approach of reverence for the land and the creatures that inhabit it. He does not impose his inspiration on it but interacts with it. He allows the land to lead him. Led by the Land ruminates on our species' place in the environment, the way past masters have fashioned it and the hopes for our future fruitful connections and offers not only a rich account of an unusual talent, but also an optimistic vision for our future.Trade Review"A revelatory survey of how landscapes in human hands can become moving, inhabited works of art, written by one of the most gifted of today's landscape architects." -- Sir David Attenborough"For landscape designers of the 1970s and 1980s, Geoffrey and Susan Jellicoe's The Landscape of Man was a touchstone. Many have since tried to reproduce something of its profundity, and Kim Wilkie comes close with Led by the Land." -- Tim Richardson * Gardens Illustrated *"The complex challenges of designing a garden that’s at one with the natural landscape is the subject of British landscape architect Kim Wilkie’s Led by the Land. First published in 2012 and considered a garden classic, [this is] an updated, expanded version featuring some of Wilkie’s recent design projects as well as his musings on farming and settlement. * Irish Times Gardening Books of the Year *"Wilkie’s book ruminates on our species’ place in the environment, the way past masters have fashioned it and the hopes for our future fruitful connections. It is in many ways an inspirational book, leading us gently into a greater understanding of our landscape and our place in it. It offers not only a rich account of an unusual talent but also an optimistic vision of our future." * Reckless Gardener *

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Book SynopsisAn amusing and thought-provoking compendium of columns, articles, essays and reviews from this acute, knowledgeable and irreverent commentator. In a career that has ranged from Country Life to Wallpaper* − spanning the full range between the two, and latterly including the Daily Telegraph and the New York Times − Tim Richardson has gone, both intellectually and geographically, where few other garden writers dare to tread. There are no articles here about the best ways to grow sweet peas or potatoes: Tim is more likely to venture into the realms of art, philosophy or politics. This collection contains articles which have influenced the way we think about gardens − as well as one or two which proved too hot to handle and resulted in his being fired as a columnist. Trade Review"Delightful...a great read for anyone who likes to challenge the status quo, enjoys gardening or visiting gardens and has ever wished they could stick a literary two fingers up!" * A Pentland Garden Diary *"His topics (targets?) are many and varied always spot-on, erudite and beautifully written. I could tempt you with a hundred nuggets but I won't, because every HORTUS reader should leave his armchair right now and go out to buy a copy - preferably from an independent bookseller. You will not be disappointed." -- David Wheeler * Hortus *"The perfect book for the Christmas stocking – small, compact and a little treasure. It is a collection of Tim Richardson’s columns, articles, essays and reviews and they are, first and foremost, entertaining but also informative and thought provoking. Tim Richardon’s style is witty, insightful, provocative and, above all, enjoyable and fun to read. I loved it! Loved it!" * Irish Garden Plant Society blog *"Wide-ranging..Lots of food for thought" * The Irish Garden (Pick of the Month) *“If you want a book to dip into, there is always something interesting to find. And if you want to be amused, exasperated or challenged, then read the lot. The most important thing is that on every page, Richardson takes gardens and gardening seriously.” * Thinkin Gardens *"Here is a collection of articles, essays, reviews and columns written for various publications between 2004 and 2015, on a huge variety of subjects. Some are amusing, some thought-provoking and some are downright contentious. All are worth reading. Tim Richardson is a practiced writer and reviewer of gardens, styles of gardening, designers, and gardeners both living and historic… whether you agree with his views or not, there’s no denying he expresses himself clearly and persuasively." * The Professional Gardener *“A hugely entertaining read with pieces that provide just the right amount of venom” * Gardens Illustrated *"The most independent, thoughtful, challenging gardening critic writing now. Every article here makes entertaining reading as well as being well worth pondering." -- David Sexton * Evening Standard Best Gardening Books of 2016 *"Incisive, witty, opinionated and thought-provoking, its subject matter is engagingly eclectic." -- Fionnuala Fallon * Irish Times *"There is lots of meat (or maybe high quality protein, if you prefer) in these short pieces – plenty to think about, discuss, and to challenge your thinking about gardening. And he is a good writer rich in quotable passages, sometimes cutting, controversial even. It is worth buying, this book and it is not even expensive. I wish there was more garden writing of this quality." * Tikorangi Garden blog, New Zealand *"A collection of short pieces by the marvellously opinionated, self-assured author and historian Tim Richardson...genuinely stimulating." -- Jane Powers * Sunday Times Ireland *"Informed criticism of what contemporary designers are up to is hard to find, but you can depend on Tim Richardson - the best, indeed almost the only, garden polemicist we've got." -- Ursula Buchan * Spectator * "A collection of lively articles by one of the most intelligent garden critics writing today. Richardson is not afraid to prod, tease and question received opinion." -- Caroline Donald * Sunday Times *"Witty and full of perceptive comment." * Times Literary Supplement *"Tim Richardson is our most critically intelligent, observant and humorous garden historian." -- David Sexton"Noone writes better than the English gardening scene than Tim Richardson. He has a formidable range of reference and a brilliant way with words." -- Anna Pavord

