The fourth edition of this popular title has been given a completely new look, but it remains the same practical illustrated guide that is a must-have for all gardeners. The text has been updated to incorporate more indigenous species, locally bred hybrids, and waterwise plants, in keeping with changing trends that recognize the importance of gardening in harmony with the natural environment.

The bulk of the book comprises directories that describe over 2000 plants (trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, creepers, bulbs, grasses and roses) with each entry accompanied by symbols that depict the ideal growing conditions, such as water and sun requirements, hardiness to frost, and whether the plant is deciduous, evergreen or flowering.

A brief introduction covers garden planning and design, maintenance, and how to deal with pests and diseases. The book concludes with a handy list of plants, grouped according to their suitability for particular circumstances, such as drought-tolerance, growing in containers, in full or partial shade, or to provide flowers for the vase.

To respect environment in the broad sense, we must first develop a respect for our own environment - the living world of plants and small wildlife that surrounds us in our homes and gardens. Growing plants is one of the most fundamental ways in which we can introduce our children to the wonder and magic of the natural environment. It is also one of the most accessible, as all children, regardless of financial, geographical or social circumstances, can try their hand at it - even if their gardening efforts are limited to nurturing a few tomato seeds in a tin on the window sill. In Gardening is fun, will encourage young - and old - to explore the pleasures of gardening. The message is, conveyed by means of simple text and lively, colourful illustrations, is that gardening can be fun, easy and inexpensive - and that you certainly do not need a large garden to enjoy the benefits. The title abounds with practical suggestions on how to grow plants, interspersed with down-to-earth ecological information aimed at fostering an environmentally-friendly approach to gardening. The content includes, among others, chapters on: Garden habitats; hints for green-finger gardening; growing vegetables; your garden - a wildlife sanctuary; managing problems.

The worldwide trend towards smaller houses and spaces and apartment type homes has inspired and demanded a new approach in gardening. This is due predominantly to the freedom of expression in the styling and use of outdoor spaces, the approach to hard landscaping and the use of plant material most suited to the environment, house or garden design and style.

The trend is to introduce hard landscaping and plant material natural to the local area, gravel as a substitute for lawn in small spaces, a sense of fun and the unexpected in the use of plants or accessories. This is what makes gardening a pleasure and one of the finest creative arts there is.

Keith Kirsten, world-renowned horticulturist, shares his vast local and international experience and knowledge with his readers in this book on small gardens – from the initial design, the preparation, the hard landscaping elements, container gardening, water, maintenance, garden chores for every month of the year, food and herb gardening, to lists of plants suitable for smaller spaces.

Breathtakingly beautiful photos not only illustrate the information, but are artworks in their own right providing a pool of inspirational ideas.

In 'n klein tuin is dit noodsaaklik dat die ruimte deeglik beplan en ook goed versorg word. Omdat 'n mens met 'n beperkte area te doen het, verander die ontwerp beginsels ietwat, en kundige, praktiese gebruik van die beskikbare ruimte is dus essensieel. So kan 'n tuinpaadjie deel uitmaak van die spasie rondom die swembad, en as dit 'n bietjie breer gemaak word, is dit sommer terselfdertyd ook 'n bruikbare patio. Net so kan 'n klein swembad ook 'n water verfraaiing wees. As die woonplek se boustyl geometries en hoekig is, is reguit lyne verkieslik, tensy die beskikbare ruimte voldoende is vir kurwes. 'n Mens kan plante van verskillende hoogtes langs 'n skutmuur plant, en 'n houer met kleurvolle teen 'n kantmuur kan 'n swembad of visdam interessant laat lyk. 'n Sitplek wat natuurlik by die plante in die tuin inskakel, maak te veel meubels op die patio self onnodig. 'n Kussing wat spesiaal vir die sitplek gemaak word is boonop gerieflik en sorg vir 'n spatseltjie bykomende kleur. 'n Klein tuintjie moet te alle tye onberispelik lyk juis omdat dit nie groot is nie. Dan kan 'n mens dit n sy geheel dwarsdeur die jaar geniet. Die geheim is om houers en beddings altyd kleurvol te hou, hetsy met blomme of loof van verskillend kleure. U plaaslike tuinsentrum sal u met raad en daad bystaan sodat u klein tuin die hele jaar lank 'n lushof kan wees. Onthou dat plante, net soos mense, kos en water nodig het, asook nuwe potgrond en kompos en selfs 'n vars laag bogrond. Geniet u tuin en mag die hoofstukke in hierdie titel wat handel oor ontwerp, instandhouding, peste en siektes, houerplante en die reeks plante wat vir klein tuine geskik is, u nie net inspireer om tuin te maak nie, maar u ook jare van vreugde in u tuin verseker.

Garden Plants and Flowers is a compact directory of trees, shrubs and flowering plants that are ideal for growing in South African gardens.

This revised edition has been updated to include new species, varieties and hybrids that meet the requirements of our diverse climate and habitats. The concise text includes details about plant growth and size, watering, feeding and pruning, and uses in the garden. User-friendly symbols indicate each plant’s key requirements, such as the amount of sun and water it requires, whether it is deciduous or evergreen, its level of drought, wind and frost tolerance, and if it attracts birds or insects, or bears flowers or fruit. A handy hint on each page provides general gardening information.

In this uniquely Southern African book, Carl Morrow and Keith Kirsten guide readers step by step into the magical realms of bonsai as a hobby, horticultural practice and art form. The contents reflect the natural progression most people follow as their interest grows, and includes keeping your first tree or two alive and thriving, the basic techniques and skills to shape your trees and add to your collection, and the advanced skills and underlying philosophy needed for advancing in the art. This edition has been revised and updated in both content and illustrative material. The species list at the end of the book is a guide to popular trees in the Southern African bonsai context and is illustrated for ease of identification. Bonsai success in Southern Africa is the perfect 'teacher' for those making their first foray into this fascinating and rewarding art, as well as for more experienced bonsai growers.