[.ca] A Garden from a Hundred Packets of Seed (ISBN 0374160295)

Enjoyable approach to gardening annuals:
James Fenton makes the case for annuals in your garden, which are typically overlooked in gardening writing that concentrates on perennials. This book, which lists 100 of the author's favorite plants to grow from seed, should be read with a plant encyclopedia at hand like as 'Sunset Western Garden', so that you can see what the plants look like and what their care requirements are. Many self-sowing varieties are included, which may convince those looking for a low-maintainence garden that annuals can play a part in it. Color and appeal is emphasized, much like what would have attracted you if you had a chance to garden as a child. The author's garden is in the south of England, which may limit whether his choices are appropriate for your climate.

Pleasant:
This is a pleasant little book; basically a series of essays on the writer's one hundred favourite plants that can quite easily be purchased and grown from seed. I enjoyed the personal approach to gardening and plants, and also the relaxed random-ness of it. The snobbery of design and planning, of garden bones and vistas, does not hold this writer in thrall. He knows and loves plants, and he wrote these essays about them. In truth there isn't much substance here, but it makes a pleasing, quick read, and the book would make a nice little gift for a friend.

Pleasant:
This is a pleasant little book; basically a series of essays on the writer's one hundred favourite plants that can quite easily be purchased and grown from seed. I enjoyed the personal approach to gardening and plants, and also the relaxed random-ness of it. The snobbery of design and planning, of garden bones and vistas, does not hold this writer in thrall. He knows and loves plants, and he wrote these essays about them. In truth there isn't much substance here, but it makes a pleasing, quick read, and the book would make a nice little gift for a friend.