Creating and maintaining a beautiful garden that is safe and natural is becoming increasingly popular as we begin to understand the benefits of adopting an organic way of life. The Organic Garden is an indispensable guide to using organic methods to create flourishing ornamental and wildlife gardens. There is also a vital section on kitchen gardening that reflects our growing interest in eating and producing fresh, healthy and chemical-free vegetables, herbs and fruit. Christine and Michael Lavelle give clear advice on creating and caring for a natural garden, showing how to adopt an organic approach to each garden task, whether this is soil preparation, weeding and weed control, watering and feeding, or pruning and propagation. There is also helpful practical information on dealing organically with pests and diseases in both the garden and the greenhouse. The book looks in turn at different aspects of organic gardening, from creating spectacular lawns and decorative beds and borders in the ornamental garden, through attracting a host of beneficial creatures to the wildlife garden, to growing a wealth of crops in the kitchen garden. An easy-to-use directory of vegetables, herbs and fruit provides clear, at-a-glance information on growing a wide range of healthy produce, with advice on sowing, planting, harvesting and storing. With its wealth of inspirational and practical photographs, useful step-by-step information and well-informed text, The Organic Garden Book is a comprehensive guide for both first time and experienced gardeners, whether you wish to start an organic garden from scratch or use organic methods in an existing garden.

Penjing is an exquisite Chinese traditional art, similar to bonsai but with one major difference: Penjing is a landscape in a pot, while bonsai is more simply a tree in a pot. This exquisite art form is an exceptional tool to teach an understanding of the Chinese approach to nature and to life. This lovely book showcases the Chinese art of penjing in all its aspects and covers all three categories, tree penjing, rock penjing, and water-and-land penjing. A feast for the eyes, Penjing: The Art of Chinese Bonsai provides a wealth of information for the academically inclined as well as the practically minded.

A unique, step-by-step five-year schedule to turn a neglected home landscape into a stunning garden that yields year-round pleasure. Written especially for the new home-owner, James draws on his experience to answer the hundreds of questions about growing and maintaining lawns, flowers, trees and shrubs, integrating outdoor furniture and lawn structures, and much more.

"This intriguing book takes an in-depth look at mazes from all over the world." - Alan Titchmarsh "Prepare to get lost in the world of labyrinth and maze-making in this attractively packaged book that looks at the history of mazes." - Gardens Illustrated Mazes have been a part of civilization for at least 4,000 years, and there are more being built now than ever before. What is it about these magical life-size puzzles that continues to intrigue us? This beautifully illustrated book will delight lovers of mazes, acting as a guide, directory and puzzle book combined. Specially commissioned illustrations by Thibaud Herem represent 60 real and imagined mazes from around the world, with a bird's eye view of each maze so that readers can make their own journey. Each maze is also accompanied by a fascinating and witty short history. A must-read book for fans of Red Thread: On Mazes and Labyrinths by Charlotte Higgins and Follow This Thread: A Maze Book to Get Lost In by Henry Eliot

Regenerative practices for the farm, garden, orchard, forest, and landscape Mycorrhizal fungi have been waiting a long time for people to recognize just how important they are to the making of dynamic soils. These microscopic organisms partner with the root systems of approximately 95 percent of the plants on Earth, and they sequester carbon in much more meaningful ways than human "carbon offsets" will ever achieve. Pick up a handful of old-growth forest soil and you are holding 26 miles of threadlike fungal mycelia, if it could be stretched it out in a straight line. Most of these soil fungi are mycorrhizal, supporting plant health in elegant and sophisticated ways. The boost to green immune function in plants and community-wide networking turns out to be the true basis of ecosystem resiliency. A profound intelligence exists in the underground nutrient exchange between fungi and plant roots, which in turn determines the nutrient density of the foods we grow and eat. Exploring the science of symbiotic fungi in layman's terms, holistic farmer Michael Phillips (author of The Holistic Orchard and The Apple Grower) sets the stage for practical applications across the landscape. The real impetus behind no-till farming, gardening with mulches, cover cropping, digging with broadforks, shallow cultivation, forest-edge orcharding, and everything related to permaculture is to help the plants and fungi to prosper . . . which means we prosper as well. Building soil structure and fertility that lasts for ages results only once we comprehend the nondisturbance principle. As the author says, "What a grower understands, a grower will do." Mycorrhizal Planet abounds with insights into "fungal consciousness" and offers practical, regenerative techniques that are pertinent to gardeners, landscapers, orchardists, foresters, and farmers. Michael's fungal acumen will resonate with everyone who is fascinated with the unseen workings of nature and concerned about maintaining and restoring the health of our soils, our climate, and the quality of life on Earth for generations to come.

