Garden Gear
Garden wheelbarrows reviewed
Garden wheelbarrows reviewed of
An overview of wheelbarrows We can all agree that the perfect gardener's helper has superior strength, never complains, accepts dirty grunt jobs and is consistently available from morning to night. But this useful assistant is not an overworked, put-upon spouse or child-it's the trusty wheelbarrow. The wheelbarrow is the lone gardener's substitute for the crew of burly workers that never magically appears at mountain-moving time. As with all tools of the gardening trade, getting a good fit-the right size with the right features-is crucial to getting the job done.The traditional wheelbarrow is a simple thing of beauty: a steel bucket or tray with a front-end pouring lip, one tire, two rear peglegs and two steel or wood handles that extend forward to a snub nose. Each of these components is available in sizes and designs to suit your purpose, so first consider how you will use it. If you intend to move piles of bricks and firewood, or loads of manure and soil, a construction-grade barrow is for you. It has the strength to carry heavy material and the capacity for mixing soil or concrete, but you must have the commensurate arm strength to control it. A one-wheel, heavy-duty wheelbarrow with a 170-litre bucket can carry more than 225 kilograms in weight and turn on a dime. The single wheel makes it highly manoeuvrable, but requires the load to be carefully placed and balanced to avoid tipping. When a fully loaded construction barrow begins to tip over, only the strongest arms can pull it back.Most wheelbarrows, including those we tested, have pneumatic tires that act as shock absorbers but can lose air pressure, especially under heavy loads. For that reason, some gardeners prefer the tubeless tires available on a few models.Handle length is another consideration. You should be able to lift the wheelbarrow without bending forward and straining back muscles. Short handles place you closer to the load and give more control of heavy weight, but a tall person might lift them so high off the ground that the barrow is at a precarious, tippy angle. Longer handles are more comfortable for a tall person, but will place a shorter person farther away from the business end, putting stress on arms and hands. Wheelbarrows continued There is no shame in relying on a wheelbarrow for the lightest of chores, such as moving grass clippings and collecting autumn leaves. Wide, high-capacity, flat-bottomed trays carry lightweight, bulky loads easily, can double as an impromptu potting bench in the garden or move potted plants without tipping them. New low-slung barrow models with fabric buckets carry the load just inches above the ground, with a back fabric section that can be unhooked to sweep leaves directly into the bucket-sling, eliminating the bend-and-lift back movement of leaf cleanup. The fabric sling collapses for compact storage-an important advantage, as wheelbarrows can occupy a lot of space in a garden shed. Scaled-down wheelbarrows with 85- to 125-litre capacities are sometimes referred to as garden carts, and if you require one for small chores (such as moving garden chairs and patio containers), a small cart with two wheels provides good service. A lawn mower-style handle bar instead of the traditional wheelbarrow handles will help gardeners with lower back pain and mildly arthritic hands. And despite back and joint infirmities, gardeners “of a certain age” can still tackle significant work with the aid of large, three-wheeled barrows with removable, flat-bottomed, plastic buckets. These are similar to the smaller garden carts but can carry more weight and volume while retaining helpful features, such as the handle bar. The third wheel gives extra security against tipping, and the bucket can be set on the ground for holding soil and mixing amendments. Lightweight plastic barrows are easy to handle, yet strong enough for heavy loads; plastic also washes off easily with a hose and won't dent or rust. Metal barrow buckets are heavier, and that weight can help anchor a small- to medium-sized load and prevent accidental tipping.When garage space is limited, winter storage becomes an issue. Can a wheelbarrow be kept outdoors? Most have large nuts and bolts securing the wheels, which can be removed and stored indoors, where they won't be damaged by frost and develop leaks. The barrow (without its wheels) can be stood up outside on its snub nose and, making sure it's completely dry first, wrapped in a sheet of plastic secured with cord. Erie and Yardworks models Above, from left:Erie 1035 Contractor WheelbarrowWithout doubt, the Erie 1035 was the most versatile wheelbarrow that Judith and I tested. It's as much at home on a construction site as in a herbaceous border, which is probably why it's considered the crème de la crème by busy contractors and serious gardeners alike.With just one wheel, it's perfect for rough terrain, and the extra-long (160-centimetre) handles guarantee maximum leverage, particularly when the 170-litre tray is full. Although this model may be better suited to burly gardeners, its design is ergonomically sound, and the narrow steel nose makes