Search results for ""author alan titchmarsh""

In this inspirational and practical guide to country life, passionate and hugely knowledgeable countryman Alan Titchmarsh explores the heritage of rural Britain, its landscapes and wildlife, its traditions, customs and crafts. The Lost Skills and Crafts Handbook will help you rediscover your love of the countryside, including:- a checklist of British butterflies and where to find them- how to keep chickens, ducks, goats and sheep- how to make soap, candles and your own herbal remedies- how to track animals and forage for food- essential knot tying- how to build a campfire without matches- how to create a kitchen garden- the origins of country superstitionsAnd much more. With beautiful line art illustrations throughout, this compendium of the British countryside and its delights will be an essential read for any nature lover in your life.

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According to their friends, Tom and Pippa Drummond have the perfect existence - a great lifestyle, a lively marriage, and a great kid in Tally. In their late thirties, living in a converted barn on the edge of the Sussex Downs, Tom is a partner in 'The Pelican', a restaurant in Axbury Minster, and Pippa, after a short career as a cook, grows herbs for sale locally and brings up sixteen-year-old Tally - a lively blonde with her head screwed firmly on to her shoulders. A rare summer holiday is planned - an idyllic retreat in the Italian hills. Tom takes time off from the restaurant, Pippa leaves her herbs in the charge of a dotty neighbour, and Tally takes a break from the two men in her life - fast-living Alex and the plodding, persevering 'Blip'. Tuscany is everything they hoped it would be - cicadas in the trees, the scent of sage and citrus and suppers under the stars. But their joy is short lived. Overnight their lives, their circumstances, their very identities are suddenly altered, and life will never be the same again. From being the envy of their friends, the Drummonds are plunged into a world that nobody would wish upon them.

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Few elements add interest to a garden better than a well-placed tree, and even small gardens can accommodate one. But trees are long-term investments, so it's worth knowing exactly what you want before you plant. Here Alan Titchmarsh guides us through the selection and planting processes, plus how to look after trees to ensure optimum performance and maximum impact. * Garden design ideas and where to plant trees * Practicalities of location and aspect * Ornamental effects for all seasons * Pests, tree diseases and problems * Illustrated gallery of recommended trees

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The greenhouse is one of the most useful tools a gardener can have. It is a place to propagate seedlings, nurture young plants, experiment with exotic planting and hide from the rain. This book provides all the information and advice you will need to decide which greenhouse is right for you, set it up and get your planting going, and all under the watchful eye of the nation's favourite gardener.Includes:* guidance on selecting, installing and maintaining a greenhouse* recommended vegetables, fruit, herbs and ornamental plants for growing under cover* practical advice on general care, harvesting, storage, propagation and pest control* seasonal management guide* step-by-step illustrations showing essential techniquesAlan Titchmarsh imparts a lifetime of expertise in these definitive guides for beginners and experienced gardeners. Step-by-step illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions guide you through the basic gardening skills and on to the advanced techniques, providing everything you need to get the most from your greenhouse.

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A powerfully life-affirming story of the wonder of nature, the ties of family, and the healing power of love from bestselling novelist and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh***An ordinary life. An extraordinary choice.Adam Gabriel has always been a child of nature. Raised on his parents' remote Yorkshire farm, where life is measured by the rhythms of the flock, the turn of the seasons, and the yearly arrival of an itinerant local monk, he seems destined for a quietly contented life. As Adam grows, Luke and Bethany see flickers of something extraordinary in their son - a healing touch that goes beyond his love for the land. But Adam's gentleness has always made him an outsider, and a powerful gift can also be a heavy burden... When tragedy turns the Gabriels' life upside down, Adam faces a stark choice. Can he keep faith in his talents, even if it means risking the suspicion of others? Should he listen to the lure of new horizons, or does happiness lie closer to home? And when he needs it most, can he find the strength to save the people he loves?***There's an Alan Titchmarsh novel for every mood! If you're looking for . . . An enthralling wartime mystery, head over to THE SCARLET NIGHTINGALE 'A perfect love story' (Katie Fforde), search for THE HAUNTING An uplifting, enchanting novel about second chances, dive into MR GANDY'S GRAND TOUR An absorbing family saga, head over to the page for FOLLY An escapist family mystery, read BRING ME HOMEPraise for Alan Titchmarsh:'The story brims with intrigue' - Daily Express on THE HAUNTING'A pleasurable read which fans will lap up' - Daily Mail on MR GANDY'S GRAND TOUR 'It's just brilliant - full of poetry' - Jilly Cooper

