Pleasures of the Cottage Garden

I probably would have just donated this to the library without commenting, but I purchased it on the strength of the rave reviews. I have to say, I didn’t find it very informative. A lot about the author’s mother, little asides like how he would kill to have the planter in that photo...it’s more like listening to someone’s commentary while they peruse Pinterest. I didn’t find the passion journaling section useful either - I know why I want a garden, I need to know how to do it. And I found the superlatives about the imagery (“sumptuous” and “exquisite”) to be somewhat dishonest. There weren’t actually any botanical illustrations in my copy, unless you count the planting grid shown in another reviewer’s photos. It is not a coffee table book, if one was looking for that. I found Geoff Hamilton’s Cottage Gardens to be much more informative and detailed.

My shelves groan from the weight of gardening books, most of which I never look at twice. But this book is one of the very few which never gathers dust.First, there are dozens of exquisite photos of different styles of cottage gardens in a variety of locations. Individual plants are identified, as well as pictured within a larger garden context; a welcome change from the many books which provide relatively useless close-up, glamour shots or large landscapes with not a single plant identified. What is truly helpful is to see how the plant will look situated in an actual garden. I know what the flower of Sombreuil looks like: what I 'd like to see is this charming rose actually climbing the front of house. Fortunately, the photos in Pleasures of a Cottage Garden happily oblige.Secondly, the writing is superb: authoritative, experienced and witty. Whereas many gardening books are either written like seed catalogs or as filler for coffee table photo albums, this book is more like spending a sunny afternoon reminiscing with a wise and witty old gardener. Mr. Rand weaves together a history of cottage gardening, memories of his mother's garden and his own experiences in four different zones, with a wealth of practical information on individual plants, not to mention such important topics as color, light, and fragrance. Not forgotten are the edibles without which a cottage garden would seem only half alive.Thirdly, in addition to the glorious photos, expert writing, and historical research, this books offers a series of excercises which can help today's cottage gardener to discover what they truly want from their plot of earth, and how to achieve it. Almost a 12-step program for gardeners with creative block. The excercises were surprisingly effective...and delightfully revealing.Like a cottage garden, this book will catch you unawares with its depth and variety, as it subtly charms you with its humble beauty.A keeper.

This book is smaller than most of the garden reference books I have on my shelves but it's a fun read. Loads of information in a very casual presentation. I've been a nursery manager, garden designer and plain ole "on your knees" gardener for over 15 years & I fell in love with this book! It made me really think about my garden plans as I get ready to dig forth into another new garden.

This is a lovely book, the narrative is informal and well written, it rolls along like a friend describing his mother's garden as well as his own. He includes an interesting section on the history of both the style and the actual plants used in a unique time line format. I will refer to it many times..

Nice ideas to incorporate a variety of plants

Very nice book in excellent condition. It has given me hours of pleasure on cold rainy winter days contemplating the revamping of my cottage garden to be.

Beautiful book.

Lots of great ideas about color and plant combinations. Beautiful color photos. Garden wisdom & philosophy.

Beautiful photos.