INTRODUCTION: AGRICULTURE has been defined by the Bishop of Newcastle as A controversy with weeds. The growth of weeds certainly constitutes one of the chief troubles of the tiller of the soil, for weeds are too often luxuriant where a good cultivated crop is awaited. The average farmer is quite familiar with the ordinary tillage operations which conduce to clean farming, and the gardener is able by intense cultivation to keep down weeds, but there are many methods which may be successfully employed in combating a given species which are not generally known. The agricultural Press testifies almost daily to the fact that information on the best means of eradicating weeds is badly needed by all concerned in the growth of crops, and I have long been convinced that the subject was deserving of special treatment. Careful thought quickly crystallised into the idea that a volume dealing with weeds and their destruction, and summarising under one cover the information scattered in many volumes published in this and other countries, would be of practical value. I hope, therefore, that the following pages will supply a real need, and prove useful to all engaged in the various branches of agriculture. It would be a great pleasure to me should the critic complain that the use of the word Common in the title of this volume is misplaced, as one of the artists, who experienced some difficulty in obtaining certain species for illustration, humorously suggested The term, however, appears to fit the text. In the third week of August of the past year, when examining a field of standing wheat, I spent about ten minutes collecting such weeds as were most easily found within an area of perhaps little morethan 100 square yards. In this small plot were quickly gathered the following twenty-nine species, eighteen of which were already illustrated for the pages of this book Convolvulus arvemis Senecio vulgar is Polygonum Convolvulus Galium Aparine Polygonum Aviculare Vicia sativa Matricaria inodora Rumex sp. Tussilago Farfara Plantago major Mentha arvensis Lychnis alba Sinapis arvensis Euphorbia exigua Sonchus arvensis Stellaria media Alopecurus agrestis Agrostis sp. Papaver sp. Ranunculus arvensis Triticum repens Poa annua Viola sp. Veronica sp. Potentilla Anserina Myosotis sp. sEthusa Cynapium Scandix Pecten- Veneris Alchemilla arvensis Most of these species are troublesome weeds, and it may be added that those marked with an asterisk were abundant. In a wheat field in which the crop was already cut were found thirteen species of weeds, several being serious pests and in a field of peas was an almost overwhelming quantity of Field Bindweed Convolvulus arvensis, Black Bindweed Polygonum Convolvulus, and Perennial Sow Thistle Sonchns arvensis, besides many other weeds...

This early work is an absorbing read for any amateur or professional gardener. Contents Include: Preface; Introductory; The Cultivation of Herbs; The Harvesting of Herbs; The Drying of Herbs; Uses of Herbs; Herb Gardens and Farms; and Short Notes on Individual Herbs arranged alphabetically. 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.

This early work is a fascinating read for any amateur or professional horticulturalist or historian of the profession, but it contains much information that is still useful and practical today. Contents Include: Foreword; Acknowledgements; Plants and Their Environment; Aspects of Soil Cultivation; The Principles of Plant Nutrition; Soils for Special Purposes; The Plant in Relation to Light, Air, and Temperature; The Life-Story of Garden Plants; Flowers and Fruits; Pruning and Training; Vegetative Propagation; The Different Forms of Garden Plants; The Plant in Sickness; Classifying and Naming Plants. 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.

A practical, easy-to-follow manual, Gardener's Fitness includes conditioning exercises, postural guidance for moving correctly and safely, therapeutic stretches to relieve discomfort, and a variety of gentle exercises designed to relax tired muscles and restore energy after laboring in the garden. Pearlman explains each exercise through simple directions and photographs. She also provides solid information on precautions to take in the gardening environment, where both major and minor dangers lurk: the sun, insect bites and bee stings, inclement weather, and many others.

An anthology of the best garden writing from the pages of The Garden, the magazine of the Royal Horticultural Society. As well as revealing key moment from a time of intense change, this anthology paints a rich and intriguing picture of what gardening means today.The writers tell of plant-hunting and new gardening practices, fashion and growing food, whilst shedding light on the inner landscape of the thoughtful gardener. Collected and curated by Ursula Buchan, herself an anthologist, The Garden Anthology presents a narrative of thoughts and opinions for keen gardeners to help navigate the gardening year, and comprises the best writing from more than the last 100 years. This 320-page reading book includes short essays, opinions, thoughts and excerpts from 80 garden writers and designers including James Wong, Sir Roy Strong, Helen Dillon, Anna Pavord, E A Bowles, Gertrude Jekyll, John Brookes, Tim Richardson, Joy Larkcom, Hugh Johnson, Nigel Slater, Lia Leendertz, Ursula Buchan, Nigel Colborne and Mary Keen under the universally-appealing subjects of: the kitchen garden; wildlife and wildflowers; gardens; garden design; the environment; plants; people; seasons and the weather.

This simple book is packed with information on hydroponic gardening. The graphic color and layout and design help to guide a hydroponic gardener from basic plant science and environment to purchasing a garden and appropriate supplies. Plans for making your own hydroponic garden, nutrient deficiencies, plant problems, and growing a garden beginning to end are all included in this invaluable guide.

For most people, creating a garden, or caring for and nurturing a garden, is of far greater significance than just gardening itself. Modern-day gardens tend to be more personalised as an expression of individual lifestyle choices. However, with so much information available on the broad subject of gardening and what to plant, it's not surprising that many garden lovers feel intimidated and choose the route of blissful ignorance, while all the time wishing there had been an accessible way of knowing how to do it right the first time.

In this concise and systematic publication, the authors have pooled their cumulative knowledge and wisdom of their own practical experience, as well as their respective, proven teaching methods, into a book which will help the beginner and even the more knowledgeable gardener to navigate his or her way through the process of creating a successful garden. The illustrations are visually stunning, and in their own right present a veritable treasury of inspirational ideas.

Most importantly, Making Sense of Garden Design (Sinvolle Tuinontwerp) it is a companion to help you create or recreate your garden. It offers practical exercises and hints, and is a practical, interactive reference and guide to the fundamental topics relating to planning and creating your own garden, including the basic steps in developing a long-term master plan; important considerations such as appropriate choices of styles and plants, water consumption, labour-saving techniques, and security, all shared within a local, South African context, which will also contribute to building confidence and pride in the development and evolution of a uniquely South African gardening style.

This early work is an absorbing read and thoroughly recommended for the shelf of any horticulturalist. It contains much information that is still useful and practical today. Contents Include: Tomatoes: Choice of Site. Type of House. Varieties; The Soil; Propagation. Potting. Planting; Pots and Boxes; Care after Planting. Mulching. Trimming. Weight of Crop; Gathering and Marketing. Grading. Packing; Diseases of Tomatoes; Pests; Cucumbers: Site. Propagation. Varieties; Preparation and Planting. Cleaning; Care after Planting. Trimming, Training and Stopping; Gathering and Marketing; Pests and Diseases; Outdoor Tomatoes and Ridge Cucumbers. 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.