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Rob MacGregor, hired to recapture the declining audience for a daytime gardening programme, quickly becomes Britain's latest heartthrob. The only trouble is, Rob's co-presenter is not at all pleased to see his thunder stolen. Nor is Rob's longterm girlfriend, Katherine, pleased to find out that Rob's been having a steamy affair with one of the TV station's newsreaders... Rob's career goes from strength to strength, but he finds the in-fighting and TV politics harder and harder to cope with - and he's becoming increasingly concerned about his recently widowed father, who seems to be in danger of losing the small nursery the family has run for generations. Somebody is desperate to buy that land, and Rob is determined to find out why...

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

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Daffodils and tulips herald the arrival of spring, but from the earliest snowdrops to autumn crocosmias, bulbs bring colour and interest to gardens all year round. They can be naturalized in lawns, planted in containers, fill gaps between shrubs or form the basis of stunning borders. This definitive guide gives you Alan Titchmarsh's advice on how to plant bulbs for best effect in your garden.* A-Z directory of Alan's recommended bulbs, corms, tubers and rhizomes* Easy-to-follow plans show how to use bulbs in various situations and at different times of year* Practical tips for growing bulbs in grass, rockeries, containers, indoors and for cutting* Planting and growing techniques* Seasonal planting for year-round colour and scent

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An allotment can be a source of abundant fresh fruit and vegetables for the home, as well as an oasis of calm for all the family to enjoy, but taking one on and learning how to grow your own can be an intimidating prospect. Alan Titchmarsh makes allotment gardening easy by explaining how to get the most from your plot with easy-to-follow, practical information and advice on what to grow, when to harvest and how to store your produce.* How to assess your plot and work with what you've got * Advice on layout and crop rotation * Expert guidance on care and maintenance * Directory of vegetables, fruit and herbs * Seasonal calendar of what to do when

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We all aspire to a beautiful garden that suits our lifestyle, but it can be hard to keep on top of the day-to-day care that gardens often require to look their best. Perfect for those who struggle with the workload, who want a space to relax in but aren't especially green-fingered, or for those are simply too busy to get stuck in, Weekend Gardening shows how to create an achievable garden that lives up to your dreams with just a few hours of work a week.* Explains the basic principles of labour-saving garden design * Practical gardening projects that can be completed in a weekend* Recommended easy-care plants * Solutions for difficult sites, including tricky soil types * Quick-reference seasonal tasks

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After moving from the Barleywood garden where he hosted BBC Gardeners' World for seven years, Alan Titchmarsh set up home in an old farmhouse a few miles down the road, and went about planting his own private eden away from the public eye. In this horticultural memoir Alan finally reveals all about this secret garden, explaining with his trademark warmth the personal stories behind its design and evolution. Accompanied by beautiful photographs taken by Jonathan Buckley throughout the eight years in which the garden has been made, My Secret Garden allows us access to all of the successes and failures of this diverse and ambitious project.Comprising many different styles and spaces - from an acre of formal beds and ponds to wild flower meadows and a stunning winter garden - Alan's tales of development and cultivation will be applicable to all gardeners. With the plot encompassing fruit trees, a handsome greenhouse and wildlife-friendly plantings, gardeners of all styles and levels of expertise will find something to enjoy. Driven by Alan's infectious and informative style, My Secret Garden is a fascinating, amusing and inspiring book.