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Book SynopsisThe focus of this book is on the classic, ageless, and enduring flowers, which we have dubbed Vintage roses. This user-friendly term encompasses both the true Old roses and the best of the Modern roses. All Vintage roses have one thing in common; they are garden-friendly roses that celebrate the style and grace of the old. Vintage roses can be overblown, multi-petalled or deliciously simple, and this sumptuous tome is a love letter to these beautiful blooms. Unearth the hands-on know-how and history of the world's favourite flower. This book will appeal to the armchair gardener, gardening novice and seasoned expert alike. At the heart of the book are over 60 specially selected specimens – including those that have the best visual appearance, the most fragrant perfume, are easy to grow and produce beautiful flowers for cutting. The book covers not just original varieties such as Rosa Mundi (with its beautifully variegated stripes of deep pink and white), but also the wonderful new varieties that have been developed over the last 20 years. The no-fuss notes on pruning and care and the straightforward advice that accompanies each variety completely dispel the myth that roses are difficult or time-consuming to grow – proving that you can just as easily grow roses in a pot on your front steps as you can in a large country garden. Covering the best rambling, climbing and shrub roses, from bourbon to tea and floribunda to polyantha, you’ll be sure to find your new favourite variety. Plus, tips and tricks on arranging your cut roses makes it even easier to enjoy these fabulous flowers at home. With contemporary commentary on each bloom, easy-to-follow advice and glorious photography, this book will appeal to everyone who appreciates the classic beauty of the vintage rose.

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Book SynopsisThe flower garden is so much more than a beautiful spectacle full of colour and scent. It holds hidden in its grasp a myriad of secrets which not only present its magnificent blooms in a new light but reveal a history as long as human civilisation.

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Book SynopsisThis is first follow-up to the Garden Writer’s Guild Award-nominated Vintage Roses. This new title in Pavilion’s series of stylish floral gardening guides celebrates the beauty and versatility of the peony flower. Peonies have always been a favourite with gardeners and cut-flower fans alike, but in 2016 their popularity went beyond bridal bouquets as the blooms took over social media – their gramming power was so huge this year that by May, Elle UK had already crowned the flowers as ‘The New Avocado’. First outlining the history of the peony, Peonies is then split into chapters Pure, Dramatic, Romantic and Fragrant, and includes over 50 beautiful varieties as well as detailing when they bloom, their size, and, of course, what they'll look like. From Shawnee Chief to Sarah Bernhardt, you’ll discover an eclectic selection of specimens from those that have the best visual appearance to those with the most fragrant perfume. The final section, Growing and Care, outlines those varieties which are easiest to grow and which produce the best flowers for cutting. With contemporary commentary on each bloom, easy-to-follow advice and glorious photography, this book will appeal to everyone who appreciates the beauty of the majestic peony.Trade Review‘Simply flicking through the pages…is a sensualist’s dream.’ * The Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisThis book is for anyone who wants to get onto and climb the property ladder. And for anyone buying, letting, improving or selling their home. This book will help you to put yourself in the right place at the right time - and most importantly with the right attitude / It will enable you to be streetwise in the biggest investment you are probably ever going to make / Georgina Burnett, the fully-independent and nationally known housing adviser draws on her extensive recent experience of having been-there-and-done it more than once. She has rented, bought, renovated and sold properties. She knows what's what! / By doing what she has done you can soon move up that ladder and live where you want to. / Every key property issue - such as how to get a deposit together; getting a mortgage; and insurance - is covered carefully. /The book gives many insider-tips (such as how to improve your credit rating) which will give you a powerful new approach to buying, improving and selling your home. It covers the many 'what-if' questions which people ask. It guides you on how to do well on property too, and how to think-ahead. / The book is as up-to-date as it has been possible to make it. / If you are a first-time buyer it should have just about everything you need to know. / If you just want to buy in a savvy way and improve your home so that you can enjoy it for as long as it fits your lifestyle, this book is relevant. / It will even be suitable for you if think that you will never be able to afford to buy your own home. The author does some typical sums to show how you can move from the rental to the home-owning market. / If you already own property, or have done so in the past, this strategy for moving on up will still work for you. / If you are selling, the book offers street-wise advice on how to do so in the most cost-effective ways. As tax-laws and government policies and markets change it gives guidance to recommended links to find the most up-to-date information online.

