Everything about this delightful book is attractive, from its size
and the smooth quality of its paper to the number and interest of
its illustrations. And what a splendid idea for a book, the
endlessly fascinating subject of those pioneers who contributed
their ideas and expertise to the joy of gardening. George Drower,
writer and historian, knows his subject well and contributes
articles on gardening to the press and to magazines such as House
and Garden. He classes his material under 11 tempting headings so
that readers can dip into any part of the book as the fancy takes
them. Water features might be currently fashionable and the reader
may have the impression that there is little more to be learned on
the subject, but further reading in that chapter will reveal the
origins of the gutta percha hose pipe, Archimedes water screw,
Thomas Hill's sprinkler and Ingnace Dubus-Bonel's fibreglass pond.
Drower points out that ordinary, everyday tools like secateurs,
hose pipes and wheelbarrows had to be invented by someone and he
provides engaging anecdotes and potted histories of those heroes
who have made life in the garden infinitely easier. Each reader
will have a favourite chapter but it's difficult to find one as
fascinating as that on Garden Writing, and particularly the article
on Jane Loudon's book, Gardening for Ladies, which first appeared
in 1840 and sold over a thousand copies on the first day. The very
last article is in praise of Fisons' Gro-bag, a product which
appeared as recently as 1973 and which, as George Drower comments,
'has enabled millions of people to enjoy the simple pleasures of
gardening'. Beginners and experienced enthusiasts will love this
book and will no doubt follow up the author's helpful notes on
further reading and research on the internet. One to put on your
own Christmas list and to buy for others. (Kirkus UK)
This volume collects 50 stories of gardening invention, innovation
and discovery. Among them is that of Thomas Hyl, who in 1577
devised the first water sprinkler; Nathaniel Ward who began a craze
for indoor gardening in 1829 with his terrarium case; and Henry
Telende, who in 1720 grew England's first pineapple. From the
invention of the trellis, flower pots and the waterscrew in the
ancient world; via secateurs, jute string and flame guns in the
Victorian age; to the Gro-Bag and Flymo of modern times, the
ingenious achievements make an inspiring international collection.
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