The Concise Gardening Encyclopedia Book

David Squire's The Concise Gardening Encyclopedia, a British publication, is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking resolute knowledge over glossy, colorized appearance. Instead of photos displaying lavish gardens that are maintained by professional landscapers, this resource uses 1500 simple line drawings, sidebars, and step-by-step instruction to assist the do-it-yourselfer. Chapter coverage includes growing flowers and vegetables, starting new plants, growing and drying herbs, greenhouse gardening, and pruning. The profiles on annuals and perennials are a bit thin, but the section on roses more than makes up for them. Readers won't find long lists of varieties and cultivars, or much on garden design, but what this book does cover it covers well, all in a friendly voice. Endless ideas on container planting are included--most likely for readers in Britain where garden space is limited--with separate chapters on window boxes, baskets, and general container gardening. The section on pruning by plant is noteworthy--discussing not only roses and trees but also vines, heaths, and grapevines. Recommended for those who appreciate substance over style. --Karen KarleskiRead More