GARDEN BOOKS
THE TREE IN MY GARDEN
by Kate Bradbury (£20, 176 p.p.)
This love letter to the wonder of trees is full of whimsical tree information; Did you know that some evergreen trees keep their leaves through the winter by producing “a kind of antifreeze”?
Bradbury selects 50 of the best trees for a garden, from the dainty crabapple to the towering liquidambar. Whatever you decide, she explains, a tree will soon become its own little nature reserve.
If you’re feeling like your garden is a bit boring and predictable, dive into A Plant for Every Day of the Year
BRILLIANT ENGLISH GARDENS
by Clive Nichols (Clearview £60, 320 pages)
27 of England’s finest gardens are featured in this lush tome. A brief description of each is followed by page after page of gorgeous photos capturing them at their seasonal peak.
The gardens, which include Arundel Castle, Gravetye Manor and Forde Abbey, are mostly large in scale, but smaller ones are also included.
A PLANT FOR EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR
by Philip Clayton (£20, 256 pages)
If you’re feeling like your garden is a bit boring and predictable, then dive into this book, which is full of well-chosen suggestions for worthwhile plants to try, no matter your grow space.
Broken down by season, there is detailed growth information and the plants – each illustrated – range from native varieties to shrubs and trees.
GROW 5
by Lucy Bellamy (Mitchell Beazley £22, 223 pages)
This brilliant book features 52 different planting plans for urban gardeners, including an annual meadow, an English flower garden, and a winter forest.
Each design uses just five plants, with instructions showing how to combine them and why they work so well together.
Although it is aimed primarily at novice gardeners, there are many good ideas for experienced gardeners.
Grow 5 offers 52 different planting schemes for urban gardeners, including an annual meadow, an English flower garden, and a winter forest
THE CREATIVE GARDENER
by Adam Frost (£20, 253 pages)
Adam Frost was an award-winning garden designer before becoming a regular presenter on BBC TV show Gardener’s World.
There are 25 projects here that focus on creating structures, from a tool storage area to plant supports, benches and a pond.
Frost also includes detailed planting schemes, many of which are perfect for attracting wildlife. Just the right book for a gardener who is adept at using a drill and saw.
BORDE HILL GARDEN
by Vanessa Berridge (Merrell £40, 207 pages)
Owned by the same family since 1893, Borde Hill Garden in West Sussex was founded by a Victorian businessman who was also a keen plant collector.
Today, the 35-acre garden and woodland is known for its superb collections of magnolias and unusual trees, as well as its exuberant year-round colour.
This lavish book traces the garden’s evolution through the seasons with superb photographs, capturing its unique atmosphere.
THE INTERNAL GARDEN
by Jade Murray (Pimpernel Press £20, 144 pages)
Indoor plants are back in fashion thanks to the Instagram and TikTok generation.
This well-illustrated and accessible guide is packed with good information about the best houseplants for beginners. It also suggests specimens that won’t die on vacation and those that can tolerate heat or humidity.
Fill the house with indoor greenery, Murray writes, and you’ve got “a little bag full of plant canopy.”
SECRET GARDENS OF THE SOUTHEAST
by Barbara Segall (Frances Lincoln £22, 144p.)
This takes an in-depth look at 20 magnificent gardens in Kent, Surrey and Sussex, speaks to the owners and charts the evolution of the planting.
One could argue that some of these gardens are classified as secret, as some are well known, but Segall is an insightful guide to them, large and small, and the photos are great.
Secret Gardens of the South East takes a close look at 20 beautiful gardens in Kent, Surrey and Sussex, talks to the owners and charts the progress of the planting
NO DIG
by Charles Dowding (£30, 288 pages)
Dowding pioneered the “no-dig” method of growing vegetables: Forget the hassle of digging, he says, and focus on understanding your soil’s needs.
Based on 40 years of experience, he explains the principles of tillage and gives advice on how to grow champion plants. A compelling read for anyone dreaming of their own lush garden.
ROSES
by Michael Marriott (£24.99, 259 pages)
Roses are Britain’s most popular flower, but with so many varieties available how do you know which one to choose for your property?
Renowned rose expert Michael Marriott selects 200 of the most beautiful roses for all situations, from containers and borders to walls and fences.
He also suggests roses for fragrance and for growing through trees, as well as for fall color.
If you love roses like so many of us do, this is the perfect book for you.
CONTINUE READING:
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