Earthly Delights

April 26, 2004
"When the garden becomes laborious instead of a labor of love...the gardener must change herself or the garden or both," writes Rochester in this collection of delightful horticultural musings. Organized according to season, the essays provide simple, timesaving insights on how to cultivate a natural refuge in any growing zone without backbreaking work or worry. A self-described"lazy" gardener now in her 60s, Rochester avoids weeding, tilling, composting and watering and eschews chemical fertilizers and insecticides--chores and practices that, according to her, take away from the joy of gardening. To spare the elbow grease but not the pleasure, she suggests, for example, planting self-seeding annuals and deciduous foliage that lasts three seasons to keep the garden exciting even in winter months. She also shares an ingenious approach to preparing new beds (rather than digging up firmly rooted grass, she smothers it with 10 sheets of newspaper, mounds of compost and mulch, and waits a couple of seasons for nature to break it down into" dark and humusy" soil). In a refreshing chapter entitled"Something That Bugs Me," a surprising defense of every gardener's perennial foe, the insect, Rochester gently scolds those who blanket their plots in harsh chemical insecticides and advises organic remedies for eradicating pests like slugs and fire ants. To enliven the dull winter months, she prescribes a visit to a local botanical garden, where during the"off-season" knowledgeable gardeners on staff"love sharing information and perhaps seeds and cuttings as well." Rochester is a master gardener and her sound horticultural advice is presented in a light, humorous tone that makes this book a relaxing refuge in its own right.

April 15, 2004
This book reprints some of Rochester's gardening columns from Island Breeze, a monthly newspaper on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, sectioning them by seasons of the year. It reflects her exuberant love of gardening and determination to enjoy gardening without making it labor intensive. Readers won't find the author spending tedious hours weeding or turning a compost pile in the two gardens that she maintains-but they will not find any weeds either. Rochester explains how she accomplishes this with lots of newspaper and mulch. Rochester's writing is conversational and witty; gardeners will smile knowingly at her musings on topics like lawns: "Over forty years as a householder have taught me the following about grass: It always needs to be mowed when you want to do something else." Most essential, however, are her reflections on the plants she loves. Gardeners, especially those in the South, will pick up some great ideas here. The only regret is that the book lacks photos of her gardens and plants. Recommended for public libraries.-Phillip Oliver, Univ. of North Alabama Lib., Florence

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2004
Gardeners on the lookout for a straight-talking mentor should profit from Rochester's journal and its refreshingly practical musings. In a format that follows the garden's seasons and cycles of growth, Rochester shares her experience with unseasoned green thumbs. No plant snobbery here but rather a self-described leisurely gardener who revels in finding shortcuts to digging and cultivating her plot of land. Personal anecdotes give way to abundant planting tips and advice on garden maintenance, so although Rochester gardens in the South, much of the wisdom she shares will translate to the act of gardening regardless of locale. Certainly Rochester's attitude invites the reader to take a break, pour a cup of tea, and forge a fine and friendly relationship with a kindred spirit.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)