The Curious Gardener’s Almanac: Centuries of Practical Garden Wisdom

ISBN 978-0-399-53377-8     Copyright 2006 A Perigee Book

By Niall Edworthy

This is 187 pages of pure delight. The author has collected anecdotes, practical advice, old gardener's tales, quotations and more in this wonderful book. You’ll find Six Ways of Using Basil, What NOT to Feed Your Garden Birds, Ten Ways to Prevent or Treat Aphid Damage, Five Reasons Not to Dig Your Garden Plot as well as Five Reasons TO Dig Your Garden Plot, recipes such as Green Beans and Wilted Lettuce and so much more. There is nothing dull in this book; the author has done an excellent job. This would make a great gift for any gardening enthusiast.

July 2009

Exploring Garden Style ~ Fine Gardening Design Guides ~Creative Ideas from America’s Best Gardeners

by Taunton Press

If you think of your garden as another room to decorate and furnish, as I do; then this is the book for you. With wonderful photography and great hints you can discover how to create American-style cottage gardens, soothing water gardens, fragrant evening gardens, an abundant kitchen garden and more. Numerous site plans are included. My favorite chapter was entitled “A Feast for the Eyes” which included a list of Dazzling Edible Plants.

 170 pages   2001 by Taunton Press, Inc.    ISBN #1561584746

Currently available new and used on Amazon.com for just over $3

January 2009

“The Pruning Manual” By Edwin F. Steffek

This is not a recent release; in fact this book turns 50 this year. It was originally published under the title “Pruning Made Easy” and sold over 60,000 copies, quite a feat in those days. The book has since been revised and the information updated. It includes new chapters on The Badly Overgrown Garden and, Groundcovers..

It is 134 pages of easy to read information with very nice illustrations. Perfect for the beginning pruner. I credit this book with saving the life of my Forsythia bush from my zealous newbie pruner husband, Bill Scissorhands.  If you are into gardening books, this is a nice little addition to your library. With prices as low as 1 cent on amazon.com, the cost is good too.

July 2008