{"id":9295,"date":"2022-04-12T10:24:05","date_gmt":"2022-04-12T08:24:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/?p=77395"},"modified":"2022-04-12T10:40:10","modified_gmt":"2022-04-12T08:40:10","slug":"the-modern-gardener-by-frances-tophill-book-review","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/rss_feed\/the-modern-gardener-by-frances-tophill-book-review\/","title":{"rendered":"The Modern Gardener by Frances Tophill \u2013 book review"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Veronica Peerless\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 12 April 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

The Modern Gardener: A Practical Guide to Gardening Creatively, Productively and Sustainably<\/strong>by Frances Tophill<\/strong>Octopus Publishing Group, \u00a322<\/strong>ISBN 978-0857839435<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a valiant attempt by gardener and presenter Frances Tophill<\/a> to explore what a modern gardener should aspire to be. Passionate, environmental debate runs through the book, especially when stressing our collective need to discard an historic over-reliance on chemical-focused methodology. The argument is countered with positive, sustainable approaches applicable to all gardens, irrespective of size.<\/p>\n

The author\u2019s practical advice on garden design is filled with grounded ideas and solutions. A refreshingly healthy dose of realism prevails when discussing the practicalities of developing a garden space; \u2018creating and implementing a design that will be manageable is critical for its long-term success\u2019. The author draws on her own experience, suggesting that readers be pragmatic, look at themselves, and think about the skill sets they possess.<\/p>\n

A refreshingly healthy dose of realism prevails when discussing the practicalities of developing a garden space <\/blockquote> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>

The main chapters cover sizeable, traditionally information-heavy topics, including propagation, growing edible crops, rudimentary garden design principles and developing a healthy soil. I would have expected stronger illustrative photos in areas such as propagation techniques, where the few paragraphs of text are not enough to fully convey a specific technique.<\/p>\n

Plant lists accompany selected chapters with botanical stalwarts and those in need of cajoling through a typically wet British winter; examples including \u2018Perennial herbs for heavier soil\u2019 through to \u2018Annual flowers for cutting\u2019. Where relevant, enlightening notes highlight whether a plant may have a medicinal, cosmetic or culinary use.<\/p>\n

The concept of plant provenance is rarely a topic even mentioned in mainstream gardening books; to have it covered here was heartening. I found this a personal, energised book filled with creative and thought-provoking ideas.<\/p><\/body><\/html>\n

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