Gardening Books

Book SynopsisThe Times Best Gardening Books of 2022 Ornamental plants are the cornerstone of our gardens and we are spoiled for choice with literally tens of thousands of hardy beauties from which to select. But we take them absolutely for granted, not for a moment realising that every plant has a fascinating tale to tell. Wild Edens sets the record straight. With global coverage, each of the nine richly illustrated chapters explores a plant biodiversity hotspot. The reader is transported on a visually stunning and fascinating voyage of discovery which reveals our garden favourites - as well as some species that should be more widely cultivated - in their natural habitats, from daffodils from Andalusia and tulips from the Tien Shan, to monkey puzzles from Chile and rhododendrons from the Himalayas, lilies from Japan and proteas from South Africa.Because the authors have been to the hotspots, each chapter opens with their personal reflections on the landscape and spirit of place, and closes with their selection of prime locations. In between, the informative yet approachable text tells of the plants' 'forgotten stories'. Of the landscapes which are their home, the adventures of how and when they were discovered and by whom, the reasons why they were collected, their impact on garden fashions and trends, etc. Wild Edens brings another dimension of interest and understanding to plants and gardens, as well as being a premium armchair traveller's guide to the natural world of garden plants.

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Book Synopsis'A brilliant and inspirational starter kit for anyone who wants to make a garden to suit their own needs.' - Alan TitchmarshAlthough excited by the prospect of moving into their own home for the first time, many people are mystified at the thought of what to do with their outdoor space. Frances Tophill's fuss-free, practical guide shows you how to create a space outside your own back door that's designed by you, built by you and enjoyed by you. Beginning with advice on getting to know your garden - what type of soil you have, what the drainage and light is like - then on getting to know yourself as a gardener - do you want a vegetable patch, an abundance of flowers or simply an extension of your indoor living space? - and then moving on to the practical design, including hard and soft landscaping and building materials and guidance, Frances guides you through different types of plants and how to source and plant them. There is also a section on aftercare, telling you the best way to keep your garden well cared for and easy to maintain throughout the year.

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

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Book Synopsis‘In this wide ranging and comprehensive survey of the designed landscapes of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, James Bartos argues convincingly that ornamental wildernesses should be viewed as distinctive design features which, when linked across an extensive terrain, took on the character of the whole landscape. As a result of this striking analysis, our understanding of the celebrated layouts at Wrest Park, Chiswick and Stowe, and many more besides, must be revised. Contrary to the received wisdom that wildernesses led inexorably to the more informal parkscapes associated with William Kent and Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, it was only when they were dismantled in the mid-eighteenth century to provide more loosely controlled, open glades and greensward that the English Landscape Style emerged. This ground-breaking study ranges in its literary compass from classical authors through contemporary writers on gardens and gardening to modern critical authorities, while its visual focus on design manuals and individual gardens and landscapes is presented through a wealth of engraved prints, maps and present day photographs. Bartos considers the making, planting and maintenance of wildernesses, their continental precedents, thematic resonances – Classical, Biblical, Druidic, Patriotic – and the eventual development of these often numinous spaces into mature gardens followed by their inevitable demise. The book has all the attributes of a true wilderness – surprise, variety and, above all, delight – is engagingly written and a tour de force of meticulous scholarship.’ Professor Timothy Mowl FSA The Ornamental Wilderness in the English Garden reinterprets the English formal garden of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries through the perspective of a typical feature of those gardens, the ornamental grove, called a wilderness. In its mature form, the wilderness constituted most of the garden, shady and private, a place for retreat as well as social activity, with a seeming naturalness achieved through artifice, where cultural incident and nature were equally appreciated.Trade Review‘James Bartos, a proper garden historian, leads us along these sanded [wilderness] paths. He has done his homework and discusses various types of wilderness, accompanied by the plans and bird’s eye views that make the study of past gardens such a pleasure … there remain places where we can still experience them, now armed with fresh understanding thanks to this excellent book.’ Steven Desmond, Country Life “A poignant read that details how the concept of wilderness helped shape the formal English garden during the 17th and 18th centuries." Gardens Illustrated ‘For inspiration on wilderness layout, read The Ornamental Wilderness in the English Garden by James Bartos, a scholarly work crammed with maps, plans and bird’s-eye views of historical wildernesses.’ Tilly Ware, Country Life “This handsome and well-illustrated volume offers a detailed appraisal of the ornamental wilderness in England, principally from c.1680 to 1750. This is the first book-length treatment of the wilderness as an important garden feature and presents a highly readable and detailed account of their evolution and eventual decline. … This is a rich and engaging study, which has much to offer garden, landscape and environmental historians as well as the general reader.” Sarah Spooner, Garden History

