Book Description
Most gardeners want their borders to be interesting and colorful over a long season, even year-round if winters are not too severe. With this book, Christopher Lloyd shows how he chooses and orchestrates plants so that the borders always look their best. Once having covered the principles of succession planting, Lloyd explores the ingredients necessary to ensure continuously lively borders — from anchor plants and permanent perennials to drop-in plants and self-sowers. Packed with fresh ideas and practical advice for every season, Succession Planting contains all the information you need to create brilliantly successful year-round planting schemes.
Customer Reviews:
Unattainable Beauty!.......2005-11-28
Succession Planting for Year-round Pleasure is a fantastic book by Christopher Lloyd, who has previously written quite a few, which are also excellent. The photos are among the most beautiful I have ever seen, and I give this book my highest honors. But perhaps it deserves some demerit on the grounds of impracticality or even depressing unattainability.
For one thing, Lloyd's long border at his estate at Great Dixter is 200 feet by 15 feet, so many of the effects which he finds practical are not possible in any garden likely to be owned by the bourgeoisie. Further, he gardens in England in perhaps the equivalent to Zone 8. Despite this, he is always looking to push the limits of hardiness with exotic plants. And outside of Britain and coastal Oregon and Washington, there is virtually nowhere in the English-speaking world where the winters are so mild, and yet the summers are not too hot for many of his plants.
So taken altogether, in any combination of 3 plants you might consider, it's a safe bet that 1 of them either can't be grown in your location, or will require extraordinary levels of coddling to get through the winter. At some level there's nothing wrong with that; who hasn't at least considered growing Dahlias or Gladioli, which must be dug up, but can then be stored in most basements? However, his planting schemes are more labor intensive than this. The semi-hardy and tropical plants he loves must be dug up, or have cuttings taken, and many are wintered under glass; to do this for all of his many varied plants, he apparently has at least 3 different temperatures in his greenhouses or cold frames.
Normal (i.e., not superhuman) gardeners use biennials and short-lived perennials (the ones which seed themselves to death) such as Lupines, many Dianthus, Digitalis (foxglove) and Lychnis coronaria, as relatively easy self-sowers, performing enough dead-heading to keep seedlings to a modest level, and hopefully to keep the mother plant alive as well. For Lloyd and his head gardener, Fergus Garrett, the chosen method for all of these but the Lychnis (rose campion) is generally to sow seeds in summer, pot them up and put in a cold frame in October, bed out the next April or May, then rip out the plants as soon as their blooms have faded. Naturally his Lupines make mine look diseased. Damn him to hell and all that. For fuzzy-leaved Verbascums, which he winters in their final positions, he actually suspends a plate of glass over their crowns to keep them dry so they don't rot!
All that said, his plant combinations are exquisite, and many of them are obtainable by most gardeners in temperate climates. More important, the principles he espouses, the color combinations, and the methods of succession among broad types of plants, are all transferable to less intensive methods, or to other plants which are more practical for your situation. Further, I defy anyone to read this book without discovering several new plants he will plan to try out. I am made newly aware especially of several with true- and deep-blue flowers. Buy or borrow this book, but also consider his older books, "The Adventurous Gardener" and "The Well-Tempered Garden." They have essentially no illustrations, but a wealth of cultural information and design ideas and critiques of many plants and cultivars.
I love this book!.......2005-04-06
Normally I don't get into gardening books...I'm a sucker for the pictures, but find the text boring.
This book however has been so fun to read -- and, yes the pictures are beautiful. It helps create a garden for each season, and it shows photos from the same garden each season. I've just planted based on some ideas in this book, so I guess I'll need to report back how it works out.
Book Description
Soma has become synonymous with a mindful approach to cannabis gardening and an earth-friendly lifestyle. Soma's varieties of marijuana are considered legendary and have been big winners at the most reputable harvest festivals of Europe. Now for the first time, he shares the philosophy and methods that distinguish him as a world-class breeder of cannabis in one concise volume. Essays include detailed advice on organic approaches to growing the plant and address the specific needs of sophisticated connoisseurs and enthusiasts. Two full-color sections of Soma’s lush photography reveal the colorful beauty and range of the cannabis plant. Perfectly suited to the home grower, Soma’s advice is inspiring and informative, emphasizing the sublime qualities of marijuana’s flavor and effects when grown in optimal conditions.
