“Delightful!” —The New York Times Book Review Discover a world of beauty and creativity! Chanticleer has been called the most romantic, imaginative, and exciting public garden in America. It is a place of pleasure and learning, relaxing yet filled with ideas to take home. And now those lessons are available for everyone in this stunning book! You’ll learn techniques specific to different conditions and plant palettes; how to use hardscape materials in a fresh way; and how to achieve the perfect union between plant and site. And Rob Cardillo’s exquisite photographs of exciting combinations will be sure to stimulate your own creativity. Whether you’re already under Chanticleer’s spell or have yet to visit, The Art of Gardening will enable you to bring the special magic that pervades this most artful of gardens into your own home landscape.

The Mastering the Art of Gardening is more than just a how-to book. We believe that gardening is not just about growing plants but also about nurturing your mind, body, and soul. Gardening can be a form of meditation, a way to connect with nature, and a way to improve your overall health and wellbeing. In this book, we will explore the many benefits of gardening, including stress relief, improved physical fitness, and increased mental clarity. One of the most important aspects of gardening is understanding the soil and how to prepare it for planting. In the first few chapters of this book, we will cover everything you need to know about soil types, soil testing, and soil amendments. We will also discuss the importance of composting and how to create your compost for healthy and nutrient-rich soil.

Graham Stuart Thomas stands alone as the world's pre-eminent rose gardener. In this unique presentation he focuses on the uses of a variety of garden plants--flowering and nonflowering--with which to create enduring garden designs that rescue roses from the stiff formality of most ornamental gardens. Here, Mr. Thomas employs the lessons of the magnificent garden at Mottisfont Abbey, first created by him in 1972 and extended in the 1980s, to demonstrate thrilling design choices and methods of lengthening the flowering seasons open to any alert gardener. As Henry Mitchell, the Washington Post's distinguished horticulturist, puts it: "It was Thomas who launched the revival of interest in roses long out of commerce...He found many of the unheard-of nineteenth-century roses at Bobbink and Atkins Nursery in New Jersey and the old Lester and Tillotson Nursery in California. The authority of Graham Stuart Thomas is by no means limited to roses. He writes authoritatively on perennials, garden design, the grouping of plants, on groundcovers and much else...Few gardeners are so catholic or such connoisseurs." The present book is a glorious display--in words and color illustrations--of Mr. Thomas's gardens, providing an education for the reader in the design of his own garden. Photographs show roses close up and in garden settings with complementary plants that extend the flowering season of the gardens into the late fall. The author explores the origins of the roses selected and explains how he has employed their particular qualities in his designs. He includes a checklist to assist gardeners who wish to re-create these sumptuous plant combinations.

This beautifully illustrated book presents a history of our relationship with nature, beginning with the civilisations of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, when gardens served as ‘the dwelling place of the gods’. Tracing this history through subsequent epochs, the author shows how human awareness of the divine presence in nature was gradually eclipsed. As nature came to be viewed primarily as a physical resource to be controlled and exploited by us, this was reflected in the ordered, rational designs imposed on such gardens as Versailles. More recently, gardening has come to be seen less as an instrument of control than as an art in its own right, enhancing nature’s inherent beauty. Jeremy Naydler suggests that the future of gardening lies not simply in its being regarded as an art but as a sacred art, which once again honours and works with the spiritual dimension intrinsic to nature. ‘This thoughtful book challenges the gardener in us to work as an artist and experience the sacred presence around us by becoming creatively engaged with the hidden formative forces of Nature.’ – Network Review ‘The main thrust of this profound and inspiring volume is to remind us that gardens are essentially sacred spaces in which we may work together with Nature in order that we may help her – and ourselves in the process – express more fully the divine presence hidden within the heart of her outward beauty.’ – Resurgence ‘An exceptionally well-referenced, delightfully illustrated and informative work.’ – New View ‘In his beautifully illustrated book, [Naydler] re-sounds the call of the garden as a “necessary counterbalance and corrective”. It’s a welcome message towards re-sanctifying our world.’ – Nexus Magazine ‘Gardeners will love this book. Occasionally you look down the garden you have worked all day … and you have that peace, that sense of the numinous that cannot be understood except by somehow knowing that it is vital. Our author has been so kind as to declare it for us: gardening is a sacred art.’ – Derek Cunningham, Self and Society

The Art of Container Gardening Everything You Need to Know to Start Growing Flowers, Herbs, and Vegetables in Small Places for beginners. Whether you have limited outdoor space, a desire to bring greenery indoors, or simply crave the joy of nurturing plants, this book is your essential companion. In "The Art of Container Gardening," you'll discover everything you need to know to start your own thriving garden in pots, planters, and other containers. From selecting the right containers and soil to choosing the perfect plants for your space, each step is explained in clear, accessible language, making gardening easy and enjoyable. In The Art of Container Gardening book, you will discover: - Getting Started: Learn the basics of container gardening, including essential tools and materials, as well as tips for your container gardening. - Choosing Your Containers: Explore a variety of container options, from traditional clay pots to repurposed items, and discover how to match containers to your plants' needs and your personal style. - Selecting Plants: Dive into the world of plants suitable for container gardening, with profiles of popular flowers, herbs, vegetables, and more. Find out which plants thrive in different environments and how to care for them. - Caring for Your Garden: Master the art of container garden maintenance, from watering and fertilizing to dealing with pests and diseases. Learn how to troubleshoot common problems and keep your plants healthy and vibrant. - Design and Styling: Unleash your creativity with tips for designing stunning container arrangements, whether you prefer a minimalist aesthetic or a lush, overflowing display. With practical advice, step-by-step instructions, and inspiring ideas, "The Art of Container Gardening" empowers you to cultivate your green thumb and create a thriving garden anywhere, no matter your level of experience. Whether you're dreaming of a balcony oasis, a windowsill herb garden, or a charming collection of indoor plants, this book will help you turn your gardening dreams into reality.