for easy pouring and unloading. And with 125 years of field tests behind it, the Erie Contractor wheelbarrow should last you a lifetime. $135Yardworks Two-Wheeled WheelbarrowHaving two four-ply tires instead of just one accounts for this wheelbarrow-cum-garden-cart's added stability. It's designed on classic wheelbarrow principles (apart from the extra wheel) and proportions. The 170-litre seamless tray with rust-resistant finish has a fairly wide lip, which made it more difficult to unload garden debris directly into baskets and bags, but the barrow itself was easy to operate in most garden situations. $140Lee Valley Smart CartMore garden cart than wheelbarrow, this highly adaptable, large-capacity (up to 270 kilograms) polyethylene cart weighs just 16 kilograms. Its box measures 112 centimetres long x 68 centimetres wide x 38 centimetres deep and is ideal for shifting everything from topsoil to turnips.The tires (40 centimetres in diameter, 10 centimetres wide) are mounted on sealed ball bearings, making for easy navigation over rough ground. The box snaps easily into place and can be removed from the corrosion-proof, aluminum alloy frame for a quick hose-down or antiseptic wash. $379 Yardworks Three-Wheeled WheelbarrowWith every extra wheel you gain stability but lose manoeuvrability, so models like this one tend to perform best on fairly smooth surfaces. Since both Judith and I garden on level terrain, we didn't run into any problems, although we found that the back wheels took some getting used to.The rear axle can be shifted between two grooves, one for rolling and one for staying put. Positioned in the lower groove, the wheels contact the ground; moved into the upper groove, the wheels sit higher and the back legs are on the ground, preventing movement. Unfortunately this feature falls short of its original design objective, since the wheels tend to pop back into their stationary position with every lump and bump in the landscape, especially on a steep grade. The ergonomic handle does make it feel a little like pushing a supermarket grocery cart. Recommended for gardeners who want to avoid back strain. $150 Lee Valley and Allsop models Allsop 27649 WheelEasy Garden CartRepresenting a radical departure in wheelbarrow construction, the WheelEasy was designed to be lightweight and easy to store while performing all the functions of a traditional wheelbarrow, without requiring a bodybuilder to operate. And by and large, the engineers have succeeded.Weighing just 9.5 kilograms, the WheelEasy has just one tire, but instead of a metal or plastic tray, its body is made of water-repellent fabric capable of carrying loads up to 160 kilograms. Although it's designed with a low centre of gravity to help stabilize loads, Judith and I found that the more weight we piled into it, the less stable it became. Two metal cotter pins can be removed when the cart is not in use, allowing the frame to collapse and the barrow to be rolled up like a large patio umbrella for compact storage. $129Lee Valley Low Rider Cart (right)Virtually identical to the WheelEasy cart above, the Low Rider comes with the same heavy-gauge steel handles, tear-resistant fabric and 33-centimetre tire. But make no mistake: while these modified wheelbarrows are good for light- to medium-sized gardening chores, they will never completely replace the conventional wheelbarrow. As Judith observed, “I wouldn't suggest mixing cement in them!”Nevertheless, we both agreed that the Low Rider was marvellous for raking up leaves, with cart and rake mimicking a giant dustpan and broom. Because the sling rests at ground level, we gave it full marks for weeding convenience. $129
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His and hers pruners His and hers pruners
His and hers pruners ofPruner comfort and style standards JUDITH: Pruners are tools that build confidence and capability. Even the most tentative gardener struts more boldly into the shrub border with a sleek, razor-sharp pruning device in hand. Now we'll see some real action! But despite the built-in excellence of the tool, selecting the best-fitting pruner for your hand makes a big difference in performance.Almost every pruner has strong, sharp cutting blades, but important differences are found in the lengths and widths of the grip handles that control the blades. To cut through wood with minimal effort, your hand should be able to close right around the grip handles. Literally, a good rule of thumb: you should be able to open the safety catch with your thumb while grasping the grip handles in the palm of your hand. If you can't reach the catch, the pruner is too large and your hand will tend to turn sideways as you struggle to control the grip handles. Instead of cutting vertically, the blades will be halfway horizontal, consequently cutting with a twisting and tugging motion that separates and loosens the blades, ruining their alignment. Wobbly blades are a sure sign that the pruner has been used incorrectly or by the wrong-sized hands.Another feature of pruners is grip style. Most pruners are designed for occasional use and have standard grip handles. But some irrepressible gardeners and horticulture