How-To Help for Every Gardener
March 14th, 2008 | 
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Earlier this week, Meshellyn asked about help (books and/or websites) for first-time gardeners in response to Gardening: A Gift from God. I had the opportunity to be in a real bookstore today – a rare occasion in our neck of the woods! While the gardening section wasn’t horribly large, only one shelf, I did find some very reasonably priced books (all under $10) for beginners or those wanting to do a re-design. Remember to check your local library to save money!
2. New City Gardener: Natural Techniques and Necessary Skills for a Successful Urban Garden (Judith Adam, copyright 1999, ISBN: 1552093131, 224 pages, Note: While I found this book in the bookstore, a quick look at Amazon reveals that this book may be out of print.) The purpose of this book is to illustrate what can be done in a “city” garden or an area where a lot of space isn’t available. Loads of illustrations will spark ideas of how to hide the unsightly fence or creative ways to arrange a container garden. While I think this book is beneficial for ideas, it didn’t contain a lot of information how to create or implement the ideas in the photos.
3. Gardening in Small Spaces (Lance Hattatt, copyright 2003, 256 pages, $5.99) This compact book is jammed with information and ideas on how to create the garden you dream about. The table of contents covers different garden types such as cottage gardens, container gardens, etc. Again, there are a ton of illustrations as well as explanation of color combinations and plant locations.
4. New Gardener (copyright 2002, $5.99) If you are interested in adding walkways, building a retaining wall, or adding some other element to an existing garden or one in the planning stages, the New Gardener contains step-by-step construction steps. The number of projects detailed will give every gardener, beginning and experienced, ideas on how to add visual interest to their flower beds. The book also covers other garden basics, such as soil preparation.
Another idea that I suggested to Meshellyn was a subscription to the magazine “Backyard Living.” The contents are well worth the cost of the subscription (1 yr: $14.98, 2 yr: $24.98, 3 yr: $33.98). The topics are seasonal and practical, and the reader Q&A section often answers everyday garden dilemmas. Personally, while I love the whole magazine, I enjoy the “yard sale find” section that shows how to implement cheap (or free) pieces into your garden. For example, instead of using regular pots as planters, use boots, old chairs, discarded barrels, or even old tires.
My mom taught me most of what I know about gardening, however the one topic that eludes me is the actual design part. I have great ideas, beautiful plants, but no clue how to make them work together for the most drama. Anticipating our new home this summer, I need to figure out the best way to show off my gorgeous lilies, gladiolas and irises. I did find one website that looks promising: The Landscape Design Site. Check it out when you have a chance. Do you know of any other resourceful garden design sites?
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Thanks for those resources! If I ever get around to putting a garden together this summer I’ll be sure to post some pics on my blog. I hope to at least start somewhere, even if it’s a small flowerbed or two.