a gardening book review
book title: My Tiny Garden
Author(s): Lucy Anna Scott with Lucy Conochie
Photographer(s) / Illustrator: Jon Cardwell
Type of book: how-to, interview, small spaces, container
Publisher: Pavilion
Year: 2016
Length: 160 pages
Availability: the version I review was from my local library. Purchase from your local bookstore, or from Amazon.
quick thoughts
The subtitle says it all: “Stylish ideas for small spaces.”
gardening content
amount of information: Spotlights 26 spaces from mostly urban areas around the world, with both overview and close-up photos. Ten how-to sections, with excellent step-by-step instructions and photos, as well as follow-up care and tips.
quality of info: A more casual, interview style interspersed with plant names (scientific name, so that you can find the correct plant, rather than going by a common name which can refer to more than one type of plant). It was reassuring to read how these gardeners have learned how to garden in their available spaces and do it in an ecologically healthy and sustainable way. I was disappointed in the breadth of people, predominantly white, even in the Japanese gardens.
The how-to sections are very well done. The step-by-step written directions are accompanied by detailed photos. I most appreciate the aftercare and tips; most how-tos don’t go into the whole “now that you’ve done the thing, how do you take care of it” but this does. The tips section talks about alternate plants to try depending on the project.
citations: While there are not information citations, Lucy Anna Scott was trained in RHS horticulture, so she has the knowledge already. And Lucy Conochie’s training in gardening and garden design is evident in her thorough how-tos.
book presentation
cover: [hardcover] The cover is simple but not plain. The spine caught my attention on the library shelf. I’m not sure the photo really harkens back to the subject matter, but the back cover photos make up for that.
layout – sections, chapters: I love the section organization, with the usual “small space” topics like rooftops and work spaces. But they also included community areas and therapeutic horticultural spaces. I have a soft spot for shade gardens (I love a tough puzzle to figure out) and they do a great job. The how-to in the shade garden section is a half-whiskey barrel mini pond, which is something I’ve been reading up on to try at some point in my own yard.
photos, infographics: Great use of photos throughout the book. I appreciate the use of larger photos (where possible) with spotlights on certain plants. Also, the actual owners/gardeners are included as portraits and within the garden, which is not always the case in a book like this.
appendix / index / sources: Table of contents is well laid out. I wish there was an index, because I find it helpful to search for specific plants mentioned. Sources for plants listed on the last page – most are UK, as the book was published there.
the video review
see my flip-through of the book on YouTube
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