professionals have the opportunity to make several hundred wood cuts each day, and require rolling grip handles. The rolling movement is built into the lower grip and eases the stress of repetitive movement on the hand and wrist. The action takes some gardeners by surprise (Stephen looked a bit seasick at first), but others swear by these rolling handgrips.The style of pruner cutting action, either bypass or anvil, is important to the task at hand. Bypass action has a sharp upper cutting blade and blunt lower blade set to bypass each other as they are closed. This results in a swift slicing of wood and minimal damage to living tissue edges. A clean cut also prevents pathogens from infecting healthy tissue. Anvil action has an upper cutting blade that comes down flush on a broad, blunt blade, which crushes the wood, leaving ragged tissue with splintered edges. Anvil pruners are more appropriate for cutting up dead wood that is already severed from living plants.Of course, colour is an important factor. My pruners absolutely must have red handles. I put them down in unlikely places, and were it not for the fire-engine red handles, they would be lost forever. Whatever your colour preference, just be sure you can find your pruners in the compost pile. Types of pruners Types of prunersGardena 205V No. 609 (blue handle)STEPHEN: I really enjoyed testing these pruners; they're strong, sturdy and comfortable to use, and come with a unique feature: when you turn the dial at the base of the blades, you're able to adjust them to fit either small or large hands. And the dial also regulates the span of the blades when fully open (from three to 4.5 centimetres) so you can modify them depending on the caliper of the material you're pruning. Well-placed safety catch and Teflon-coated blades. $35Greenline 8 1/4" Anvil (green)The handles are both sturdy and comfortable, but because of the anvil design, it's crucial that the blades are kept clean and sharp. And because they're green, it goes without saying that I misplaced them during testing. $25ARS No. V-82One of the smaller pruners that I tested, this model was better suited to the dainty digits of Judith. Solidly constructed out of high-carbon steel, the blade catch is well placed and easy to operate but is designed to snap open when the handles are squeezed together, so I'd treat myself to a leather pruner pouch if I were you. Drop forged blades and cushioned handles. $65 Greenline 8" BypassThis set has plastic handles with lightly cushioned, tire-tread grips that are quite pleasant to use and, as I soon found out, unexpectedly strong. Although not particularly large, the Teflon-coated blades are razor-sharp—easily slicing through branches in excess of one centimetre—and, best of all, the pruners are easy to take apart for cleaning and oiling. $16 Spear & Jackson Razor SharpOnce again, I found these to be just a shade too small for my hands, but they suited Judith's capable little mitts admirably. The stout plastic handles have an extra-large safety catch and are rubber coated for a sure grip, although they don't provide much cushioning for the hand. The Teflon-coated, carbon steel blades are rust-resistant but difficult to remove for maintenance. $15 Bahco Ergo PX-M2Another example of pruners better suited to small hands (Judith disappeared with them for a suspiciously long time), they are simple in design yet well constructed, with Teflon-coated blades and an easy-access safety catch. I'm particularly besotted with their elongated, snouty blades, which are perfect for reaching tight, overgrown sections of plant material and (I shudder to think) for topiary work. $40GardenaGardena No. 343A slightly more basic model, this pair will prove to be entirely adequate for homeowners with a limited amount of seasonal pruning. Although the handles aren't especially well padded, they are blue, which makes them easy to spot, and the Teflon-coated blades are fairly simple to remove for cleaning and sharpening. $30 More pruners Bahco P126-22Fairly basic in construction, these pruners sport reliable, heavy-duty, Teflon-coated blades, with the safety catch at the base of the handles—an older design that necessitates two-handed operation. I did miss the lack of cushioning on the lower handle, and the exposed metal would very likely make me hesitate (it doesn't take much) to go out and prune in cold weather. Good for light to medium-sized jobs while the summer sun shines. $30 BarnelBarnel 8" BypassAn undeniably clever design, I was eager to try out these knuckle-protecting pruners on some impenetrable barberries, not to mention several overgrown rugosa roses—and I wasn't disappointed. They're quite efficient at keeping the most vicious thorns out of your way, although I still found it necessary to wear thick leather gloves. The high-carbon steel blades lack a Teflon coating, so cleaning them after each use will be important. An excellent choice for rose growers. $24 Felco #7Although I'm not accustomed to using pruners with a rotating handle, by the time I had sliced my way through several fairly large viburnum boughs, I was loving them. These shears are remarkably comfortable to use, and in spite of the rolling