Container gardening through the year

This is a season-by-season approach for the all-weather container gardener, by the author of "Container Gardening". Starting with the basics, the book gives a survey of the range of containers available and the plants best suited to container gardening. The heart of the book is a catalogue of planting projects for every conceivable type of container. Throughout, photo-essays give ideas for enhancing different parts of the garden with a wellchosen container arrangement.

Containing plants in boxes, baskets, and pots greatly expands a gardener's opportunities. Plant species requiring different soil compositions can be grouped in one location. Patios, roofs, stairways, and troublesome, empty spaces in the traditional garden can be transformed instantly with color, texture, and form. These two new books, both magnificiently illustrated with color photographs, demonstrate the versatility and challenges offered by container gardening. Tarling presents practical suggestions on selection and preparation of containers and shares her considerable knowledge of plant species that can best be adapted to the limitations of a contained environment. In a section devoted to various garden "situations," Tarling demonstrates the potential for plants in paved areas, balconies, steps, and window sills. Valuable botanical and artistic recommendations abound, and an appendix of key plants with descriptive notes should guide both the experienced and novice gardener. Hillier, author of The Book of Container Gardening (S. & S. 1991), has prepared a unique catalog of designs for containers with details on type and size of container and type and number of plants to be used. Hillier also discusses the elements of design, the mechanics of container preparation, and methods of enhancing special areas such as steps and walls. Hillier's book, with its ready-made designs, may have a slight advantage for the novice. Both books, however, are commendable for their artistic vision and practical gardening advice.?Laurie Bartolini, Legislative Research Unit, Springfield, Ill.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.