Specialised gardening methods Books

Book SynopsisGrowing your own flowers for cutting brings the pleasures of the season indoors and cuts out the air miles associated with many shop-bought blooms. This book turns the spotlight on the best perennials and woody plants which return year after year with little effort or waste, offer valuable habitats to garden wildlife and bring a natural quality to arrangements. Rachel Siegfried, owner of the celebrated Green & Gorgeous flower farm, began her career as an estate gardener and in this book she shares her selection of 128 rigorously trialled plants and her garden-led philosophy that together bring such exceptional results. Cut flower classics such as peonies and dahlias rub shoulders with daisies, climbers, grasses and fruit blossom. Her exquisite arrangements capture the essence each plant making the most of characterful stem twists and branching tendrils - testament to years of expert botanical observation and hands in the soil. Beautiful photographs capture the seasonal diversity and natural ease that are such a hallmark of this thoroughly contemporary approach to cut flowers. Whether your goal is to have something to pick from your garden each week of the year or start a cut flower business, the inspiration to get started and expert advice you need is here.

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Book SynopsisAnya Lautenbach is a digital creator and passionate gardener, who wants more people to give gardening a go no matter their background, budget or garden size. Born in Poland, she now lives with her husband and two younger sons in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, and was recently diagnosed with ADHD - her self-described "superpower". A lifelong gardener, she has propagated thousands of plants, and has shared her budget gardening journey via her Instagram @anya_thegarden_fairy.

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

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Book SynopsisIncrease your stock of plants easily and for free by propagating them yourself. RHS How to Grow Plants for Free demystifies the art of taking cuttings and explains the other ways you can multiply your garden plants. Propagating your own plants is fun, inexpensive, and a sustainable way to garden.An introductory section explains the botanical science behind all types of propagation and defines and simplifies the language. The book is then split into self-contained practical chapters detailing each of the different types of propagation. Each chapter includes a selection of 'plant profiles' for the plants best suited to eachpropagation method: - Dividing Plants covers the easiest methods of splitting one plant into several new ones- Saving Seeds introduces how to collect and process seeds from flowers, vegetables, herbs and trees- Cuttings covers how to successfully grow a new plant from an existing one using several different methods for taking cuttings- The Houseplants chapter shows techniques needed to increase your collection.- The final chapters show how to grow new plants from kitchen scraps, and gives ideas on how to make the most of all the new plants you've created by giving them as gifts

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Book SynopsisThe Royal Horticultural Society is the UK's leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. Its charitable work includes providing expert advice and information, training the next generation of gardeners, creating hands-on opportunities for children to grow plants, and conducting research into plants, pests and environmental issues affecting gardeners.

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Book SynopsisAre you surrounded by weeds? Is your lawn forlorn? Are your bushes diseased? Do you long to create an outdoor space you can enjoy with friends - a garden you can show off with pride?How to Garden When You''re New to Gardening shows you the basics needed to get your green space under control and keep it that way. Drawing on the world-renowned expertise of the Royal Horticultural Society, the book is packed full of creative ideas with lots of simple step-by-step instructions and clear images to help you realise your garden''s potential, no matter the size and scale.Get to know your garden and choose plants that will grow well in particular soil types and conditions year after year. From planting and training decorative climbers, to designing seasonal hanging basket displays, and growing your own tomatoes, these are the small jobs that will make a huge difference to how your garden looks and feels.Take the anxiety out of planting, potting, and pruning and make the most of your precious patch of land.

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Book SynopsisIf you're craving a simpler, moresustainable way to garden, Low-Maintenance Eco Gardens is your perfectstarting point. This beginner-friendly guide embraces the principles ofpermaculture to help you design and maintain self-sustaining gardens thatrequire less effort and fewer inputs while delivering more joy, nourishment,and ecological benefit.Authors Fred Meyer, a certifiedpermaculture designer and founder of the nonprofit Backyard Abundance, and JenKardos, a licensed mental health therapist and wellness coach, combine theirexpertise to present a fresh, accessible approach to eco-conscious gardening.Their method is rooted in working with nature rather than against it, using aholistic strategy that promotes biodiversity, natural pest and weed control,and year-round abundance. Inside, you'll discover how toselect and grow 100 productive, low-maintenance plants50 fruits and 50vegetablessuited for urban lots, small yards, and larger spaces alike. Thebook also includes detailed guidance on building practical garden systems, suchas high-yield mini orchards, edible borders, and low-effort irrigationsolutions. Meyer and Kardos also explore how gardens can nurtureboth physical and mental health, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits ofconnecting with nature. Whether you're growing food for your family, trying toreduce your environmental impact, or simply looking to spend less time weedingand watering, Low-Maintenance Eco Gardens will show you how to create abeautiful, resilient garden that thrives in harmony with the land and yourlifestyle.

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Book SynopsisPicture yourself strolling through a lush and tame jungle loaded with sweet fruit, vegetables, roots, medicinal herbs, flowers and darting butterflies. Now imagine that Eden is your very own Florida yard - it can be if you plant a food forest! By creating an edible forest garden, you''ll be working with nature instead of against her. No matter where you live in the state, you can transform a patch of grass or woods into a magical edible Eden in just a few years. A food forest is Florida gardening on the easy setting! Your fight to grow food in Florida is over.In this massively expanded, revised and extensively illustrated second edition of Create Your Own Florida Food Forest, David The Good shares notes and details on many exciting plants and how to fit them into your Florida food forest system, with both tropical and temperate species recommended depending on your location in the state. Hundreds of original botanical illustrations are also included from over fifty different artists. You''ll learn how to start and maintain a food forest in Florida despite the sand, the bugs and the climate by tapping into the bounty of the tropics and the delight of your own imagination.If you enjoyed the first edition, this new edition will blow your mind. Discover the permaculture breakthrough that may one day feed the world. Start a Florida food forest and build soil, get plants for free and grow more food with less work!

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Book SynopsisA beautifully illustrated giftable gardening reference book, combining exquisite botanical illustrations with practical self-help projects. Readers can discover more than 200 life-saving plants and 25 home-grown remedies to make themselves.

