I read this book when I was a junior at Cornell College, no relation to the Univ, and Jackie Martin was the Prof. At first I did not like the set up of the book at first, yet when I thought about the wide range of readers this book apeals to I enjoyed it more. The side bars are interesting and would be use full in some cases to the adult -- i.e. teacher, or parent -- yet older children who find this book interesting will want to know more and find them most usefull. Also the basic story line will be interesting to younger children and I have used read it seveal times to the first grade children I tutor in Ohio. It is well written and is a perfect book to read when spring come around or for a group project dealing with spring.

This tiny tome is in actuality a parable of compassion vs. misery, a story of triumph of life and vitality over common desperation. It is an example of how good work that encompasses the light of the sun and the miracle of the seed supersedes the doldrums of disenfranchised lives. The recipients of the gardens thumb their noses at their personal misfortune and rise to find that beauty and joy are possible. The garden givers have brought them that possibility. It is a sound Emersonian lesson for children. And fun to read.

The grey garden is what happens when "it" all hits you at once. When you think you almost have the answer to everything, but fades away and is covered by memories. From an unhappy youth, to a gothic diva himself, Brandon is 'simply put', captivating. His voice is by far the most unique I have read in poetry since Plath. Do not be afraid of the gothic tag he has stamped all over it, this is good poetry regardless. I look forward to his next release.

I came across this gem in a new age bookstore in L.A. and I must say this title belomgs on the shelf somewhere between Poe and Baudelaire, with the self loathing of Plath and the anger of Reznor. Mr. Ragan was there in the "dark 80's" and he knows what he is talking about. I would suggest this to anyone who has had things thrown at them in high school for wearing eyeliner and all black. So put on an old "Cure" record and spend some time with someone who seems like an old friend

This is a very beneficial book for any Southwest gardener (sepecially those of us in New Mexico). So many Xeric books focus on either the low desert zone in Arizona or the High Plains in Coplorado - they are of little help to those of us in the Chihuahuan Desert. This book covers all of the zones completely and accurately.

Growing Desert Plants is a life saver (it also saved me a lot of money by helping me identify those plants to avoid for New Mexico).

This is a MUST for anyone serious about Xeric landscapes!

"When I have questions about desert gardening, especially in the high desert, I oftern reach for my copy of Growing Desert Plants-From Windowsill to Garden" SUNSE

100

This book is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen, and with incredible text, too, which would be easy to overlook given how gorgeous it is visually. It's about coming to know oneself through doing a loved activity well, at the highest level, by a true gourmand who puts Martha Stewart to shame with the quality and care she brings to gardening, cooking, and art. Zabar illustrated and designed the book, as well as wrote the text. She has one of the most famous terrace gardens in New York City, on the penthouse floor overlooking Central Park. She takes you through a year in her garden, opening herself up to the reader about such matters as her divorce, being a woman and artist, materialism, perfectionism, and the beautiful uncontrollability of nature. She is humbled by her garden and learns from it, and teaches what she knows. Throughout the amazing text are quotes from others, written in Zabar's award-winning calligraphy. This book should be read by every woman, gardener, and artist, and should have gotten lots more attention than it did. It's the perfect gift, too, so uplifting and gorgeous!

This is an extraordinary book. Though aimed at those who are re-assessing and re-vitalizing older gardens, is an excellent book for novice gardeners. It would help people avoid the pitfalls of creating gardens out of only plants they adore rather than using their instincts and intelligence in creating dynamic, highly personal gardens. Ms. Thorpes' writing style is very engaging and she addresses ecological issues in a thought-provoking way. This is simply a superb book, and is far superior to many glossy picture gardening books which "gloss" over the surface of critical processes required to make healthy gardens. Gardening requires work, thoughtfulness and knowledge, as Ms. Thorpe knows. I would give this book and "Dirt" by Dianne Benson to every gardener I know.

Oh what a fabulous book! Since I began reading this book two days ago my relationship to my inherited garden has changed from subserviant care-taker to self-empowered garden visionary. It contains such helpful information on issues of landscaping - the basic rules for movement through the garden, perspective and proportion - debunks some garden myths - perrenials are not forever - and gave me the permission I've been waiting for to rip my columnular junipers out with a light heart and easy mind. I am making plans to annialate and create all over the place! Yippeeee! The best part is I am still only halfway through the book. My day and night dreams are filled with new designs for my garden and my life as a gardener has had a wonderful refreshing boost. I am going to use this book as a landscaping reference, study guide and source of inspiration whenever the gardening blues set in. Thanks Patricia!

This is a practical, pretty, and highly useful book for anyone who wants to smell the roses, especially in climates less temperate than the west coast.

