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Book Review Richard Wright
16 Jan 2002

The new year always brings resolutions about trying something new, so I set aside my reservations about organic methods being a bit cranky and donned my green wellies to try a spot of organic gardening. The book I turned to for this week’s review is "Green Gardening" – practical advice from ten of the National Trust’s head gardeners. The authors themselves are the first to acknowledge that "ten years ago admitting to gardening organically would have been like confessing at a butchers’ convention that you are partial to a nut roast." But today there is increasing interest in environmentally friendly gardening practices. Many of these have been pioneered by the National Trust, and the book describes ten different Trust properties with useful hints for any gardener concerned about the environment.

These include The National TrustÂ’s one truly organic garden at Snowhill Manor in Gloucester, with its pond habitat and wildlife plants, and Rowallane in County Down is featured as a good example of attracting wildlife. Soil management and composting are emphasised throughout as the secret of all successful gardening. Suggestions are made by the various contributors on ways of creating and maintaining varied habitats, with mixed planting and natural techniques to control pests and diseases, and advice on growing organic vegetables.

This is a practical book, well set out and clearly illustrated with line drawings and photographs. It is easy to find your way through, and the enthusiasm of the various contributors rubs off on anyone who reads the book. Priced at £12.99 it is a modest price for anyone wishing to introduce some greener methods into their gardening.

Book Green Gardening
Author Sue Spielberg
Publisher National Trust
Price £12.99

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