A tour of some of the UK's most beguiling gardens in the counties of Kent, Sussex and Surrey, the counties that exemplify 'the garden of England'. In these three counties a wealth of history and horticulture has combined with geography in the shape of rolling landscapes, wooded valleys and meandering waterways, to provide an attractive and fascinating collection. They are in villages and towns, as well as in deep countryside, and all are privately owned. Some have been in the possession of the same family for many generations, while others have recently been transformed by new owners. Some open for the National Garden Scheme, while others are open privately and in some cases for just the occasional day for charity. The stunning gardens explored in this visually rich guide include: Arundel Castle, Denmans, Gravetye Manor, Munstead Wood and Sussex Prairie Garden. The book also includes a gazetteer of other important gardens in the area with location advice, to enable readers to plan a more elaborate tour of this fertile garden area. Filled with stunning, specially commissioned photographs by Clive Boursnell, Secret Gardens of the South East is a unique guide that opens the gates to the most intriguing gardens in this part of England.

Orchids in South Africa - A gardener's guide shows new and existing growers how to care for their orchid plants. Learn how to treat your orchids (and most commercially available orchids are quite easy!), water and feed them, how much shade or light they need, and how you need to grow, maintain and propagate them to prosper and flower regularly. Many species are discussed in detail, and the accompanying photographs of the species and a selection of popular hybrids will help you identify the different kinds, and also show you what other species you may be able to grow in the conditions you are able to provide. Orchids in South Africa - A Gardener's Guide is an invaluable guide for orchid growers in South Africa. It contains chapters on Orchids and their history; Basic botanical information on orchids; General growing information, and Repotting and dividing of orchids. Growing orchids is a fascinating and satisfying hobby. However, be warned that when you obtain your first orchid you will be blessed with an instant, life-long addiction to orchids!

Advice involves immediate 'rapid-response' actions to initiate containment along with preventative strategies, measures for control and monitoring requirements post-control. The manual responds to the GB Non-Native Species Strategy and deals with over 40 species which have been selected from plants listed in Schedule 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) for the UK; invasive alien species of EU concern (as per EU IAS Regulation 1143/2014); and other noteworthy species of the urban environment, for example butterfly-bush (buddleia). Each species account includes: a brief description on ecology and identification with corresponding photographs; a distribution map for the British and Irish Isles; immediate actions that can be taken once identified; pathways of spread; lifespan; seed-production age; seed longevity; growth rate; a 'schematic' of the life-cycle aimed at assisting the determination of schedules for survey and treatment; prevention and rapid-response measures; tables of control, management and herbicide treatment linked to decision-making flow diagrams; waste-disposal requirements; revegetation post-management; and continued monitoring. Key references to published data and links to appropriate websites are also included.

For fans of "The Tulip" and "Orchid Fever," a captivating account of big business, adventure and family intrigue in the horticultural world.
For over a century and across five generations, one Scottish family pioneered the introduction of hundreds of new plants into gardens, conservatories and houses and became the foremost European cultivators and hybridizers of their day. The story begins in 1768 when a Scotsman named John Veitch went to England to find his fortune, starting out as a gardener for the aristocracy. Realizing that horticultural mania had begun to spread throughout the population, Veitch and his wife opened a nursery and began to send the first commercial plant collectors to North and South America, Australia, India, Japan, China and the South Seas. These plant collectors were among the first people allowed into the countries of the Far East and the tales of their travels, many of them perilous and some fatal, are wonderful adventure stories. Combining an historian's eye for detail with a flair for storytelling, the author charts the fortunes of one family and through them tells the fascinating story of the modern garden.

Social and ecological guidelines for designing and maintaining small parks

Designing Small Parks: A Manual for Addressing Social and Ecological Concerns draws on a wide range of knowledge to provide a one-stop reference to building better parks.

Integrating design criteria with current social and natural science research, Designing Small Parks presents landscape architects, park designers, park departments, planners, scientists, and civic groups with a broad palette of design options. Beginning with an overview of key issues and terms, this accessible manual is arranged around twelve topics that represent key questions, contradictions, and tensions in the design of small parks.

Designing Small Parks features: Concise guidelines providing immediate access to critical information Fundamental material on size, edges, appearance, and naturalness Ecological and human environment coverage of water, plants, wildlife, and air and climate Succinct summaries of issues surrounding clients and other involved parties Over 100 drawings and photographs illustrating design details Up-to-date scientific research Five conceptual design examples that offer hands-on applications of covered material

Originally published in 1901. The author was Dean of Rochester and a respected expert on rose growing. The illustrated contents include: Causes of Failure Causes of Success Our Queen of Beauty Position Soils Manures Arrangements Selection Garden Roses Rose Shows Roses for Exhibition How to Show Memoranda for the Months A Select List of Exhibition and Garden Roses etc. Many of the earliest gardening books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing many of these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Originally published in 1883, this early works on American Grape Vines is extensively illustrated throughout. In this revised edition will also be found a far more exhaustive article on Grafting than was presented in the former. The author has also included a few hint on the subject of Wine Making, with much of the information still being useful and practical today this works is thoroughly recommended for inclusion on the bookshelf of any grower. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