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Book SynopsisA fresh approach to gardening by bestselling author and the nation's favourite gardener Monty Don.'Think of your garden like a meal. When you select a recipe, you're choosing it based on inclination, experience and circumstance. Making a garden, big or small, uses exactly the same process.'If you are new to gardening, it can seem daunting - with Latin names, various soil types and seasonal requirements, it feels like a lot to learn. But with Monty Don's new book as a guide you will discover just how joyful and rewarding gardening can be.Whether you want to grow your own veg, create a child-friendly garden, connect with nature, or make the most of houseplants, Monty will help you unlock your space's potential, showing you what, where and when to plant. The Gardening Book gives you the basics to grow over 100 popular flowers, foods, shrubs, houseplants and more - each one has a clear, concise, format: what you need, timing, method, and step-by-step photos, all on one spread. It's a refreshingly accessible approach that will help you build a garden which best serves your needs and enhances your lifestyle.

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Book SynopsisFran Bailey grew up on a cut-flower nursery near York. After studying at the Welsh College Of Horticulture, she moved to London, where she opened The Fresh Flower Company in 2006.Zia Allaway is a qualified horticulturalist who has written and edited a range of gardening books, including the RHS Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers. Zia writes a monthly column on garden design for Homes and Gardens magazine and contributes to Garden Design Journal.

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Book SynopsisThere is a new generation of gardeners who are planting gardens not only for their visual beauty but also for their ability to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In The New Shade Garden, Ken Druse provides this generation with a comprehensive guide to creating a shade garden with an emphasis on the adjustments necessary for our changing climate. Druse offers advice for common problems facing today’s gardeners, from addressing the deer situation to watering plants without stressing limited resources. Detailing all aspects of the gardening process, the book covers basic topics such as designing your own garden, pruning trees, preparing soil for planting, and the vast array of flowers and greenery that grow best in the shade. Perfect for new and seasoned gardeners alike, this wide-ranging encyclopedic manual provides all the information you need to start or improve upon your own shade garden.Trade Review“Druse’s words, offered in the tone of a neighbor happy to advise, make this book worth more than mere coffee-table topping.” * Publishers Weekly *“Reading Druse is like talking to a generous old friend who knows exactly when you’re about to give up and comes to the rescue.” * New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewOffers practical guidance for beginner growers. * Daily Telegraph *This book will help keep the prickly houseplants going strong. * Belfast Telegraph *A detailed guide to buying and caring for succulents and cacti, with plenty of plant profiles and styling ideas to help you choose the right plant for your home. * Gardens Illustrated *Filled with details about how to propagate and care for over 200 cacti and succulents, it makes a perfect guide for growers both young and old. * Country Garden *

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Book SynopsisThe evergreen classic on ecological gardening, whatever size your garden! Over a quarter of a million copies sold worldwide! Working with Nature, not against her, results in more beautiful, abundant and resilient gardens. In the revised, second edition of Gaia’s Garden, Toby Hemenway extends his expert knowledge of permaculture to urban and suburban landscapes. A perfect beginner’s guide to ecological gardening, Gaia’s Garden dispels the notion that meaningful gardening can only take place on a large piece of land with lots of space to grow. Readers can expect step-by-step instructions on: Building and maintaining soil fertility and structure Catching and conserving water in the landscape Providing habitat for beneficial insects, birds and animals Growing an edible forest that yields seasonal fruits, nuts and other foods Whatever size garden you have to work with, you can apply basic permaculture principles to make it more diverse, more natural, more productive and more beautiful. Rewild your garden today with the ecological tools/principles for a better tomorrow!Trade Review"Become a sustainable producer of resources instead of a wasteful consumer. This wonderful book shows you how by helping you create and enhance beautiful backyard ecosystems within the garden. Put this book into action, and you'll begin to live an example that positively shifts your own community and beyond. Best of all, doing so with this book is simple, juicy, and fun."--Brad Lancaster, author of Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond and http://www.HarvestingRainwater.com"Toby's fun, well-grounded, and engaging book is fast becoming a classic, and deservedly so. Practical yet visionary, broad-ranging yet focused on the basics one needs to know, this is a great place to start on the permaculture path. The new edition builds solidly on the success of the first. Congratulations!"--Dave Jacke, co-author of the two-volume Edible Forest Gardens "The world didn't come with an operating manual, so it's a good thing that some wise people have from time to time written them. Gaia's Garden is one of the more important, a book that will be absolutely necessary in the world ahead."--Bill McKibben, author of Deep Economy and Hope, Human and Wild "Permaculture gardens are no longer a thing of the future. They are here to stay and flourish. Gaia's Garden is enlightening and required reading for all people who desire to make their home's landscape healthy, sustainable, and healing."--Robert Kourik, author of Designing and Maintaining Your Edible Landscape--Naturally "Gaia's Garden is simply the best permaculture book ever written, and is in the running for best gardening book ever written. No one should be without it."--Sharon Astyk, author of Depletion and Abundance: Life on the New Home Front"Toby Hemenway's Gaia's Garden will be recorded in history as a milestone for gardeners and landscapers--a fusion of the practical and the visionary--using the natural intelligence of Earth's symbiotic communities to strengthen and sustain ecosystems in which humans are a partner, not a competitor. An amazing achievement showing how we can and must live in harmony with nature!"--Paul Stamets, author of Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the WorldTable of Contents1. Introducing the ecological garden 2. A gardener's ecology 3. Designing the ecological garden 4. Bringing the soil to life 5. Catching, conserving, and using water 6. Plants for many uses 7. Bringing in the bees, birds, and other helpful animals 8. Creating communities for the garden 9. Designing garden guilds 10. Growing a food forest 11. Permaculture gardening in the city 12. Pop goes the garden

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Book SynopsisJo Whittingham is a gardening writer with a postgraduate degree in horticulture from the University of Edinburgh and a passion for growing fruit and vegetables. She is a former garden columnist for The Scotsman newspaper, and has also written for a range of gardening magazines. She is the author of DK's Grow Something to Eat Every Day and Garden Rescue.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the secret to successfully growing bonsai. The UK''s leading gardening publisher brings you a horticultural handbook to fulfill your every need and seed! Get your gardening gloves on and join the green-fingered journey to grow, maintain and display bonsai successfully from the comfort of your own home and garden.Ideal for first-time gardeners, Grow Bonsai can help you to choose the perfect bonsai from an extensive directory of varieties, whether that''s a delicate deciduous Japanese maple, a flowering hawthorn, or a faster-growing indoor tree such as a tropical fig. Learn how to plant and care for your tree with simple tips on propagation, pruning, wiring, and repotting, while a handy seasonal guide to bonsai maintenance lets you know what to do and when to do it!Part of the Grow low-price paperback gardening series by DK - the UK''s leading and highly regarded practical gardening publisher - targeting first-time gardeners, Grow B