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Expert advice on hanging baskets, window boxes, patio pots and sink gardens. Advice on compatibility of containers and plants such as bulbs, climbers and fruit and vegetables, and how to arrange them for maximum visual and olfactory impact.Includes:* style solutions for all types of garden* comprehensive advice on plant selection* guidance on seasonal care, repotting, watering and feeding* tips on how to achieve year-round colour and scentAlan Titchmarsh imparts a lifetime of expertise in these definitive guides for beginners and experienced gardeners. Step-by-step illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions guide you through the basic gardening skills and on to the advanced techniques, providing everything you need to create and maintain your dream garden.

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Nick Robertson has become used to his grandmother Rosie's dotty behaviour. At 86, a widow now, she is determined that before life passes her by, she will live a little. Or, preferably, a lot.It wouldn't be so bad if Nick had nothing else to do, but with a job to find, two warring parents to cope with and a love life in terminal decline, he would prefer his grandmother to get on with things quietly. But, Rosie insists, there is no time like the present. Life is to be enjoyed to the full and to hell with the consequences. She'll help Nick find the soulmate he clearly lacks and he can help her make the most of her few remaining years. Alan Titchmarsh's sparkling new novel is a delicious blend of humour and romance, and a resounding affirmation that there is no such thing as the generation gap.

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An anthology and miscellany of everything an Englishman should know: - From Austen to Wordsworth - Jerusalem to the Scout's Honour - Kings and Queens of England to Land of Hope and Glory- Savile Row tailors to Jermyn St Shirt Makers - Tying a Windsor knot to making a pot of tea - Victoria sponge to fish pie - The rules of cricket to Gilbert and Sullivan operas

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One of the most exciting aspects of gardening is growing your own plants from scratch. In this definitive guide, Alan Titchmarsh shows how simple it is to propagate plants by following a few basic techniques. Learn how to produce a flourishing garden filled with ornamental and edible plants, at very little expense. * Demystified, down-to-earth approach to propagation * Easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step diagrams * A–Z directory with recommended propagation techniques for each plant * Key tips on taking cuttings, sowing seed, layering and division * Guidance on promoting growth of young plants

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Alan Titchmarsh MBE is known to millions through his career as a television presenter of shows including Love Your Weekend, Love Your Garden, Ground Force, Gardeners' World, The Alan Titchmarsh Show and Spring Into Summer. He has written more than forty gardening books, as well as twelve novels and three volumes of memoirs. He was made MBE in the millennium New Year Honours list and holds the Victoria Medal of Honour, the Royal Horticultural Society's highest award.

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Successful gardens can be created in the smallest spaces, and in this inspiring and practical guide Alan Titchmarsh shows how to transform even the tiniest outdoor area into an attractive garden. With ideas for maximizing space and advice on garden design, planning and plant selection, this is the definitive handbook for anyone wanting to create a private haven in limited space.* Ideas for front gardens, side passages, courtyards, balconies, rooftops and windowsills* Tricks to make small spaces seem larger* How to use every inch of space, including containers* Easy-to-follow landscaping plans for all garden shapes and styles* Guidance on growing vegetables, herbs and fruit in small plots

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Deals with the basic skills that every gardener needs to know and understand. Think about what you're trying to achieve, whether it be formative shaping of the plant, maintenance, renewal or rejuvenation. Look at the best tools available for the job and the different techniques to use.Includes:* guidance on selecting and using tools and equipment* comprehensive instructions on pruning plants, including roses, shrubs and hedges* tips on how to increase cropping and flowering* advice on training for shape and supportAlan Titchmarsh imparts a lifetime of expertise in these definitive guides for beginners and experienced gardeners. Step-by-step illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions guide you through the basic gardening skills and on to the advanced techniques, providing everything you need to create and maintain your dream garden.

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Covers everything from the initial planning of your garden on paper to how to make your design a reality with planting, laying and construction guides. This single book will tell you everything you could need to know to achieve your ideal garden.Includes:* how to assess your site, create a style and source materials* advice on planting schemes and achieving year-round interest* tips on working with design principles such as scale, proportion and balance* simple instructions for hard landscapingAlan Titchmarsh imparts a lifetime of expertise in these definitive guides for beginners and experienced gardeners. Step-by-step illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions guide you through the basic gardening skills and on to the advanced techniques, providing everything you need to create and maintain your dream garden.

