Gardening & Flower Arranging

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When the world wearies and society ceases to satisfy, there is always the garden. Minnie Aumonier

Selected Titles:

The Japanese Art of Miniature Trees and Landscapes Yuji Yoshimura & Giovanna Halford Charles E Tuttle Co. 11th prtg 1964 Now at last an eminently practical book about one of Japan's most fascinating arts. Japanese miniature landscapes and, particularly, dwarf trees -"bonsai," as they are frequently called even in the West - have long been admired throughout the world, and large sums have been spent importing them into other countries, often only to have them die. There is something so magical, unearthly even, about their gemlike beauty that their creation has generally been thought an occult science, and for the layman even their care and preservation have seemed to be shrouded in mystery. As this book proves, however, the creation and care of bonsai is a comparatively simple art which can actually be systematically taught rather than, as in earlier books on the subject, just talked about vaguely. Now, given a reasonably green thumb and a modicum of patience, anyone in any country can create his own bonsai; and still easier is it to apply the few matter-of-fact rules necessary to keep a finished bonsai in healthy and vigorous condition for generations. Here are detailed instructions, together with many helpful diagrams and charts and a treasury of photographs, on every phase of the art: propagation and training, with hints for those in a hurry and for small-apartment dwellers; daily and seasonal care, and treatment of pests; how to judge, select, and exhibit bonsai, with emphasis always upon the untold enjoyment they can provide. Included also, for those who want still more detailed information, are invaluable appendices concerning tools and equipment, soil analyses, and precise data on the more than three hundred species of plants used in making bonsai. This, then, is a definitive work, one which has long been needed and which will remain the bonsai book for years to come. It is a book for those who want to try their hand at a fascinating hobby; for those who, preferring to buy their bonsai ready-made, want to fulfill their responsibility of preserving such miniature loveliness; and for those who want simply to understand more about one of Japan's most treasured traditions, "sculpturing beauty in living wood." 4to. Fabric covered boards with gold titling + device to front board + spine. Very minor chips + wear to the dustwrapper, otherwise the book is in VG++ condition in a VG+ wrapper. 830 gms £20.00

The Classic Garden Graham Rose Summit Books 1st 1989 Versailles, Hampton Court, the Alhambrathese spectacular classic gardens, marked by fountains, terraces, topiary, and decorative architecture, have been admired by gardeners everywhere. Here is the book that tells readers how to adapt these classic elements and reproduce them in their own gardens. Drawing on the most beautiful and historical gardens in the world, The Classic Garden provides a wealth of ideas and how-to information for gardeners who want to try something new. While exploring gardens with specific themes, it tells of roses from China, medieval herb gardens, Renaissance orangeries, as well as Victorian wilderness gardens and Gertrude Jekyll's herbaceous borders. Here too are descriptions of the terraces at Versailles, the decorative use of water in Moorish gardens, and the lawns of the great houses of Britain. Substantial material abounds on gazebos, summerhouses, arbors, conservatories, trellises, and pergolas, as well as clear diagrams that show how to use these structures to transform your garden into one of a kind. The celebrated garden writer Graham Rose plots the history of each element-making this book a fascinating tour of some of the world's loveliest places-and shows you how to re-create it in your garden. To inspire and assist the gardener, Rose includes marvelous color photographs, line drawings, and detailed plans. Dozens .., of helpful diagrams make it easy to see how these classic decorative elements can work well in a variety of modern gardens. And an appendix provides a comprehensive list of period plants to try. The Classic Garden is the only book that shows how to bring home the elements of the world's most beautiful traditional gardens. It provides a wealth of inspiration for every gardener. 4to. Slight wear to the bottom of the boards, otherwise the book is in VG++ condition in a VG++ wrapper. Complete practical guide to recreating the charms of traditional garden styles. 1020 gms £15.00