action, I never felt as if I was losing my grip. All of the working parts are easy to disassemble and clean, and the Teflon-coated blades are simple to sharpen or replace. $76.50 Fiskars Power GearI'm a sucker for slick design, and these Fiskars are to pruners what Ferraris are to cars. Another rolling handle type, they're exceedingly simple to use and have the best one-handed safety-catch mechanism I've come across. They easily sliced through quite large limbs (in excess of one centimetre), but it was their cool design that made me reluctant to put them down. $35 Bahco Ergo CustomIn our throwaway society, you have to applaud a manufacturer that produces a tool with every intention that the consumer will own it for a lifetime. Clearly this is the thinking behind these beautiful secateurs, which are custom-assembled to fit the size of your hand. You also have a choice of three blade sizes, and each pair comes with three springs of various strengths, a wrench and an Allen key for speedy disassembly, and a spray bottle of blade cleaner. Ergonomically designed handles with angled blades further reduce stress on hands, wrists and arms. A shrewd investment for serious gardeners. $100 -
Tea party Tea party
Tea party ofParty favours Sparrow and napkin Decorative resin sparrow in a verdigris finish (ribbon not included) from Morrison House, $20 for set of 3. Cotton floral napkin in pink and green from La Cache, $20 for set of 4 Tea Set Stoneware tea pot from Rosanna, 32 oz., US$25; multicoloured stonewear cups and saucers, US$35 for set of 4 Plate Ceramic floral dinner plate from Teatro Verde, $19.95 Cake plates Blue stoneware cake plates from Playing House Collection, US$50 for set of 2. Cupcakes courtesy of Elni & Co. Pretty pieces Cutlery Napoleon five-piece place setting (knife, fork, spoon, salad fork, teaspoon) with pearlized ivory-coloured handles, US$60 Infuser Antique reproduction silver-plated tea infuser from Scantrade International, $20 Tray Vintage Rose plastic gallery tray from Scantrade International, $45 Bird cage and julep cup Ornamental metal bird cage in antique white from Two’s Company, $115 for set of two. Silver-plated mint julep cup from Teatro Verde (flowers separate), $19.95- Credit
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Little gardeners Little gardeners
Little gardeners ofTiny tools for little gardeners Gloves Manny Mantis poly/cotton garden gloves from the Backyard Bunch, ages 4 to 6, $9 Magnifier Adjustable 3X magnifying glass with acrylic lens by Insect Lore, 10” long, 3” dia., $15 Boots Fun Frogs rainboots by Hatley in sizes 6 to 11, $34.99 Game Garden-opoly, for 2 to 6 players ages 8 and up by Outset Media, $34.99 Toy turf Zolo Play Garden with carrying case, by Kushies, features 11 magnetic pieces to build and stack, $80 More tiny tools Cultivator Manny Mantis hand cultivator from the Backyard Bunch, 11” long, $9 Tote bag Cotton garden tote from Zellers, $9.97 Tools Wood-handled colourful steel garden tools by Rittenhouse, 28” long, $12.99 each Sun hat Embroidered cotton bucket hat by Lands’ End, sizes S to XL, $19.50 Nozzle Plastic Sprinkle Spout by McNaughton Inc. converts most standard plastic bottles into sprinklers, $5 Prices and availability current as of publication, Summer 2007. Prices and availability may change.- Credit
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Gifts for gardeners Gifts for gardeners
Gifts for gardeners ofGreat gifts Hat & GlovesKaffe Fassett design classic brim cotton sun hat with solar-weave lining from Puffin Gear, $50. Flexible nylon and lycra garden gloves in green or purple with drip dots from Foxgloves, $24.95SprayMulti-function hose nozzle in purple from Dramm, $18 BagCotton utility bag from Three Wishes, 16" x 5.5" x 11.5", $30 JournalGardener's notebook from Write Impressions, 5" x 8", $13 Great gifts continues Pruners and sharpenerTop quality Felco #7 ergonomic secateurs with rotating handles, left, from $56 Growing kitExotic edible flower garden, by Eco-Culture/ Seracon, right, $20 MatKate's Flowers coir hair mat from Tag, 18" x 30", left, $26 Hand careGardener Intensive Care Repair Kit with hand scrub and cream from The Thymes, right, 4 fl. oz. each, $28 TrowelSturdy Dutch trowel with hardwood handle and tempered steel blade from Gardenscape, left, $25 All prices and availability current as of publication, June 2007. Prices and availability may vary.- Credit
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Sweet garden seats Sweet garden seats
Sweet garden seats ofGarden seats Three stylish ways to sit back, relax and admire the glories of the garden Bench photography by Roger YipOrnate: Wrought-iron blossoms in brown finish from Samaco Trading, 43” x 19.5” x 36”, $30 Old-world: Carved concrete from First Concrete, 2 ½’ x 1’ x 1.5’, $119.99 Minimalist: Galvanized steel in satin nickel with lime cushions, from Design Ideas, bench: 24” x 14” x 20”, $90; cushions: 14” x 14” x 2 ½”, $35 each. Prices and availability are current as of publication, April 2007. Prices and availability may vary.- Credit
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Book Review: Taylor's Master Guide to... Book Review: Taylor's Master Guide to...
