Book Reviews - March 2010
New Garden Ideas
By Marilyn K. Alaimo The Lawn Expert by D. G. Hessayon. Sterling Publishing, 2007. Paper, 128 pp., ISBN 978-0-903-50548-2, $14.95.British lawns have been the source of envy since the 1700s because of their beauty. In this handbook on the methods for achieving the “perfect lawn,” gardeners everywhere have the opportunity to learn the secrets of their success. The prominent horticulturist and author D. G. Hessayon describes the different types and qualities of lawns; details required maintenance programs and procedures (including a yearly schedule for activities); reports on lawn problems and the steps in creating a new lawn; and advises on alternative ground coverings. Even though the British climate varies significantly from many regions in the U.S., gardeners and groundskeepers will find this easy-to-understand guide very interesting reading.
The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible: Discover Ed’s High Yield W-O-R-D System for All North American Gardening Regions, 2nd Edition by Edward C. Smith. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing, 2009. Paper, 351 pp., ISBN 978-1-60342-475-2, $24.95Organic gardener Ed Smith has updated his popular book on growing vegetables in cold northern gardens in this 10th anniversary edition. He explains his methods that produce high yields, even from fussy plants, and introduces the reader to new and unusual varieties that will give each gardener the pleasure of discovery. Lavishly illustrated in clear step-by step drawings, the text is filled with sensible advice; he promotes wide rows of vegetables, set in raised beds of deep soil, using organic methods to care for them. Photographs display his methods for laying out garden beds, selection and care of tools, installation of irrigation systems, and much more. There is an extensive section on pest and disease control to assist the gardener in diagnosing problems. A directory of suitable vegetables and herbs rounds out this excellent edition. This inspiring publication is sure to answer all gardeners’ questions and is highly recommended to both novice and experienced gardeners.
The Container Expert by D. G. Hessayon. New York: Sterling Publishing, 2008. Paper, 128 pp., ISBN 978-0-903-50543-7, $14.95. Growing plants in containers has become one of the most popular garden activities in recent years because of the many advantages of these instant displays. The popular British author and horticulturist D. G. Hessayon covers more than the fundamentals of container gardening in this handy guide, advising on the types of suitable containers and their placement, as well as the best plantings for growing in a confined space. He reviews the growing medium, the methods of maintenance, and how to deal with cultural problems. Extensively illustrated, the book is filled with colorful photographs that will inspire gardeners.
What Can I Do With My Herbs? How to Grow, Use & Enjoy These Versatile Plants by Judy Barrett. College Station, TX: Texas A& M University Press, 2009. Paper, 134 pp., ISBN 13: 978-1-60344-092-9; ISBN 10: 1-60344-092-5, $19.95.Encouraging the reader to become acquainted with herbs, journalist Judy Barrett has compiled an attractive guide to the history, culture, and usage of forty popular herb plants for the garden. Commonly used as medicine, seasoning, food, or for their fragrance, herbs add so much to the quality of life, as the author indicates in the broad-ranging text that tells how to enjoy them. In addition to traditional usage, the contents contain reports on herbs suitable for health regimens and as aromatherapy, as well as the most recent warnings on those that may be poisonous or injurious. Attractively illustrated with colorful drawings of profiled plants for easy identification, this handbook is delightful, easy reading.
The Girl’s Guide to Growing Your Own: How to Grow Fruit and Vegetables Without Getting Your Hands Too Dirty by Alex Mitchell. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 2009. Paper, 144 pp., ISBN 978-1-84773-510-2, $14.95.
Written for the busy person with little time to garden, this primer serves as a guide for small-scale vegetable and fruit culture. Alex Mitchell, an urban gardener for six years, gives basic advice to beginners on a wide range of gardening issues. These include how to grow crops in limited space, either in garden soil or container; which are the best crops for small spaces and their individual degree of difficulty; and seasonal chores for the busy gardener. Lightheartedly, the author offers tips on entertaining, using fare from her garden bounty. Brightly and amply illustrated, this is an entertaining introduction to growing your own food.
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