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The
Hamlyn Encyclopedia of Gardening
Book Review
Richard Wright
25 March 2002
 The
Hamlyn Encyclopedia of Gardening is a comprehensive
book that would be useful for anyone seeking
a guide to planning and designing their garden.
Priced at 拢14.99 it is good value as it
contains a wealth of practical information and
advice, is well illustrated and easy to follow.
In short whether you are an expert or a determined
amateur it is a one stop guide for good gardening
advice.
The
book is divided into three sections 聳 gardening
techniques, plants and gardens and a plant dictionary.
The first section gives the reader a basic understanding
of factors such as climate and soil conditions,
and also takes into account the structural fabric
of pathways and boundaries. These will determine
the design, as will the lifestyle and needs
of the people using the garden. The modern garden
is seen as an outdoor living space where people
want to spend less time on gardening chores
and more on planning colour schemes and enjoying
their valuable leisure time. The author offers
advice on how to make the most of your garden,
with suggestions for plants that will tolerate
specific problem areas such as wet, shaded or
sea-side gardens.
A
number of specific design features are described,
including gardens for children or disabled people.
Gardening techniques are covered such as training
and pruning, propagation and growing under glass,
and the author even suggests the essential tools
you will need. The second half of the book describes
how different types of plants should be grown,
from the fruit and vegetable garden to bedding
plants and annual and herbaceous climbers. A
chapter is devoted to each group of plants and
possible combinations, from roses to ornamental
grasses. This information is supported by an
excellent and extensive A to Z directory of
6000 plants. A good read and good value for
a reference book that will last any gardener
a long time.
Title
Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Gardening
Author Stefan Buczacki
Publisher Hamlyn
Price 拢14.99
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