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

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Book SynopsisAll your gardening questions are answered in this updated classic guide to planning, planting, and caring for your outside space. Create and maintain your perfect garden with the world''s finest and most authoritative source of gardening tips and advice from the experts at the RHS, now fully revised and updated to encompass the eco-conscious gardener of today. Marking 30 years since its first publication, this revised edition of the RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening provides dependable, essential gardening advice while expanding on key topics that are important to the next generation of gardeners, such as wildlife gardening and sustainability. Packed with unrivalled detail and a vast breadth of information, you''ll find advice and clearly photographed step-by-step guides that show you how to garden, whether you''re tackling your vegetable plot or tending to cacti and succulents. Updated with the latest guidance to help your plants withstand pests and diseases and

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

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Book SynopsisA fascinating insight into the art of topiary, with step-by-step instructions, spectacular photography and authoritative textTrade Review“This will be a great inspiration for people...wishing to create form and shape with greenery.” Piet Oudolf

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Book SynopsisGrow your own apples, figs, plums, cherries, pears, apricots, and peaches in even the smallest backyard! Ann Ralph shows you how to cultivate small yet abundant fruit trees using a variety of specialized pruning techniques. With dozens of simple and effective strategies for keeping an ordinary fruit tree from growing too large, you’ll keep your gardening duties manageable while at the same time reaping a bountiful harvest. These little fruit trees are easy to maintain and make a lovely addition to any home landscape.

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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 Synopsis'A great book if you are seeking small space inspiration.' Evening StandardFrom House & Garden's book picks of the year:'Whether you dream of a Mediterranean oasis, a rose-filled retreat or a tropical jungle, Green will help you to make the most of your space, proving that small can indeed be beautiful.'From Daily Mail's best books of the year:'Can a really small space ever be turned into a beautiful garden? Fashionable garden designer Ula Maria shows how even the tiniest balcony or courtyard can become something special. Featuring numerous case histories and practical advice on storage, paving, furniture and lighting, this is an excellent reference source for anyone with limited space and big dreams.''Garden designer Ula Maria takes us on a safari through small but perfectly formed oases...to inspire your very own Eden.' - Elle Deco'Urban garden design has inspired books ever since the Victorians started to green their sprawling new neighbourhoods. But where Maria's Green differs is that it focuses on the possibilities of growing in small spaces rather than the restrictions. The 22 gardens she has brought together (by various designers) erupt with potential...In Green urban gardens, so often prone to a twinge of pity from those who tend larger, more rural spaces, become deeply aspirational.' - Alice Vincent, the Daily Telegraph 'A must for apprehensive city gardeners and for anyone wanting to make the most out of their outdoor space, no matter how small it might be. [...] Flicking through it feels almost as enjoyable and relaxing as sitting in the garden.' - Gardens Illustrated'The first book from rising star Ula Maria tackles the perennial challenge of how to create a garden in a small space. [...] Whether you dream of a Mediterranean oasis, a rose-filled retreat or a tropical jungle, Green will help you to make the most of your space, proving that small can indeed be beautiful.' - House & Garden'Spending so much time outdoors in my childhood made me think of a garden as a natural extension of my home - an inseparable part of everyday life. It wasn't until I moved into a rented property in the city that I felt an undeniable urge to make the most of the little exterior space that we had and re-evaluate it. In time, creating outdoor spaces that people truly care for, no matter how small or large, became much more rewarding than perfecting any indoor space. Many say that a home is a true reflection of self, but I believe it is the garden, where personalities and relationships with our surroundings truly blossom.' - Ula MariaIn Green, Ula Maria takes a completely fresh look at creating a garden in whatever outdoor space is available - be it a roof terrace, balcony, small back yard or patio. Perfect for first-time gardeners, the book approaches creating a garden as if decorating a room - exploring how to work with scale, colour and texture, to choosing the plants that will thrive in an urban space. At the heart of the book are 22 genuinely small and innovative gardens with a dazzling range of ideas to copy - from a small backyard garden using reclaimed timber, evergreens and grasses to a rental rooftop terrace in the heart of the city where a cottage-style garden has been created in simple containers. Using low-maintenance plants and affordable furniture, lighting and containers, Green offers simple solutions that don't involve major structural work but will quickly result in a stylish and hugely rewarding urban sanctuary. The book was shot by award-winning photographer, Jason Ingram.Trade ReviewGarden designer Ula Maria takes us on a safari through small but perfectly formed oases...to inspire your very own Eden. * Elle Deco *Urban garden design has inspired books ever since the Victorians started to green their sprawling new neighbourhoods. But where Maria's Green differs is that it focuses on the possibilities of growing in small spaces rather than the restrictions. The 22 gardens she has brought together (by various designers) erupt with potential...In Green urban gardens, so often prone to a twinge of pity from those who tend larger, more rural spaces, become deeply aspirational. -- Alice Vincent * Daily Telegraph *A must for apprehensive city gardeners and for anyone wanting to make the most out of their outdoor space, no matter how small it might be. [...] Flicking through it feels almost as enjoyable and relaxing as sitting in the garden. * Gardens Illustrated *The first book from rising star Ula Maria tackles the perennial challenge of how to create a garden in a small space. [...] Whether you dream of a Mediterranean oasis, a rose-filled retreat or a tropical jungle, Green will help you to make the most of your space, proving that small can indeed be beautiful. * House & Garden *Can a really small space ever be turned into a beautiful garden? Fashionable garden designer Ula Maria shows how even the tiniest balcony or courtyard can become something special. Featuring numerous case histories and practical advice on storage, paving, furniture and lighting, this is an excellent reference source for anyone with limited space and big dreams. -- Best books of the year * Daily Mail *Whether you dream of a Mediterranean oasis, a rose-filled retreat or a tropical jungle, Green will help you to make the most of your space, proving that small can indeed be beautiful. * House & Garden *

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Book SynopsisThirty years ago, in vitro propagation was a new technique for producing plants, and Lydiane Kyte’s Plants from Test Tubes became the standard work on the topic.The new fourth edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the many advances in science and technology, including the five accepted sequential stages of micropropagation. Ten new plants have been added. This in turn has greatly expanded the already extensive bibliography. Among the new topics that have been introduced or expanded on are embryo culture for breeding, somaclonal variation, anther culture, somatic embryogenesis, cryopreservation, and genetic engineering. More ornamental plant examples are given and many new illustrations provided, including a chronology of discoveries in micropropagation.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the secret to successfully growing and nurturing beautiful roses.Ideal for first-time gardeners, Grow Roses contains everything you need to bring spectacular colours and gorgeous scents to your garden.Learn how to grow and care for a variety of roses with tips on selecting the right site, planting, and pruning. Discover the perfect roses for your own outdoor space with a handy directory of the best varieties for every situation, as well as the ideal plants to grow alongside them. With their ease of cultivation, tolerance to varied climates, and sublime beauty, roses are the perfect flower for the modern garden.Packed with practical, jargon-free know-how, this easy-to-use guide has everything you need to know to help your garden Grow.

