The lavender book is a guide to the lavender types and varieties suitable to local conditions and is intended to get you outdoors and growing your own lavender without further ado. This title offers instruction on propagating, planting, nurturing and harvesting lavender. Also included in this collection of lavender wisdom is a treasure trove of original recipes and craft ideas. Recipes follow in a format and are interwoven with useful hints and tips. The use of lavender medicinally, in aromatherapy and as an insect repellant will appeal to the growing body of concerned people who aspire to a more natural organic way of life.

The ideal, easy-to-use resource for growing healthy, resilient, low-maintenance trees, shrubs, vines and other fruiting plants from around the world - perfect for farmers, gardeners and landscapers at every scale. Illustrated with more than 200 colour photographs and covering 50 productive edible crops - from Arctic kiwi to jujebe, medlar to heartnut - this is the go-to guide for growers interested in creating diversity in their growing spaces. Cold-Hardy Fruits and Nuts is a one-stop compendium of the most productive, edible fruit-and nut-bearing crops that push the boundaries of what can survive winters in cold-temperate growing regions. While most nurseries and guidebooks feature plants that are riddled with pest problems (such as apples and peaches), veteran growers and founders of the Hortus Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Allyson Levy and Scott Serrano, focus on both common and unfamiliar fruits that have few, if any, pest or disease problems and an overall higher level of resilience. Inside Cold-Hardy Fruits and Nuts you'll find: Taste profiles for all fifty hardy fruits and nuts, with notes on harvesting and uses Plant descriptions and natural histories Recommended cultivars, both new and classic Propagation methods for increasing plants Nut profiles including almonds, chestnuts, walnuts and pecans Fertilisation needs and soil/site requirements And much more! With beautiful and instructive colour photographs throughout, the book is also full of concise, clearly written botanical and cultural information based on the authors' years of growing experience. The fifty fruits and nuts featured provide a nice balance of the familiar and the exotic: from almonds and pecans to more unexpected fruits like maypop and Himalayan chocolate berry. Cold-Hardy Fruits and Nuts gives adventurous gardeners all they need to get growing. Both experienced and novice gardeners who are interested in creating a sustainable landscape with a greater diversity of plant life - while also providing healthy foods - will find this book an invaluable resource.

Kiftsgate Court, perched on the northern edge of the Cotswolds Hills in Gloucestershire, is a garden composed of many different scenes. Some elements - the bluebell wood, the clipped hedging and the rose border, with its famously huge Kiftsgate rose - are traditionally English, but there are also areas of Italianate planting and terracing, and others where a mixture of perennials, roses and rare and exotic shrubs thrive side by side. Equally remarkable is the fine balance between continuity and gentle evolution that the visitor finds at Kiftsgate. This is largely because the garden has belonged to the same family since its creation 100 years ago. Three women have tended Kiftsgate, each one its driving force for a third of a century, and each building on the legacy of the previous generation. In 1919 Heather Muir and her husband, Jack, bought the house, which stands on a relatively narrow plateau from which a bank plunges 100 feet. Heather gave Kiftsgate its structure, laying out the semi-formal gardens by the house, planting the tapestry hedge and rose garden, and terracing the banks. In 1954 Heather was succeeded by her daughter, Diany Binny, who extended and developed her mother's planting, made more borders and paths, and refashioned the White Sunk Garden. Since the late 1980s Diany's daughter, Anne Chambers, has been at the helm, further modernizing the garden and its planting, creating new areas of interest, and opening more often to the public. As Robin Lane Fox, who has written the foreword, comments: `There is nowhere else in Britain that has such a family tradition of planting and dedication ... It is intimate but many-sided, evolving but with roots in a remarkable past.' This beautiful new book - the first dedicated to Kiftsgate - is structured in two main parts. For the first, `The History', Vanessa Berridge has had exclusive access to the Kiftsgate archive, which contains not only family photographs but also letters from their gardening friends, helping us to understand why and how Heather, Diany and Anne have gardened. Among the circle of friends and acquaintances who feature are Lawrence Johnston of Hidcote Manor (Kiftsgate's neighbour); Vita Sackville-West, the creator of Sissinghurst Castle Garden; and the horticulturalist Graham Stuart Thomas, gardens adviser to the National Trust. The second part of the book takes the reader on an extended tour of the garden, illustrated by the glorious photography of Sabina Ruber. The tour concludes with notes on Kiftsgate's signature plants and Anne Chambers's personal reflections on this, one of the great gardens of England.