Book Review: Taylor's Master Guide to... ofTaylor's Master Guide to Landscaping: Everything A Homeowner Needs To Know About Designing, Maintaining, and Renovating a Home Landscape Taylor's Master Guide to Landscaping: Everything A Homeowner Needs To Know About Designing, Maintaining, and Renovating a Home Landscape,edited by Rita Buchanan;Houghton Mifflin;hardcover; 354 pages;list price $60.00Most gardeners own at least one well-thumbed Taylor's plant guide, and will appreciate the broad and useful survey of garden-making techniques in Taylor's Master Guide to Landscaping. Realizing how much diverse information is needed in landscaping projects, Rita Buchanan has provided a comprehensive guide to assessment, design and construction procedures, along with much consideration of plant material. An impressive amount of information is delivered in plain language and supported with instructional photography, and the emphasis is on thorough planning. Several plant lists are provided for special situations, such as shrubs for narrow spots and plants to trail over the edges of paths and patios, along with features on propagating groundcovers and mounding techniques for planting under trees. The book is well-written'I found a long essay on aggregate path paving made compulsive reading. This is one landscaping book you can't do without. --Judith Adam- Credit
- Judith Adam
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Book Review: New Illustrated Guide to... Book Review: New Illustrated Guide to...
Book Review: New Illustrated Guide to... ofNew Illustrated Guide to Gardening in Canada New Illustrated Guide to Gardening in Canada,Trevor Cole, chief consultant;Reader's Digest;hardcover; 544 pages;$50.00To produce a book that covers all aspects of gardening in Canada is an ambitious goal, but the new, updated edition of Illustrated Guide to Gardening in Canada rises to the challenge. Organized into three parts, the book's first section deals with ornamental gardening (trees, shrubs, flowers and lawns), then covers growing plants for food (fruits, vegetables and herbs), and concludes with a section on taking care of your garden (soil, plant disorders and pesticides).Colour has been added to the 200 or so charts'containing point-form information about thousands of trees, shrubs and flowers'making them much easier to read; thumbnail photos of many of the plants discussed are also included. Colour illustrations of various gardening techniques'such as dividing water lilies, starting annual flower seeds indoors and pruning an overgrown forsythia'are instructive.I was puzzled by the decision to exclude hardiness zones for herbaceous perennials, particularly when the first plant mentioned is Acanthus'reliably hardy in only a few regions of the country. Younger readers will find the exclusive use of imperial measurements (instead of metric) confusing, and organic gardeners may squirm when they read the numerous recommendations for synthetic pesticides.Nevertheless, New Illustrated Guide to Gardening in Canada is a useful general reference book, and a good jumping-off point for more detailed inquiry. --Stephen Westcott-Gratton- Credit
- Stephen Westcott-Gratton
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Book Review: Perennials for Every Purpose Book Review: Perennials for Every Purpose
Book Review: Perennials for Every Purpose ofPerennials for Every Purpose Perennials for Every Purpose:Choose the Right Plants for Your Conditions, Your Garden and Your Taste,by Larry Hodgson;Rodale Organic Gardening Books;hardcover; 502 pages;$44.50For beginning gardeners facing a bewildering variety of perennials in nurseries and garden centres, this book is a handy guide for narrowing down the search to a few likely candidates, and the writer focuses on the importance of choosing the right plants for growing conditions. Readers will find a chatty, accessible style that comes across a bit like talking to your more advanced gardening neighbour over the backyard fence.Unlike other books that list perennials in alphabetical order, this one groups selected plants based on such features as ease, use and location, under various headings including water-loving, cool climate and ever-blooming. Most sections include about a dozen plants.Comprising most of the thick volume, this section on choosing what Hodgson calls the best perennials is also the best part of the book. Each plant gets a full two-page spread that includes handy growing tips, companion planting ideas, problems and solutions, his favourite variety or cultivar, and alternative recommendations.Northern gardeners fed up with impractical USDA Hardiness Zone recommendations from American experts can take heart from Hodgson's experience in Quebec's no-nonsense Zone 3. (A minor quibble with the plant hardiness zone map in this book: I found myself scratching my head over southern Canada until I realized that the pink Zone 3 on the map corresponded to a deep green'and obviously misprinted'box on the accompanying legend.)On the other hand, Hodgson hasn't neglected warmer gardening conditions. Recommendations based on a heat-zone map developed by the American Horticultural Society are included. Unfortunately, this map ends at the 49th Parallel, so Canadian gardeners will have to take his tips about AHS heat zones with a grain of, er, sun or frost. --Andrew Vowles- Credit