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Book SynopsisA quick and easy guide to growing stunning collections of plants in pots.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis is a seminal piece of work on truly sustainable gardening, written with great spirit and soul. * Alys Fowler, TV presenter and author of The Edible Garden *The ultimate book on the subject… extremely thorough and beautifully illustrated. * Let's Talk (East Anglia) *A magnificiently produced tome that is sure to become every forest gardener's horticultural toolkit and bible. * Grow It! *Martin has produced a book that is not only visually beautiful but very practical, offering advice on planning, designing, planting and general maintenance. * Positive News *Visually stunning with beautiful photography and illustrations, accompanying very informative and well constructed text. * Self Sufficient-ish Website *This book offers bountiful food for thought. If you are considering the creation or maintenance of a forest garden, then you would do well to have this book on your shelves. * Green Prophet *This book is a must if you are interested in producing food from your garden, becoming more self-sufficient or just curious about plants and their uses. * The Cottage Gardener *This seminal piece of work is not only visually enthralling, it's incredibly easy to use. It contains a level of detail and explanation that makes it a must read for anyone who is serious about building a truly sustainable forest. * WWOOF Ireland *Table of ContentsForeword by Rob Hopkins Introduction Part 1: How forest gardens work 1. Forest gardens 2. Forest garden features and products 3. The effects of climate change 4. Natives and exotics 5. Emulating forest conditions 6. Fertility in forest gardens Part 2: Designing your forest garden 7. Ground preparation and planting 8. Growing your own plants 9. First design steps 10. Designing wind protection 11. Canopy species 12. Designing the canopy layer 13. Shrub species 14. Designing the shrub layer 15. Herbaceous perennial and ground-cover species 16. Designing the perennial/ground-cover layer 17. Annuals, biennials and climbers 18. Designing with annuals, biennials and climbers Part 3: Extra design elements and maintenance 19. Clearings 20. Paths 21. Fungi in forest gardens 22. Harvesting and preserving 23. Maintenance 24. Ongoing tasks Glossary Appendix 1: Propagation tables Appendix 2: Trees and shrubs for hedging and fencing Appendix 3: Plants to attract beneficial insects and bees Appendix 4: Edible crops by month of use Resources: Useful organisations, suppliers and publications

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Book Synopsis(new edition) A clear and expert how-to guide to pruning and training ornamental and fruiting plants, with 970 informative photographs and illustrations, and a directory of plants and how to prune them (new edition).

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Book SynopsisWelcome to Rekha''s Kitchen Garden: a North London allotment that is bursting with the very best seasonal produce all year round. With more than 30 years'' experience as both an amateur and professional gardener, there is no better guide to home-grown produce than Rekha. Let her teach you the tricks and share the lessons she has learned from a lifetime of sowing, digging, and harvesting. This isn''t your average introduction to growing your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Packed with personality and stunning photography, this is a celebration of more than 40 seasonal crops that will inspire you to make the most of your allotment or kitchen garden.So what are you waiting for? Dive straight in to discover: - More than 40 profiles on different allotment crops, including vegetables, fruit, and herbs, with each one showcasing Rekha''s personal experience and advice for achieving the best results.- Profiles organised by harvest season,

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Book SynopsisThe exquisite art of bonsai is beautifully demonstrated in this authoritative, practical handbook, which takes the reader from a first foray into the world of miniature trees to a level of considerable expertise. The book, now made available again in paperback, covers both indoor and outdoor varieties and is full of practical information about cultivation, propagation and pruning. It is a guide both for newcomers to the art and for bonsai gardeners with some knowledge of the subject. The handbook describes, with clear text and step-by-step artworks and finely detailed photographs, the anatomy and the art of this classic hobby. It describes the rules - and also how they can be broken. It will enable beginners to start up their own bonsai collection, whether of home-grown or bought trees, and to keep their bonsai healthy and in good shape. It will answer questions for those who already have some experience with bonsai. All the tools and the skills needed are described, and a photographic compendium displays the top 24 species, both outdoor and indoor.Trade Review"Bonsai books abound, but [this] may convince me to try again. It combines aesthetic appreciation with lucid practical advice, along with helpful drawings. Prescott deals with almost every facet of the art-from the proper tools, to watering, feeding, root pruning, soil types, pots and branch wiring-in a way that is truly encouraging."--"Washington Post Book World"

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Book SynopsisOur climate is in a state of flux. Weather patterns are changing and therefore the way we manage our gardens are changing too. This offers a new and exciting challenge for all gardeners. This new book looks at the garden styles of nine regions which have always dealt superbly with heat, drought and water shortage - the Italianate Garden, the Islamic Garden, the Patio Garden, the Mediterranean Garden, the Gravel Garden, the Desert Garden, the Bush Garden, Cape Colour and the Jungle Garden. Each chapter explains the style and includes a practical tutorial, typical plant forms, a planting plan and a project. The final chapter is a useful plant directory introducing the key plants along with cultivation advice for growing them yourself. This is a critical read for gardeners, a practical and inspirational insight into the classic gardens defined by sunshine, humidity and lack of water that will continue to inform the gardens of tomorrow.

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Book SynopsisThe Kew Gardener's Guide to Growing Cacti and Succulents is the latest title from the Kew Experts series, giving you everything you need to master the art of growing cacti and succulents.