This book brings together the best advice for cultivating fruit trees, berries and shrubs using biodynamic methods, with the aim of harvesting healthy fruit free of pesticides. Ehrenfried Pfeiffer discusses the principles of tree biology before describing the measures that can be taken to develop a pest-free orchard without the use of chemicals, including soil preparation, the selection of trees for planting, issues of transplanting and pruning, the application of pastes, green cover crops, and pest control. Michael Maltas ran fruit tree experiments on his biodynamic farm in Missouri for four years. The results are recorded in a highly practical annual spraying schedule for orchards, which is reproduced in this book. A month-by-month calendar gives information on specific methods and controls, based on Maltas's extensive experience. This is an invaluable book with practical advice on all aspects of planning and maintaining a healthy orchard. This is a thoroughly revised and updated combined edition of 'Biodynamic Treatment of Fruit Trees, Berries and Shrubs' by Ehrenfried Pfeiffer and 'Orchard Pest Management and Spray Schedule' by Michael Maltas. Published in association with the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association of North America.

Herbert Koepf was a pioneer of biodynamics in Germany, the USA and in the UK. He was an expert teacher, and drew on his own practical background in farming. This book is a collection of some of Koepf's writings on key aspects of biodynamics. It includes practical guidance on building soil structure, preparing and applying biodynamic sprays, crop rotation, compost and composting methods. He also considers ways of researching the effectiveness of biodynamic methods, and measuring results. This is an invaluable guide for anyone working with biodynamic methods, offering Koepf's unique insights and wisdom on practical issues. This overview of Koepf's work is a newly-edited combination of four pamphlets: Compost, Biodynamic Sprays, Three Lectures on Biodynamics, and Research in Biodynamic Agriculture, all previously published by the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association of North America. Published in association with the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association of North America.

Dry weather defines the southwest, and it's getting dryer. A water becomes more precious, our gardens suffer. If we want to keep gardening, we need to revolutionize our plant choices and garden practices. Hot Colour, Dry Garden provides home gardeners with a joyful, colour-filled way to exuberantly garden in low-water conditions. Garden expert Nan Sterman highlights inspiring examples of brilliant gardens filled with water-smart plants. Gardeners will find advice for adding colour to the garden, information about designing for structure and texture, and a plant directory that features drought-tolerant plants that dazzle. Hot Colour, Garden is a must-have guide for gardeners in the Southwest and other areas affected by drought and low-water conditions.

Organic Gardening in Cold Climates can teach you how to reap a vegetable bounty despite a short growing season. Gardeners from the Rocky Mountains to New England can enjoy luscious red tomatoes, fresh kale, and baby carrots chilled by the damp earth in their own backyard. Perrin helps you plan your garden and shows you how to plant, fertilize, water, mulch, and harvest -- without the use of agricultural chemicals. Special sections explain companion planting, season extenders, composting, natural pest and disease control, saving seeds, and the French Intensive method of gardening. You'll also find hints for cooking and preparing vegetables, a list of cold climate seed suppliers, and sources for further information. Includes 64 pen-and-ink drawings, index, 2 appendixes, and 4 charts.

Includes: *500 recommended plants & designs*planting tips and growing conditions *rules and principles of container gardening color, flowering time, height, spread and hardiness of each plant *photos showing each plant in a container setting *covers MN, WI, IL, IN, MI, OH

The Pond Lovers is a sustainable farmer's ode to the watery microcosms all around us, from the half-acre farm pond to the suburban garden pool. Readers looking for hands-on experience will find plenty of pond-keeping dos and don'ts. Gene Logsdon's higher purpose, however, is to proclaim the natural, spiritual, and recreational benefits of ponds. Fed by spring or filled by rainfall, the ponds closest to Logsdon's heart need minimal human interference in the way of machinery or chemicals. Those we read about in ""The Pond Lovers"" mostly belong to Logsdon's friends and neighbors, an extraordinarily resourceful group of people. For them, a pond is many things - from a place to fish, swim, or skate to an oasis for local plants, insects, and animals. Each purpose, Logsdon shows us, has its place in a thoughtful, self-sufficient life. Drawn from many and varied lifetimes spent around ponds, ""The Pond Lovers"" brims with lessons and opportunities for good work and good play - for backyard naturalists, do-it-yourselfers, and armchair gardeners.

Unleash your inner geek and let this irreverent romp through the wonders of the garden yield practical results. Curious why caressing your cucumber plants will help them bear more fruit? Or why you should grow oranges from seed even if the fruit is inedible? Or why trees need to sleep and how to help them? Join acclaimed gardener, scientist, and author Lee Reich on a journey through the delights of your garden in this laugh-out-loud treatise on the scientific wonders of plants and soil. Offering eye-opening insight and practical guidance, coverage includes: How to maximize both flavor and nutrition in your garden bounty Helping plants thrive during drought Outwitting weeds by understanding their nature Making the best use of compost Tips on pruning and orchard care Why the dead language of Latin can make you a better gardener. The Ever Curious Gardener is an irreverent romp through the natural science of plants and soil, ideal for newer gardeners moving beyond back-of-the-seed-pack planting to experienced gardeners whose curiosity at the wonders of cultivation grows deeper and stronger with each season.