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Book SynopsisElevate your own green space and become a more confident and creative gardener with lessons from experienced National Trust gardeners in this comprehensive horticultural guide. ‘An accessible, informative guide for beginners, but full of ideas and tips for seasoned gardeners.’ – Sunday Mirror Elevate your own green space and become a more confident and creative gardener with lessons from experienced National Trust gardeners in this comprehensive horticultural guide. The National Trust looks after hundreds of beautiful gardens of every imaginable shape and size across Britain – from the grandest country estate to the smallest cottage garden. They manage such internationally renowned gardens as Sissinghurst and Hidcote. National Trust garden staff receive countless questions from visitors about plants growing in the gardens and techniques that can be tried at home. This in-depth guide will pass on their wisdom and provide the answers you are looking for. This book is packed with images of National Trust gardens of all types, spanning over 300 years of horticultural heritage, to inspire keen amateur gardeners and aspirational novices to realise their green-fingered ambitions. Written by expert gardener Rebecca Bevan, with the help of National Trust gardeners, the National Trust School of Gardening will make you feel confident about developing your garden rather than overwhelmed with unnecessary technical detail. From herbaceous borders to gardening sustainably, roses and climbers to growing under glass, each chapter provides snippets of horticultural history, examples of best practice from National Trust gardens, unique gems of wisdom from talented NT gardeners, and lots of easy-to-follow practical advice. Featuring a wide range of National Trust gardens both large and small, formal and informal, famous and undiscovered, high maintenance and low key. The topics covered and the insightful practical guides shared are easily applicable to private gardens, enriching even the tiniest urban spaces.Trade Review‘An in-depth practical gardening book that will easily earn its keep on your bookshelf, useful for novice and experienced gardeners alike’ -- Gardens Illustrated magazine‘Brimming with easy-to-follow advice and gems of wisdom…an indispensable guide for both the keen novice and experienced enthusiast’ -- Grow Your Own magazine'This book shines a light on the traditional skills of gardening but crucially it frames this within an awareness of ecology and sustainable gardening' -- Gardens Illustrated magazine'A beautiful book to take inspiration from, and an unintimidating practical guide to designing and maintaining your own garden…a treasure chest of gardening advice and inspiration - a book to give as a gift to green-fingered friends (or yourself)' -- Lovereading.co.uk

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Book SynopsisIn this new book, Johanna Geyer-Kordesch brings together a lifetime of study and personal experience to show the many ways in which gardens matter to our modern society. Reaching back through the centuries, she explores how richly layered our contemporary response to both making and enjoying gardens has become. With an extract from renowned author Donald Smith, Why Gardens Matter provides a unique insight into how the outdoors can help us to find some calm in this increasingly busy world.

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Book SynopsisIn this light-hearted book, poet and gardener James Fenton describes a hundred plants he would choose to grow from seed. ‘It seemed a simple and interesting idea: what plants would you choose if starting a garden from scratch?’ Includes chapters on flowers for colour, size, or exotic interest; herbs and meadow flowers; climbing vines and tropical species; the micro-meadow; raising plants from seed; and a wealth of personal tips and advice. As Fenton writes, ‘the emphasis is on childish simplicity of approach, and economy of outlay.’ Here is a happy, stylish, thought-provoking exercise in good principles, which exudes that rare thing: common-or-garden sense about gardens.Trade Review‘A small book, yes, but how it grows in the mind after you put it down. It is a book about propagating plants from seeds, but it also a book about love, for when you love you start from scratch.’ – Jamaica KincaidTable of ContentsIntroduction Flowers and their Colours Flowers for their Size Flowers that Hop Around Flowers for Cutting The Perennial Prejudice Useful and Decorative Herbs The Micro-Meadow The Poppy Festival Climbers on Impulse For the Tropical Look As an Afterthought The Rest of the Kit When Raising Plants from Seed The Seed List