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Book SynopsisNow with a revolutionary new “Climate Battery” design for near-net-zero heating and cooling "Jerome Osentowski is a master of simple, elegantly frugal, eminently practical indoor gardens."—Amory Lovins In this groundbreaking book, Jerome Osentowski, one of North America’s most accomplished permaculture designers, presents a wholly new approach to a very old horticultural subject. In The Forest Garden Greenhouse, he shows how bringing the forest garden indoors is not only possible, but doable on unlikely terrain and in cold climates, using near-net-zero technology. Different from other books on greenhouse design and management, this book advocates for an indoor agriculture using permaculture design concepts—integration, multi-functions, perennials, and polycultures—that take season extension into new and important territory. Chapters Include: Expanding the Possible with Season Extension The History and Mechanics of the Climate Battery Considerations for Building Your Own Greenhouse Several Off-site Case Studies And much more! Osentowski, director and founder of Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute (CRMPI) incorporates deep, holistic permaculture design with practical common sense. His greenhouse designs, which can range from the backyard homesteader to commercial greenhouses, are completely ecological and use a simple design that traps hot and cold air and regulates it for best possible use. With detailed design drawings, photos, and profiles of successful greenhouse projects on all scales, this inspirational manual will considerably change the conversation about greenhouse design.Trade ReviewPublishers Weekly- "Osentowski shows how building and maintaining a Mediterranean or tropical greenhouse full of figs, lemons, papayas, and bananas can be both affordable and practical. Drawing on his 30 years of experimentation and teaching in the harsh, dry mountain environment of his Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute, he offers lush descriptions of his five greenhouses and in-depth, layered advice on designing and constructing a balmy winter retreat. His method uses a 'climate battery’ consisting of tubes buried underground to collect and hold warm air from the greenhouse, which then recirculate it when the temperature cools, backed up in the coldest days with a pellet or wood stove that can simultaneously heat an attached sauna. Osentowski admits that he prefers a hands-on method of teaching, and his written tours through greenhouses are sometimes hard to follow. Novices may be intimidated by the lack of step-by-step, formulaic instruction. But more experienced gardeners, builders, and tinkerers, and even intrepid beginners willing to carefully observe, compute, and ponder, will find this readable guide jam-packed with enough information and inspiration to help them attempt their own indoor paradises.”“A grand master of American permaculture, Jerome Osentowski has pioneered school gardens, high-altitude/high-nutrient cropping, bio-islands for organic golf course management, and heritage fruit trees for the mountain West. Of them all, the forest garden greenhouse is the most impressive. A marvel of integration between humans, the built environment, and the natural world, the greenhouse, in a world of climate calamity, will prove indispensable for both home comfort and food production. The Forest Garden Greenhouse surpasses all others on the subject for technical innovation and practical design.”--Peter Bane, author of The Permaculture Handbook: Garden Farming for Town and Country, board member, Permaculture Institute of North America, and former publisher and editor, Permaculture Activist magazine“In 1997 I had the privilege of visiting Jerome Osentowski’s forest garden in Basalt, Colorado. There is no doubt that Jerome learns from nature with enthusiasm and is one of the few with the capacity to translate his observations into a garden that feeds people—and dreams. The Forest Garden Greenhouse not only makes you wonder how you could achieve forest gardens at home and in your community, but it also makes you take action without delay! There is a sense of urgency that we transform our resource use; with wisdom gained from experience, Jerome shows us how we can do just that.”--Gunter Pauli, author of The Blue Economy“This revolutionary book captures what Jerome Osentowski has learned in decades of building and tending his high-altitude food forest and extensive permaculture site. Jerome’s climate battery is a brilliant idea deserving a broad audience. It brings greenhouse technology into the twenty-first century using simple, appropriate materials. The Forest Garden Greenhouse clearly and elegantly describes the greenhouse, the garden, and the evolution of Jerome’s deep wisdom and creativity. This is much more than a greenhouse book; it’s a manifesto and guidebook showing how permaculture can help us live regenerative lives.”--Toby Hemenway, author of The Permaculture City and Gaia’s Garden“Jerome Osentowski is a master of simple, elegantly frugal, eminently practical indoor gardens that can grow lots of almost anything almost anywhere by not treating soil like dirt. His recipe for rich sheet-mulched soil has so far produced 58 passive-solar banana crops (and over 100 other kinds of higher plants including Bornean tropicals) in my own super-insulated passive-solar home near Aspen. Now The Forest Garden Greenhouse lucidly shares Jerome’s deep, versatile, and ever-evolving experience. Read, learn, apply, improve, spread, enjoy!”--Amory B. Lovins, cofounder and chief scientist, Rocky Mountain Institute“Living in a cold climate is no excuse for not growing your own tropical fruits and year-round vegetables. The Forest Garden Greenhouse teaches how to harvest not just food but year-round temperateness, based on the real-world experience of a seasoned greenhouse designer and manager. After my last visit to Jerome’s greenhouse, I came home to Massachusetts and we built a subtropical greenhouse. Once you read his book, you will want to, too!”--Eric Toensmeier, author of The Carbon Farming Solution and Perennial Vegetables

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Book SynopsisSoil Science for Gardeners is an easy-to-read, practical guide to the science behind a healthy soil ecosystem and thriving plants. The book debunks common myths, explains soil science basics, and provides the reader with the knowledge to create a personalized soil fertility improvement program for better plants.Table of ContentsIntroduction What Is Soil Health? Using the Book Terminology SECTION 1: UNDERSTANDING SOIL1. Soil Basics Components of Soil Origin of Soil Soil Particles Soil Texture Importance of Particle Size Air and Water Aggregation and Soil Structure Soil pH 2. Plant Nutrients Ions What Is Salt? Movement of Nutrients in Soil Essential Plant Nutrients Micronutrients Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) 3. Soil Life Energy Food Web The Power of Large Molecules Ratio of Fungi to Bacteria Chemicals in the Soil Pathogen Control Identification of Microbes 4. Bacteria What Do They Eat? Where Do They Live? Role in Disease Prevention Ideal Environment Role in Building Soil Aggregates Conditions that Harm Bacteria Nitrogen Fixation 5. Fungi What Do They Eat? Where Do They Live? Fungi at War Fungal Parasites Mycorrhizal Fungi 6. Other Organisms Actinomycetes Algae Protozoa Nematodes Arthropods Earthworms 7. Organic Matter Decomposition: Converting Dead Things into Humus Truth About Humus Too Much Organic Matter Compost Chelation 8. Rhizosphere Root Exudates Soil Enzymes Effect of Desiccation Soil pH Levels Dynamic Microbe Population Allelochemicals Plants Are in ControlSECTION 2: SOLVING SOIL PROBLEMS9. Identifying Soil Problems Why Do We Fertilize? Soil Testing Plants as Indicators of Soil Problems Plant Tissue Analysis DIY Test Kits Determining Soil Texture Crusted Soil Quantification of Microbes Level of Organic Matter Compaction Hardpan Drainage 10. Gardening Techniques That Affect Soil Tilling Working the Land Mulching Hoeing Cover Crops Raised Bed Gardening Crop Rotation Companion Planting 11. Solving Chemical Issues Buffer Capacity Increasing pH Decreasing pH Saline and Sodic Soils Increasing CEC Synthetic vs Organic Fertilizers Understanding Fertilizers Synthetic Fertilizers Organic Fertilizers Fad Products 12. Solving Microbe Issues Inoculation Solarization Controlling Pathogens Compost Tea Best Practice for Increasing Microbe Populations 13. Increasing Organic Matter Options for Adding Organic Matter Cover Crops Vermicompost Bokashi Compost Biochar Biosolids 14. Dealing with Structural Problems Compaction Drainage Issues Modifying Soil Texture Clay Soils Sandy SoilsSECTION 3: A PERSONALIZED PLAN FOR HEALTHY SOIL15. Developing a Plan for Soil Health Improvement 16. How Detailed Should You Get? 17. Soil Health Assessment Chemical Tests Soil Sampling Instructions 18. Soil Health Action Plan Soil Health Assessment Action Plan Action Plan Follow-upAppendix A: Soil Health Assessment Form Appendix B: Action Plan for the Year Index About the Author About New Society Publishers