Customer Reviews:
Great book.......2007-10-03
This book was a good read. Everything I want to know about growing and cultivating my plants was there. Along with some great tips for my plants and thier health.
I Loved This Book.......2006-11-01
I was really pleased with the outlook this book gave me on growing medical cannabis. It contain lots of helpful imformation and it simplified my approach to growing Cannabis. SOMA actually speaks of the Cannabis plant with a respect and reverance that is rare in American culture where the plant is categorized negatively and used as a symbol for rebellion. I suggest this book to all of my friends and all those interested in growing and I hope that this kind of reverance for this perfect plant becomes contagious in our society.
Soma Review.......2006-06-27
I was pleasantly surprised that a such a small book could deliver so much information. I have yet to discover a better book on Organic Cannibis cultivation. Even if you are not growing in Soil or totally organic it will still give you some great growing ideas.
Nice to have, not must have........2006-05-21
Good book, but not comprehensive.
If you're just starting out and want a good book that covers the fundamentals I would start with either "Grow Great Marijuana" or "The Cannabis Grow Bible". Both are are good introductory books with GGM as a Dummies book and TCGB as a great intro to genetics and breeding.
However, this book makes a good addition to the library and it's worth the price.
If I learned anything.........2006-05-18
..I learned to respect the plant as a living object. I really enjoyed this book. This is not for the beginner but should greatly improve someone who has a basic understanding. I think it's more for turning the hobby into a form of artwork. He teaches you how to look for body language in your garden and grow the healthiest organic medicine you can.
Average customer rating:
- Introduction to farm living and farm business
- Good Overall look at the subject of Hobby Farms
- From gardening the land and handling farm animals to handling the seasons, predators, and more
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Hobby Farm: Living Your Rural Dream for Pleasure and Profit
Carol Ekarius
Manufacturer: BowTie Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Gardening & Horticulture
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Agricultural Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Agricultural Sciences
| Professional Science
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
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Chickens: Tending a Small-Scale Flock for Pleasure and Profit (Hobby Farms)
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Barnyard in Your Backyard: A Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Rabbits, Goats, Sheep, and Cows
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How to Build Animal Housing: 60 Plans for Coops, Hutches, Barns, Sheds, Pens, Nestboxes, Feeders, Stanchions, and Much More
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Goats: Small-scale Herding for Pleasure And Profit (Hobby Farms Series)
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Hobby Farms
ASIN: 1931993599 |
Book Description
Whether a weekend gardener or a dedicated small farmer, the Hobby Farmer series epitomizes the idealistic lifestyle of country--living for pleasure and profit.
Customer Reviews:
Introduction to farm living and farm business.......2007-08-20
Carol Ekarius gives a great introduction to farm living and farm business. Ekarius encourages readers to ask themselves probing questions such as whether the farm will be a lifestyle or commercial enterprise. Most importantly, she compels us to ask if we and our families are ready for the country. Are we prepared to work long hours on the land in the spring, summer, and fall in order to have relaxing winters? Are we prepared to go without the amenities of the "big city"? Do we want to make our living off a farm or just live on a farm?
What I like most about this book is the pictures. The farm scenes with children in orchards gathering apples and caring for livestock, tractors plowing fields, and animals grazing the land were key to getting my family to seriously consider a move to the farm. (I am the only one really into the business aspects right now.) While I cannot remember pictures of junk piles or trash heaps, I do remember Ekarius informing readers that farming culture varies from time and place and that it is important to respect neighbors. (You can trap more flies with honey than vinegar.)
Ekarius' descriptions of farm-related activities such as figuring out which land to buy, farm safety, gardening, livestock, harvesting, and preserving the harvest covers the basics of what to expect after a move to the country before you move to the country. This is a great introduction for anyone interested in going back to the land for either pleasure of profit.
Good Overall look at the subject of Hobby Farms.......2006-08-10
The book was a general look at Hobby Farms. It would be next to impossible for one book to do much else. It certainly gives you a place to start and from there you know what areas you may need to research in more detail on your own. As with all Hobby Farm publications, the photos are so real you feel as if you are on the farm yourself, except no dirt under your fingernails (yet)!
