Home & Garden Books

Book SynopsisBecause sheds aren't just for men – this selection of sheds from the UK, North America and Europe shows how women everywhere can claim and use their own personal space. Every woman deserves a shed of her own, somewhere to retreat to for some quiet time, to create or grow, to write or paint, or just to contemplate the view. Gill Heriz has interviewed over 80 different women, and Nicolette Hallett has photographed their sheds inside and out, to collect together this unique insight into why women have sheds, and what they do in them. There are sheds for puppet-makers, sculptors, and writers, as well as farmers, furniture-makers and woodcutters. There are sheds that can be lived in, sheds that are full to the rafters and sheds that are simply sheds, with the usual collection of gardening tools, lawnmowers and seed packets. Virginia Woolf once argued that, for women, writing fiction required “a room of one’s own.” These women have taken that premise a step further – to the end of the garden – to find their own very personal space.

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Book SynopsisSimply Scandinavian is an inspirational survey of 20 homes ranging from tiny cabins to elegant apartments in Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark. Scandinavian interior design is admired the world over for its simplicity and understated elegance. Rooms are typically airy, light and bright. Furnishings are modern classics from the key names of Scandinavian design mixed with pretty antique and vintage pieces. The beauty of natural materials, especially wood, is celebrated. It’s a style that’s entirely in tune with our current desire for calm, comfortable and uncluttered spaces to live in. The 20 homes featured in this book are presented as case studies, with chapters including Elegant Simplicity, Vintage-Inspired, Pared-down Modern and Contemporary Rustic. Each home showcases an aspect of Scandinavian interior design and the homeowners include architects, fashion and jewellery designers and antique dealers. Celebrating a way of life that combines elegance and comfort with a love of the natural world, Simply Scandinavian offers an abundance of decorative ideas that will work in any setting.

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Book SynopsisThe deliciously inspired patterns in this book have been designed to entice the senses whilst crocheting. From a swirling raspberry ripple to a warming gooseberry fool, with a smattering of summer fruit pudding along the way. Not only will your fingers delight in creating such sumptuous designs, you’ll almost be able to smell and taste the delectable treats. Lisa Cook has designed the patterns with all skill levels in mind, from beginner to the more adventurous crocheter. The book is an excellent way to progress your skills by creating shawls with different stitches and shapes. Using the most delicious yarns from Cascade, there’s something for every season.

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Book Synopsis'This extraordinarily useful compendium should be required reading for anyone aspiring to ... a gorgeous garden.' – New York Times Book ReviewA stunning exploration of one of the hottest trends in garden design, nature-based planting with an eco-aware approach, featuring the work of leading designers such as Sean Hogan, Piet Oudolf, and Dan PearsonForget the mild, manicured gardens of the past: planting today is undergoing a revolution in taste and aesthetics. This is the first comprehensive overview of a new planting approach that is wild and natural by nature, reflecting the global turn towards sustainability and the current zeitgeist in garden design. Featuring over 40 gardens - from a perennial meadow in East Sussex, England to a private, drought-resistant garden in Australia - each garden in this stunning book is brought to life with beautiful photography and insightful text.Trade Review'Well-groomed gardens are taking a backseat to wildflowers, according to this beautiful tour.' – Publishers Weekly 'No matter what your idea of wild is, the book offers myriad variations on the theme.' – Gardenista 'An unconstrained approach to planting.' – Landscape Architecture Magazine 'A trove of naturalistic gardens.' – Washington Gardener Magazine 'Enlightened gardeners have grown away from contained, stiffly regimented beds organized around lawns in favor of free-form swaths of native plants, pollinators once considered weeds, grasses and wildflower meadows. [Wild] ... says it all.' – Forbes 'Ample inspiration.' – ELLE Decoration 'An expert study of a major gardening trend.' – Garden Design Journal 'Readers will find plenty of ideas to incorporate into their own landscapes from the beautiful images and engaging text.' – Veranda 'Free-flowing yards that still have plenty of curb appeal.' – Domino '[A] gorgeous gardening tome.' – TIME 'A pleasing new book.' – AD Pro

