When it comes to good gardening books there are numerous to choose from and I tend to gravitate towards those which have more practical tips to offer rather than just glossy pictures.
Last week I picked up four gardening books that I've poured over from page to page and even re-read. These are must- haves for anyone who is remotely interested in gardening and is still at the beginner or intermediary gardening stages.
Panty Hose, Hot Peppers, Tea Bags And More For The Garden
The book is as creative as the title. Old household items can be used in the garden and some even add that extra creative touch to the garden like putting an old teapot near a pond for a toad to reside in. The book provides tips on how to get rid of weeds, harmful insects and on how to keep pets away from ponds, seedlings and expensive plants. Just about any thing can be recycled and it gets the mind ticking in the right direction.
Constructing A Garden
This book is a slim read but with useful information on the planning, designing and maintaining of gardens. Ideas are provided for landscaping of formal and informal designs and even the placements of plants around ponds.
Different kinds of mulches and paving materials have been discussed along with the right kind of methods for pruning, sowing, propagating, division etc have been shown with pictures.
What makes this book handy is the specific details provided for those without any prior training in gardening.
Both these books are available at Strand (Bangalore). Another book which is a pleasure to posses is-
The Cook's Garden
Nothing satisfies the soul than to eat what grows in one's garden. Since I am still a newbie when it comes to growing vegetables this book has been of great help. Apart from providing information as to which herb, fruit or vegetable should be grown at which season the book also provides handy recipes and preserving techniques.
The pictures provided are pleasing to the eye and the information encourages us to put our gardens to use rather than just please the eye.
Another book that can bring the family together is-
Fun With Gardening
This book comes in handy to get small kids excited about growing vegetables and herbs in their backyard. It provides imaginative ideas like having a little water garden in a Tupperware or designing a little potted desert with cacti along with growing potatoes, bulbs etc.
This book is also available at Strand. As it happens there are some Indian gardening books available at Blossoms but are more detailed, informative but less exquisite to the eye.
These books have helped me get better acquainted with nature and provided hours of relaxation.