From gardening the land and handling farm animals to handling the seasons, predators, and more.......2005-11-04
Many urban dwellers long to live in the country and dream of owning a small farm: if you're one of them, try Hobby Farm: Living Your Rural Dream For Pleasure And Profit. Author Carol Ekarius' own extensive years of farm dwelling lend to a guide which tells how to not only choose and live on a farm, but how to make some money at the endeavor. From gardening the land and handling farm animals to handling the seasons, predators, and more, Hobby Farm, packed with color photos and insights, covers far more ground than competing farm guides for urban dwellers.
Amazon.com
Simple Pleasures of the Garden is a follow-up to the very popular Simple Pleasures; Susannah Seton was inspired to write it because so many of the suggestions, stories, and recipes from the earlier book were about gardens and gardening. Organized by season, each section contains subheadings under which information is organized: "In the Garden," "With Family and Friends," "Into the Kitchen," "Beautifying Your Home," and "Nourishing Body and Soul." Seton's approach is thorough. She offers tips and stories on herb gardening, information on growing flowers for aroma or to attract butterflies, techniques for toxic-free gardening and composting, and instructions for making simple baskets and wreaths, floral-scented oils and lotions, and potpourri. Her advice doesn't neglect the palate, either: you'll find delightful, simple recipes for cooked vegetables, salads, blackberry jam, rhubarb-strawberry crisp, and many more. It is a delight to browse through Simple Pleasures of the Garden and fantasize, but the danger is that you will want to jump into your own gardening projects. Not to worry, though, beginning gardeners and those with almost no space will find plenty of guidance, including many indoor gardening projects. Just browsing through this book will probably lower your blood pressure.
Book Description
The beauty of nature, the delight of physical work, the soulfulness of planning a garden: Stories of these are combined here with inspirational quotes, tips for pesticide-free gardening, and suggestions for sharing the joys and charms of a garden with others. Projects include handcrafted lotions and oils; baskets and wreaths; simple, inexpensive home decorations; and easy recipes using the garden's bounty.
Book Description
As gardening columnist for The New York Times, Anne Raver is one of our foremost authorities on making things grow. Even non-gardeners will find this book of essays a source of profound pleasure, for Raver is a writer who transcends her subject even as she illuminates it, writing with such passion, wisdom and stylishmess that her book will enchant anyone who reads it.
Customer Reviews:
What to do after the tomatoes die.......2007-07-31
Now that summer has reached its peak and the gophers have snatched my tomatoes; the pressure's off. Either it is or it isn't a Better Homes and Garden garden. (It isn't) And once again I can enjoy reading gardening books and begin plans for next year's successes and for overcoming this year's failures.
Anne Raver, garden columnist for the New York Times, has written a truly funny and charming book in which she shares her own successes and failures.
Raver offers interesting perspectives on the familiar: from the arrival of the tomato seeds via postal carrier to the introduction of a cat into her dog-loving ( and cat hating) household. Just so you aren't kept in suspense, the tomato lives and the cat is loved but both had to overcome a few obstacles.
The Dirt On Earthworms presents these little fellows in a new light. "Aristotle called earthworms `the intestines of the earth'..[It] is barely more than a digestive tract, with just enough brain to shovel food in one end and send nitrogen-rich humus out the other." One of Darwin's volunteer earthworm watchers (yes, there is a hobby for everyone) noted `with interest' that earthworms plug up the mouths of their burrows at night. She even went out, lantern in hand, to watch their evening activities. There she discovered that they affix their tails to their burrows and grabbing stones in their mouths, pull them back to the entrance. From this Darwin surmised "Earthworms...were civilized enough to seek comfort." Hmmm.
Other chapters include "A Plant Is Not An It", "Never Say Thank You For A Plant", "The Year Of The Tomato", and "Gandhi Gardening". However, this is not just another `how I learned to live in harmony with nature by crawling on my belly in the garden' book. Yes, there is a hint of that, but Raver takes her reader further, as she explores country pleasures and successfully translates these pleasures into language. And that is not as simple as it may sound. She says "When you're passionate about something, you often, mistakenly try to get the other person to understand. You keep bringing up little details and profound events, thinking that maybe this time the person will get it, will see what you see." This person got it. A great read!
Great Garden Writing.......2002-11-20
People who get the New York Times and read the garden section are probably totally familiar with Anne Raver's writing, but those in other parts of the country may not be. For many years she was the garden editor of the NY Times and although I don't think she holds this position any longer, I still do find her articles now and then in the Times.
