Vegetables Love Flowers

May 7, 2018
In this excellent debut, Ziegler, a florist turned organic farmer, introduces readers to the concept of planting flowers alongside vegetables in the garden as a natural way to fight pests. Operating under the principle that “beneficial creatures are attracted to and happy with the continuous supply of new blossoms then share their benefits with the nearby vegetables,” Ziegler argues against the notion that flowers are “a waste of precious space and labor in the vegetable path.” She makes a convincing case for the benefits of companion gardening in a folksy narrative that is replete with personal anecdotes about her own struggles and learning curve. The stunning color photographs, along with detailed seasonal garden designs, offer helpful specifics for the best veggie-flower combinations and ways to cultivate them successfully. She suggests planting snapdragons in the tomato patch to attract bumblebees, explaining that bumblebees help speed the process of tomato pollination. Winter annuals, when planted six to eight weeks before the last expected spring frost, help grow cool-season vegetables and herbs such as onions and parsley. Flower growers and organic farmers alike will come away from this book feeling hopeful and ready to give Ziegler’s method a try.

May 15, 2018
Flower gardening tends to be considered distinct from vegetable gardening?two categories typically addressed separately?but Ziegler asserts that both types of plant benefit from being grown together. In addition to creating more vigorous plants, it also results in healthier soil, a more supportive environment for pollinators and beneficial predators, and less work for the gardener. The book starts with the basics of how to add flowers to a vegetable garden and then moves on to highlight specific annuals and the seasons they grow in, so the gardener can plan for continuous floral blooms throughout the vegetable growing season. For each of the more than 20 plants featured, a list of specs and large color photographs are provided, along with seed-starting instructions, care guidelines, and harvesting tips. Ziegler's business specializes in cut flowers, and she recommends combinations and tips for this use as well. General garden care is also addressed, including soil amendments, organic fertilizers and pest control, garden design, irrigation, and more. An appendix illustrates a variety of bed designs.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)