Head Gardeners


Book Description

This paperback edition includes two new head gardeners, Fiona Dennis of Charleston Farmhouse, East Sussex and Stephen Griffith of Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Dorset, as well as updates on all the gardeners featured in the hardback edition: Ned Price, Fergus Garrett, Paul Pulford, Mick Evans, Beatrice Krehl, Troy Scott Smith, Lucille Savin, Alistair Clark, Carol Sales, Andrew Woodall, Michael Walker, Martin Ogle, Jim Buckland and Sarah Wain.




The Gardener of Versailles


Book Description

An “eccentric and charming” love letter to Versailles Palace and its storied grounds, by the man who knows them best—for gardening lovers and Francophiles (New York Times) Tour Versailles’ 2,100 acres as its gardener-in-chief describes its fascinating history and his 40 years of living and working in the gardens. In Alain Baraton’s Versailles, every grove tells a story. As the gardener-in-chief, Baraton lives on its grounds, and since 1982 he has devoted his life to the gardens, orchards, and fields that were loved by France’s kings and queens as much as the palace itself. His memoir captures the essence of the connection between gardeners and the earth they tend, no matter how humble or grand. With the charm of a natural storyteller, Baraton weaves his own path as a gardener with the life of the Versailles grounds, and his role overseeing its team of 80 gardeners tending to 350,000 trees and 30 miles of walkways across 2,100 acres. He richly evokes this legendary place and the history it has witnessed but also its quieter side that he feels privileged to know: The same gardens that hosted the lavish lawn parties of Louis XIV and the momentous meeting between Marie Antoinette and the Cardinal de Rohan remain enchanted—private places where visitors try to get themselves locked in at night, lovers go looking for secluded hideaways, and elegant grandmothers secretly make cuttings to take back to their own gardens. A tremendous bestseller in France, The Gardener of Versailles gives an unprecedentedly intimate view of one of the grandest places on earth.




The Humane Gardener


Book Description

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.




Kitchen Garden Experts


Book Description

Kitchen Garden Experts features the chefs and gardeners at twenty of the UKâ??s most exciting restaurants, hotels, pubs and cafes, focussing on how they produce the best fruit and vegetables to appear on their menus. With this book you can: Explore the kitchens and gardens of twenty celebrated chefs, from, Sir Terrance Conran and Raymond Blanc to River Cottrage and Lâ??Enclume Gain extraordinary access to 20 recipe books and 40 signature dishes Discover key ingredients and special growing methods that help these chefs win awards for excellence Follow the simple steps from plot to plate, learning new growing skills Savour the flavour of fresh local produce â?? either at your own table or by visiting the restaurants themselves Twenty featured chefs include: Raymond Blanc & Anne-Marie Owens at Le Manoir aux Quatâ??Saisons, Gill Meller at River Cottage Sir Terence Conran at Barton Court, Simon Rogan at Lâ??Enclume, Tom Lewis at Monachyle Mhor, Jack Stein at Padstow Kitchen Garden, Ruthie Rogers at River Café, Skye Gyngell at Heckfield Place.




The Heirloom Gardener


Book Description

“Empowers readers with a toolkit of traditional and sustainable practices for an emerging artisanal crafts movement, and a brighter future.” —Alice Waters, chef and owner, Chez Panisse; founder, The Edible Schoolyard Project Modern life is a cornucopia of technological wonders. But is something precious being lost? A tangible bond with our natural world—the deep satisfaction of connecting to the earth that was enjoyed by previous generations? In The Heirloom Gardener, John Forti celebrates gardening as a craft and shares the lore and traditional practices that link us with our environment and with each other. Charmingly illustrated and brimming with wisdom, this guide will inspire you to slow down, recharge, and reconnect.




A Way to Garden


Book Description

“A Way to Garden prods us toward that ineffable place where we feel we belong; it’s a guide to living both in and out of the garden.” —The New York Times Book Review For Margaret Roach, gardening is more than a hobby, it’s a calling. Her unique approach, which she calls “horticultural how-to and woo-woo,” is a blend of vital information you need to memorize and intuitive steps you must simply feel and surrender to. In A Way to Garden, Roach imparts decades of garden wisdom on seasonal gardening, ornamental plants, vegetable gardening, design, gardening for wildlife, organic practices, and much more. She also challenges gardeners to think beyond their garden borders and to consider the ways gardening can enrich the world. Brimming with beautiful photographs of Roach’s own garden, A Way to Garden is practical, inspiring, and a must-have for every passionate gardener.




The Head-Gardener’s Story


Book Description

Discover the poignant and reflective tale of Anton Pavlovich Chekhov's "The Head-Gardener’s Story." This engaging short story provides a deep dive into the life of a head-gardener as he recounts his experiences and observations. Set in a lush, rural environment, Chekhov presents a narrative rich in emotional and social nuance. Chekhov, celebrated for his masterful storytelling and psychological insight, explores themes of duty, personal fulfillment, and the simple yet profound aspects of everyday life. Through the head-gardener’s narrative, he unveils the emotional depth and complexity behind seemingly ordinary experiences, revealing the quiet struggles and triumphs of his protagonist."The Head-Gardener’s Story" is a moving exploration of human resilience and the hidden layers of personal stories. Perfect for readers who enjoy reflective narratives and the exceptional character studies of one of Russia's most esteemed authors.




The Head Gardeners


Book Description

A fascinating study of the great Victorian and Edwardian head gardeners, a remarkable group of self-made men who transformed gardening from menial labour into a profession.




The Art of Gardening


Book Description

“Delightful!” —The New York Times Book Review Discover a world of beauty and creativity! Chanticleer has been called the most romantic, imaginative, and exciting public garden in America. It is a place of pleasure and learning, relaxing yet filled with ideas to take home. And now those lessons are available for everyone in this stunning book! You’ll learn techniques specific to different conditions and plant palettes; how to use hardscape materials in a fresh way; and how to achieve the perfect union between plant and site. And Rob Cardillo’s exquisite photographs of exciting combinations will be sure to stimulate your own creativity. Whether you’re already under Chanticleer’s spell or have yet to visit, The Art of Gardening will enable you to bring the special magic that pervades this most artful of gardens into your own home landscape.




National Trust School of Gardening


Book Description

‘An accessible, informative guide for beginners, but full of ideas and tips for seasoned gardeners.’ – Sunday Mirror Elevate your own green space and become a more confident and creative gardener with lessons from experienced National Trust gardeners in this comprehensive horticultural guide. The National Trust looks after hundreds of beautiful gardens of every imaginable shape and size across Britain – from the grandest country estate to the smallest cottage garden. They manage such internationally renowned gardens as Sissinghurst and Hidcote. National Trust garden staff receive countless questions from visitors about plants growing in the gardens and techniques that can be tried at home. This in-depth guide will pass on their wisdom and provide the answers you are looking for. This book is packed with images of National Trust gardens of all types, spanning over 300 years of horticultural heritage, to inspire keen amateur gardeners and aspirational novices to realise their green-fingered ambitions. Written by expert gardener Rebecca Bevan, with the help of National Trust gardeners, the National Trust School of Gardening will make you feel confident about developing your garden rather than overwhelmed with unnecessary technical detail. From herbaceous borders to gardening sustainably, roses and climbers to growing under glass, each chapter provides snippets of horticultural history, examples of best practice from National Trust gardens, unique gems of wisdom from talented NT gardeners, and lots of easy-to-follow practical advice. Featuring a wide range of National Trust gardens both large and small, formal and informal, famous and undiscovered, high maintenance and low key. The topics covered and the insightful practical guides shared are easily applicable to private gardens, enriching even the tiniest urban spaces.