The Cottage Gardener's Companion  Pat Taylor (ed) David & Charles 1st 1993 Cottage gardening is one of today's most popular gardening styles. Borders crammed with an informal jostle of herbs and flowers, paths lined with scented pinks and primroses, lavender bushes by the garden gate and roses round the door ... the cottage-garden image is irresistible, and the style can be adapted to suit almost any garden, from country-house acres to tiny town courtyard. The Cottage Gardener's Companion is both an inspirational and practical guide to choosing and using plants to create the authentic cottage feel in your own garden - whatever its size. Compiled by the Cottage Garden Society, descriptions of the cottage garden scene and the tasks to be performed at each season are followed by a detailed compendium of traditional cottage-garden plants to choose. Trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials, bulbs, herbs, old cottage favourites and fascinating curiosities are all described, while a wealth of inspirational plant combinations and schemes are suggested for all seasons and situations. Illustrated throughout with original engravings and superb colour photographs showing just what can be achieved, The Cottage Gardener's Companion is essential reading for everyone who would like to plant an abundant and beautiful garden. 4to. Fine in a Fine wrapper. 705 gms £8.50

The Ornamental Kitchen Garden Janet Macdonald David & Charles 1st 1994 rnate kitchen gardens (or potagers) have a long and fascinating history. Travellers returning to Europe from the Americas in the fifteenth century brought with them new and exotic edible plants, relishing them for their appearance and their culinary usefulness. They grew these close to their homes where they could see and display them, arranged in formal patterns for decorative effect. This unusual book will inspire both the gardener and the designer to continue this ancient tradition. Janet Macdonald has written an authoritative guide to creating an ornamental kitchen garden which is as exciting as it is practical. Divided into three parts, the opening section features well-known modern potagers. It sets the scene, providing a resource for the imaginative reader and the serious gardener. The following two parts are practical and focus on planning and planting, giving detailed advice on all you need to know to create your own potager. The lavish photographs of contemporary potagers will appeal to all. Combine the glorious colours and textures of fruit and vegetables with the intricacies of a formal planned garden and you will discover the ancient secrets of the potager: what pleases the eye will also tempt the appetite. 4to. Fine in a VG++ wrapper. 750 gms £6.00

In a Monastery Garden Elizabeth & Reginald Peplow David & Charles 1st 1988 In this celebration of the monastery garden the authors trace the fascinating history and look at a wide variety of gardens and themes - always bearing in mind those who want to get the best out of a visit, and those ever eager to gain hints on design and methods for their own garden. Monastery gardens have always had special significance and design features and methods of crop raising and preservation, bee keeping, wine making and much else have been strongly influenced by what the monks did - while even today's great cathedral gardens pioneer and are worthy of attention. The importance of gardens surrounding monasteries, cathedrals and abbeys is looked at in detail in this beautifully illustrated and evocative guide. These gardens were needed to provide food, medicine and shelter for the pioneering monks when establishing their communities. Salves, potions and healing remedies for the infirmary were grown as well as flowers and foliage for decorating the church on feast days. With the aid of specially prepared plans, drawings, and photographs the book illustrates the growth and importance of individual and communal gardens at monastic establishments up to the time of the dissolution while tracing the history of monastic influence, much of the information being based on original research. Bringing the story up to date, the authors provide an excellent guide to those sites offering much that is new to the observant visitor today. They discuss Peterborough's fine garden, the camery (secret) garden at Wells, the rose and scented gardens for the blind at Bury St Edmunds, the circular walled garden at Michelham Priory and, among many others Westminster Abbey. There are also lists of the types of plants grown and used (in monastic days), a gazetteer of sites to visit and what to look for, and a glossary of monastic terms. This thematic and inspirational study of bygone days is specifically aimed at the practical benefit of today's reader. 4to. Fine in a VG++ wrapper. 810 gms £5.00

The Potted Herb  Abbie Zabar Weidenfeld & Nicolson 1st 1988 Herb gardening in pots affords all the larger pleasures of gardening in microcosm. With skill, imagination and flair the results can be spectacular In a book full of delights the author shares her thoughts on the history and cultivation of herbs as well as giving specific advice on propagation and training. laking a decorative approach she reminds us that there is always room somewhere for a garden of potted herbs and that there may be no better Christmas tree than a pinescented rosemary topiary planted in an old rose pot. Instructions, recipes and fresh ideas for using herbsspring wreaths, ointments, sachets, foods and presents-are all prettily illustrated with the authors drawings. 4to. Very, very minor creasing + slight dulling to the dustwrapper, otherwise the book is in Fine condition in a VG+ wrapper. 635 gms

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