"Gardening must entail the use of all of your senses."

HOW TO BE A GARDENER

Peeking out of my widow on an early Montreal spring morning I was depressed and horrified to notice snow on the ground! Although, where I live, you never know when winter ends and spring arrives; it still came as a shock!

In all probability, this would drive some to go for a swig of cognac in order to alleviate their winter blues, however, I decided to think positively and I began planning my garden.

Every spring I have this urge to get it right. Unfortunately, I seem to fall into my annual trap in being clueless as to where to start, and even if I knew, how to continue maintaining a beautiful garden.

Over the years, with all good intentions, I have either thumbed through or read from cover to cover one of the many gardening books. Most never seem to satisfy my needs. Moreover, they seem to presume that I know or should understand the basics of gardening. As a result, they devote very little space in delving into such topics as what is gardening, what is a plant, what plants need, what we need, where to start, and soil improvement.

However, recently, along comes a superb comprehensive coffee table tome, How To Be A Gardener, authored by Alan Titchmarsh with glorious illustrative photographs by Jonathan Buckley that just about answers all of my naive queries.

This beautifully rendered guide was published as an accompaniment to the BBC television series entitled, How To Be A Gardener. The guide not only explains how to garden, but why practicing certain techniques will aid us in achieving better results.

The author points out that gardening should be a pastime where one's imagination should run wild and free. Essential is that you get a feel for gardening by using all of your senses-touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing, as well as just plain ordinary "horse sense" or common sense. It should also be noted, as we are reminded, that gardening never finishes, it is an on going process. If you can't accept this fact, then forget about it.

Did you know you could learn a great deal about your soil by looking at the garden shortly after it has rained? All you have to do is rub a handful of soil between your fingers. In this way you can tell if it is sandy, clay, chalky, loamy, or peaty. Knowing the kind of soil will go along way in determining what to plant. The author points out another way to examine the soil by taking a handful of it and stirring it into a glass jar full of water. Allow the mess to settle, and then take a look at it. Here again the author explains the various possibilities.

This is just one of many examples of the sage advice appearing throughout the sixteen chapters that examine the basics of gardening, the different seasons, maintenance, weeds, design, patio gardening, beds and borders, edible gardens, wildlife gardens, covered gardens, vertical gardening, and water features.

One of the preponderant features of the book is its strong emphasis on clear and crafted explanations mixed with generous lush photographs and illustrative tables. In this way the reader's imagination and curiosity are awakened and interest maintained.

For most readers the book will be one to dip into rather than one to read cover to cover; although, I must admit, that once you begin reading the first introductory sections, you are prodded to read on and discover how to go about enjoying gardening.

Reviewed by Norman Goldman
Courtesy Bookpleasures
Posted April 30, 2004

Summary

Whether you're a novice or an experienced gardener, there are always times when it would be helpful to have a reliable expert at your side. In How to be a Gardener, Alan Titchmarsh draws on his vast knowledge and passion for gardening, and his many years of experience, to give you a comprehensive guide that explores every aspect of your garden and how it works. Alan starts with the basics, covering the absolute essentials that every gardener needs to know. He includes information on how plants work and what they need to flourish-as well as advice on where to begin if you're a first-time gardener. Step-by-step techniques cover everything from sowing seeds and arranging plants in a border, to laying a lawn and pruning. Alan also gives detailed advice on weeds, pests and diseases-with detailed photos to help you spot the problems you are likely to encounter. With his down-to-earth approach and ability to keep things simple, Alan will guide you every step of the way.