Favourite Gardening Books

I recently bought Monty Don's My Roots from a well know on line retailer for the grand sum of 1p. The book is a joy to read and I am rationing my reading of it to prolong the pleasure. Now, I have to say I am a real fan of Monty Don's garden writing, If truth be told, his columns are one of the reasons I still buy Gardeners World, but it got me to thinking what other books are out there that people cherish and might be worth a read. Another favourite of mine is The Country of White Colver by H.E.Bates, although this is more a book about the country side rather than purely gardening.

There was a thread about favourite gardening books just a couple of days ago. You can read that here....

http://www.gardenersworld.com/forum/the-potting-shed/a-book-i-didnt-write-but-everyone-should-own/74290.html

You'll see that we don't mind mentioning the 'well known on line retailer' who sells books for 1p, by name, and even including links to his website.

Though no-one mentioned H.E.Bates, as you have just done. He was an interesting person. He is best known for writing the TV series 'The Darling Buds of May'. But more interestingly, he had a very serious illness, and made a 'miraculous' recovery, which he attributed to 'the magic of green' - his garden.

The best books I first bought were Dr D.G. Hessayon which were very good, and you cannot beat Alan Titchmarsh.

I'm also a fan of Dr Hessayon Expert series

I love Carol Klein's book Grow Your Own Garden which is all about the different methods of propagation.  "Plants for Free" is what my garden is all about

my favourite book is by Allen Tichsmarch The allotment gardeners handbook a treasure of what to grow and when . it might be out of print now

Derek

If truth be known I buy a well known national news paper on Saturday's to read Monty's weekly contribution and read his section in GW.

I've books from  the Dr Hessayon Expert series, A. Tichmarsh and Aura Gardening Guides. Then a random selection written by people like Bob Flowerdew. Couldn't say there's a favourite.  I've found they all give good advise regrading gardening and  getting the best results but struggle to find books which give advise regarding preserving the stuff you grow.

Arthur Nettleacre - thank you - you just reminded me about The Country of White Clover which I've wanted to read for years having heard extracts on the radiio way back when!  I've just ordered it.  Cheers!!!

I must also add to the appreciation of Monty Don's writing - such a pleasure to read.

Glad to be of service! The Country of White Clover is a really magical book. I picked my copy up from a jumble sale a couple of years ago not knowing what to expect from it and was utterly captivated. Since then it has become regular 'Spring' reading.

Thanks to everyone for their comments

I also have the Expert series books. When I was just beginning - way back-they were my bibles, Still pop into them, especially if there is a plant I am unsure of,. I also have the Readers Digest gardening Year, I have the old copy (my Dads) and My OH bought me the up to date one. About a week before each month begins I dive in and read it. I find it gives me a good over view of what I will need to do, then go to the specialist books if I need more info

I suppose when I started this tread I was more interested in books about gardens, rather than gardening. On the gardening line, I have a book called The Vegetable Grower's Handbook by Arthur J Simons that we written during the War which I delight in dipping into. There is some good advice in it still, in amougst the chemical warfare gardeners seemed to go in for back then! 

My favourite books about gardens (as opposed to books about gardening) are the Katherine Swift "Morville" books - which are beautifully written.  I also love Monty Don's Prickotty Bush (but you have to search a bit for it as I think it is out of print) - its like a year in Provence, but based around creating a garden.

I have books about Beth Chatto's Gardens, she has a beautiful place if you have not been Arthur, I live not far from it and have been many times, always something new to see each season and only £5 to get in, which is good compared to some.