Book reviews

The Garden Almanac 2025 

I was given this book for my birthday back in the Summer. The Royal Horticultural Society's The Garden Almanac 2025 (ISBN: 978-0-7112-9397-7) is a must-have guide for gardeners of all levels. This beautifully illustrated volume offers a month-by-month breakdown of essential gardening tasks, sustainable practices, and creative projects. With expert advice from RHS specialists, it features tips for managing pests, saving money, and exploring seasonal wildlife. The addition of moon phase tables, gut-friendly recipes, and profiles of horticultural icons enhances its appeal. Packed with inspiration, this almanac is both a practical tool and a delightful read for those seeking to make the most of their gardens in 2025. The illustrations are so beautiful, they merit being framed and would make lovely presents themselves (friends be warned!)

20 Best Garden Designs

Tim Newbury’s 20 Best Garden Designs (ISBN: 1-84188-208-9) offers an excellent selection of garden layouts tailored to various spaces and lifestyles. Each design is presented with detailed illustrations, planting schemes, and practical tips, blending inspiration with usability.  Furthermore, there are options for each design for different shaped plots. The book covers a range of styles, from minimalist to traditional, ensuring wide appeal. Newbury’s expertise shines through in his accessible language and adaptable ideas, though beginners may need to reference basic gardening concepts. With its balance of creativity and practicality, this book helped me enormously when I transformed our barren purple slate desert into an outdoor space which has been complemented by many gardeners far more experienced than I. Sadly, it seems to only be available second hand, but in the spirit of sustainability I have included it.

(ISBN: 1-84188-208-9)