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Book SynopsisWith more than 1,000 images and descriptive texts, this is the ultimate celebration of the world's most gorgeous gardens This internationally bestselling inspirational resource for garden-lovers and designers is now reissued with a gorgeous new cover - bringing the book's winning blend of authority and visual appeal to a new audience. The Gardener's Garden spans seven centuries to spotlight more than 250 of the globe's finest permanent gardens by leading garden designers, horticulturalists, and landscape architects, as chosen by an international team of experts. Gardens of all types and style from across the globe, from the grandeur of Versailles to a private sanctuary in Marrakech, have been brought to life through more than 1,000 sumptuous photographs and detailed descriptive texts by leading garden writers. This is both a valuable resource for those seeking inspiration on garden design and planting and the ideal gift for garden-lovers everywhere.Trade Review'A sensational collection of the world's greatest gardens. Mouthwatering!' - Alan Titchmarsh MBE, British TV presenter, broadcaster, and gardener 'A source of inspiration for some and a practical guide for many, The Gardener's Garden is also a testament to centuries of human passion for the garden.' - Madison Cox, garden designer 'A smorgasbord of a book, a platter offering delights to tease the palate.' - New York Times Book Review 'The 2022 edition dons a new magenta-pink cover but its informative entries remain, each detailing the planting design and features such as garden type, style, size, climate, and more.' - AD Pro 'Comprehensive and informative - not to mention gorgeous!' - Martha Stewart Living 'Features the most eye-catching and inspiring gardens from around the world.' - ELLE Decor 'Many publications have claimed to be the ultimate garden book. This new global survey of gardens may have actually achieved that distinction.' - Garden Design 'Weighty and wonderful, this lavishly illustrated new book will make a handsome gift for the dedicated gardener in your life (or for yourself).' - The American Gardener, The American Horticultural Society 'Horticultural eye candy.' - Globe 'The Gardener's Garden is the ultimate escape for landscape lovers-thumb through the pages and dream.' - Coastal Home 'If you need a bit of persuading to get out into the garden in this crisp spring weather, a new tome from Phaidon won't fail to inspire... A collection of the most outstanding gardens from across the world, lavishly displayed with 1,200 stunning images... Each entry is accompanied by an informative explanation of both design and planting features should you wish to instate at home.' - TheWeek.co.uk 'It's rare to come across a book of such stupendous beauty... A sumptuous treat for anybody with even a passing interest in gardens and gardening; page after page dripping with beautiful photography of breath-taking outdoor spaces from across the world... There is a mix of the famous and obscure, the ancient and the modern, the formal and wild, and even the public and the private... More than just a coffee table tome. The text running down the side of each double-page spread gives all sorts of information about the gardens, how they came to be, and the details of the plants in them.' - CountryLife.co.uk 'If you're longing for life and colour to return to your garden after the long winter months, this will tide you over brilliantly... A beautiful showcase of glorious gardens... The Gardener's Garden will make you long to visit each one and you could well find yourself planning your next holiday around it.' - WI Life (Women's Institute magazine) 'Essential... Full of colour [and] inspiration... Visually splendid.' - Town&Country.co.uk 'There are infinite pleasures that one can take from a garden... 250 permanent gardens from around the world, providing ideas and inspiration for every garden lover.' - Singapore Tatler Homes 'Perhaps the most comprehensive compendium of gardens old, new, near and far' - Elle Decoration 'The finest, most individual gardens around the world... All inspire awe... The far-reaching nature of this book is what sets it apart.' - Homes & Interiors Scotland 'Covers every possible gardening genre... Unlike many coffee table books, it is actively useful, as well as aesthetically pleasing.' - LibertyLondonGirl.com 'An excellent basis for green-fingered tours. Concise texts plus good pictures.' - Financial Times

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Book SynopsisBeyond organic-- a practical guide to nutrient-dense food.Trade ReviewThis practical step-by-step guide shows all is not lost as Steve Solomon shows us the link between healthy soil, healthy food and healthy people. - Sandra Barrera, The Daily Breeze If you garden, no matter if you're an omnivore, vegetarian, or carnivore I think this book is a good read., blogger, Throwback at Trapp Creek The nutrient density of the crops we grow and the remineralization of our soils have been almost constantly on our minds and usually on the tips of our tongues. Our biggest inspiration has come from reading Steve Solomen's new book The Intelligent Gardener. - Shannon Jones and Bryan Dyck, bloggers, Broadfork Farm Any agriculture or home gardening library will find this an accesible, popular lend. James Cox, Midwest Book ReviewTable of Contents Acknowledgments Preface - Erica Reinheimer Introduction Chapter 1: Why Nutrient-Dense Food? Chapter 2: History from a Nutritional Viewpoint Chapter 3: The Shit Method of Agriculture (SaMOA) Chapter 4: Complete Organic Fertilizer Chapter 5: Remineralization Chapter 6: Le Batterie de Cuisine Chapter 7: The Soil Prescription Chapter 8: Soils with Excesses Chapter 9: Compost Chapter 10: Epilogue Appendices Index About the Author

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Book Synopsis''I return to Beth Chatto''s books constantly. For those who are new to her work, you are entering into a life-long relationship with a wise friend and gardener'' Monty Don''Compulsively readable. Once you have it, don''t let anyone else borrow it'' SUNDAY TELEGRAPHSharing the hopes and successes - and sometimes failures - of her work, Beth Chatto reveals what is really involved in maintaining a unique and flourishing garden. Written from notes that she kept regularly, this engaging book offers help on a whole range of topics. There is guidance on designing, planting and grouping. She describes methods of propagation, shows how plants can be helped to maturity, and gives advice on managing a garden and its plants and on performing all the day-to-day tasks involved.Trade ReviewI return to Beth Chatto's books constantly. For those who are new to her work, you are entering into a life-long relationship with a wise friend and gardener -- Monty DonCompulsively readable. Once you have it, don't let anyone else borrow it -- Robert Pearson * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *

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Book SynopsisThe world''s leading resource on biointensive, sustainable, high-yield organic gardening is thoroughly updated throughout, with new sections on using 12 percent less water and increasing compost power. Long before it was a trend, How to Grow More Vegetables brought backyard ecosystems to life for the home gardener by demonstrating sustainable growing methods for spectacular organic produce on a small but intensive scale. How to Grow More Vegetables has become the go-to reference for food growers at every level, whether home gardeners dedicated to nurturing backyard edibles with minimal water in maximum harmony with nature''s cycles, or a small-scale commercial producer interested in optimizing soil fertility and increasing plant productivity. In the ninth edition, author John Jeavons has revised and updated each chapter, including new sections on using less water and increasing compost power.