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

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Book Synopsis "Catherine Horwood's book is a triumph, beautifully crafted by an author who has thoroughly researched and understood her subject. From start to finish, this publication gives us a real understanding of Beth's life. There is so much here to keep the reader gripped." - Gardens Illustrated Beth Chatto: A life with plants tells the story of the most influential British plantswoman of the past hundred years. Beth Chatto was the inspiration behind the ‘right plant, right place’ ethos that lies at the heart of modern gardening. She also wrote some of the best-loved gardening books of the twentieth century, among them The Dry Garden, The Damp Garden, and Beth Chatto’s Gravel Garden. Some years before her death in May 2018, aged ninety-four, Beth authorized Catherine Horwood to write her biography, with exclusive access to her archive. Beth Chatto: A life with plants also includes extracts from Beth’s notebooks and diaries, never previously published, bringing Beth’s own distinctive and much-loved voice into the book. Most of the photographs, from Beth’s personal archives, have also never been seen in print before. For Beth’s legions of fans, Beth Chatto: A life with plants is the personal story behind her beliefs and the struggles and determination that brought her success. Trade Review"A fascinating portrait of one of the true gardening greats from her early childhood in rural Essex to her groundbreaking work as a nursery owner, award-winning author and multiple gold-medal-winner exhibitor at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show." * Irish Times Gardening Books of the Year *"Full of tales of Chelsea shows, of travels with Christopher Lloyd and of Cedric Morris's artists' colony at Benton End in Suffolk. Fascinating stuff." * The Times *"Not a gardening book per se but a book about a gardener who created a garden of distinction on a dry, windswept site, earning her a reputation as an international influencer. The book brings its subject back to life, enabling those previously unfamiliar with Chatto's work and influence to understand the context in which her ideas were formulated and excelled." * Irish News Best Gardening Books of the Year *"Beth loved autumn, and for me, Beth Chatto: A Life with Plants shines most in this season of transition, as her later years are chronicled...[It] tells a complete and intimate portrait of Chatto's professional and personal life." * Leaflet - Massachussets Horticultural Society *"Beth Chatto...died last year having handed over her gardening notebooks to Catherine Horwood. Perhaps more pertinently for Horwood, and for non-gardeners whose eyes glaze over at the mention of horticultural triumphs, Chatto also entrusted Horwood with her private diaries. As Horwood's detailed and rigorous Beth Chatto shows, plantspeople have passions beyond their garden beds." * Sunday Times Gardening Books of the Year *"Beth Chatto, who died last year, was singularly forward-thinking and knowledgeable, and her gardens and nursery near Elmstead Market in Essex have been a continual draw to enthusiasts for half a century. Catherine Horwood’s authorised biography, based on diaries, notes and conversations, is a faithful, workmanlike account of a truly remarkable plantswoman and artistic gardener." -- Ursula Buchan * Spectator *"Catherine Horwood's book is a triumph, beautifully crafted by an author who has thoroughly researched and understood her subject. From start to finish, this publication gives us a real understanding of Beth's life. There is so much here to keep the reader gripped." -- Fergus Garrett * Gardens Illustrated *"The life story of this elegant plant guru contains enough drive and determination to inspire any modern woman...To meet, Beth was an inscrutable coiled spring of a person, beautifully composed, a brilliant lecturer and writer and, of course, a terrific grower...This book shows what a remarkable woman she was." -- Mary Keen * Country Life *"A compelling and revealing read, enhanced by Catherine's talents for research and tellling a good story." * The English Garden *"Brilliant, charming and beautiful, she was a horticultural pioneer whose impact continues to this day. Her gardening genius made her the darling of pop stars, aristocrats and royalty — yet as this sympathetically written biography reveals, her apparently gilded life was far more turbulent than anyone could have suspected." * Daily Mail *"Catherine Horwood more than does justice to this iconic gardening legend...a delightful memoir of a remarkable woman. Beautifully illustrated and superbly written...a fitting tribute to one of horticulture's most iconic women." * Reckless Gardener *"This fascinating, beautifully-written biography paints a fond and intimate portrait of one of the true greats of the gardening world." * Irish Times *"Impeccably researched." * House & Garden *