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Book SynopsisOver the years, Japanese gardeners have fine-tuned a distinctive set of pruning techniques that coax out the essential characters of their garden trees, or niwaki. In this highly practical book, Western gardeners are encouraged to draw upon the techniques and sculpt their own garden trees to unique effect. After first discussing the principles that underpin the techniques, the author offers in-depth guidelines for shaping pines, azaleas, conifers, broadleaved evergreens, bamboos and deciduous trees. Throughout the text, step-by-step illustrations accompany the instructions, while abundant photographs and anecdotes bring the ideas surrounding niwaki vividly to life.Trade ReviewMore than a pruning manual, Hobson's guide encompasses the cultural implications of niwaki, an artistic custom integral to the gardening legacy of Japan. -- Alice Joyce Booklist 20070401 Of as much interest as the practical cutting points are the bits of history and lore woven into the chapters that stress the spiritual underpinnings of this ancient art. -- Marianne Binetti Seattle Post-Intelligencer 20070518 Any gardener would be fascinated, not only by the pruning and training techniques, but the background information about Japanese culture which the author weaves throughout the book. -- Karen Helfert Washington Gardener 20070701 Has wonderful illustrations and very specific directions that should prove useful to anyone who has garden subjects that need pruning. -- Linda Brazill Capital Times (Madison) 20070728 More marriages have gotten in trouble over the 'correct' way to prune shrubs than probably any other gardening task. We can't save your relationship, but we [can] suggest Niwaki - Pruning, Training, and Shaping Trees in the Japanese Way. -- Jill Sell Cleveland Plain Dealer 20070728 Easily the best book in English on this pristine type of pruning. ... Anyone who appreciates plants and Japanese culture will find more than they could have imagined in this unique book. -- Clear Englebert West Hawaii Today 20071202 Detailed drawings of the pruning methods, as well as numerous photos of Japanese examples, make this an eminently practical guide. SciTech Book News 20071201 Definitely has what it takes to impress serious garden nerds, [but] there's also plenty here for the rest of us. ... Niwaki is [Hobson's] first book; let's hope it's not his last. -- Josephine Bridges Asian Reporter 20091117

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Book SynopsisPlant parsley and asparagus together and you’ll have more of each, but keep broccoli and tomato plants far apart if you want them to thrive. Utilize the natural properties of plants to nourish the soil, repel pests, and secure a greater harvest. With plenty of insightful advice and suggestions for planting schemes, Louise Riotte will inspire you to turn your garden into a naturally nurturing ecosystem.Table of ContentsThe ABCs of companion planting; pollination of fruits and nuts; nut trees; fruit tree culture; poisonous plants.

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Book Synopsis“A veritable goldmine for gardeners.” —Plant Talk We’ve all seen gorgeous perennial gardens packed with color, texture, and multi-season interest. Designed by a professional and maintained by a crew, they are aspirational bits of beauty too difficult to attempt at home. Or are they?The Know Maintenance Perennial Garden makes a design-magazine-worthy garden achievable at home. The new, simplified approach is made up of hardy, beautiful plants grown on a 10x14 foot grid. Each of the 62 garden plans combines complementary plants that thrive together and grow as a community. They are designed to make maintenance a snap. The garden plans can be followed explicitly or adjusted to meet individual needs, unlocking rich perennial landscape designs for individualization and creativity.

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Book SynopsisFerns are easy to grow and readily available in big box stores, garden centers, and mail-order nurseries, making them a popular ornamental among new and advanced gardeners. Perfect for containers, borders, layered gardens, foliage accents, and shady areas, ferns come in a range of colors and varieties. The Plant Lover’s Guide to Ferns, by fern enthusiasts Richie Steffen and Sue Olsen, is packed with information on these reliable plants. The book includes profiles for 134 plants, with information on growth and propagation, advice on using ferns in garden design, and lists of where to buy the plants and where to view them in public gardens.

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Book SynopsisThe first book to be widely published in English by Dutch garden designer Jacqueline van der Kloet, one of the foremost gardeners in the New Perennial movement who has collaborated with Piet Oudolf. Growing Bulbs in the Natural Garden is the first guide of its kind showing how bulbs can be incorporated into gardens alongside perennial plants and grasses so they appear to have grown naturally, with a nonchalant style that takes bulbs out of an old-fashioned traditionalism into a looser design space. The book teaches home gardeners and designers how to plan for successive flowering periods that ensures that the same spot produces flowers again and again, with bulbs that flower early, in the middle of the season, and late into the fall. If these mixtures are assembled with bulbs that are suitable for naturalizing, or that will flower again many years in a row, the grower will benefit most, planting them once and then enjoying for years to come. Growing Bulbs in the Natural Garden is fully photographed, with tips on the basics of gardening with bulbs for both beginners and enthusiasts, including a brief history of bulbs, defining characteristics, colour considerations, garden planning, and planting tips for both traditional and modern styles in borders, containers, green roofs, and in grass as part of a meadow landscape. There is a chapter on notable examples of bulbs in van der Kloet's garden designs around the world: the Keukenhof Garden and Floriade Festival in the Netherlands, Clumber Park in the UK, the Lurie Garden in Chicago (which she collaborated on with Piet Oudolf), and Shinko Central Square in Japan. The final chapter is a selection of Jacqueline's favorite bulb varieties for each season. Written in a friendly, welcoming, elegant, and disarming style, Jacqueline van der Kloet is poised to make a memorable debut in the English language gardening and horticulture world.