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Britain's favourite gardener Alan Titchmarsh has also been the most popular contributor to Gardeners' World magazine for the last twenty years.This collection of his very best columns, demonstrates just why he is regularly voted the readers' favourite. His brilliant writings are, in turn, practical - just how far back should we prune our roses? - opinionated - I always rail at people who go out on a Sunday afternoon to tidy their gardens. I mean, a garden is not a sock drawer - cheeky - I have a theory that gardeners grow to look like their soil and wistful - You've got to be a bit of a dreamer to get the most out of your garden.So lay down your trowel, take off your wellies, sit back and enjoy a bit of quintessential Titchmarsh.

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**Alan's spellbinding new novel THE GIFT, set in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, is available to pre-order now!**Timothy Gandy has kept his lifetime's ambition secret for forty years.Now, suddenly (if tragically) released from the hen-pecked tedium of his ordinary existence, he is unexpectedly free to realize his dreams.He will embark on a Grand Tour of Europe, following in the footsteps of the aristocrats of the eighteenth century.He anticipates high art, culture and pleasant weather. He never expected to encounter new friendships - and possibly even love - along the way. It seems that Mr Gandy has embarked on the journey of a lifetime . . .READERS ARE LOVING MR GANDY'S GRAND TOUR:'Another heartwarming story from Alan Titchmarsh' - 5 STARS'Well worth reading' - 5 STARS'What a sweet tale this was' - 5 STARS'Loved it!' - 5 STARS'Enchanting' - 5 STARS

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'A perfect love story' - Katie FfordeHow can the mysterious disappearance of Anne Flint and the drowning of a young girl in a chalk stream in 1816 possibly affect the life of schoolteacher Harry Flint some two centuries later?With a failed marriage and no job, Harry begins to research his ancestors. The deeper he digs, the more he realises that the past is closer than he had ever imagined, that people are not what they seem and that the past is no more predictable than the future . . .The Haunting is a story of love, betrayal and intrigue from bestselling novelist and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh.READERS ARE LOVING THE HAUNTING:'Oh, what a wonderful story. Do read this book, it will not disappoint' - 5 STARS'Such a fantastic story. I couldn't put it down' - 5 STARS'Alan's best book to date' - 5 STARS'A great, fascinating read' - 5 STARS'MORE please Alan. What a talented writer you are' - 5 STARS

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You can't beat growing, picking and eating fruit from your very own garden. This book will guide you through the processes and pitfalls of fruit-growing, from propagating your first seeds, or planting your first fruit tree, to selecting the ripe fruits for your dinner table.Includes:* guidance on selecting all types of fruit for home growing* handy tips for maximizing flavour and cropping* illustrated A-Z profiles of recommended fruit* practical advice on care, harvesting, storage, pruning, propagation and pest control* step-by-step illustrations showing essential techniquesAlan Titchmarsh imparts a lifetime of expertise in these definitive practical guides for beginners and experienced gardeners. Step-by-step illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions guide you through the basic gardening skills and on to the advanced techniques, providing everything you need to grow delicious fruit in your garden.

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'Art, antiques and romance are the ingredients: Titchmarsh boils the pot to a fine froth' - Saga MagazineJamie Ballantyne and Artemis King were never meant to fall in love. The feud between their families has run for three generations.But whatever Jamie's head might tell him, his heart will always belong to Artemis. After fifty years, perhaps it's time for the Kings and the Ballantynes to bury the hatchet.Then Jamie and Artemis start to uncover their shared past. What they find will rock the foundations of both their families, as a web of deceit and intrigue is ruinously exposed . . .Readers are loving FOLLY:'Alan Titmarsh at his best' - 5 STARS'I didn't want to put down! I will certainly be recommending to my friends' - 5 STARS'A really absorbing story' - 5 STARS'After reading three of his novels I am an Alan Titchmarsh fan . . . next!' - 5 STARS'Brilliant!' - 5 STARS

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Overcome the problems every gardener faces with helpful solutions to the problem of shady spots, and handy tips on how to make the most of these notoriously difficult areas.Includes:* creative design ideas for brightening up dark spaces, including north-facing walls* directory of shade-loving plants* care advice for shady lawns and how to deal with moss and algae* ways to achieve year-round colour and interestAlan Titchmarsh imparts a lifetime of expertise in these definitive guides for beginners and experienced gardeners. Step-by-step illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions guide you through the basic gardening skills and on to the advanced techniques, providing everything you need to create and maintain your dream garden.

