Book Reviews - June 2010
A Spectrum of Gardens
By Marilyn K. Alaimo Mediterranean Kitchen Garden: Growing Organic Fruit and Vegetables in a Hot, Dry Climate by Mariano Bueno. London: Frances Lincoln Ltd., 2010.Hardcover, 160 pp., ISBN 978-0-7112-3064-4, $35.00.Spanish author and prominent organic gardener Mariano Bueno gives practical advice on growing fruits, vegetables, and culinary herbs in a hot, dry climate in this extensively illustrated and detailed book. Translated and edited by Evelyn FitzHerbert, the text covers not only the fundamentals of organic gardening but also the effects of climate on plant survival and growth. Even though the work is geared to those gardening in hot, dry areas, readers will find that the discussion is applicable to all climate zones. The author touches upon the types of soil and compost preferred by different crops; the nutrients needed; different drip irrigation methods; crop rotation systems, and much more. His study of the subject includes a directory of popular crops with tips on how to select a proper growing site and when to sow seed plus directions on general care. His schedule of tasks during the gardening year contains valuable instructions on regular maintenance, including traditional methods favored in the Mediterranean region.
Front Yard Gardens: Growing More Than Grass, 2nd Edition, by Liz Primeau. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books (U.S.), Inc., 2010. Paper, 256 pp., ISBN 13: 978-1-55407-598-0, ISBN 10: 1-55407-598-X, $24.95.Canadian garden writer Liz Primeau foresaw today’s trend in turning a home’s front lawn into a more interesting and exciting space. In this new edition of her popular book, she chronicles the changes in her own garden and neighborhood. She offers wise guidance on how to go about converting a costly front lawn into an attractive home entrance with curb appeal. The lavishly illustrated text contains proposals for a diversity of gardens before different style homes in a range of climates. Some are photographed at different times of the year so that the viewer will have greater awareness of the seasonal changes, which affect the look of a home entry. What sets this inspiring book apart from similar works is the author’s practical, environmentally friendly advice and step-by-step instructions on gardening in the front yard.
Big Plans Small Gardens by Andy Sturgeon. New York: Octopus Books USA, 2010. Hardcover, 160 pp., ISBN 978-1-84533-372-0, $24.99.
British garden designer Andy Sturgeon directs the reader’s attention to imaginative designs for landscapes of limited dimensions. Using case studies of sites, he advises the gardener to consider first the needs and establish priorities for a small outdoor space before reviewing its problems and potential solutions. Employing contemporary materials in his work, the award-winning designer offers a diversity of options for the outdoor room whether it is on a rooftop, balcony, courtyard, patio, or passageway. His design details are exceptional and well conceived; hardscapes are particularly well done. Heavily illustrated and annotated with design tips, this book is highly recommended for its inspiring look at designs for a variety of small spaces.
Water-Efficient Gardening by John Marder.Ramsbury, Wiltshire, UK: The Crowood Press Ltd., 2009.Paper, 160 pp., ISBN 9781847971319, $27.95.British author John Marder has three decades of experience in professional horticulture and has designed water-efficient demonstration sites in public gardens. In this text he discusses the science of water conservation in gardening, highlighting the importance of design and plant selection in order to save water. He points out that by improving soil structure, the gardener can make the soil more effective in supplying needed water to plantings. He illustrates these points through design plans, drawings, and photographs. In suggesting suitable plants for drier conditions, he provides an extensive listing of woody and non-woody plants for the gardener to consider, but unfortunately does not indicate their individual hardiness zones. In the chapter on planting and garden care, the author goes into great explanation of the best method in soil preparation, when to plant, and how best to supply water to desired species, as well as eliminate competitive weeds and grasses.
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