Category Archives: Book Reviews

Book Review: Chelsea A Centenary Celebration

Posted on April 26, 2013 by

I was thrilled to  recently be offered a review copy of RHS Chelsea Flower Show: A Centenary Celebration by Brent Elliott.  Although in recent years my enthusiasm for the show has waned I was curious to learn about the history … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Garden Shows, Gardening Books, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Beautiful No Mow Yards – A Book Review

Posted on January 16, 2013 by

This book has suddenly become of great interest to me.  Why is my interest now piqued? Because my back ‘lawn’ is nothing more than a quagmire.  Due to the seemingly never-ending rain last year it has become very muddy and … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, garden, gardening, Gardening Books, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 23 Comments

I made bread

Posted on January 4, 2013 by

Having watched the Great British Bake Off for a few years I decided it was about time I learnt to make bread.  I have tried in the past  and produced the odd brick, even the pre-mixed packets haven’t really worked … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Cooking, Food | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

The Layered Garden: Book Review

Posted on November 1, 2012 by

If you are a fan of Christopher Lloyd and Fergus Garrett, as I am, then you will enjoy The Layered Garden by David Culp.  The title attracted me as I am interested in the notion of successional planting so I … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Gardening Books, Reviews | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

The Unexpected Houseplant – Book Review

Posted on October 13, 2012 by

I have been looking forward, for some months, to receiving a review copy of Tovah Martin’s  The Unexpected Houseplant.  Whilst I have 8 houseplants in my house I do feel as a keen gardener and plant lover that I could … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Gardening Books, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

Book Review: The A-Z of Plant Names

Posted on August 11, 2012 by

My reaction on receiving The A to Z of Plant Names by Allen J Coombes through the post from Timberpress was one of fascination and interest.  I always find the stories about how plants were found and by whom interesting … Continue reading →

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Landscaping for Privacy – A Review

Posted on May 3, 2012 by

If there was ever a book written for an anti-social recluse like me it is this one.  Well so I thought, but actually Landscaping for Privacy changed my way of looking at creating privacy and has certainly given me food … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Front garden, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

Review: Encyclopedia of Flowering Shrubs

Posted on March 4, 2012 by

The arrival of a review copy from Timberpress of the Encyclopedia of Flowering Shrubs by Jim Gardiner was very timely.  I have recently realised, a bit slow off the mark, that having a larger garden than I have previously had … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Making A Garden

Posted on January 28, 2012 by

If you are confronted with a blank canvas of a garden or want to drastically change an existing garden and don’t know where to start then reading Matthew Wilson’s Making A Garden would be a good starting point. The book … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Reviews | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Weeds – Earth’s Sticking Plaster

Posted on January 5, 2012 by

Why do we get so vexed by what we term weeds – going to huge lengths to eradicate them from our gardens? And why do we categorise some plants as weeds and some not? I have always suspected that it … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Reviews | Tagged , | 16 Comments