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'It's just brilliant - full of poetry' - Jilly CooperSet in wartime London and occupied France, this is a thrilling story of love, danger and sacrifice from bestselling novelist Alan Titchmarsh.It is the late 1930s when seventeen-year-old Rosamund Hanbury leaves behind the endless summers of her coastal Devonshire home for the fast pace of high society London. Under the expert guidance of her formidable aunt, the country mouse learns how to act like a lady, hosting dinner parties and rubbing shoulders with Britain's most influential. And when the enigmatic Harry Napier sweeps her off her feet at London's famous Café de Paris she could almost forget that Britain has declared war. But the Phoney War ends. Harry is posted, London reels from the first bombings of the Blitz and Rosamund suffers a devastating personal loss that leaves her all the more determined to do her bit for the war effort. Joining the Special Forces she is sent to work alongside the Resistance on a top secret mission in France. It is here that her courage and loyalty are truly put to the test. And where she learns that no one is what they seem: at home or abroad . . .READERS ARE LOVING THE SCARLET NIGHTINGALE:'Alan Titchmarsh at his best' - 5 STARS'[Alan Titchmarsh] is a genius and has my full admiration. Buy the book!' - 5 STARS'What a fabulous read, no hesitation in recommending this wonderful book' - 5 STARS'Made me cry, so beautifully written' - 5 STARS'I loved this book - I can highly recommend' - 5 STARS

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An enthralling family mystery from bestselling novelist and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh.It seems a perfect afternoon in the Highlands. Standing at the door of the lochside castle that has been his family's home for generations, Charlie Stuart welcomes his guests to the annual summer drinks party. Conversation, laughter and the clinking of glasses soon fill the air as friends and neighbours come together to toast the laird's happiness and prosperity.But Charlie sees the truth behind the façade: the sacrifices made to safeguard the estate; the devastating losses that have haunted him for decades; the guilt that lies at the heart of it all. And in a few hours, he knows, the perfect afternoon will come to an end. The past, with its dark secrets of love, death, loyalty and betrayal, is about to catch up with him. And it could finally tear his family apart . . . .READERS ARE LOVING BRING ME HOME:'Such a beautiful story. Its a book I would definitely recommend, and also one I will never forget' - 5 STARS'Alan you've done it again' - 5 STARS'I thoroughly recommend it' - 5 STARS'Well done Mr Titchmarsh - I'm looking forward to reading more of your books' - 5 STARS'ANOTHER brilliant book by Titchmarsh' - 5 STARS

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In this warm, wonderfully evocative and often hilarious memoir one of the best-loved men in Britain, Alan Titchmarsh, brilliantly recalls his childhood in 1950s Yorkshire. Alan Titchmarsh grew up, and developed his passion for nature in the wild and beautiful landscape of Yorkshire. A real treat for his millions of fans, the ever-popular presenter vividly depicts a childhood of simple pleasures like climbing trees and fishing in streams, in a time of post-war austerity. It was not a deprived childhood, yet neither was the garden eternally rosy and Alan's colourful portrait of a bygone era brings poignant moments and others that leave you aching with laughter. Alan's sharp eye for detail brings to life various family members and their memorable quirks, as well as local characters, childhood haunts and significant events that have shaped his life. Filled with Alan's inimitable down-to-earth humour and heart-warming tales, this memoir is guaranteed to be every bit as well-loved as Trowel and Error, which has now sold over 400,000 copies, and become a classic of childhood memoir.