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Book Review: 20 Best Small Gardens Book Review: 20 Best Small Gardens
Book Review: 20 Best Small Gardens of20 Best Small Gardens 20 Best Small Gardens,by Tim Newbury; Ward Lock;softcover; 96 pages;$21.95Gardeners of small patches who think they have to forgo the fountain or veto the vegetable garden can take heart from 20 Best Small Gardens; with forethought and a good plan, several garden styles can work in any space.The first step in making the most of a small space is deciding on the essentials'for Newbury, these are dining, tool storage and somewhere to hide the garbage cans, since these appear in most plans'then siting the necessary elements in an optimum location. After that, it's a matter of choosing a style and making the best of the remaining space.The water garden, for example, includes terraced ponds, a trellis, statuary, barbecue, small shed, deck with ample room for a table and chairs, and a list of 50 plants. Not bad for a 30- by 30-foot (nine- by nine-metre) space.Most of Newbury's plans are formal, with areas for food production, flowers and dining delineated by hedges, trellises and varying paving materials. His examples range from a 26- by 28-foot (eight- by 8.5-metre) lot with foundation plantings and many containers, to a 39- by 46-foot (12- by 14-metre) L-shaped family garden. Site plans plot out the basic elements and bed locations, and a map shows what to plant and where. Very useful are a couple of alternative configurations for each design; you can reproduce the square formal garden to suit a triangular plot, for example.After perusing the plans, you might find you have a spot for that trellis and room for al fresco dining, after all. --Christina Selby- Credit
- Christina Selby
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Book Review: The Once And Future Gardener Book Review: The Once And Future Gardener
Book Review: The Once And Future Gardener ofThe Once And Future Gardener: Garden Writing From The Golden Age Of Magazines 1900-1940 The Once And Future Gardener:Garden Writing From The Golden Age Of Magazines 1900-1940,edited by Virginia Clayton; David R. Godine;hardcover; 368 pages;$56.00"Horticultural porn" is how one writer described the current crop of gardening magazines in a recent National Post story. Try as you might, you won't find anything approaching pornography in the collected articles in The Once and Future Gardener, although you will hear more than one come-hither voice beckoning from the past in these articles, selected from what Virginia Clayton calls the "golden age" of garden magazine writing.Between the 1890s and the 1930s, the Arts and Crafts movement'begun in England and transplanted across the Atlantic'saw middle-class gardeners reject the opulence and excess that characterized the Victorian era in favour of new, simpler aesthetic standards. Magazines of the day House Beautiful, House and Garden, Ladies' Home Journal were pulpits where academics, writers, clergymen, sociologists and gardeners preached ideas that would have enormous influence on American gardening culture. Deciding what articles to include in the book must have been a thankless task. But the result is a fascinating collection of more than 50 articles as eclectic and sometimes as cheerfully contradictory as the most whimsical perennial border. Walter Prichard Eaton sings the praises of fresh stable manure. Helen R. Albee offers no-nonsense advice for a drought-proof garden.Walter A. Dyer describes the pleasure of watching a summer rainstorm. Several writers make the case for native plantings with arguments that will also find currency among modern-day readers; one author describes the scandalous practice of pillaging wild plants from the countryside.Clayton introduces each article with a brief author's biography and provides useful'and often fascinating'endnotes. She includes an extensive bibliography and additional articles, although you'll probably find more than enough in this volume alone to last through a Canadian winter. -Andrew Vowles- Credit
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Book Review: Stone, Rock & Gravel Gardens Book Review: Stone, Rock & Gravel Gardens