The number of roses included is far from encyclopaedic, but for the roses Ms Wilde does include, she reports thoroughly on on their disease susceptibility, growth habit, hardiness, fragrance, and more. In nearly all cases, a gorgeous color photo accompanies. In fact, stripped of its useful information, this book would still be a fine buy for its large color photos. Before the gallery of roses, you'll find clear and helpful instructions about how to prepare for planting and how to accomplish the actual planting. Although the emphasis obviously centers on organic methods, this is a fine general reference on growing roses.

The book itself seems reasonably well put together. I haven't spent months poring over it yet, but I do not have the early feeling of dread when a poorly glued book seems ready to fall apart in my hands. Probably part of the reason is that the book is large enough to be helpful, but not so large that its very size works to break it apart. The format, in other words, allows for some large and luscious eye candy, but it is not as big as many modern illustrated gardening books which should really come with their own stands.

Photographs, clear drawings, and lucid instructions and descriptions make this book a pleasure to own and and treasure to use.

Growing Roses Organically: Your Guide To Creating An Easy-Care Garden Full Of Fragrance And Beauty by garden designer and horticulturalist expert Barbara Wilde is a fabulous, full-color guide to creating a beautiful organic garden tailored to the rose-lover's tastes. Direct, simple instructions and details on a wide variety of roses enhance this superb reference which is ideal for gardeners of all skill levels. From the basics of getting started; through issues such as watering, fertilizing, pruning, disease and insect infestation; to the details of designing rose gardens (included the Mixed Border; Wild Gardens, Hedging, and Wildlife Gardens), Barbara Wilde writes with an accessibility that is as informative as it is easy-to-apply. Of special note is chapter ten, "A Gallery of Roses". If you aspiring to growing a garden of roses, begin your preparations by giving Barbara Wilde's Growing Roses Organically a careful reading!

This beautifully organized book provides an easy-to-follow guide for establishing butterfly, bird, and insect habitats in your own garden. Host plants, nectar plants, and food sources (both native and non-native) including annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and vines are listed for both butterflies and birds. Maintenance of the habitat garden is detailed with specific suggestions. Additional sections explain the importance of encouraging beneficial insects, the beauty and role of ponds in the garden, and special advice on "how to" start your own habitat garden. Color photographs provide a visual guide while spot illustrations and quotations provide inspiration and encouragement. A "must" for any Bay Area gardener.

This is a beautiful little book, a real jewel that makes providing a pleasing habitat for both our wild friends and ourselves an easy task. It certainly inspired me to add more habitat plants to my garden, and I reap the benefits daily. I especially loved how she put the plant photos on the outside page edges so I can flip through and relocate the information I want quickly. This book should also be useful for many people outside the SF Bay Area. Providing wildlife habitat is so important now.

Left alone to my own vices one afternoon at a friend's loft, I happened upon A Haiku Garden which I devoured with delight and then made an excuse for my friend to invite me over again.

The woodcut reproductions are priceless and a source of inspiration to a non-artistic poet. A wonderful "tea table" book and a perfect gift. In fact, I plan to buy a copy for myself!

I recommend this wonderful book for the inspiration it gives. The poetry is accessible and charming. The reproductions of woodcuts are beautiful. Anyone who would like to try writing Haikus as a meditation, or for fun will find that it starts to happen almost automatically.

This book is definitely a favorite of mine in making my garden plans. The authors use their own Ontario perennial garden to illustrate and guide the reader through the planning and seasonal chores involved in a perennial garden. Although their garden style is more formal than mine, they cover choosing, planting and care of perennials in a way that is easily applied in my more casual cottage gardens. Each month has detailed cultivation and care information for many varieties that will bloom at that time, helping with the daunting task of planning so that a garden has continued bloom throughout the growing season. Attention to garden "bones," the structure that holds the garden, is demonstrated in their snow-covered garden photos. Even barren of life and buried in snow, their gardens are interesting to look at, giving us hope that we too can have lovely gardens year round.

I use this book like one of my little garden bibles.Easy format, and very informative.I like the fact that he gardens in Ontario, and writes about the same climate that I contend with!Definitely one of my favorite gardening writers!!

With Heaven In A Wild Flower, Vera Glenn shares the joy of growing things and what it can mean in the life of a woman. Glenn captures the life of her flowers in each season, as well as the essence of her own growth and development. Illuminating each month with inspirational anecdotes, as well as horticultural and literary insights, Heaven In A Wild Flower is a beautifully woven tapestry of life in relationship to the garden. This splendid collection of nature essays will be greatly appreciated by readers with an interest in human spirituality, growth and development, the divine in the ordinary, and what nature can nurture within the human soul.

A Dove at the Window is a beautiful book for the soul. Vera Glenn's collection of people's personal loving encounters with heavenly visitors will give comfort to all who have lost loved ones....The book also contains many precious quotations from Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) about the life after death and the connection between heaven and earth. The mixture of personal stories and quotations are uplifting and enlightening. I recommend this book for everyone, not only because of its hopeful message, but it is a delightful adventure to read.