This book contains essential facts about the habitats, feeding preferences and behaviour of each type of garden wildlife, including their life cycles and how you can supplement their natural diet. It explains how to select the best plants for the creatures that live in your area, with practical advice on cultivation, propagation, the types of wildlife they attract, and how they are used as food and shelter. It includes ideas for closely related plant species, including alternative common types that help wildlife and those that are not beneficial, allowing you to decide which plants to choose. This book, written by award-winning authors Christine and Michael Lavelle, is aimed at gardeners who want to encourage wildlife to take up residence in their backyards. The first part focuses on the more common types of wildlife found in a variety of habitats and the plants and supplementary food that will attract them. The next stage is how to choose the right plants to attract backyard wildlife. A directory of over 200 species makes the process clear and simple and every plant is accompanied by a full-colour identification photograph. Each entry explains how to grow the plant and which types of wildlife will benefit. This book's wealth of information and beautiful photographs will appeal to gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

A guide to self-sustainablity in either the city or the countryside for both the beginner gardener and the experienced farmhand. It takes the reader through all the stages of crop growing, with helpful drawings throughout. A recipe section suggests delightful and nourishing ways to consume the grown produce.

The founder of the Rosemary House, a Pennsylvania herb and spice shop, provides readers will all the necessary information for transforming an herb hobby into a successful herb business, and shares her secrets for developing and designing herbal products and packaging them effectively. Illustrations; resource list.

Houseplants have the power to transform any room, and this handy deck of cards will help you select the perfect plant pal for your chosen space. From light-loving foliage to those that prefer a shadier spot, Leaf Supply's curated indoor greenery guide is the perfect reference for any plant lover, from novice to budding expert. * Features 50 foliage plant profiles * Easy-to-follow care information * Simple guides for light, water, humidity and soil requirements * Highlights pet-friendly plants and those to avoid

It's wonderful to grow your own fruit and vegetables but what do you do when it all ripens at once? How do you cope with the glut which threatens to overwhelm you? Will help all those who grow their own fruit and vegetables to store their produce properly so that it will last for months and feed the family when the garden's bare. Easy and practical advice on how to bottle, dry, freeze and even salt home grown fruit and vegetables. Discover the taste of your delicious homemade jams, chutneys and ketchups. John and Val Harrison reveal just what you can do with that bountiful harvest and share their 30 years' experience of growing fruit and vegetables and you'll never waste another tomato or courgette again. Praise for John Harrison: 'Britain's greatest allotment authority'. Indpendent on Sunday.

Greens are highly nutritious, contributing essential vitamins and minerals to the diet, and they are particularly tasty if they are home-grown and eaten soon after harvesting. In this book, the main types of greens are described and illustrated, with useful information about the different varieties that can be grown, their history, cultivation requirements and cooking uses. There are step-by-step instructions for planting greens, as well as keeping them in tip-top condition by dealing with pests and diseases. A must for novices and experienced growers alike, the book is ideal for anyone who wants to experiment with new varieties.

*** 'Bellamy makes gardening seem simple, expressive and joyful. Anyone can do it.' - Evening Standard 'Offers a fresh take on gardening in small spaces.' - Countryside Grow 5 reveals a brilliantly simple, fast way to make a beautiful garden, whether you have a small plot or a handful of pots. With 52 planting 'recipes' using a palette of just five plants, you can create: - a low-carbon flower garden for a changing climate - a micro-meadow in a city space - an urban garden inspired by an ancient woodland - high notes of colour in a tiny courtyard - a stylized slice of nature in a pot This practical and inspirational book by award-winning garden expert Lucy Bellamy and photographer Jason Ingram includes more than 100 of the newest and best plants and how to use them through the seasons.

Do less, produce more, and grow soil that feeds crops using chemical-free, organic no-till methods Andrew Mefferd, veteran farmer, author of The Organic No-Till Farming Revolution, and editor of Growing for Market magazine, brings you the ultimate guide to getting started with no-till farming. Yet there are many ways to do no-till, including mulching with compost, cardboard, straw, silage tarps, and more. Plus plenty of conflicting advice on how to get started. Practical No-Till Farming is here to help, sorting the wheat from the chaff and the horse manure from the plastic mulch. Coverage includes: How to assess your farm for no-till options considering climate, soil, and crop selection Assessment of common no-till methods, including pros and cons, materials, and the relative costs A decision-making matrix for choosing the most appropriate methods for your context How-to for each no-till method, including what to do and when Dealing with bindweed, symphylans, and other difficult weeds and pests Maximizing productivity of no-till beds Special coverage of both organic vegetable and flower no-till market farming Ideal for small-scale growers everywhere, Andrew Mefferd, veteran farmer, author of The Organic No-Till Farming Revolution, and editor of Growing for Market magazine, brings you the ultimate guide to getting started with no-till farming.