Book Review: Stone, Rock & Gravel Gardens ofMaking More Plants: The Science, Art and Joy of Propagation Making More Plants: The Science, Art and Joy of Propagation,by Ken Druse; Clarkson Potter;hardcover; 256 pages;$65.95The animal researchers busy cloning sheep, goats and cows have nothing on plant scientists, if Ken Druse's new book is any indication. It seems there's practically no part of a plant that's not amenable to making more plants.Druse is a popular American gardening author and photographer, and he utilizes both skills in his new book, based on his experience during the past five years spent propagating plants on a property outside New York City. His writing is accessible and personable, and there's plenty of detail in the lengthy captions with his clear and occasionally stunning photos, many of which serve as step-by-step illustrations of various techniques.After an overview of the science of propagation, Druse begins with a discussion of flowers and seeds. In separate chapters, he discusses methods of collecting, conditioning and sowing seeds. However, seeds are only part of the story. Most of the book deals with the range of reproduction practices, including layering, grafting and dividing, using cuttings, geophytes (bulbs, corms, tubers and rhizomes) and roots.Throughout, he enlivens his discussion with numerous examples of common plants and his experiences as well as those of other propagators. Wary of trying to peg specific dates, Druse refers only to "early spring" or "midsummer," trusting readers to know enough about their local climate and their garden to judge when the time -- and the plant -- is ripe.Particularly useful is Druse's guide to propagating more than 700 plants, including techniques and cultural information on conditioning, temperature and timing. His information usually applies to all members of a genus, although he includes special cultural notes for such genera as Hibiscus, whose species may be hardy, tender, woody or herbaceous.The book also contains a common-Latin name cross reference list, a propagator's glossary and a bibliography. Referring to the latter, Druse writes, "No book seemed to capture the beauty of plants and their propagation, or to impart the sense of wonder that comes from participating in nature's schemes." Those words might sound arrogant, except that Druse has indeed succeeded in conveying both beauty and wonder in this new volume. -- Andrew Vowles- Credit
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Book Review: A Gardener's Guide to... Book Review: A Gardener's Guide to...
Book Review: A Gardener's Guide to... ofA Gardener's Guide to Growing Maples A Gardener's Guide to Growing Maples,by James G. S. Harris; Timber Press;hardcover; 160 pages;$30The number of abused and ignored maple trees on public boulevards leaves the impression that this splendid genus of hardwood trees is without appreciation. But what gardener could fail to notice the sparkling shaggy bark of Acer griseum, the paperbark maple, against the snow in winter, or the lustrous red buds opening to chartreuse-gold 'moons' of Acer japonicum, the full moon maple, in spring? James Harris, owner of a specialist maple nursery in Britain, has gathered together the 125 species of maple trees to show us their fine characteristics, with emphasis on the garden-worthiness of each plant. His collection includes many intriguing small trees, such as the Shantung maple (A. truncatum) with small, rippled leaves and an open, lyrical form; the brilliant autumn colours of upright and cascading Japanese maples; and a flamboyant box elder (A. negundo 'Flamingo') with green, cream and pink foliage. The man loves maples, and so should we, because their elegant architecture, variety of sizes and ornamental attributes could be strong features in any northern garden. Predictably, Harris looks into the botany, habitat and origins of maples, but then happily digresses into their history (a digression that more garden writers should make), telling us the first maple introduced into England was the sycamore (A. pseudoplatanus), "called the dool or grief tree because powerful barons used its strong branches from which to hang their enemies." Now that's something to consider when selecting a tree.Harris's book is one of the excellent Gardener's Guides to Growing series from Timber Press, distinguished by authors who know and care deeply about their plant subjects. He painstakingly explains the finer points of cultivation and propagation, including cuttings, grafting and growing from seed; how to plant, stake and prune; and what pests might dare rear their ugly heads. There's also a strong section on growing small maples in containers, a pertinent glossary of horticultural terms; and a list of related books on hardwood trees. One can only say, first: buy this book. Second: grow a maple tree. -- Judith Adam- Credit
- Judith Adam
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Book Review: Making More Plants Book Review: Making More Plants