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Herbaceous perennials flower each year, dying down in the winter and springing back to life the following spring. They are central features in the landscape of a garden as they appear year-after-year and must be regarded as constant features. This book gives the expert view on the vast array of flowers available.Includes:* creative garden ideas and border planting plans* practical advice on care, maintenance and propagation * illustrated A-Z profiles of recommended plants * recommended plants for specific purposes, conditions and effects* step-by-step illustrations showing essential techniquesAlan Titchmarsh imparts a lifetime of expertise in these definitive guides for beginners and experienced gardeners. Step-by-step illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions guide you through the basic gardening skills and on to the advanced techniques, providing everything you need to create beautiful flower borders in your garden.

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Foreword by Alan TitchmarshFor more than 45 years Hugh Johnson has written Trad's Diary, delighting in recording his observations of his own garden, as well as many others, and of the wider natural world. Free to turn his attention to whatever is happening in that season, or simply something that piques his interest, his subjects are as diverse as the sounds of water, forest walks, the names of roses, the taste for shade he shares with Handel, the colours of autumn, the smell of rain, the private garden discovered within Beijing's Forbidden City or the first crocuses of spring. Month by month, Hugh shares with the reader through his easy, evocative writing an eclectic mix of thoughtful, topical and whimsical insights that will delight not only gardeners but anyone with an interest in nature in all its costumes.

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With a foreword by Alan Titchmarsh, this beautifully illustrated book tells the story of the Royal Horticultural Society, the perhaps the foremost gardening institution in the world. The RHS is the world's largest gardening charity but what it does and why is little understood and rarely celebrated. From defining new gardening trends at the Chelsea Flower Show, to ranking the best dahlias to grow at the Wisley trial grounds, to inspiring communities with Britain in Bloom, educating children to grow and eat their veg through the Campaign for School Gardening, the RHS works tirelessly to improve the gardener's lot. With the use of evocative archive images and contemporary photos by award-winning Jason Ingram, this beautiful book explores the past, present and future of this most influential organisation by listening to the voices of those working today. Gardening expert and regular Gardener's Question Time panellist Matthew Biggs tells this story in rich and intimate detail, from the society's origins at the start of the 19th Century right through to the present day, with fascinating insight into the evolution and operations of the RHS throughout the years. From the thousands of volunteers in the society's five unique gardens (Wisley in Surrey, Rosemoor in Devon, Hyde Hall in Essex, Harlow Carr in Yorkshire and new addition Bridgewater in Salford), to the one million visitors to its inspirational flower shows (including Chelsea, Hampton Court, Tatton Park, Cardiff, Wisley and Chatsworth); the society gives meaning to more than 475,000 members, millions of television viewers and visitors from around the world. The RHS is the best of gardening, and this book presents the best of the RHS. Behind the scenes, access all areas, this book will give lasting pleasure to anyone who enjoys their garden.

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'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - Bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh Elisabeth Devine certainly rocked the boat when she arrived in Barton-in-the-Dale to take over as head teacher of the little primary school. Now it's a new term, and after winning over the wary locals, she can finally settle in to her role. Or so she thinks . . . For the school is hit by a brand-new bombshell: it's to be merged with its arch rival, and Elisabeth has to fight for the headship with Urebank's ruthless and calculating headmaster. She has her work cut out for her.But add in some gossip and a helping of scandal, not to mention various newcomers bringing good things and bad to Barton, and that's not the only trouble that's brewing in the village.Readers are loving TROUBLE AT THE LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL!'I love this man's style and humour.' - 5 STARS'A really lovely story' - 5 STARS'One of these difficult-to-put-down books with its various twists and turns.' - 5 STARS'Made me blub' - 5 STARS'If you enjoyed the first book, then you will love this sequel.' - 5 STARS

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'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh Love is in the air in the little village of Barton-in-the-Dale. Anyone can see that Ashley Underwood and Emmet O'Malley are made for each other. They've just got to admit it to themselves . . . But as the saying goes, the course of true love never did run smooth.While romance blossoms on one side of the village, an angry young boy struggles to believe in love. But when tragedy strikes, he learns that comfort and care can come from the most unexpected of places.Meanwhile, head teacher Elisabeth Stirling faces a new challenge for the start of the school year. An eccentric teacher joins the staff, and there's also a worrying case of potential negligence to answer. In the village too, a puritanical new vicar stirs up trouble. But as always, mixed in with the drama there's plenty of gossip, laughter, friendship - and love - in Barton-in-the-Dale.Readers are loving A LESSON IN LOVE!'When you pick up one of his books you don't want to put it down.' - 5 STARS'A beautiful book.' - 5 STARS'The best book ever.' - 5 STARS'A charming, lovely book' - 5 STARS'A great, colourful, packed-with-character read.' - 5 STARS

