New Releases from Timber Press
February sees the release of a number of new gardening books from publishers Timber Press. With topics from Heirloom Vegetables, Small Space Container Gardening and Cactus, there is sure to be something to interest gardeners on both sides of the Atlantic.
'The Gardener’s Guide to Cactus' by Scott Calhoun introduces a tempting 'peek' into a sometimes overlooked species. It features a 100 of the most interesting and versatile North American cactus species, in a neat and easy to follow layout.
Cactus represent nearly a quarter of all succulent plant species, grow in diverse habitats and if you choose the right species, they will be tolerant of harsh conditions.
Scott aims to show the reader just how easy, hardy and rewarding cactus can be and how they can make a striking addition to your garden. Whether you want striking form, gorgeous flowers or a low-maintenance plant for a spot that needs little water, you will find it in this friendly and informative guide. On sale in the US at $24.95 and the UK at £16.99.'
'The Beginner’s Guide to growing Heirloom Vegetables' by Marie Iannotti, highlights some fascinating stories behind unusual vegetables and which to grow for the best flavour.
If you think that your tomatoes are not as good as the ones you had in childhood, then perhaps the way forward is to find an heirloom variety.
Marie is the former owner of an heirloom seedling nursery, has gardened from coast to coast in the US and helped many beginners become confident, successful gardeners. 'The Beginner’s Guide to Growing Heirloom Vegetables' is available at $19.95 US or £12.99 UK.
'Beautiful No-Mow Yards' by Evelyn J. Hadden offers 50 amazing lawn alternatives for those of us who want to re-think a lawn-dominated garden. Hadden showcases a diverse set of alternatives to that demanding green turf offering a set of inspiring examples and detailed profiles for 100 of the best ground plants for replacing lawns.
The variety is endless, from living carpets and shade gardens and play areas to rain gardens and edible gardens. Designing an eco-friendly garden is not overlooked and there is a chapter on 'fill-in plants'.
The author is part of the Lawn Reform Coalition, formed to spread the word about natural lawn care, better types of grasses and ways to reduce or eliminate lawns altogether. So if you are a lawn fanatic perhaps this is not the book for you, but if you want to try to reduce your lawned area to experience and cultivate more glorious plants or because you are more eco-minded, there is much to stimulate your interest. 'Beautiful No-Mow Yards' by Evelyn J. Hadden is available US at $24.95, UK £16.99.
'Small Space Container Gardens' by Fern Richardson, contains plenty of ideas for transforming your balcony, patio or porch with some creative solutions that require very little space.
Chapters include working with weather and climate, choosing colours and containers, succulents and scents paths and planting for privacy.
The ideas in the book are well illustrated and explained and can be recreated by gardeners' of all levels of experience. Fern writes an award-winning blog 'Life on the Balcony' – www.lifeonthebalcony.com - and grows herbs, peaches, figs and flowers on her west-facing balcony in Southern California. 'Small-Space Container Gardens' by Fern Richardson is on sale at U$19.95 and £12.99 UK.
Check out the Amazon store on Reckless Gardener for all your book needs: http://www.reckless-gardener.co.uk/online-shop