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Book SynopsisA must-read for anyone who wants to know how to grow their own zero-food miles, pesticide-free veg, while treading gently upon our planet. Dave Goulson, author of The Garden Jungle and Gardening for Bumblebees Whether you’re an experienced gardener or have ambitious plans for your allotment, this A–Z, soil-to-table guide shows you how to reduce chemical inputs; naturally enrich your growing ecology; and create a hardy, nutrient-dense and delicious crop. In The Healthy Vegetable Garden, expert organic gardener Sally Morgan explains how to use natural approaches to cope with the challenges of a changing climate through principles from regenerative gardening, agroecology and permaculture – all to help your green space thrive. The Healthy Vegetable Garden shows you how to: Combat disease and keep pests at bay with natural predators, companion planting and trap and barrier crops Choose the right plants to attract pollinators and pest predators Build a healthy soil full of organic matter, earthworms and mycorrhizal fungi Regenerate soil through no-dig practices, composting, cover crops and mulching Boost biodiversity through the use of crop rotations and polyculture Rewild your garden by creating a range of habitats, making use of walls and fences, log piles, water features and wild corners Understand plant defences and use biocontrols Make natural barriers, traps and lures A healthy, productive garden should work in harmony with nature to produce and protect delicious fruits and vegetables as well as build a rich soil that is full of life. With The Healthy Vegetable Garden, growers of all levels will start reducing incidents of pests and diseases while creating a verdant habitat – all without the need for fertilizers, pesticides or weedkillers.Trade Review"A must read for anyone who wants to know how to grow their own zero–food miles, pesticide-free veg, while treading gently upon our planet."—Dave Goulson, author of The Garden Jungle and Gardening for Bumblebees"COVID has led to a renewed appreciation of nature for many people, and an interest in joining CSAs or growing their own produce. So this book could not be better timed, and given Sally’s lifetime experience of organic gardening, it’s bound to inspire all those who want to ‘grow back better’."—Helen Browning, chief executive, Soil Association"If you want to grow your own food while helping nature to thrive, this fascinating book is for you. I learnt a lot."—Alex Mitchell, author of Crops in Tight Spots"An invaluable addition to the gardening literature, Sally Morgan’s new book does a superb job of presenting a holistic, ecological approach to soil health as well as pest and disease management. Whereas many books may simply say, ‘Use X product to fight X issue’, Morgan describes in thorough detail what the gardener can do – from building habitats to improving soil conditions – to ensure that issue never has a chance to take hold. You will turn to this book time and again as a smart, non-dogmatic guide to producing consistently healthy crops and, in effect, a healthier environment."—Jesse Frost, author of The Living Soil Handbook"There are so many reasons to grow a healthy food garden, and expert gardener Sally Morgan shows you how. In this comprehensive guide, you will dig deep into the world of soil, natural pest control and companion plants, along with a range of options for your natural landscape. This clearly written book sets up a strong foundation for new gardeners while also offering advice for those with more experience, who seek tools for building and maintaining a healthy food garden from start to finish."—Ellen Ecker Ogden, author of The New Heirloom Garden"In The Healthy Vegetable Garden, Sally Morgan shares a wealth of information about growing healthy soil as the foundation for exceptional gardens which produce nutritional food with minimal pests. Her simple informative style empowers the reader to put these concepts into grounded action. She has created a fantastic resource for the success of the next generation gardeners."—Katrina Blair, author of The Wild Wisdom of Weeds"One thing I found refreshing about Sally Morgan’s book is that she doesn’t trade in the myth of the ‘perfectly balanced organic soil’ which, of course, is not to be found in this imperfect, constantly evolving world. She doesn’t aspire to a weed-free or pest-free garden, but rather one where problems are kept manageable without resorting to extreme or disruptive remedies. She cites a slew of strategies one might use to correct course: biocontrols, barriers repellents, and so on. However, she keeps returning to the basic premise that by fostering a diverse and resilient habitat, the soil and garden ecosystem can do a great deal to regenerate and maintain itself, making external fixes unnecessary."—Will Bonsall, author of Will Bonsall’s Essential Guide to Radical, Self-Reliant Gardening"There are few gardeners (or farmers) I know who wouldn’t benefit from reading Sally Morgan’s new book, The Healthy Vegetable Garden. For the novice grower, the book is a great introduction to the principles and methods of ecological gardening. And for the veteran grower, there is sure to be plenty of new information, including incredibly detailed sections on pest and disease control. . . .[This is] a detailed and indispensable resource."—Hobby Farms

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

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Book SynopsisThis book breaks the work you need to do to keep your garden in perfect shape into daily five minute chunks. Following this little and often approach, you’ll be amazed how much you can achieve. Laetitia Maklouf is a garden writer and busy mother of three who has realised that the secret of gardening without becoming overwhelmed is to do something small every day. She’s packed this book with little bursts of activity – spruce, chop, nurture, fuss or tackle a larger project – that can all be managed in five-minute forays. Spruce the lawn by raking fallen leaves in October, or fuss with your snail defences in May. Nurture your hardy annual seedlings in December, and chop your hydrangeas in March. Every day, rain or shine, do something for your garden with whatever time you can spare. Before you know it, you will have a daily gardening habit and a beautiful garden you can enjoy all year round.Trade Review'Just what you need…the idea is clear and no-nonsense.' * Waitrose Weekend *'A brilliant way to keep you engaged with your garden all year round, rain or shine.' * Liz Earle Wellbeing *‘Written in a sweet breezy style, this is the guide to help you stop stressing about your garden.’ -- The Daily Mail'Packed with bite-sized, useful nuggets of advice, along with reassurances from the author that all will be well.' -- Irish Times

