2008-11-03 Simply the Best

Without a doubt this is simply the best gardening book I have read. I am an experienced gardener and received this book as a present from my daughter. She knows little about gardening but she found a gem. Good to dip into for specifics and also great to just pick up and read at length on a rainy day. Written in a way that is not at all patronising, so the beginner to gardening can enjoy and understand, and the experienced gardener can enjoy with equal relish. The book covers everything from garden layout ideas to flowers, vegetables and fruit. Not too much detail but enough to understand and enjoy, and then, if necessary, purchase a book specialising in any specific area of interest. Only slight negative is the global warming/organic necessity aspect, but even that doesn't take away from the quality of information and general writing style. It doesn't matter whether you are into organic gardening or not, this is a book that will provide many hours of enjoyment, providing inspiration and information in abundance, but with a realism gained from experience. In over 30 years of practical gardening and reading gardening books, this book stands hands and shoulders above the rest in providing an overview of gardening; structure, plants, flowers and food, from seeding to planting and harvesting. A must have for anyone interested in gardening, from novice to experienced.