With this stunningly photographed greenery-guide, anyone can master the art of making your living room thrive. When done correctly, curating any decent houseplant can be just as effective as hanging a beautiful work of art. After all, our green companions are known to be beneficial for mental health, for general health (being oxygenators) as well as being a key element of any well-balanced interior fit out. Lauren and Sophia run the wildly successful nursery and interior design store Leaf Supply, in Sydney, Australia. They wrote a beautifully designed book, by the same name, in 2018. Now, with Indoor Jungle, they explain (in laypersons' terms) how to best transform your house into a veritable greenhouse. In this sequel-of-sorts, Lauren and Sophia cast their plant-loving net far wider than simply fabulous Australian interiors, featuring jungle-y architecture from around the world! For each spread of beautifully verdant interiors, the duo breaks down how the foliage within is surviving (and thriving). Ablaze with jaw dropping photography, Indoor Jungle will deserve its own prominent place in your new, improved and jungle-ified living room.

The Hidden Histories of Houseplants explores 20 of the world's most common houseplants. This book isn't just a dry exploration of historical cultivation; the narrative explores the plants' places in social history, science and culture, showcasing the most fascinating elements of each plant's story, be it the exploration as to why Monstera deliciosa have holes in their leaves, whether houseplants have the ability to count, or why Calathea leaves open during the day and close up at night. Accompanied by stunning illustrations, each text takes the reader on a journey through time, history and culture, told by the most universally binding objects in our homes from London to Beijing - houseplants.

'A beautifully photographed guide for gardeners' - Daily Telegraph 'Nick offers solutions for every season' - Country Living 'A thought-provoking and beautifully written book' - Fergus Garrett, Head Gardener, Great Dixter In 365 Days of Colour in Your Garden BBC Gardeners' World presenter Nick Bailey shows you how to plant and manage your garden, whatever its size, to ensure year-round colour and interest. Initially explaining simple colour theory principles and how to apply them to your garden, the book goes on to highlight beautiful plants and planting combinations for every season no matter what type of garden you have. With chapters covering the longest flowering plants, pot recipes and gorgeous plants for difficult sites, along with a comprehensive seasonal directory, this book will inspire and delight both experienced gardeners and beginners alike.

By growing your own wedding flowers you can add a personal element to your special occasion, while caring for the environment and saving money at the same time. Filled with gorgeous pictures, this friendly, no-nonsense book makes growing and arranging your own flowers achievable and fun. Whether you're growing for a wedding or for a birthday, festival or other celebration, Georgie's cheerful advice takes you through everything you need to know. Step-by-step guides cover: Planning, growing, cutting and conditioning your flowers Spring, summer, autumn and winter weddings Flower craft for special occasions, including buttonholes, bouquets, centrepieces, garlands and flower crowns. From jam-jar posies to elaborate displays, Grow Your Own Wedding Flowers explains how to grow and create beautiful arrangements and make your special day unique, without costing the earth.

The origin of roses is shrouded in mystery. Fossilised species of roses have been found across the northern hemisphere and are estimated to date back some 35-40 million years. The remarkable beauty, fragrance and usefulness of the rose have guaranteed its spread right across the globe. Throughout the years, its potent power has come to symbolise many things, but above all, the rose is a plant to be enjoyed and wondered at. Roses focuses on the classic, ageless and enduring flower that straddles garden-friendly modernity whilst also celebrating the style and grace of the old. Ranging from overblown, multi-petalled or deliciously simple and delicate, Roses rightly extols these beautiful blooms, and includes hands-on know-how and history of the world's favourite flower. With 45 species of Rose included, explore the flowers with the best visual appearance, most fragrant perfume, the easiest to grow and those ideal for cutting beautiful flowers from.

