Beginner's Guide to Herb Gardening [Paperback]

From the British Isles comes a similar guide to the Roth, reviewed above. Though Cuthbertson also offers beautiful photographs of a vast array of herbs and their settings, this book is more practical and less decorative than its counterpart. The two guides cover much of the same material, but the photos and illustrations of the actual work involved (e.g., what sage leaves look like before and after being dried in a microwave) are more useful here. Comprehensive advice on planning a garden includes step-by-step instruction on specific designs such as knot gardens, chessboards and herb cartwheels. Beginners and those with more experience will appreciate this nose-to-the-grindstone book.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

A frequent contributor to gardening magazines, Roth (Natural Landscaping) shares a lifetime of herbal lore in a readable, practical format. Every aspect of herb gardening, such as planning the site, attracting beneficial insects and hummingbirds, controlling pests and diseases with nonchemical methods, and drying and storing herbs, is thoroughly covered. An extensive directory of more than 100 herbs completes the book. Each herb is listed by its botanical and common names, with guidelines for planting, cultivating (including hardiness zones), and harvesting. Culinary, cosmetic, decorative, and medicinal uses are presented for each herb, and cautions in light of current medical knowledge ensure safe treatments. Of particular interest are herbal remedies used by Native Americans. A beautiful book for browsing, this is also a solid reference suitable for the serious gardener. Cuthbertson (Women Gardeners: A History) holds a Royal Horticultural Society General Certificate in Horticulture. Geared to the beginner, her book provides clear instructions, accompanied by color illustrations, to guide the reader step by step through a variety of projects, such as planting a chamomile lawn. Designs and lists of suitable herbs provide inspiration for theme herb gardens, including a tea garden, potager garden, medicinal garden, dyer's garden, Shakespearean garden, and potpourri garden. Practical tips (e.g., slugs will fall in and drown in a dish of milk or beer) and lists (ten best culinary herbs) abound. Though first published in England, the book contains no Briticisms. Both beginning and experienced gardeners will find much to enjoy here. Roth's book provides more information about individual herb plants, while Cuthbertson's covers a wider range of herbal projects. Both are recommended for all gardening collections. Nancy Myers, Univ. of South Dakota Lib., Vermillion
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Herbs have wide appeal to gardeners everywhere, and there are countless books to prove it. Cuthbertson's introductory guide provides a thorough overview of the subject, offering suggestions for designing informal herb borders as well as geometric arrangements based on historical knot gardens. All the basics are presented in an informative, attractively illustrated format, spanning plant culture, propagation, and selecting herbs according to themes. A wide range of planting plans takes in potpourri, medicinal and dyer's gardens, fragrant species, and flowering varieties that attract butterflies. Alluring combinations are shown for window boxes and hanging baskets, and how-to directions are included for creative hardscaping and the preservation of culinary and dried herbs. Alice Joyce
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