The Practical Gardener: The Complete Guide to Creating and Maintaining Every Garden

Many gardening books are little more than lovely pictorials of stunningly beautiful gardens cared for by a team of experienced, or even professional, gardeners. Unfortunately, there's more to creating one of these showplaces than running down to the local nursery, pointing out a few plants, and dropping them in the ground. But don't despair--with a little forethought, some careful preparations, and a lot of elbow grease, it can be done. In The Practical Gardener, author David Squire states, "Successful gardening is based on a combination of inspiration, planning, and practical information." And that's where his book comes in. With several hundred beautiful photos, Squire's book is as lovely to look at as it is inspiring, but what sets it apart from the rest of the crop is its nuts-and-bolts approach to the practicalities of planning and creating a bountiful garden. There's hardly a related task imaginable that one of the 11 comprehensive sections doesn't cover--everything from planting a lawn to building a pond, laying stone pavers to propagating seeds. A renowned horticulturist, Squire knows his business, and you've no doubt seen examples of his work in those lovely pictorials mentioned earlier. Whether you're an expert or novice, this helpful guide can lead you along the path to successful gardening. --George Laney