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Book SynopsisMedicinal plants and plant-derived medicine are widely used in traditional cultures all over the world and they are becoming increasingly popular in modern society as natural alternatives to synthetic chemicals. As more and more natural remedies are being commercialised, there is a need for a user-friendly reference guide to the plants and their products. The book gives the reader a bird's eye view of more than 350 of the best known medicinal plants of the world and their uses, in a compact, colourful and scientifically accurate reference text. It provides quick answers to the most obvious questions: Where does this plant originate? What does it look like? In which culture is it traditionally used? What is it used for? Which chemical compounds does it contain? How safe is it? What is known about its pharmacological activity? What evidence is there that it is effective? The authors also provide short overviews of the various health conditions for which medicinal plants are used and the active compounds (secondary metabolites) found in the plants and their modes of actions. This new edition has an additional 30 plant species, many new and improved photographs and the text has been fully updated to reflect the latest regulatory status of each plant.Table of Contents1: Preface 2: Introduction 3: Medicine Systems of the World 4: Plant Parts Used 5: Dosage Forms 6: Use of Medicinal Plant Products 7: Active Ingredients 8: Quality Control and Safety 9: Efficacy of Medicinal Plant Products 10: Regulation of Herbal Remedies and Phytomedicines 11: The Plants in Alphabetical Order 12: Health Disorders and Medicinal Plants 13: Overview of Secondary Metabolites and Their Effects 14: Quick Guide to Commercialised Medicinal Plants 15: Glossary

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Book SynopsisBorn in Argentina, Miguel Flores-Vianna has been an editor, writer, and photographer for more than 25 years. His photographs regularly appear in T, AD, World of Interiors, Vogue, and Town & Country. Until 2015, Flores-Vianna published a popular blog and print feature in T. Amy Astley is the editor of Architectural Digest.

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Victor Turner Prize for Ethnographic Writing 2017 Journeying around the globe, through past and present, Emma Tarlo unravels the intriguing story of human hair and what it tells us about ourselves and society. When it’s not attached to your head, your very own hair takes on a disconcerting quality. Suddenly, it is strange. And yet hair finds its way into all manner of unexpected places, far from our heads, including cosmetics, clothes, ropes, personal and public collections, and even food. Whether treated as waste or as gift, relic, sacred offering or product in a billion-dollar industry for wigs and hair extensions, hair has many stories to tell. Collected from Hindu temples and Buddhist nunneries and salvaged by the strand from waste heaps and the combs of long-haired women, hair flows into the industry from many sources. Entering this strange world, Emma Tarlo tracks hair’s movement across India, Myanmar, China, Africa, the United States, Britain and Europe, meeting people whose livelihoods depend on this singular commodity. Whether its journey ends in an Afro hair fair, a Jewish wig parlour, fashion salon or hair loss clinic, hair is oddly revealing of the lives it touches.Trade Review‘Tarlo is excellent at elucidating the vanity, money, pain and revulsion that unattached hair can represent. Think you know hair? You’ll never see it in the same way again.’ * Independent *‘If you’re curious about your roots, you’ll enjoy exploring UK anthropology professor Emma Tarlo’s Entanglement a brilliant, comprehensive Baedeker to the billion dollar global hair trade.’ * Elle *‘By turns surprising, unsettling and disturbing but never anything less than absorbing…weaving in history, politics and science in an interlocking, mesmerising narrative that seems wholly appropriate to the subject’. * Literary Review *‘Brilliant...Entanglement tracks its subject doggedly through an almost infinite number of twists and turns.’ * Times Literary Supplement *‘Entanglement is dense with colourful characters and startling, unexpected information, which makes it both exhausting and delightful. Tarlo brings a lovely open-mindedness and a deadpan sense of humour to her writing.’ * New York Times Book Review *‘Tarlo uses an ethnographer’s eye to analyse the religious, social, cultural and commercial forces that drive the industry. Yet her book reads like a travelogue as we follow her through the temple towns of India, the hair factories of China, the sorting sheds of Myanmar and the salons of Europe and Britain… By employing an anecdotal yet vigorously researched approach, Tarlo succeeds in untangling a knotty topic while keeping the reader engaged through 400-plus pages. The result is a fascinating and authoritative work.’ * John Zubrzycki, The Australian *‘Interesting – and, at times strange’. * Times *'Clever, idiosyncratic…lively…full of amusing, “fancy that” information and arresting observations…what a rich subject Tarlo has chosen for her book’. * New Statesman *‘Wonderful…it’s not often a book gives you new eyes for your everyday world’. * The Oldie *‘I had no idea that a non-fiction book about hair could be quite so fascinating’. * The Pool *‘The questions she examines and the “secret lives of hair” that she exposes are fascinating… An engrossing investigation.’ * Library Journal, starred review *‘This is a book about the only crop we routinely harvest from our own bodies – hair. From that disconnection come amazing tales: histories of paupers and pedlars in Europe, vast global trades in wigs, poignant stories of chemotherapy and memorialisation...Tarlo has done an extraordinary job of reattaching hair to humanity.’ -- Daniel Miller, professor of anthropology, University College London, and author of Stuff and The Comfort of Things‘I will never think about hair the same way after reading Emma Tarlo’s brilliant, fascinating book!’ -- Valerie Steele, author of The Corset: A Cultural History, and director and chief curator, The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology‘A timely book that takes a fascinating journey through the business practices and politics of hair, and the questionable relationship between hair dealers, middle-men and the consumer.’ -- Professor Caroline Cox, author of How to be Adored‘Written in conversational prose with historical images, little-known facts, and an absorbing narrative woven throughout, this is a lively read that explores the fashion, industry, and history of hair, while untangling our own often-complicated relationship with this natural accessory. In an informative and often whimsical voice, Tarlo personalizes her research with vignettes about her own fascination with hair. From eccentric wig makers in China to hair hunters in India and customers in Europe, Tarlo takes us on an eye-opening journey that will make us wonder if our own hair doesn’t have a secret life of its own.’ * Booklist *‘In Entanglement Tarlo opens up a whole secret world of human hair, its diverse social meanings across cultures and the robust trade of it that has carried on for centuries across the world. She weaves in historical details that address issues of religion, symbolism, fashion and economy, and presents ethnographic encounters with a range of characters from Dakkar to Wenzhou, Chennai to New York – millionaire wig dealers, impoverished villagers sorting comb waste, temple officials and fashionable women – who all perform an important role in this ubiquitous but unseen trade. This book is for everybody who is curious about how a single object can become a sought after commodity around the globe. Entanglement is beautifully written and while based on rigorous academic research it eschews jargon and makes the fascinating story of hair the centrepiece of the narrative. A most rewarding and edifying read.’ -- Mukulika Banerjee, anthropologist, London School of Economics and Political Science