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Book SynopsisThe Science of Compost: Life Death and Decay in the Garden takes you on a journey into the underworld of composting. Doberski explains the science of what goes on but also promotes interest in the living organisms who provide the ‘hard graft’ of transforming waste organic matter. It can be hard to envisage the hundreds, thousands or millions of different organisms involved but The Science of Compost reveals the secrets of this hidden world. Gardeners are familiar with the magic of compost and it is easy to see what goes in – organic waste – and what comes out – wonderful, friable and fertile compost – but what magic causes that to happen? Doberski explains what kind of ‘mysterious’ and complex chemical, physical and biological processes contribute to make composting effective. He covers the structural nature of decaying and dead plant material, the micro-organisms and invertebrates contributing to decomposition, and the combination of chemical, physical and biological factors which determine rates of decay. Although not a practical manual of composting, by explaining the science of what goes on in composting Doberski provides pointers to gardeners for getting composting right.Trade Review"While this small book deals with lots of science, it is done in a very accessible form...Gardeners will find it a valuable resource that will help them perfect their own friable and fertile compost." -- The Countryman"A very serious, rigorous and thoroughly referenced deep dive into your compost heap...also acts as a reminder about why we might want to compost in the first place...this is primarily an analysis of the layers of the heap, and as such, an absolutely riveting read." -- Alys Fowler * Gardens Illustrated *"A fascinating study of the biology of the lowly compost heap...reveals its mysteriously complex nature. This book won’t tell you how to build a compost heap, but it will explain the science behind it to help you better understand how to build and maintain one." * English Garden *"Composting can be a simple process if you're happy to wait, but for those who want to understand the process better, and fine-tune it, then this book will be useful...Although a small book, Doberski fits in a lot of information." * Permaculture magazine *Table of ContentsChapters include What is compost?; Why do we compost?; What controls the rot?; Dissecting a compost heap: plant organic matter; Dissecting a compost heap: the living organisms – microbes and fauna; An array of microorganisms - their roles in decomposition; An array of invertebrates – their roles in decomposition; The physicochemical environment – its role in decomposition.

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Book SynopsisA game-changing book with more than sixty simple and sustainable gardening activities, recipes and weekend fun for every season, The Little Grower's Cookbook is the perfect way to tempt kids away from screens and out into the green for some creative and eco-friendly family time together. Whether it's a rainy day, the weekend or a holiday, there are fun-filled activities to suit everyone. Simple step-by-step instructions, colourful photos and plenty of tips and tricks make seasonal growing, harvesting and cooking exciting and easy. Have you ever tried to grow veggies in an old welly boot, made a butterfly banquet or tasted a snail sandwich? With no need for a large garden or a big budget, these projects will teach and inspire children to look at what's around them in the natural world and have fun with it. They will learn, play and experiment with nature's bounty through planet-friendly projects that re-use repurposed and recycled materials.Trade Review'A wonderful reminder of the pure joy that children find in and with nature. It offers simple and sustainable gardening projects, recipes and weekend activities that anyone, anywhere can enjoy, even in small urban spaces';Olivia Colman; 'Just what today's children need to keep them healthy, happy and busy. Brimming with brilliant cooking and gardening ideas which will help your little ones make the important connection between nature and the food they eat - with a bucketload of fun thrown in!';Lucinda Miller; 'Balances simplicity with the deep wisdom of the authors to appeal to children and adults alike. The best book for young gardeners I have ever seen'; John Vincent, co-founder, Leon