I am a garden writer myself (Allergy-Free Gardening, Safe Sex in the Garden) and I read the work of as many different garden writers as I can. I especially try to read as much material as possible from writers who write for newspapers, since so often they are tuned in to the most current tastes in horticulture. Then too, as a writer I always appreciate extra quality work when I read it, work such as that of Ann Raver (who by the way, I don't know and have never met.)
Deep in the Green: An Exploration of Country Pleasures is a little book but it's packed with useful gardening tidbits and the writing is superb. Like some other reviewers of this book, I too would like to see another book from her, perhaps a sequel to Deep in the Green. I am always on the lookout for neat little books on gardening to give as presents to my friends who garden, and this one is always a hit. A collection of articles published first in the Times, each chapter here is lively, charming, often darn funny, and in the tradition of great garden writers (especially some of the great English writers), the material is based on true life garden adventures, and it is always close and personal. If you've never read any of Ann Raver's work, I suggest you give it a try. Almost anyone who loves to garden and read will enjoy this book.
Deep in the Green: An Exploration of Country Pleasures.......2002-09-19
I read this book for the first time in 1999 and I have returned to savor the pages each year since. I have bought 3 extra copies for gifts for my nature loving friends. I am hoping the "next generation" appears on the horizon soon!
The Garden as a Door.......2002-01-13
Welcome to the world of Anne Raver as seen through her garden. Here you will meet her loveable old dog Molly, "a twelve -year-old Saint Bernard squished into a setter's body with some collie thrown in," and Mr. Grey a long-haired feline acrobat that endears himself to both Molly and the author despite all their efforts to dislike him.
Here too you learn about Raver herself as she plots and plans her gardens, agonizes about a move to a new house, struggles with insects and pesticides, life in the city versus the pull of her country roots, and her conflicted if loving relationship with her parents. Raver's interests, even with gardening as a base, are eclectic and far ranging. In one essay she waxes eloquent, though tongue in cheek, about breaking the law by growing poppies. In another she tells how she came to discover that cricket manure is a great fertilizer. In a third she tells of her triumph over a paralyzing fear of climbing ladders. All in all it's a wonderful stroll through one woman's life with plenty of amusing observation and touching insight thrown in.
My one complaint was that the length of the essays (they are reprints of articles Raver wrote for The New York Times) often means that the reader is left wanting to know more, to hear how a story ended, how a problem was resolved, whether or not Raver ever finds a man she can co-habitat with, what finally happens to the old family homestead. While I realize this is a limitation of the genre, I am hoping that Raver will eventually sit down and write a non-stop tale of her rich and varied life. Otherwise this is a wonderful, uplifting read.
Gardening for life..........2000-05-12
This book is more personally revealing than the garden columns Anne Raver usually writes for the New York Times. Her columns tend to be filled with practical advice interspersed with personal anecdotal information. In her book, Raver writes reflectively about her return to the family farm in Maryland and gardening in her 'single' flat in NYC after her divorce.
Ms. Raver reveals she has discovered gardening can provide a theraputic outlet, that it is a healing actitivy that helps one maintain balance through life's trials. She shares a tidbits of her inner life as she struggles to maintian equilibrium and deal with being single, aging parents, and a farm that can be a challenge most of the time. Some passages read like letters from a sister or a good friend.
The New York Times boasts several garden writers, and a circulation that encompasses much of the Northeast. I enjoy Anne's column, though I haven't seen it as much as I used to, which leads me to hope she may be working on another book.
Book Description
From one of the nation's best-loved gardeners come expert tips, techniques, and advice for growing beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables and herbs, and raising hearty houseplants--every month of the year. Jane Pepper draws on over 20 years of her own experience and hundreds of interviews with gardening experts from around the world in an insightful guide that will help you achieve maximum results and enjoyment in your garden.
Each chapter contains timely tips, seasonal suggestions applicable to different sections of the garden, and detailed information on specific gardening topics. Perfect for passionate gardeners and beginners alike!
Customer Reviews:
Simple Pleasures.......2001-12-23
Jane Pepper has been writing a gardening column in the Philadelphia Inquirer for more years than I can remember, and for just that long, she has been part of my gardening life. Pepper has a way with words, and a way with plants, that make her columns a pleasure to read and very easy to understand, "Jane Pepper's Garden" is a treasure trove of her best advice.
