First Ladies of Gardening

April 1, 2015

Howcroft (Garden Design; more than 20 other garden books) and photographer Majerus (International Garden Photographer of the year 2010; illustrator of more than 50 books) have created a garden book that delights and inspires. It is a celebration of English gardens created by passionate amateurs in the second half of the 20th century. From Vita Sackville-West's Sissinghurst castle garden to Sue Whittington's country garden in the midst of London, readers are treated to a private tour through the spaces of 14 women who have become renowned for their creations. Not just a book of luscious photographs, this volume explores the history of each garden and its creator. While any gardener is guaranteed to be envious, enlightenment will also be found here. Many of the women knew nothing about horticulture when they began; if they can create such beauty, surely any dedicated gardener can. Each chapter concludes with advice and the key plants in the garden, and the end of the book has addresses and websites of the profiled places. VERDICT Essential for anyone with a passion for gardens in general and English ones in particular.--Stefanie Hollmichel, Univ. of St. Thomas Law Lib., Minneapolis

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