Product Description

This reference book gives photographic explanations of every gardening technique and has more than 500 separate step-by-step sequences. Written by a team of international experts over three years, its range and depth illustrates authoritative and up-to-date practical gardening skills from simple to advanced. There are four major sections. Part one covers all the different plant groups and areas of the garden, advising on the uses of the plants, soil preparation, planting, maintenance, pruning and propagation. The chapters include: ornamental trees and shrubs, climbers, the rose garden, perennials, annuals and biennials, the rock garden, the water garden, cacti, the herb and vegetable gardens and fruit. Part two gets to grips with the practicalities of tools and equipment, greenhouses and frames, and garden structures and surfaces. Part three covers successful cultivation and propagation techniques by looking at the climate and how to protect plants, soil types and fertilizers, treating pests and diseases - including organic methods of treatment alongside conventional or chemical controls, plant problems, and dealing with weeds. Part four contains seasonal reminders, and a glossary and index which includes common names.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #157942 in Books
• Published on: 1992-09-30
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 648 pages

Customer Reviews

Best buy
This is easily the best gardening book I have ever bought. It is complete and comprehensive. If you are looking for a how-to book, this is the one for you. Unlike so many of the frothy-pretty-picture books published in this field today, this is a gardening book written for gardeners as opposed to people who simply want to extend interior design into their back garden.

The book is divided into sections, dealing with each plant entry by type rather than in alphabetical order. My personal preference would have been to have had an alphabetical treatment, which would have made it easier to find the relevant entry when a problem arises thereby avoiding the need to finger impatiently through the index with a muddy digit. However, this comment belies the degree to which I use the book: it is my first reference point.

It provides concise and practical advice on how to cultivate and propagate the plants featured. Helpful advice is given on pruning. Everything that I grow both in the greenhouse, outside and indoors is covered. In fact every garden plant that I can think of seems to be included.

There is a very useful chapter on growing fruit, which is a topic that tends to get neglected nowadays. I also found the chapter on vegetable gardening to be a useful reference when planning my kitchen garden.

The chapter that deals with "Plant Problems", is commendable for providing a significant number of organic solutions. Another chapter on soils and fertilizers gives all the basics for maintaining a healthy soil balance.

This is a reference book that no serious gardener should be without.

An encylopedia that lives up to its name
At 750 pages, the new edition of the RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening is a real heavyweight - but it puts its bulk to good use by being thoroughly comprehensive.

Gardeners of all levels will find something useful here, with sections covering everything from garden design and fruit tree grafting to water and container growing, cacti and succulents.

There's plenty of full colour photographs throughout to illustrate, and if you want to grow your own there's plenty of detail in the chapters on herb, fruit and vegetable gardens.

The book rounds off with chapters on propagation, pests and diseases and weeds, followed by basic botany. If you're looking for a garden reference book, this is definitely one to consider.

Never gardened before or do you have seasoned green fingers?
This is an excellent book for hints, tips and step by step guides for all aspects of gardening whether you are a beginner like me or have years of experience. From suggestions on how to build a compost heap to learning when is the right time to pick and store apples this encyclopedia offers practical advice and information on everything you need to know about looking after your garden all year round.

The easy to follow guides and photos can have you pruning, building a pergola or simply making your garden a haven of beauty in no time at all. Whether your garden be large or small this handy book provides useful gardening references that I think every gardener will benefit from.