I am giving this book to several gardeners on my holiday list to tide them over the long winter months. It is such a pleasure to read, and written with such enthusiasm, that one starts daydreaming even on a snowy day: "Maybe I should start roses this year. Maybe I can really do it...I wonder if I should move my hostas?"
Born in Scotland, Pepper retains that distinctly British no-nonsense voice. The book begins in the month of March, as she explains what can be done and should be done to prepare for the season ahead. It is like talking to a favorite aunt over tea, and one cannot help feeling inspired.
Houseplants are not neglected in this book, and Pepper speaks of them with the same enjoyment that she does roses...and everything else.
This book is a treasure. Do yourself a favor and buy it for yourself. Then, when the weather is at its bleakest, you can turn to "Aunt Jane" and talk gardens to your heart's content.
Book Description
With its wealth of original historical research; marvelous illustrations, including many that are not available elsewhere; and Denise Otis's fascinating new insights about her subject, Grounds for Pleasure will immediately win recognition as the definitive book about the private garden in America, from pre-Columbian times to the present.
From the United States' oldest landscaped gardens-such as Middleton Place in South Carolina-to such 20th-century masterpieces as Thomas Church's Donnell Garden in Sonoma, described in the Oxford Companion to Gardens as "one of the most significant gardens of the 20th century"- here are gardens of great historical importance and spectacular beauty. Rare archival images, drawings based on archaeological excavations and old maps, and stunning photographs taken especially for this book make this as much of a visual delight as Otis's engaging, very personal, and anecdotal text is a joy to read.
Average customer rating:
- After 13 years continues to be a good read...
- Wonderful herbal
- THE BEST herb book - for beginners or old-timers alike!
- This is the best book for beginners-bar none!!!
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The pleasure of herbs: A month-by-month guide to growing, using, and enjoying herbs
Phyllis Shaudys
Manufacturer: Barnes & Noble Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Herbs
| Gardening & Horticulture
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
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Herbal Treasures: Inspiring Month-by-Month Projects for Gardening, Cooking, and Crafts
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Herbal Vinegar: Flavored Vinegars, Mustards, Chutneys, Preserves, Conserves, Salsas, Cosmetic Uses, Household Tips
ASIN: 0760704430 |
Book Description
This lively book is brimming with information about herbs and herb growing. 298,000 copies in print.
Customer Reviews:
After 13 years continues to be a good read..........2005-05-30
For fun, pleasure, and practical know how this is by far the best herb book I have in my library. I first discovered this book at our local library when I was young married and living on a very tight budget. Thirteen years and several books and magazines later, I continue to turn to Shaudys book. Through the years I have not always had an herb garden either and you don't need one to enjoy or use this book! There are YUMMY recipes that call for either dried or fresh herbs and crafts galore. The info on growing herbs is very helpful too. I love the month to month format; there are no glossy hyped pictures, just lovely quotations introducing us to the month followed by a bounty of non-intimidating information on growing using and enjoying herbs.
Wonderful herbal.......2002-01-13
I've read and re-read Phyllis's books, this one is a keeper! I've been growing herbs for years and I refer to this book alot. There's wonderful recipes, hints, crafts, and information that the common herb gardener can use. Nothing fancy, just every day, every month common sense. I highly reccomend this book, and her other one as well, Herbal Treasures. Phyllis is currently working on a third book, but as far as I know it's not out yet.
THE BEST herb book - for beginners or old-timers alike!.......1998-08-12
This book is apt to be overlooked in favor of glossy pictures, and what a shame!! It has so much useful information to offer, and the unique format of organizing info monthly is helpful. I own a shop and reccomend this as my favorite book, and everyone comes back to tell me how great it is. When my copy arrived in the mail years ago, I never went to sleep that night (my husband will attest!!) and now I have an eleven year old herb shop that is going strong. And this is due in no small measure to this wonderful lady and her great book. A must have for anyone interested in the wonderful world of herbs!!
This is the best book for beginners-bar none!!!.......1997-06-26
This is definitely the best herbal book for the beginner or the experienced, to plant, grow harvest, cook, craft, it's all here. I have a hard time to put it down, in order to get anything don
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