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Book SynopsisWhy did Marcel Proust have bonsai beside his bed? What was Jane Austen doing, coveting an apricot? How was Friedrich Nietzsche inspired by his ‘thought tree’? In Philosophy in the Garden, Damon Young explores one of literature’s most intimate relationships: authors and their gardens. For some, the garden provided a retreat from workaday labour; for others, solitude’s quiet counsel. For all, it played a philosophical role: giving their ideas a new life. Philosophy in the Garden reveals the profound thoughts discovered in parks, backyards, and pot-plants. It does not provide tips for mowing overgrown couch grass, or mulching a dry Japanese maple. It is a philosophical companion to the garden’s labours and joys.Trade Review‘This is a gardening book that takes readers not on a walk around great estates but on a tour of great minds … It's a lovely extension on the notion that gardens make you contemplative and in working with the soil you see life's big picture.’ * The Daily Telegraph *‘Erudite, yet witty and accessible, [Philosophy in the Garden] is intellectual history at its most completely pleasurable.’ * Oliver Burkeman, author of The Antidote *‘[S]prightly and stimulating.’ * The Spectator *‘Like a garden coming into spring … tremendous vistas of thought.’ * The Daily Telegraph *‘A gentle dig for ideas about how to live — this book will grow your mind and put a glow in your cheeks.’ * Deborah Levy, author of Swimming Home *‘A brilliant philosophical and literary meditation that helps us rethink our relationship with the natural world – and with ourselves.’ * Roman Krznaric, author of Empathy *‘Young writes with a delightful combination of humour and insight.’ * The Literary Review *‘[T]hought-provoking … fine book.’ * Gardens Illustrated *‘[T]hought provoking indeed.’ * The Good Book Guide *‘I've been looking forward to Damon Young’s [Philosophy in the Garden] … all year. Part philosophy lesson, part literary companion, it's a contemplative stroll through writers' relationships with their gardens.’ * Charlotte Wood, author of Animal People *‘I found it utterly engaging and most illuminating. His style is very readable and full of wit and personality.’ * Kate Forsyth, author of The Wild Girl *‘This beautiful looking book is a wonderfully refreshing mix of literary gossip, historical exposition and philosophical reflection, and I never wanted it to end.’ -- Walter Mason, author of Destination Saigon‘Young is an engaging writer. His technique is fluent and stylish and never marred by cliches or cliched thinking. He is sincere, a great relief from the ocean of irony in which we live, and intellectually questing, a relief from that other ocean of schmaltzy platitude.’ * The Australian *‘Reading this book is like strolling in a luxuriant garden with an erudite friend, although one of a literary rather than horticultural bent … Think of this engaging little book … as a philosophical primer, an approachable introduction to ideas about gardens and the natural world.’ * The Age *‘[Philosophy in the Garden] is a stimulating read where individual truths may well bloom … [T]his volume is packed with brilliant literary info.’ * The West Australian *‘[M]ore my kind of ‘gardening’ than the digging type … Particularly interesting is his account of Jane Austen’s creative relationship with her Hampshire gardens.’ * The Lady *‘Young helps readers reflect on the value of the garden beyond a place to hold a backyard barbecue … [He] writes engagingly, showing off his skills as a storyteller … [A]n intriguing little book.’ * Weekly Times *‘[T]ake the plunge: the writing is fresh, the observations discursive, and the garden … placed front and centre.’ * Australian Garden History *‘[T]houghtful and highly entertaining.’ * Limelight *‘Young has managed the difficult task of creating an academically rigorous work while maintaining a light and engaging tone throughout the book, which is actually a highly intellectual look at the complex relationship between humanity and nature.’ * Voice *‘[W]ith his vivid, critical, and, sometimes loving, attention to detail, he brings to new life writers and philosophers that anyone with a liberal arts education thought they already knew … Young's enthusiasm, compassion, and moments of personal insight are infectious.’ * Island *‘An absolute joy of a book — I couldn't put it down. Its prose is as careful and lovely as a beautifully tended garden.’ -- Nikki Gemmell, columnist for The Australian and author of Honestly‘[A] fascinating journey through the lives and creativity of writers … It is an intimate, charming book.’ * Sensibilities: The Journal of the Jane Austen Society of Australia *‘[L]ucid and entertaining … an enjoyable and erudite addition to a burgeoning literature.’ -- David E. Cooper * Los Angeles Review of Books *‘[F]or readers drawn to learning about the millennia-old tradition of teaching, writing, and thinking in the outdoors, this pithy offering will more than satisfy.’ * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisHealer and ‘plant spirit whisperer’ Zorah Cholmondeley seeks to revolutionize the way we view our gardens and the natural world. Introducing the faery realms, she invites us to witness the tremendous variety and interplay of life-forms connected to the earth. Beyond the fae, she speaks of gnomes, dragons, angels and entities such as the Master Pan, all of whom have a unique part to play in the dynamics and health of our planet. And, it is their fondest wish that we should become aware of them! In The Enchanted Garden, Zorah shows how we can become allies with the fae and other nature guardians - to co-create a world with infinite possibilities for love, joy and togetherness. In a series of short chapters, she portrays faery history, introduces her muse Queen Maeve, explains how to create a garden for the faeries, discusses fears of connecting to the fae and the importance of fun and reverie, suggests how crystals can be used in the garden, describes the significance of weather, the moon, seasonal festivals, and much more. In the second part of the book she presents communications from the spirit beings of dozens of plants and trees - from aconitum to the yew tree - with meditations and spiritual insights. Can we learn to be sufficiently still in order to listen with our hearts to the natural world all around us, including the subtle ecosphere of the fae? This book is for anyone who seeks to relate to nature and their gardens more consciously.Trade Review'The Enchanted Garden will help you transform your garden into a sacred portal of elemental communication. It's full of practices, rituals, and a directory of nature spirits you can connect with, to activate peace and magic in your life.' - George Lizos, author of Lightworker Gotta WorkTable of ContentsForeword - Introduction: Getting back to nature and our true nature - PART ONE: Introducing a Deeper Reality of Nature - 1. Faery History - 2. Queen Maeve of the fae speaks - 3. Queen Maeve's meditation - 4. A bit about faeries - 5. Fear of connecting to the fae - 6. How to connect with faeries in your garden - 7. Faery's message of having fun - 8. Meditation to meet your faery guardian and receive your faery name - 9. How to create a garden for the faery elementals - 10. Spirit of Place / Genius Loci - 11. The use of crystals in the garden - 12. The Ancient civilization of Lemuria and our gardens - 13. The Green Ray of Nature - 14. Queen Maeve's seasonal messages - 15. Weather - 16. Gardening by the Moon - 17. Dragons - 18. Archangel Purlimiek-Angel of Nature - 19. Master Pan - 20. Queen Titinius - 21. Gnomes - PART TWO: PLANT SPIRIT WISDOM - Introduction - Aconitum (Monkshood, Hecateis or Wagon of Venus) ~ integration of shadow-selves - Amaryllis Belladonna ~ dance of life - Ash Tree ~ potential & passion - Autumn Flowering Crocus ~ light bearer - Bluebell (English) ~ sing your note - Broom ~ purification - Burdock-Arctium Lappa ~ tenacity - Buttercup Spirit Wisdom ~ the playful inner child - Cyclamen Hederifolium ~ cycle of life - Dandelion ~ shine your light - Elder ~ she who 'brings together' - Evening Primrose ~ love from Venus - Fern ~ adaptation - Forget-me-not ~ humanity's celestial origins - Foxglove ~ fae portal - Hawthorn Flowers ~ embrace sexuality - Heather ~ purification of boundaries - Hellibore (Lenten Rose) ~ empowerment - Honeysuckle ~ soul nourishment - Iris Reticulata ~ eye of the storm - Ivy ~ higher connection - Japanese Anemone ~ grace - Lavender ~ tranquillity - Lime Tree ~ rest & enjoyment - Meadowsweet ~ love thy neighbour - Morning Glory ~ honour your divinity - Motherwort (leonurus cardiaca) ~ courage - Mugwort (artemesia vulgaris) ~ heart of the matter - Nettle (urtica dioica) ~ reclaim your wild nature - Oak ~ strength of conviction - Omphalodes cappadocica ~ authentic self-expression - Orchid ~ illuminating your path back to the divine - Peony ~ strength in vulnerability - Red clover (trifolium pratense) ~ find your passion - Rose ~ unconditional love - Rowan Tree ~ transmutation & inspiration - Silver Birch (The Lady of the Woods) ~ unicorns & star goddess Arianrhod - Snowdrop ~ purity - Solomon's Seal ~ embrace your wyrd - Toad Lilly ~ sovereignty - Vervain ~ healing from the Goddess - White Rosemary ~ truth - Wild Primrose ~ awakening - Woad (isatis tinctorial) ~ seal of completion - Wormwood (artemisia absinthium) ~ bring to the light - Yarrow ~ inner knowing - Yew Tree ~ initiation - A rounding up - Resources

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Book SynopsisPhotography led guide to plastic free gardening. Includes extensive guidance and tips on how to create and maintain a beautiful flower garden and productive vegetable plot whilst helping to combat plastic pollution.

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