There are times in a gardener's life when what we want to do and what we can do are at odds. Our knees and backs may be complaining, our energy isn't what it was - yet our desire to get our hands in the dirt is as strong as ever. Or maybe we've downsized to a much smaller outdoor space that doesn't look promising at all. What to do? In Late Bloomer, garden designer Jan Coppola Bills shows us how to successfully rethink our approach to gardening as we age. The author is a second-half-of-life gardener who helps her many friends and clients achieve easy care, low cost, eco-friendly, simple and beautiful gardens. It's all about maintaining a joyful, healthful connection with the soil - but without the toil. Late Bloomer is part garden philosophy and part on-the-ground strategies and tips from the author and expert gardeners across the U.S. With color photos on almost every page, this inviting and practical book is organized around the four tenets of the Late Bloomer philosophy: Simplicity. Beauty and Harmony. Comfort and Ease. Relaxation and Letting Go.

Text with fully-integrated illustrations which are mainly photographs showing different varieties and habitats, the nuts in their different stages of growth; processing for oil; uses of the timber; the walnut in art; culinary use including a collection of recipes. Practical advice on choosing, planting, maintaining and pruning walnut trees. Approx 80 colour illustrations plus b&w archive prints and drawings. Further reading list. Suppliers. Index.

This title includes glorious hanging displays for year-round interest, shown in over 110 inspirational photographs. It includes everything you need to know to create wonderful hanging baskets in many different shapes and sizes. It includes ideas for baskets with dramatic flowers, pretty foliage, sumptuous scents, and fruit and herbs. You can enjoy lovely, healthy plants all year round - from alyssum to violas - and learn how to combine plants that will complement the style of your home. It features an at-a-glance reference chart giving plant descriptions and a guide to their common names. Hanging baskets provide long-lasting enjoyment with their fabulous blooms and gorgeous scents. They can brighten up walls and pergolas, and will always create a welcoming feel beside a doorway. Easy to plant up and maintain, even the least experienced gardener can quickly become adept at achieving beautiful creations. In this book, you will find illustrated instructions for making stunning baskets, with advice on choosing suitable plants and containers, as well as helpful reference charts outlining seasonal tasks and recommended plants. There is a wealth of ideas for creating hanging baskets brimming with flowers, foliage, fruit, herbs and vegetables.

In Pots for all Seasons, gardening guru Tom Harris offers ideas for a wide range of fresh and unusual container plantings, and shows you exactly how to create them. He shows how to combine pots to make a container garden and how to rearrange and replace them so that the display is always lively and appealing. He covers every aspect, including: Collecting pots: the different types and styles of pots, their advantages and disadvantages and how to choose between them. What to grow: the plants, divided into those that play a permanent role and temporary `visitors'. Making pictures: how to arrange and compose pots to show them off at their best. A gallery of inspiration: page after page of glorious container plantings, some themed (e.g., seaside), some simply a celebration of the season, all displaying the freshness and relaxed charm that makes them different. Planting for success: how to plant up your pots and maintain the plantings so they are always in top condition.

This title shows you how and when to prune all the key plants in your garden, with step-by-step photographs. It clearly explains the different methods of pruning, such as deadheading, shaping, clipping and trimming. It describes specific pruning techniques for different types of plants, including roses, shrubs, climbers and hedges. You can learn how to restrict the size of evergreens, trim vines, rejuvenate conifers, train apple trees and shorten the growth on soft fruit bushes to maximize their yield. It includes an at-a-glance seasonal chart to remind you when to prune, and a list of plants' common names. Most plants benefit from a prune for healthy growth and visual appeal, but many gardeners approach the task with trepidation. This accessible handbook provides a clear, easy-to-follow guide through the complexities, explaining why we prune, and giving step-by-step instructions on the different techniques. There is also advice on selecting and using equipment, an extensive section on pruning specific types of plants, and two useful charts showing methods of pruning and seasonal pruning. The book contains all the information you need to keep your plants beautifully healthy, flowering and fruiting prolifically, and looking just as you want them.

A food forest is a productive landscape developed around a mix of trees and perennials. Rooted in permaculture principles, this integrated approach to gardening incorporates a variety of plants such as fruit and nut trees, shrubs, vines, and perennial herbs and vegetables. Food forests can help increase biodiversity, protect valuable habitat for beneficial insects, and promote food security and resilience, all while providing an abundant harvest. The Food Forest Handbook is a practical manual for the design and management of a home-scale perennial polyculture garden. Simple, straightforward instructions guide the reader through: Getting started - site assessment and planning Tending the forest garden - maintaining soil health, succession planning, , mulching, pruning and more The fruits of your labor - crop profiles, harvest, storage, nutrition and recipes. This timely book makes the concept of food forests accessible to everyone. Focusing on the potential of perennial polyculture to enhance local food systems, The Food Forest Handbook shows the reader how to mix and match plants in unique combinations to establish bountiful landscapes and create genuine self-reliance in years to come. Darrell Frey is the owner and manager of Three Sisters Farm, a five-acre permaculture farm, solar greenhouse and market garden located in Western Pennsylvania. He has been permaculture teacher for thirty years, and is the author of Bioshelter Market Garden: A Permaculture Farm. Michelle Czolba is co-owner of Pittsburgh Permaculture and co-founded the Hazelwood Food Forest. She has extensive experience in the design and maintenance of perennial polyculture.