The definitive guide to hundreds of Britain's most outstanding gardens, in the care of the National Trust The National Trust has the finest collection of gardens in the United Kingdom. In this book, Stephen Lacey paints a vivid picture of the individual gardens, and places each one in its context within British horticultural history. All the major periods and styles of garden design are represented, from the formality of early gardens such as Hanbury Hall and Ham House, magnificent 18th-century landscapes like Stowe and Croome Park and the heady Victorian creations of Biddulph Grange and Waddesdon Manor to the famous plantsmen's gardens of the last century, such as Nymans, Hidcote Manor and Sissinghurst Castle. The text and pictures have been fully updated, with new entries including Allan Bank, High Close Arboretum and Wentworth Castle. Several gardens have undergone major redevelopment since the previous edition, while others have colourfully expanded the acreage open to visitors. Extensive tree planting, including reinstating a lost eighteenth-century avenue at Dyrham Park and recreating the pear tree arch at Rudyard Kipling's home, Bateman's, are just a few of the new and exciting additions to this classic guide to Britain's most outstanding gardens.

Fenugreek presents an in-depth review on the Genus Trigonella and particularly the species T. foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek). It is written by experts and includes chapters describing the genus' botany, physiology, cultivation, breeding, nutrition, pest-disease and weed control. The chemical constituents of the species of Trigonella, their pharmacological properties and the marketing of fenugreek seed are also discussed as are its medicinal applications. A detailed presentation of the usefulness of fenugreek seed as food (whole, flour, roasted), spice (in curry powder), perfume, dye and source of galactomannan and steroidal diosgenin, widely used in industry, is also included. The book will be of interest to all those concerned with the study, cultivation and use of medicinal and aromatic plants and particularly of fenugreek.

'A thoroughly recommended read if you want your garden to have that designer touch - and to look good all year round' - Alan Titchmarsh 'This book is reassuringly methodical. From the initial survey to the planting palette and how to design for privacy, shelter or noise control. It's a helpful primer for any design project.' - Daily Mail 'Inventively presented with a lot of info packed in without seeming deterrently difficult.' - Evening Standard 'Great design tips, ideas and planting schemes for year-round interest.' - House Beautiful Confused by the bewildering range of plants on offer at your local garden centre? How do you choose, use and create beautiful planting schemes like the professionals? The book takes you on a structured journey through the design process, from the initial assessment of your existing space, through choosing a theme or style, to putting it all together. Learn what various plant groups can provide and how to problem-solve by selecting the right species. Understand the role that form, colour, scent and texture play in the garden, and how to use focal points and accent plants for added interest. Tiny courtyard gardeners and suburban gardeners alike will learn how to mix plants in pleasing combinations that will provide interest through the seasons and last for years. RHS How to Plant a Garden proves that a good planting scheme can transform your garden from the ordinary to the truly inspirational.

This is an illustrated guide to varieties, cultivation and care, with step-by-step instructions and over 160 beautiful photographs. It includes a photographic directory of over 60 varieties, including basil, borage, catmint, chives, fennel, lavender, marjoram, mint, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme. For each variety, there is full botanical information on growth, height, spread, size and flowering, as well as practical advice on creating your own herb garden. It includes step-by-step guidance on growing and caring for herbs, including buying, planting indoors and outside, growing in containers, harvesting, taking cuttings and sowing seed. Herbs have always played an important role in everyday life, both for seasoning food and for restoring good health. Growing your own allows you to explore the great beauty and usefulness of herbs, from humble parsley to stately angelica. This pretty handbook looks at the fascinating history of herbs and their medicinal uses, and shows how they can add scent and beauty to any garden. Over 60 varieties are described and illustrated, together with advice on how to care for them. Whether you grow a small window box of purple basil and golden sage, or plan your own intricate herb knot garden, the flowers and foliage will bring pleasure to every gardener.

Paying a professional to prune your trees and shrubs is an unnecessary expense. Gardeners and homeowners can tackle most trees and shrubs on their own, and PruningSimplified details exactly how to do it. Steven Bradley makes it easier than ever to learn how to prune. He offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. This plant-by-plant guide profiles 50 of the most popular trees and shrubs, including azaleas, camellias, clematis, and more. Each plant profile includes illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will allow new gardeners will feel confident about making the right cuts the first time they prune.

Just as people are increasingly thinking about where their food comes from - and looking for greater control over their food sources - they are also seeking to take greater control of their health care. With health care costs soaring and the frightening list of side effects from pharmaceutical drugs continuing to build, many are looking to herbal medicine for a gentler, less expensive approach to treating everyday ailments. This title covers 33 common plants that can be grown nearly anywhere and used in a variety of ways, including familiar plants such as garlic, echinacea, burdock, nettles, and chamomile. It includes step-by-step instructions for drying and preserving herbs and for making the most common herbal preparations, including salves, syrups, tinctures, pills, and capsules. It features 20 basic recipes, including some "food as medicine" recipes for healing pestos, vinegars, and soups.