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Cottage Gardens

Garden book recommendations

16 years ago

Hello, everyone,

Being a relative newcomer to cottage gardening, I would love to know what books you recommend. I saw the post which talked about The Well Tended Perennial Garden, and I do want to get that one. Do any of you have other recommendations? I'm especially interested in those with a southern bent.

Thanks for your help,

Mary

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Comments (11)

DYH
16 years ago
I use the Southern Living Gardening Book to look up plant information for the south. It's well organized and includes lists like fragrance, small trees, large trees, perennials, etc.

Cameron
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a2zmom_Z6_NJ
16 years ago
Armitage's Garden Perennials and Armitage's Garden Annuals. both books by Allen M. Armitage

Dr. Armitage is a world authority on plants. He's also a witty, opinionated and informative writer. As a professor at U of Georgia, Athens, his books don't ignore what plants are particularly good to grow down south. Absolutely gorgeous pictures (many from his own gardens). This is a reference book I go to again and again.

Shade: Ideas and Inspiration for the Shady Garden by Keith Wiley

This is a fairly new book that I'm in the middle of. Beautiful, inspiring pictures of shady gardens. Mr. Wiley is not afraid to offer criticisms of some of the pictures which I personally find interesting and useful - makes me reevaluate some of what I'm hoping to do.

Designing Your Gardens and Landscapes: 12 Simple Steps for Successful Planning by Janet Macunovich

Black and white line drawings. The best I've read on how to create a garden that works.
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girlgroupgirl
16 years ago
ohh, a2zmom, that shade book sounds good. I don't have much shade anymore, after a tornado hit. But I have a bit. I'm going to look into that book!

I have a cupboard full of garden books! Antique Roses for the South is a favorite by William Welch.

GGG
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contrary_grow
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you for your recommendations - I'm going to check those out. I actually have the Southern Living book, Cameron, but I had forgotten about it. I'll have to bring it out of storage. I'm so glad, GGG, that you mentioned a book about antique roses, because I am badly in need of one. I'm trying to incorporate antique roses into my cottage garden but need help on how to care for them. Thank you a2zmom for your recommendations. I can't wait to go to Borders and look for those books. I'm also in need of some shady garden help for my backyard (if I ever make it back there).

Mary
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PRO
Nell Jean
16 years ago
I keep going back to read Annuals with Style by Michael Ruggiero and Tom Christopher of the NYBG.
It is full of design ideas using annuals and has a section devoted to details on growing common annuals.
He notes how they perform in differing parts of the country, which is most helpful.

I keep the Southern Living book handy, too.
I have an Ortho book on roses that was not expensive and is full of information.

Nell
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fammsimm
16 years ago
Ditto on the Southern Living book. In fact, I have been very pleased with both their gardening and cook book series.

Marilyn
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seamommy
16 years ago
A book that is different, "Virgin Earth" by Phillippa Gregory is a fascinating look at John Tradescant and his adventures in gardening in the mid-1600's in America. The Tradescant family were quite famous throughout England as gardeners and collectors of curiosities before John ventured to America. His story is wonderfully told by Ms Gregory in the novel format, and I couldn't put it down. Cheryl

Here is a link that might be useful: Virgin Earth
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a2zmom_Z6_NJ
16 years ago
Mary, is your local library any good? One thing I find useful is to first take the books out and make sure they're a keeper for me. Lots of books I'm happy with reading them once and don't feel the need for having them on my self.
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contrary_grow
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks again for your recommendations. In addition to ordering The Well-Tended Perennial Garden and Antique Roses for the South, I came across the book Garden Bulbs for the South when I was trying to discover whether alliums would do ok where I live (after seeing Gottagarden's beautiful alliums). So I ordered it, too. I will get the shade book if I ever make it to my backyard (next year's project).

Mary
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girlgroupgirl
15 years ago
Contrary, I just looked at this thread again. Antique Roses doesn't have a lot of info about their culture. Which I know sounds odd, but these roses are so easy as long as you know the size of the plant as it grows in your area. I want to get a CD mentioned on the Rose forum here,http://www.ashdownroses.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1102

and here is some great info: http://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/culture.html

Garden bulbs for the South is a really great read. I also recommend all Elizabeth Lawrence books which I buy inexpensively used or on eBay.

GGG
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angelcub
15 years ago
For cottage gardening, my all-time favorite is Sunset's Cottage Gardens. Not only is it brimming with gorgeous colorful photos, it is broken up into chapters that guide the reader through all the components of the style plus it throws in a little history. For instance, the first chapter is titled "The Cottage Garden, Then and Now" which takes the reader through the evolution of the cottage garden, its essence and variations. The next chapter talks about climate and climate modifiers, with lots of good tips for choosing the right plants for your particular gardening climate. Then there's a whole chapter on planning, preparation and routine care, followed by a chapter that covers annuals, perennials, biennials, shrubs, vines and trees for the cottage garden. Herbs, vegies & fruits, ornamental grasses and Roses are included, as well. It finishes up with a chapter on details and accessories, with lots of color photos of pathways, fences, gates, seating, etc.

Check it out! I think you'll like it for an all-around guide and inspiration for cottage gardening. : )

Diana, who is not affiliated with Sunset in anyway. Just love their books ; )
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