Garden Plants and Gardening Techniques

Book excerpt: Gardening trends come and go, but essential gardening techniques never change. Garden Plants and Gardening Techniques is the ultimate gardening reference book, complete with a guide to all gardening matters and an invaluable garden plants directory. The first part of the book, Gardening Techniques, is a comprehensive guide to gardening essentials, from planning and creating, to repairing, altering and enhancing your garden. This section tells you how to lay out lawns, beds, borders and paths; how to erect fences; how to garden with trees, shrubs, climbers and flowers; and how to create special features in your garden, from patios to ponds. Also included are techniques for growing herb, vegetable and fruit gardens and, finally, essential advice on how to maintain and keep your garden in shape throughout the year. The second part of the book, Garden Plants, is an easy-to-use directory, with plant entries arranged alphabetically within each category. Each entry features a plant description, essential information on hardiness and size, and information on care and cultivation. The key to successful gardening is choosing the right plants for the conditions in your garden, and a list of recommended plants for a range of different growing conditions is provided. Packed with illustrations, step-by-step photography, and stunning plant portraits, this book is an indispensable volume for all gardeners. Whether you wish to learn new skills or brush up on old ones, improve an existing garden or create a new and uniquely personal one, information and inspiration is readily at hand. Book jacket.