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Book SynopsisUK author Derek Jones shows readers how to make the projects featured in this book using pieces of wood from the scrap pile. Ranging from a simple serving platter to a beautiful bird box, projects are explained in a clear and straightforward way, with step-by-step photos. The projects in this book can be tackled by woodworkers of all skill levels. Every workshop has a collection of offcuts that have been saved because they will come in handy one day. When you see the enticing projects presented in this book you will know that that day has come! All the projects in this book can be made using pieces of wood from the scrap pile and can be tackled by woodworkers with a range of skill levels. Ranging from a simple serving platter to a beautiful bird box there is a project to suit every level of expertise. All projects are explained, in a clear and straightforward way, with clear step-by-step photos. There is also a guide to the tools and materials you will need, plus the basic techniques.

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Book SynopsisIn this follow-up to Making Small Workshop Tools (Workshop Practice Series No.14), the former editor of Model Engineer's Workshop magazine presents another collection of fifteen invaluable additions to the model engineer's armoury of tools and equipment. This practical collection covers benchwork, the lathe and milling operations and includes marking-out and machining aids plus a simple filing machine and an unusual milling vice. Fully dimensioned drawings, descriptive text and photographs accompany each project in the book.Table of ContentsMicrometer Stand. Finger Plates. Depth Gauges. Finger Clamps. Cross Drilling Jigs. Filing Machine. Setting Up Aid. Hand Turning Rest. Small Slotting Tool. External Chuck Stop. Internal Chuck Stop. Rear Mounted Tool Posts. Tailstock Mounted Knurling Tool. Self-Releasing Mandrel Handle. Improved Milling Vice.

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Book SynopsisSince first published in 1991 Pocket Jackson's, as it is most often called, has enjoyed enormous success and is constantly rated as a bestseller in the Arts & Antiques category. During the last twenty-three years important developments have taken place in the Hallmarking system. Most notably the introduction within Europe of a universally accepted system of marking has lead not only to the addition of new marks, but also to a change of status of several historic marks. This edition brings up to the present day all the date letters and commemorative marks. It also includes the recently introduced marks for Palladium and a section illustrating the Assay Office identification marks of those countries that are signatories to the International Convention marking system. In addition and of importance are the changes made in the early cycles of Dublin date letters which result from recent research by silver scholars in Ireland.

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

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Book SynopsisFirst published as Beth Chatto's Woodland Garden by Cassell in 2002, this Pimpernel Classic edition includes a new afterword by David Ward, Garden and Nursery Director at Beth Chatto's Garden and a new introduction by Beth Chatto. ‘Most gardens have dark areas – a north-facing border, an area shaded by a hedge, fence or house wall, a bed in the shade cast by shrubs or trees with greedy roots – and for many gardeners these are a challenge, and often a trial. Fortunately there are plants adapted by Nature to a vast range of conditions and, by choosing suitable plants, we can transform almost any problem site into something beautiful.’ In this book legendary plantswoman Beth Chatto shows how the problem of shade in a garden can be turned to advantage. She tells how she transformed a dark, derelict site into a woodland garden that is tranquil and serene yet full of life and interest in every season. She describes, too, a wealth of plants that will thrive in shady beds and borders and on walls.Trade Review"One of [Beth Chatto's] key books has been reissued in a splendidly illustrated new edition." -- David Sexton * Evening Standard *"An updated version of a modern classic. Full of timeless wisdom that will stand any gardener in good stead, it is perhaps the ultimate guide to gardening in the shade...Describing her woodland garden as 'tranquil and yet full of life and interest' this description also perfectly sums up the book." * The English Garden *"As one would expect from Beth Chatto, this book is packed with knowledge, wisdom and common sense. Her guiding principle has always been the right plant for the right place, bringing about a quiet revolution in the gardening world. The writing style is stimulating and personal, her plant descriptions eloquent. Photography for the book is from Steven Wooster, a garden photographer and a graphic designer who won the Garden Media Guild Award for his photographs in Beth Chatto’s Gravel Garden. He has been photographing Beth’s garden for more than 20 years and his intimate knowledge of the garden gives the reader a beautiful insight into this special place." * The Reckless Gardener *"This book is great for anyone who has a shady area that they’re a bit stumped with or just for a good old interesting read that fills you with a rosy glow of well-being. It would make a great gift." * A Pentland Garden Diary *

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Book SynopsisHere is a full-color guide to help you and your family to be kinder to Mother Earth, while being kind to your bank account! It doesn’t matter where your homestead is located—farm, suburb, or even city—you can learn to grow vegetables, use alternative energy, can and preserve, and more! You, too, can be more self-sufficient!With the rapid depletion of our planet’s natural resources, we would all like to live a more self-sufficient lifestyle. But in the midst of an economic crisis, it’s just as important to save money as it is to go green. Plan, plant, and harvest your own organic home garden. Enjoy fruits and vegetables year-round by canning, drying, and freezing. Build alternate energy devices by hand, such as solar panels or geothermal heat pumps. Differentiate between an edible puffball mushroom and a poisonous amanita. Prepare butternut squash soup using ingredients from your own garden. Conserve water by making a rain barrel or installing an irrigation system. Have fun and save cash by handcrafting items such as soap, potpourri, and paper. Experience the satisfaction that comes with self-sufficiency, as well as the assurance that you have done your part to help keep our planet green. The Homesteading Handbook is your roadmap to living in harmony with the land.