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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.Trade ReviewBookwatch- Don't expect the usual light gardening guide reading, Volume 1 of Edible Forest Gardens: Ecological Vision and Theory for Temperate Climate Permaculture packs in serious surveys of the ancient practice of forest gardening, which offers homeowners and gardeners a new way of viewing modern home landscaping and nature. Useful plants can be blended to supply daily needs, the land can be 'untamed' to return support to healthy populations of plant and animal species. Years of experience goes into Edible Forest Gardens; this first volume provides a review of the ecological and cultural foundations for recognizing forest gardening as a viable ecological alternative in modern North America. Dave Jacke runs his own ecological design firm consulting on permaculture and landscapes around the world; his co-author Eric Toensmeier founded the former Perennial Vegetable Seed Company and has worked with the New England Small Farm Institute. A highly recommended pick; especially for college-level and serious collections on permaculture and horticulture.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 GardenTable of ContentsList of Tables and Figures Preface Introduction: An Invitation to Adventure What Is an Edible Forest Garden? Gardening LIKE the Forest vs. Gardening IN the Forest Where Can You Grow a Forest Garden? The Garden of Eden: It Sounds Great, But Is It Practical? An Invitation to Adventure 1: The Forest and the Trees The Primal Forest: A Remembrance Gardening the Forest Forest Remnants Feature Article 1: Natives and Exotics: Definitions and Questions Suburban Ecology Gardening in the Industrial Image Lessons Learned Box 1-1: Shifting the Burden to the Intervenor 2: Visions of Paradise Study of the Household: Ecology Defined Tales of Mimicry Advantages of Forest Mimicry The Limitations of Forest Mimics Spanning the Gamut: Images of Forest Gardens Goals of Forest Gardening Revision--the Garden of Eden? Box 2-1: The Principle of Functional Interconnection Case Study 1: Charlie's Garden Part Two: Ecology: Form and Function in the Forest Garden 3: The Five Elements of Forest Architecture Vegetation Layers Feature Article 2: With All These Layers, What Do I Grow in the Shade? Soil Horizons Density Patterning Diversity Summary Case Study 2: Robert's Garden 4: Social Structure: Niches, Relationships and Communities Species, Species Niches, and Species Relationships Multi-Species Interactions: Frameworks of Social Structure Feature Article 3: Natives and Exotics, Opportunists and Invasives Social Structure Design: Strategies and Anchors Chapter Summary 5: Making A Living In The Dark: Structures of the Underground Economy The Anatomy of Self-Renewing Fertility Feature Article 4: Parent Materials: The Soil's Nutritional Constitution Plant Roots: Engines of the Underground Economy The Soil Food Web Summary: Dabbling In The Underground Economy 6: Succession: Four Perspectives on Vegetation Dynamics Classical Linear Succession and Climax Progressive Succession to Shifting Mosaic Steady State Patch Dynamics: Out of Line and Out of Balance A "Unified Oldfield Theory": Successional Causes Feature Article 5: "Invasive" Plants and the Unified Oldfield Theory Succession Design: Using the Four Models Summary: The Simultaneity of the Four Models Case Study 3: E.F. Schumacher Forest Garden Conclusion: Elements, Dynamics, and Desired Conditions Appendices Appendix 1: Forest Gardening's "Top 100" Species Appendix 2: Plant Hardiness Zone Maps Appendix 3: Publications and Organizations Bibliography Glossary General Index

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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.Trade 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! -- Greg WilliamsPlants 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."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 SynopsisImagine sitting down with a group of friends who are also expert gardeners. That’s the effect of this useful, accessible book, which features professionals sharing their knowledge of a wide range of topics including design and maintenance, tips on flowers, foliage, and garden produce, how to establish habitat gardens or low-water/low-maintenance ones, and controlling weeds and other pests. Here is authoritative advice on specific choices from alstroemerias to orchids, along with seasonal suggestions and ideas. The book's conversational tone gives inspiration and insider knowledge to enthusiasts at all skill levels.

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Book SynopsisA city girl's straightforward and amusing guide to farming and the social aspects of country living.

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Book SynopsisPlan your garden and track your plants throughout each growing season with this comprehensive gardening journalperfect for beginner and seasoned gardeners alike!Whether you're new to gardening or an experienced green thumb, this gardening journal from Sarah Simon (@themintgardener) and Colin Simon will help you get a head start on next season's harvest.WithMy Gardening Journal, you''ll gain access to: A 52-week garden planner, with space to record your weekly to-do list and write notes and reminders for next season Fifty pages of comprehensive gardening advice, from determining which plants will thrive in your region to best practices for preventing destructive pests and diseases Dot grids to help you sketch out and plan your outdoor space Charts to log which plants you're growing and track how much sun your garden receives With an easy-to-use logb

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Book SynopsisAre you struggling with South Florida gardening? Would you like to grow lots of food, even in a tiny backyard? Would you like to beat the pests, improve your soil, and harvest baskets and baskets of delicious homegrown food? You CAN grow food in South Florida, and grow more than you ever thought possible.In this helpful guide to gardening in South Florida, native Florida gardener David The Good shares the secrets to getting great harvests from our unique climate. Learn the crops and the methods for explosive year-round gardening success in The South Florida Gardening Survival Guide!

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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.

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