Why We Garden
The art, science, philosophy and joy of gardening
Published on 2. March 2023
Book
Hardback
144 pages
978-1-84994-756-5 (ISBN)
Description
Explore the mystery of what makes us love gardening, via history, science, art and philosophy.
Whether you seek sanctuary in your potting shed, find paradise amongst your patio plants or enjoy the simple solace of your hands in the soil, there is beauty, peace and happiness to be found for every gardener in this thoughtful and entertaining collection.
Both a hymn to gardening and a call to action, this down-to-earth guide is worth a hundred 'how-tos'. Wander the gardens of Giverny with Monet to create your own 'beautiful masterpiece' or, like George Orwell, reap the joy to be found in the work of a vegetable plot. Discover the soothing symmetry in the spiral of sunflower seeds, or, like William Morris, provide a wild abundance for the natural visitors to your garden.
Drawing inspiration from gardening greats - from the ancient Greek and French philosophers Epicurus and Voltaire, via the wisdom of Margery Fish and Gertrude Jekyll, to Monty Don and modern-day guerrilla gardeners - this beautifully illustrated compilation is a thoughtful gift for any gardener.
Whether you seek sanctuary in your potting shed, find paradise amongst your patio plants or enjoy the simple solace of your hands in the soil, there is beauty, peace and happiness to be found for every gardener in this thoughtful and entertaining collection.
Both a hymn to gardening and a call to action, this down-to-earth guide is worth a hundred 'how-tos'. Wander the gardens of Giverny with Monet to create your own 'beautiful masterpiece' or, like George Orwell, reap the joy to be found in the work of a vegetable plot. Discover the soothing symmetry in the spiral of sunflower seeds, or, like William Morris, provide a wild abundance for the natural visitors to your garden.
Drawing inspiration from gardening greats - from the ancient Greek and French philosophers Epicurus and Voltaire, via the wisdom of Margery Fish and Gertrude Jekyll, to Monty Don and modern-day guerrilla gardeners - this beautifully illustrated compilation is a thoughtful gift for any gardener.
Reviews / Votes
'Unusual and compelling ... Highly recommended'The Field
'[Claire] deftly unpicks complex concepts that will leave you thinking long after the book is closed; the mark of a consummate writer. This is a book for every bedside table'
The English Garden
'A lovely read to enjoy whilst sitting on your patio this spring'
Wildflower
'This is a lovely little book'
Blackberry Garden Blog
'Soothing and eloquent ... a labour of love, as alluring to look at, with colourful illustrations packing the pages, as it is to read.'
Barney Bardsley, Yorkshire Magazine
'Thoughtful'
Gardens Illustrated
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Illustrations
20+ colour illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 197 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
366 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84994-756-5 (9781849947565)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
03/2023
Batsford
€11.99
Available for download
Person
Claire Masset is an editor and writer, currently working for the National Trust and running their gardening books list. She is a garden writer for magazines including Gardens Illustrated, Period Living, Historic Gardens Review and Garden Design Journal and is the author of many gardening books, including Secret Gardens of the National Trust (2017), Roses and Rose Gardens (2019), and Cottage Gardens (2020).