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'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - Bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh She was wearing red shoes! With silver heels!Elisabeth Devine causes quite a stir on her arrival in the village. No one can understand why the head of a big inner city school would want to come to sleepy little Barton-in-the-Dale, to a primary with more problems than school dinners. And that's not even counting the challenges the mysterious Elisabeth herself will face: a bitter former head teacher, a grumpy caretaker and a duplicitous chair of governors, to name but a few.Then there's the gossip. After all, a woman who would wear red shoes to an interview is obviously capable of anything . . .Warm, funny and poignant, Gervase Phinn's first novel creates a fictional world that's as real as can be. It will delight all his fans, and win him many more.Readers are loving THE LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL!'A jolly good read.' - 5 STARS'Superb, easy reading.' - 5 STARS'I completely fell in love with all the characters in this book.' - 5 STARS'Will definitely go on to read more of Gervase Phinn's works.' - 5 STARS'Wonderful storytelling, believable characters.' - 5 STARS

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'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - Bestselling author Alan TitchmarshSummer has arrived in Barton-in-the-Dale and as a new term begins at the little primary school, it's not just the warm weather that's getting people hot under the collar.Meetings with the teachers from Urebank School to discuss the merger are producing more than a few fireworks, a disruptive new pupil arrives, set to cause trouble, and a surprising staff love affair is exposed. There's also a big school production of The Wizard of Oz to organise as well as an impending visit from the Minister of Education. Headteacher Elisabeth Devine certainly has her work cut out for her.And that's just some of the drama set to shake-up the village. Throw in a sprinkling of secrets, shocking revelations, old flames, new liaisons, psychics, weddings and misfortune . . .There's plenty to gossip about this term.Readers are loving THE SCHOOL INSPECTOR CALLS!:'Any Gervase Phinn book should give you hours of pleasure.' - 5 STARS'Compulsive reading as ever.' - 5 STARS'I can't wait to read more.' - 5 STARS'I would recommend this book.' - 5 STARS'Wonderful descriptions of village and school life' - 5 STARS

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Sail away with the delightful new novel from Gervase Phinn, bestselling author of The School at the Top of the DaleA summer cruise should be just the ticket for a few weeks of luxury and relaxation - but for the passengers and crew of the Empress of the Ocean, the sights of the Mediterranean are nothing compared to the excitement on board...For bickering couple Albert and Maureen, the trip might prove a much-needed escape - or the final straw. Elegant Frances de la Mare is determined to hobnob with the right kind of people - but her penthouse suite proves lonelier than she ever imagined. Meanwhile, precocious twelve-year-old Oliver discovers that guidebooks don't teach you everything, sparks fly when the port lecturer finds himself upstaged by a popular author, dancers Bruce and Babs can't keep in step, and cruise expert Neville just wants someone to speak to.But as unlikely friendships are forged, feuds bubble in the laundry room, and everyone jostles for a seat at the Captain's table, they might find all their plans going overboard.... Warm, funny and uplifting, this is the perfect escapist read for fans of Gervase Phinn's Yorkshire novels, as well as readers of Celia Imrie, Alan Titchmarsh and Maeve Haran.'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh

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'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh'It's a small village is Barton-in-the-Dale, Mrs Stirling,' said the shopkeeper. 'You ought to know that by now. Nothing can be kept secret for too long. News travels fast.'In the little village of Barton-in-the-Dale, long-hidden secrets are bubbling to the surface. Ashley Underwood and Emmet O'Malley are set to tie the knot, when a revelation from the handsome Irishman's past returns to haunt him. The town's resident nosey-parker discovers some juicy gossip about the primary school's dishy new staff-member, and head teacher Elisabeth Stirling has a very special secret of her own.As the wedding day draws closer, brewing secrets threaten to boil over. But along with the skeletons tumbling out of the closet comes plenty of laughter, drama, friendship and love. One thing's for sure: for some, life in Barton-in-the-Dale will never be the same again.Readers are loving SECRETS AT THE LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL:'Wonderful' - 5 STARS'Perfect light summer reading' - 5 STARS'Just as good as his previous book in the series.' - 5 STARS'I so enjoy the trials and tribulations of this Yorkshire school. Gervase is a fine writer.' - 5 STARS'It's like having a gossip with a good friend - a beautiful series of books.' - 5 STARS

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'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan TitchmarshNewly qualified teacher Tom Dwyer has been given his first post in Risingdale, a sleepy little village at the very top of the Yorkshire Dales. Unsure if he'll ever fit into this close-knit community, Tom joins a motley staff at the village school. With pupils who know more about sheep than they do arithmetic, Tom has his work cut out for him. Add to that an altercation with the beautiful but stand-offish Miss Janette Fairborn and an argument with the local squire's son, and Tom's first term proves a baptism of fire. But Tom soon finds himself growing fond of Risingdale, and with a class of lively and demanding pupils, an end-of-term show to put on, and a jewellery thief at large, he will find himself at the centre of drama, secrets revealed, and plenty of love, laughter and new friendships. Full of colourful characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, The School at the Top of the Dale is a warm and humorous portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village.Readers are loving TROUBLE AT THE LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL:'Well written and highly entertaining - exactly what I hope for from this author. ' - 5 STARS'Another good read.' - 5 STARS'A well written story about a small community full of interesting characters.' - 5 STARS'Another gem.' - 5 STARS'Again, a most enjoyable story. I cannot put the book down.' - 5 STARS

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'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh'A shining light in our dark days' - 5 STAR reader reviewAfter an eventful start to his first ever teaching post in the sleepy village of Risingdale, Tom Dwyer is hoping for a bit of calm. Nursing a broken heart after a romantic disappointment, he just wants to keep his head down and get on with his job. But it is not to be. A beautiful London artist sets tongues wagging when she moves into the village, and her precocious yet frail son is in Tom's class. On top of that, his colleague's malicious ex-husband is back, determined to create mischief, and a tragedy on one of the winding country roads sends the village reeling. And all this alongside a class of children who still seem to know more about farming than fractions. With its colourful mix of characters both old and new and its many laugh-out-loud moments, Tales Out of School is a warm, humorous portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village.Readers are loving TALES OUT OF SCHOOL:'Loved it. So easy to read, lovely story, unforgettable characters.' - 5 STARS'Brilliant!' - 5 STARS'Could not put the book down. Gervase Phinn is an expert story teller.' - 5 STARS'Such a relaxing and calming read' - 5 STARS'I have been waiting for this sequel and it didn't disappoint.' - 5 STARS

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'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh'A shining light in our dark days' - 5 STAR reader reviewAfter an eventful start to his first ever teaching post in the sleepy village of Risingdale, Tom Dwyer is hoping for a bit of calm. Nursing a broken heart after a romantic disappointment, he just wants to keep his head down and get on with his job. But it is not to be. A beautiful London artist sets tongues wagging when she moves into the village, and her precocious yet frail son is in Tom's class. On top of that, his colleague's malicious ex-husband is back, determined to create mischief, and a tragedy on one of the winding country roads sends the village reeling. And all this alongside a class of children who still seem to know more about farming than fractions. With its colourful mix of characters both old and new and its many laugh-out-loud moments, Tales Out of School is a warm, humorous portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village.Readers are loving TALES OUT OF SCHOOL:'Loved it. So easy to read, lovely story, unforgettable characters.' - 5 STARS'Brilliant!' - 5 STARS'Could not put the book down. Gervase Phinn is an expert story teller.' - 5 STARS'Such a relaxing and calming read' - 5 STARS'I have been waiting for this sequel and it didn't disappoint.' - 5 STARS

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