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Book SynopsisA leading light in the field of medicinal herb cultivation, The Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm is the first cultivation guide of its kind, and presents invaluable information for growers interested in producing high-quality efficacious herbs in all climates of the US, with the historical connectedness of ancient practitioners. It has become increasingly important-especially as the market for herbal medicine continues to grow-that we transition to local and domestic medicinal cultivation. Increasingly there are concerns in regards to not only the quality but the purity of imported herbs, and wild herbs picked for medicinal purposes are ever more endangered than in past years both at home and abroad. Peg Schafer, longtime grower and teacher, guides readers with information on propagating, cultivating, and harvesting Chinese herbs, and presents fascinating new scientific data that reveal the age-old wisdom of nature and the traditional systems of Chinese medicine. Through 79 detailed herb profiles--all tested and trialed on Schafer's certified organic farm-Schafer offers easy-to-follow information, suitable for both growers and practitioners, for growing efficacious wild-simulated herbs. Also included is important information on species conservation, crop integration, and how to avoid the introduction of invasive species. Sidebars on traditional medicinal uses for each herb and delicious recipes are also featured throughout. Vegetable and CSA farmers will find this book of great interest for adding value-added crops to their repertoire, and beginner growers looking to incorporate medicinals into their gardens will find this an invaluable guide to understanding where herbal medicine comes from, and will make eating-your-medicine more accessible than ever. Trade ReviewBook News- Schafer, affiliated with the Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm in Petaluma, California, co-founded the first U.S. company to offer organic, domestically grown Chinese medicinal herbs. In this guide for Chinese medicine practitioners and organic farmers, she gives advice on organically growing and harvesting 79 medicinal herbs. Most of the herbs are used in Chinese medicine, but a few belong to the Ayurvedic tradition. The first section of the book gives background on herbal traditions, risks to the future of herbalism, and conservation and global trade in medicinal plants. This section also gives general advice on cultivation in the nursery, garden, and field, and on harvesting, drying, storing, and shipping herbs, collecting and saving seeds, and selling herbs. The book then provides profiles of 79 herbs. Each herb entry gives a plant description, advice on propagation and planting, a list of suitable plant companions, and a brief summary of medicinal uses, plus notes on field production, pests and diseases, and harvest and yield. Each entry also includes a couple of color photos of plants in the field and the roots, flowers, or other parts when processed for medicinal use.Booklist- "Comprehensive" best describes Schafer's specialized resource. She begins, appropriately, with a discussion of small-scale cultivation as a way to protect the environment and be part of the international trade in medicinal plants. The growth of herbal trade parallels the increase in the number of Americans exploring acupuncture and other elements of traditional Chinese medicine, so this guide will meet the rising do-it-yourself interest in growing medicinal herbs. Schafer's easily understood instructions are accompanied by boxed inserts of important tips, charts and tables, and photographs. Most of the book is dedicated to 79 detailed herb profiles with growing information and medicinal uses. Also provided are plant and medicinal name cross-references; hardiness-zone maps with a China-U.S. latitude overlay; resources for herb seeds and plants; recommended readings, listings of websites, and herbal and conservation organizations; and an all-important glossary of horticultural, medicinal, and Chinese terms. This genuinely unusual, authoritative manual will likely be in brisk demand."For the practitioner of Chinese medicine, The Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm is a teacher, drawing us closer to the herbs we use. For the casual gardener, it is a handbook for growing fresh Chinese herbs as part of a healthy diet. For anyone who has an interest in growing their own Chinese herbs, Peg Schafer gives us a new reason to look forward to spring."--Andrew Ellis, author of Notes from South Mountain: A Guide to Concentrated Herb Granules"Peg Schafer, the most experienced Chinese medicinal herb grower in North America, charts a new course in Chinese medicinal plant cultivation by providing the guidance needed to grow the most important of these herbs domestically. This book offers more than just cultivation tips, but also an assurance of proper plant identification, optimal growing and harvesting conditions, freshness of materials, and the ability to access Chinese medicinals with the lowest carbon footprint possible."--Roy Upton, Executive Director, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia"Peg Schafer understands in more ways than one that good health springs from the land. Herbs from the Chinese tradition perfectly complement more familiar healing plants. The concept of "regional medicine farms" resonates so well with the growing desire to eat more locally. But of course! We are what we eat, and that includes the medicinal plants that work with our bodies to create wholeness. Every plant person will instantly recognize the gift waiting within this book-Schafer shares many astute observations of how each plant garners medicinal oomph, what she calls the vital qi (chi) of each herb. And that's the right sort of inspiration to launch any thinking gardener!"--Michael Phillips, author of The Holistic Orchard, and co-author Nancy Phillips of The Herbalist's Way"Peg Schafer is the best artisanal grower I know. For this book, she has distilled the knowledge of the small group who, over the past two decades, has pioneered North American production of Chinese medicinal herbs, and tested it through direct experience. This book clearly explains the whys as well as the how-tos, and delivers information into the eager hands of all perennial polyculturalists who will grow us a post-peak oil healthcare system; it is a gift to us all."--Jean Giblette, owner, High Falls Gardens and co-founder, LocalHerbs.org"This is by far the most detailed and thorough book that addresses the urgent issue of organic cultivation and processing of Chinese herbs. It will have a profound effect on future land use, herb availability, pesticide burdens, and sustainability in a field that is expanding rapidly around the world. I can't stress enough how valuable and rare this information is to practitioners and users of Chinese herbal medicine. I highly recommend this book for all TCM herbalists, as well as gardeners and farmers who want to learn the art of the organic cultivation of Chinese medicinals."--Bill Schoenbart, L.Ac., D.A.O.M