This little book is addressed to those gardeners who love roses but who perhaps have not had sufficient experience in growing them to produce them at their best. Complete in its unabridged, original form, extensively illustrated and full of instruction that is as useful and practical today as it was when originally published. Contents include - Preface - The Evolution Of The Modern Rose - Planning And Preparing A Rose-Garden - A selection Of Modern Hybrid Tea Roses For The Garden - The Polyanthia Roses - Climbers And Ramblers - The Rose As A Flowering Shrub - Planting - Pruning - Propagate Your Own Plants - Manures And Manuring - Pests And Dieases - Pot-Roses Under Glass - Rose-Shows. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Exotic Fruits Reference Guide is the ultimate, most complete reference work on exotic fruits from around the world. The book focuses on exotic fruit origin, botanical aspects, cultivation and harvest, physiology and biochemistry, chemical composition and nutritional value, including phenolics and antioxidant compounds. This guide is in four-color and contains images of the fruits, in addition to their regional names and geographical locations. Harvest and post-harvest conservation, as well as the potential for industrialization, are also presented as a way of stimulating interest in consumption and large scale production.

Step inside the world's most famous garden and understand the strength of its attraction in this beautiful and fascinating study. Since is was bought and transformed by writer Vita Sackville West and diplomat Harold Nicholson in the 1930s, this garden has captured imaginations with its unique and intricate design. This unforgettable garden of rooms is influential today for its design, its exuberant planting, and its effect on visitors as a complete garden experience. Author Tim Richardson explores its power and its magic, explaining the nuances of its evolution and shows how we can all enjoy it today. Beautiful photographs transport you to the National Trust property, showcasing it in all its brilliance.

Creative gardening with indigenous plants, now in its second edition, is an invaluable handbook for South African gardeners. In this comprehensive guide the authors set out to popularise the use of indigenous South African plants in gardens, parks, on roadsides and anywhere where previously exotic plants were preferred. This book covers more than 300 plants, all illustrated by stunning photographs in full colour showing the whole plant as well as selected features such as flowers, fruit, leaves and bark. The text comprises a description of each plant, its usages - including medicinal uses and snippets of folklore - and advice on cultivation. Introductory chapters cover topics such as propagating plants from seeds and cuttings, gardening in the different climate regions, and using indigenous plants to attract birds and insects to the garden. Taking a very practical approach, using symbols, distribution maps, plant size and flower colour, the authors lead the reader to the correct plant to choose for the application, whether this be tree, shrub, annual, perennial, climber or water-loving plant. This all-inclusive book is a must for gardeners, horticulturists, landscape designers and anyone involved in the South African nursery industry.

Lack of space to plant your favorite fruit trees, vegetables, and/or herbs should not prevent you from having a garden that will yield fresh produce for you and your family to enjoy. Most families that live in apartments, condominium units, or places that don't offer a big enough space to create a regular garden turn to container gardening. Although a container garden has many similarities with a regular garden, you may need to exert some extra work in terms of proper care and maintenance. If you can choose the plants that blend well together, then your container garden can provide added aesthetic appeal to the interior of your home while providing fresh and organic produce on your table. Let's face the truth; it is absurd to believe that commercially bought fruits, vegetables, and herbs are not without pesticides even if the store boasts that they only sell organic produce.

With 26 projects, From Seed to Bloom is a modern and practical guide to growing and styling your own floral arrangements. Starting by tackling the principles of floristry from seed to bloom, Milli takes you through the seasons and explores the top plants to grow and how to style them. Each chapter spotlights the growing highlights of the season with top tips on how to sow, grow and harvest. Milli also shares her own stories from the field to help inspire and encourage you to grow your own, with advice on soil health, composting, sustainable growing and how to plan your planting. From Seed to Bloom includes beautiful lifestyle photography shot through the year from Milli's field, as well as step-by-step photography that celebrates the art of creating beautiful floral pieces, to gift and to keep. This is a book for those who seek an approachable and accessible insight into the wonderful world of flower growing and floral arranging. Learn to play with colour and texture both in your planting and styling with From Seed to Bloom, as you learn how to create designs with confidence and bring nature into your home.

About the book:

"The Naked Truth About Gardening, " is an essential guide on how to successfully grow plants. Author, Eleanor Rose, believes ANYONE can grow plants if they know how. It is the how, that is surprising. In "The Naked Truth About Gardening: The Bare Essentials," Eleanor shares her top 10 "Naked Truths" for gardening. These truths are the keys that unlock the secrets to mastering this ancient art while utilizing technology of the 21st century. This book contains what every person needs to know to discover their naked gardening self.

Learn top 10 "Naked Truths" of successful gardeners.

Grow robust healthy plants anywhere in the world.

Exercise time tested tips, tricks and techniques to achieve extraordinary results.

Appreciate low maintenance and economical plants.

Choose the best plant for a growing space by measuring light, temperature and humidity.

Acquire tools and supplies for just pennies on the dollar or even for free.

Practice time, space, and money saving strategies for your garden.

Learn to shop efficiently and effectively for healthy plants at bargain basement prices.

Avoid the frustration and disappointment of poor plant performance.

Become part of the pollution solution by growing environmentally friendly plants.

This charming book is an affectionate look at a year in the life of a victorian garden, a fascinating novel of the period and still an listening read today. In its complete and unabridged original form, extensively illustrated it makes a worthy addition to the book shelf of any garden lover. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.