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

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Book SynopsisThe go-to guide on mushroom farming and cultivation! This is a reference book for the next generation of DIY mycologists. Sandor Ellix Katz, author of The Art of Fermentation A clear, comprehensive guide that is a gift to amateur as well as professional mushroom growers. Toby Hemenway, author of Gaia’s Garden In Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation, professional mushroom grower and biologist Tradd Cotter shares the results of his groundbreaking research gives, giving readers an A to Z guide for cultivating mushrooms – from sourcing laboratory equipment at low cost to starting cultures and spawn generation - without chemical or electrical input. Readers will learn: How to cultivate morels indoors and outdoors Indispensable descriptions of 25+ different genus of mushrooms Training mycelium to respond to specific contaminants Perpetuating spawn on cardboard without the use of electricity Preparing tinctures, powders and mushroom-infused honey Making an antibacterial mushroom cutting board How to grow mushrooms on your old denim jeans! Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation is aimed towards readers wanting to grow mushrooms without the use of pesticides, and the author takes this “organic” drive one step further by introducing an entirely new way of thinking – looking at the potential to grow mushrooms on just about anything, anywhere and by anyone.Trade ReviewLibrary Journal- "Microbiologist Cotter came to mushroom farming in his 20s and quickly became hooked. He shares his enthusiasm for the practice in this wide-ranging book, which covers topics of interest for the beginning hobbyist to the market farmer. Starting with general information about the mushroom life cycle and growing techniques, it progresses into innovative applications for mushrooms and educational ideas using fungi, and then gets into advanced systems. The title concludes with a guide to specific mushrooms and methods for growing them indoors and outdoors. Highlights of innovative techniques include growing media and guerilla urban mushroom producing. More advanced and experimental projects are fascinating, such as the potential for mushroom farming on a space ship and advice on ways to cultivate morels. Emphasized throughout are low-cost and sustainable methods, with several features on how to grow mushrooms without electricity and in disaster areas. Cotter describes the “mushroom rescue modules” he imagines being shipped to disaster relief areas that can provide food, mosquito control, and water purification. ­VERDICT Because this title covers a lot of ground it will be extremely useful for mushroom farming enthusiasts at any level.”Booklist- "Mushrooms 'are part of Nature’s decomposers and constructors, the agent of habitat renewal,' Cotter tells us. And mycoremediation is the use of mushrooms to create an effective biomass that can break down environmental and industrial pollutants. A microbiologist, mycologist, and organic gardener, Cotter takes a holistic approach, mindful of the mushroom’s life cycle and ecological role, in this challenging guide to the indoor and outdoor cultivation of edible mushroom varieties. He also provides information on medicinal, industrial, and ecologically remedial applications. His in-depth exploration extends beyond cultivation to 'healing the people and the planet.' The book’s four sections cover the fundamentals of mushroom cultivation; innovative applications and projects, including alcoholic beverages; advanced techniques and research, including mycoremediation; and detailed descriptions of selected mushrooms. With plenty of photographs and other illustrations and comprehensive back matter, including glossary, bibliography, list of resources and suppliers, and index, Cotter’s advanced how-to is best for those seeking serious mycological knowledge.”Publishers Weekly- "This comprehensive introduction to growing and utilizing fungi has something for all mushroom-inclined readers, be they individuals curious about growing edible fungi in their backyards or basements, prospective mushroom farmers setting up large growing systems, educators from kindergarten to college levels, or innovators experimenting with eco-friendly materials. In addition to providing step-by-step directions for growing mushrooms, the book foodies, amateur scientists, and activists with esoteric and advanced applications for them, such as mushroom-infused beers; 'mushroom modules' that can be used for food, water filtration, or insect control in disaster relief; and mushrooms that can be “trained” to break down specific contaminants. Both practical and passionate, Cotter offers extensive and detailed information about mushroom biology, propagation, and remediation for novices. This refreshing take goes beyond typical how-tos, which only provide rote directions and absolute answers. He has equal interest in encouraging budding mycologists, mushroom growers, and mycoremediators to observe, experiment, and add to the knowledge of this mysterious burgeoning field.”“Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation is a guide and inspiration for new and experienced mushroom cultivators alike. Tradd Cotter has done a great job of combining the complexity of mushroom cultivation with the intuitive simplicity of ‘small steps.’ Highly recommended for fungophiles as a great read and reference!” --Jim Gibson, past president, Colorado Mycological Society“Tradd Cotter has written a clear, comprehensive guide that is a gift to amateur as well as professional mushroom growers. The pages are enlivened by Cotter’s enthusiasm for the many possibilities that fungi offer, and his obvious familiarity with growing these marvelous creatures—not just theoretical knowledge—makes the book particularly valuable. This book opens the doors wide to a diverse and fascinating fungal world.”--Toby Hemenway, author of Gaia’s Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture“Mushroom cultivation should be playing a much bigger role in our gardens and farms. Tradd Cotter’s Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation provides low-cost, easily accessible techniques for growing mushrooms indoors and outdoors, from home to commercial scale.”--Eric Toensmeier, author of Paradise Lot and Perennial Vegetables“This is a reference book for the next generation of DIY mycologists. It is a great practical guide to mushroom cultivation, starting with basic concepts and building from there to mycoremediation and experimental strain development. Tradd Cotter is a man with a mission, who has done and thought about all this a lot; he has learned to explain it with great clarity and in a simple and well-organized manner.”--Sandor Ellix Katz, fermentation revivalist and author of The Art of Fermentation and Wild Fermentation“Finally, an accessible resource covering a wide variety of mushroom-cultivation approaches. Tradd Cotter’s book fills an enormous need—I’ve been wishing for a resource like this for a long time. This is the kind of book I’ll keep nearby and will turn to often over the years. Any farmer or gardener who wishes to garner food or medicine value from wood needs to understand and cultivate mushrooms. And this is the best all-around manual I’ve seen.”--Ben Falk, author of The Resilient Farm and Homestead“Tradd Cotter has done a wonderful job sharing his practical experience in a well-organized way with illustrations that clearly underline the topics. Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation is an invaluable resource for teaching students about mushroom cultivation.”--Peter Oei, author of Mushroom Cultivation, director of horticulture innovation at InnovatieNetwerk, Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, and founder of MeattheMushroom.nl and spore.nl.“Wow! Tradd Cotter is a genius of organic mushroom production. His step-by-step instructions and beautiful photography make this a must-have book.”--Robert Rogers, author of The Fungal Pharmacy: The Complete Guide to Medicinal Mushrooms and Lichens of North America

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