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Book SynopsisThread the love with Tom Daley's eagerly awaited debut knitting and crochet book.Make something you love for someone you love with Tom Daley's eagerly awaited debut knitting and crochet book.Tom Daley is on a mission to inspire the next generation of crafters. In Made With Love you will discover the joys of knitting and crochet, with brilliant and easy to follow masterclasses alongside 30 gorgeous step-by-step projects. Featuring size inclusive garments, covetable gifts, chic homeware and cosy accessories, Tom offers helpful tips and tricks to support even the most tentative of beginners. Whether it's for yourself or a loved one, Made With Love will soon have you making and sharing projects to be proud of.

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Book SynopsisThis is a colourful gallery of finished work provides further inspiration for green crafting. Wood Pallet Projects shows how anyone can upcycle salvaged pallet wood to create truly one-of-a-kind projects. Maverick craftsman Chris Gleason combines sound woodworking techniques with a hip designer's sensibility to unleash the limitless possibilities of the common skid. Inside you'll find 15 of his inspired projects for rescuing and repurposing pallets. He shows how to construct both indoor and outdoor furniture in a variety of styles, along with other useful items such as a birdhouse, a toolbox and even a ukulele. The author provides important advice on how to make sure that your pallets are safe and not sprayed with harmful chemicals. A colourful gallery of finished work provides further inspiration for green crafting.Table of Contents-Working with Pallets -Chapter 2: Gallery -Indoor Furniture -Chapter 3: Wall-mounted curio cabinet -Chapter 4: Bathroom magazine caddy -Chapter 5: Side chair -Chapter 6: End table -Chapter 7: Coffee table -Chapter 8: Wine rack -Chapter 9: Fireplace mantle/surround -Chapter 10: Cabinet doors -Outdoor Furniture -Chapter 11: Outdoor lounge chair -Chapter 12: Funky birdhouses -Chapter 13: Outdoor couch -Chapter 14: Modernist picnic table Chapter 15: Outdoor bar/serving area -Miscellaneous useful projects -Chapter 16: Ukulele -Chapter 17: Toolbox -Chapter 18: Workbench

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Book SynopsisIn this book, renowned garden designer Motomi Oguchi offers the reader a step-by-step, practical approach to creating Japanese gardens, drawn from a wealth of experience that covers thirty years and encompasses the design of more than 400 gardens. The author uses real examples from gardens he has designed, constructed, and photographed to illustrate his key points, approaching each work from the perspective of the home or building owner.Trade Review"With precise instructions and illustrations for building typical elements such as bamboo fences and stone bridges, the book gives Americans all the information they need to create authentic Japanese gardens." —Publisher’s Weekly"This is probably the best … garden book to be published in English in the past half decade. … this book deserves an ‘A’ grade…." —Journal of Japanese Gardening"This book is loaded with design ideas for East and West." —Washington Post"Just leafing through the photographs is enough to make you feel at peace!" —My Home

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Book SynopsisCelebrate Korean culture whilst learning about its past and present in this stunning and fascinating guide. In recent years, Korean popular culture has taken the form of a tidal wave sweeping over the West. Whether it’s music, film, drama series, fashion or cuisine, South Korea is establishing itself as a key player on the world stage. And the Korean Wave (Hallyu) shows no sign of stopping. Even before Squid Game and the award-winnning film Parasite, K-pop had become a $5 billion industry and Korean food had become the exciting new regional cuisine in restaurants and bars. K Culture will reveal all aspects of South Korea's way of life, both historically and in its new found fame. Including sections on K-pop bands, cinema, drama, art, comics, food, fashion and night-life, with features within each section on the best films, shows, stars, artists etc. – this book offers different gateways into contemporary South Korea and what drives it. Also highlighted is the global influence, with a focus on eight cities from around the world (including London, Paris, Berlin, Toronto, New York and L.A.) that have embraced this dynamic culture. This book is a stunning, informative and fun handbook to the Korean Wave.

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Book SynopsisFollow The Way of the Househusband and conquer the challenge of housekeeping with this essential guide!Everyone, from busy office workers and aspiring homemakers to the fiercest members of the yakuza, can gain important life skills from The Way of the Househusband: The Gangster’s Guide to Housekeeping! Learn the housekeeping secrets of the legendary gangster, Tatsu, with this practical and humorous book inspired by the popular manga series The Way of the Househusband. This detailed guide includes cleaning tricks to leave your home sparkling, secrets for finding cutthroat deals, schemes for mastering your territory, keys to caring for your gang, and much more. Within these pages you will also find 25 delicious recipes that will satisfy any voracious gangster. Follow these tips and apply the determination of the Immortal Dragon to cooking, cleaning, shopping, and crafting to discover the path to housekeeping success!

