Description

Gracious Gardens, in Small Spaces is for New Zealand gardeners who want to make the most of limited growing space. Containers, balconies, courtyards, roof gardens, window boxes, tiny patios and narrow borders are among the many examples discussed, along with the small spaces that occur in larger gardens in the form of rose beds, vegetable plots, groundcover planting, herb collections and other specialist areas.

There are ideas for making small spaces appear larger and reclaiming waste space, with recommendations on beautifying ugly corners, creating arbours and tackling perimeter planting. Colourscaping to change the perception of space is featured as a design technique. Dwarf and miniature varieties of favourite plants are proposed as frugal users of precious space. Decorative climbers and tall food plants, some of which double as shelter, are advocated as occupiers of vertical space.

The ‘go for green’ ethic is acknowledged throughout but is never overstressed. The author adopts a practical approach to garden health and hygiene and, in support of today’s ecological concerns, provides environment-friendly advice on the control of pests and diseases, soil conditioning, weeding and plant feeding.

If you want clear guidelines based on the hands-on principles of do-it-yourself, this is the book for you. Gracious Gardens in Small Spaces recognizes the value of personal, inventive endeavour and emphasizes the author’s belief that acquiring knowledge on the job is one of the many pleasures of gardening. The easy-to-read narrative style, supported by digressional asides, never undervalues the commonplace and reflects the author’s own experience of gardens where small is beautiful.

120 pages

Please note this is a second hand book in good used condition.