Book Reviews

Blooming Marvellous Reads

Celebrate spring with our selection of glorious garden-themed books.

Venetian Gardens

Monty Don & Derry Moore

Inspired by Monty’s BBC2 series, Adriatic Gardens, his latest book with Derry Moore is a sumptuous visual journey through the gardens of Venice. Starting in the heart of the city and working their way out to the Veneto, the pair celebrate the beauty of these places and tell some of their remarkable stories. With stunning colour photography throughout, readers will discover new insight into one of the world’s most beloved cities.

The Gardener’s Almanac

Alan Titchmarsh

A month-by-month treasury of gardening advice, inspiration and knowledge, along with illustrations by Alan himself, who has written more than forty gardening books, twelve novels and three volumes of memoirs. As well as what to grow and sow, find out what wildlife to spot, projects to engage in, weather notes, gardens to visit, birds and flowers to celebrate and much more…

Home Harvest: Your Pocket Card Guide to Kitchen Gardening

Bridie Cotter & Tom Gaunt

A practical, fun and easy-to-read deck of cards by organic veggie farmers Bridie and Tom that will help you plant and grow your own kitchen garden. Divided into four sections (Gardening 101, Veggies, Herbs and Flowers), these beautifully illustrated cards will help you start your garden from scratch, offering helpful guidance and advice on everything from plant health to common pest management.

Gardens for the Soul: Sustainable and Stylish Outdoor Spaces

Sara Bird & Dan Duchars

Whatever the location or size of your garden, a sustainable and eco-friendly ethos can be at the heart of creating a beautiful outdoor space to suit your lifestyle. Glean ideas, tips and inspiration for areas from tiny spaces to larger patios. You’ll find suggestions for choosing garden elements from decor and lighting to furniture and accessories, as well as easy craft projects that add quirky personal touches.

The Little Guide to Wildflowers

Alison Davies

Discover the intriguing world of wildflowers with this handy pocket guide, with each of the featured flowers delicately illustrated by printmaker Tom Frost to capture its individual characteristics. They’re accompanied by information about the plant and where it can be found, plus associated facts and fables. Adding to the charm of this delightful book is an interactive spotter’s guide at the back, where you can tick off each flower you find.

The English Country House Garden

George Plumptre

From the Victorian grandeur of Tyntesfield and Cragside, to the arts and crafts simplicity of Rodmarton Manor and Charleston, from Scampston to new gardens by Dan Pearson and Tom Stuart-Smith, and with favourites such as Sissinghurst and Hidcote alongside new discoveries, this book takes a fresh look at the English country house garden. It starts with the owners and the stories behind the making of the gardens, with glorious photographs capturing the gardens at their finest moments through the seasons.