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Book SynopsisLearn the powerful stories behind over 40 goddesses from around the world, and discover how you can embody their power to improve your wellbeing, and live your best life. From ancient myth to modern day icons, there’s a goddess to help you with every situation. Including some of the best and less well-known goddesses throughout mythology, and accompanied by a gorgeous illustration of each, learn the stories of: ·    Freya (Norse Goddess of Love, Beauty, and War)·    Eostre (Celtic Goddess of the Dawn and Spring)·    Guan Yin (Buddhist Goddess of Compassion and Mercy)·    Nut (Egyptian Goddess of the Sky)·    Selene (Greek Goddess of the Moon)·    Jaci (Brazilian Moon Goddess)·    Gaia (Greek Goddess of the Earth)·    Pele (Goddess of

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Book SynopsisThe Garden Apothecary shows us how to harvest and use commonly found plants, weeds and herbs to create our own healing home apothecaries. With tasty recipes, wild skincare, in-depth plant spotlights and a back-to-roots ethos, The Garden Apothecary will encourage the reader to become more connected to the natural world through learning the art of herbalism from plants growing in our gardens. Focusing on 20 herbs and plants, learn how to identify, grow and pick them from your garden or forage them, as well as discovering their medicinal properties. Each plant spotlight includes in depth information on how to use it in a multitude of recipes and remedies. The Garden Apothecary is a safe and mindful approach to the often overwhelming world of foraging and herbalism. Trade ReviewThe book is packed with a wealth of fascinating facts and practical applications, not to mention stunning photographs and beautiful plant illustrations. * Farm Week *

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Book Synopsis**SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER** The Garden Jungle is a wonderful introduction to the hundreds of small creatures with whom welive cheek-by-jowl and of the myriad ways that we can encourage them to thrive.The Garden Jungle is about the wildlife that lives right under our noses, in our gardens and parks, between the gaps in the pavement, and in the soil beneath our feet. Wherever you are right now, the chances are that there are worms, woodlice, centipedes, flies, silverfish, wasps, beetles, mice, shrews and much, much more, quietly living within just a few paces of you.Dave Goulson gives us an insight into the fascinating and sometimes weird lives of these creatures, taking us burrowing into the compost heap, digging under the lawn and diving into the garden pond. He explains how our lives and ultimately the fate of humankind are inextricably intertwined with that of earwigs, bees, lacewings and hoverflies, unappreciated heroes of the natural world.The Garden Jungle is at times an immensely serious book, exploring the environmental harm inadvertently done by gardeners who buy intensively reared plants in disposable plastic pots, sprayed with pesticides and grown in peat cut from the ground. Goulson argues that gardens could become places where we can reconnect with nature and rediscover where food comes from. For anyone who has a garden, and cares about our planet, this book is essential reading.Trade Review[Goulson] is master of intriguing details of a world beyond our ken… The Garden Jungle is an eye-opening book… [and Goulson’s] enthusiasm is infectious. This is a man you’d just love to visit your garden and show you its invisible wonders, teach you how to nurture them. * The Times *This book will teach you a great deal about the creatures who live right outside your door and are waiting for you to get to know them. It is a constant revelation. * Sunday Times *Like a top-notch wildlife documentary, The Garden Jungle draws us in with fascinating details of the natural world and, at the same time, delivers a wake-up call… I doubt that many will finish reading this important book without making a few changes to their gardening or way of life. * Church Times *An upbeat book about the wonders of the ecosystem in every garden. * The Times, *Summer reads of 2019* *Woodlice, earthworms, earwigs: a seething Serengeti lurks in many a back garden. Apiologist Dave Goulson’s wonderful book encourages such richness by delivering solid science on garden wilding... Goulson demonstrates that the domestic nature reserve is the first step towards saving the planet. * Nature *

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Book SynopsisConventional wisdom is difficult to question, even when it is misguided and contains many contradictions.Should you water in the evening? Do containers need pottery shards for drainage? Can cucumbers and tomatoes be grown together? Gardening has its share of such myths' some with discernible origins in history, others that have become established for no obvious reason and they often obscure simpler and easier methods of working. Asking why gardeners are always told to do things a certain way, Charles Dowding clears up common garden misconceptions in this delightfully illustrated book. Wise words from a thoughtful practitioner, Charles reveals how common-sense triumphs and crops are more successful when these rules' are overturned.Gardening Myths and Misconceptions is a fascinating but practical book that will save the seasoned gardener time and give new gardeners heart.Trade ReviewThese days, garden writing based on a solid career’s worth of practical experience is rare indeed. Therein lies the value of this thought-provoking little book. -- Rory Dusoir * Gardens Illustrated *Beginners and experienced gardeners alike can only benefit from Charles’ enthusiastic and deep understanding of what plants really need. * The Oak Tree Low Carbon Farm Blog *It has been proven untrue that watering in sunlight damages leaves. It is also untrue that rhubarb leaves and citrus peel cannot be composted, the latter may just take a while to decay. All this and much more makes for an entertaining and instructive read. -- Mary Davies * The Irish Garden *For anyone who grows edibles or for that matter gardens intensively I would recommend this book. -- Helen Jonstone * The Patient Gardener *There’s enough detail here to make a real difference to your garden, but it’s cleverly broken down into bite-sized chunks with illustrations, so it never feels hard-going. * The English Garden *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. A web of myths and misconceptions 2. Sowing and planting 3. Watering 4. Vegetable garden planning and design 5. Annual vegetables 6. Trees, shrubs and perennial vegetables 7. Manuring and fertilising 8. Making and using compost 9. Soil structure and care 10. Pest, diseases and weeds Index

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Book SynopsisSpecific Models Covered:Models TE-20, TO-20, TO-30

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Book Synopsis Building Natural Ponds is the first book to walk through the steps required to design and build a natural pond without the need of pumps, filters, and nasty chemicals. Coverage includes pond ecosystems and natural algae control, planning, design, aesthetics, and siting, maintenance and troubleshooting, and large ponds and pools. Table of Contents Introduction 1. Understanding a Balanced Ecosystem Oxygen Cycle Nutrients pH Algae Animals Trees and Shrubs Plants Microbes Maintaining Balance in the Ecosystem 2. Environmental Benefits Pond Ecosystem Breeding Site for Amphibians Dragonflies and Mosquitoes Birds and Mammals Water Conservation Environmental Awareness Less Lawn Permaculture Food Sources 3. Natural Looking Designs Native Ponds Man-made Ponds How Natural Can You Get? The Borrowed View Enjoy the Pond Stones, Stones, and More Stones Plants Are Key Your Final Design 4. Planning and Design Location Legal Issues Access to Electrical Power Size Depth Water Source Bogs and Rain Gardens Trees Pond Liners Human Access Rocks Shape of the Pond and Planting Shelves Plants Excavated Soil 5. Building Site Evaluation Soil Type Installing a Preformed Pond Flexible Pond Liners Digging the Hole for a Flexible Liner Preparing the Hole Installing the Pond Liner Footings for a Dock or Bridge Adding Water Protecting Planting Shelves Stones for the Planting Shelf Leveling the Pond Edge Adding the Spillway Allowing for Inflow Edging the Pond Adding the Finishing Touches 6. Fish Fish Care Hobby Fish Game Fish 7. Plants Planting Fertilizing Starting Small Too Many Plants Plant Pests and Diseases Undesirable Pond Plants Selection of Water Plants Workhorse Water Plants 8. Maintenance and Troubleshooting Don't Do These Things Adding Water Removing Organics Winter Care Pond Leaks 9. Large-scale Ponds Special Pond Types Regulations and Permits Water Sources Liner Options General Construction Considerations Aerators and Fountains Constructing Dams Designing the Inflow Designing the Outflow Plants Eutrophication 10. Pools, Bogs, and Rain Gardens Natural Swimming Pools Bogs Rain Gardens References Index About the Author A Note About the Publisher

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Book SynopsisSimon “Woody” Wood, founder and editor-in-chief of Sneaker Freaker magazine, has spent the last two decades analyzing the global cult of footwear fanatics. That experience directly inspired World’s Greatest Sneaker Collectors, a stonking 752-page journey into the priceless stockpiles and obsessive minds of prominent aficionados.From Tokyo to New York, via London, Philadelphia, Melbourne, and Stjørdal, no crumbled midsole is left unturned as over 2,500 vintage classics, unique athlete SMUs, unobtainable samples, handmade 1-of-1 prototypes, stratospherically priced colabs, and Player Exclusives and game-worn Jordans with multi-million-dollar price tags are lauded with gusto. The endless quest for “Holy Grails” is both blessing and curse as our collectors fiend, scheme, and dream of “the one” shoe they don’t yet own!Glossy portraits are augmented with a series of informative “How-to” guides stuffed with pro tips on sneaker photography, storage, insurance, cleaning, and avoiding the counterfeit curse. The expertise is priceless. The stories will entertain for days as we seek out the fundamentals of what it means, and takes, to define yourself as a “true collector.”Trade Review“Dive into the world of the sneaker enthusiast in Simon Woods’ excellent book.” * The Observer *“Feed their sneaker obsession. World’s Greatest Sneaker Collectors, is a treasure trove of glossy pictures from prominent sneaker collectors, as well as an extensive guide to sneaker care and maintenance.” * VICE *“A feast for your eyes. Or, perhaps more accurately, your feet? Vintage footwear, skate shoes, basketball high-tops, and more are on gorgeous display in the seven-pound, 752-page anthology of sneakers. It even has a glossary for the uninitiated, with all the terms you’ll need to become a sneakerhead.” * Smithsonian *“World’s Greatest Sneaker Collectors provides much more than hypnotic imagery of some of the world’s most passionate footwear aficionados today, it also provides a blueprint for future generations of collectors.” * Essence *“I have every Jordan from 1999. I bought 34 pairs of each. Brand new! Sometimes I'm about to buy something, and then I realize I already have them in storage somewhere.” * AllDay, Brooklyn *“I always viewed collecting sneakers as not only a hobby but a sport, and this is a competition to me still.” * Chris Rosario, North Carolina *“Paying $500 for sneakers was unheard of in the early 2000s. I paid a couple of thousand dollars for a Wu-Tang Dunk, which was just crazy. These days, that's nothing. There are 17-year-old kids buying shoes for $5k out there.” * Andre Ljustina, Los Angeles *“I am into shoes for one and only reason - the love of it! Nothing more. I can spend hours just staring at a shoe. Some people collect stamps and rocks. I collect sneakers.” * Super Lalla, Paris *“I have so many sneakers my apartment is a real-life Tetris game. When I go to bed, I'm not praying for better health - I'm praying that I won't be buried underneath a collapsing shoe rack!!” * Julia Schoierer, Berlin *“This game is not easy. Collecting 60 pairs of game-worn Jordans has taken 10 years and I worked hard to dig them out. It’s all about the hunt. Hard work and hustling, you can’t beat it!” * Elliot Tebele *“A must-have manual offering readers a glimpse into the passionate world of sneaker enthusiasts.” * GQ *“The most definitive sneaker culture magazine on the planet!” * MTV *

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Book SynopsisKC Davis is a licensed professional therapist, author, and speaker. She is the creator of the mental health platform Struggle Care, where she shares a revolutionary approach to self and home care for those dealing with mental health, physical illness, and hard seasons of life. KC's own home descended into chaos when she began suffering from anxiety and postnatal depression. She also received a late diagnosis of adult ADHD that shed additional light on why everyday care tasks were so difficult for her. Now she is a speaker and advocate for mental health and recovery. Professionally, KC has worked most of her career in the field of addiction in roles such a therapist, consultant, and executive director. She lives in Houston with her husband and two daughters.

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