Book Review: Making More Plants ofMaking More Plants: The Science, Art and Joy of Propagation Making More Plants: The Science, Art and Joy of Propagation,by Ken Druse; Clarkson Potter;hardcover; 256 pages;$65.95The animal researchers busy cloning sheep, goats and cows have nothing on plant scientists, if Ken Druse's new book is any indication. It seems there's practically no part of a plant that's not amenable to making more plants.Druse is a popular American gardening author and photographer, and he utilizes both skills in his new book, based on his experience during the past five years spent propagating plants on a property outside New York City. His writing is accessible and personable, and there's plenty of detail in the lengthy captions with his clear and occasionally stunning photos, many of which serve as step-by-step illustrations of various techniques.After an overview of the science of propagation, Druse begins with a discussion of flowers and seeds. In separate chapters, he discusses methods of collecting, conditioning and sowing seeds. However, seeds are only part of the story. Most of the book deals with the range of reproduction practices, including layering, grafting and dividing, using cuttings, geophytes (bulbs, corms, tubers and rhizomes) and roots.Throughout, he enlivens his discussion with numerous examples of common plants and his experiences as well as those of other propagators. Wary of trying to peg specific dates, Druse refers only to "early spring" or "midsummer," trusting readers to know enough about their local climate and their garden to judge when the time -- and the plant -- is ripe.Particularly useful is Druse's guide to propagating more than 700 plants, including techniques and cultural information on conditioning, temperature and timing. His information usually applies to all members of a genus, although he includes special cultural notes for such genera as Hibiscus, whose species may be hardy, tender, woody or herbaceous.The book also contains a common-Latin name cross reference list, a propagator's glossary and a bibliography. Referring to the latter, Druse writes, "No book seemed to capture the beauty of plants and their propagation, or to impart the sense of wonder that comes from participating in nature's schemes." Those words might sound arrogant, except that Druse has indeed succeeded in conveying both beauty and wonder in this new volume. -- Andrew Vowles- Credit
- Andrew Vowles
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Book Review: Ultimate Rose Book Review: Ultimate Rose
Book Review: Ultimate Rose ofUltimate Rose Ultimate Rose,American Rose Society (edited by Beth Smiley and Ray Rogers);Dorling Kindersley Publishing Inc.;hardcover; 160 pages;$29.95“Wow, a coffee table book with substance,” was my initial reaction to this book. I felt like I could touch and even smell the roses as I turned the pages. The flowers are presented against white or black backgrounds in photographs of exceptional quality and colour accuracy. Since the American Rose Society produced this book, correct identification and accurate information can be expected.The history of the rose came to life, and rose facts and trivia grabbed me as I browsed. Wild and cultivated rose classes are described alongside photos of the best from each group. The rose growing section provides concise and easy-to-understand text accompanied by clear, how-to photos. A glossary of rose terms and brief but inspiring sections on floral arranging and drying blooms are included.While not a comprehensive book on rose cultivars, it provides a taste of the best. --Dennis Eveleigh- Credit
- Dennis Everleigh
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Book Review: Garden Folklore That Works Book Review: Garden Folklore That Works
Book Review: Garden Folklore That Works ofGarden Folklore That Works Garden Folklore That Works,by Charlie Ryrie;Reader's Digest;hardcover;176 pages;$34.95Ryrie's book is a compendium of myth, magic and folk wisdom handed over the garden fence, with the hope that if it has lasted this long, there must be something to it. Lay a rope on the planting bed and your neighbour's cat will stay out of it. (Cats think ropes are snakes.) And did you know that the shape of asparagus indicates a potential aphrodisiac?Much is in a name, and buried in this title is the key word “tips.” Gardeners love little nuggets of information, especially those passed along with a wink and a nudge.Reading a book of tips is entertaining and sometimes offers information you can really use. For example, there's practical advice on lifting snowdrops and concocting hormone-laced willow water for transplants. And there are lists of plants that thrive in acid and alkaline soils and blossoms that attract hummingbirds. The book also includes recipes for potting soil and kitchen-made insect repellents.It's smart to read Reader's Digest's comprehensive disclaimer, however. Some tips may not work, for instance the make-it-yourself weeper hose (unlikely to leak sufficient water). Other tips could cause plant problems. (Keeping the lawn cut low to discourage slugs results in a weakened lawn.)One tip might do you serious injury. (Attempting to remove pesticides from sprayed grass clippings through composting.) So take a tip from the publisher and read for enjoyment, but practise with caution. -- Judith Adam- Credit
- Judith Adam
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Book Review: Making Paths & Walkways Book Review: Making Paths & Walkways
Book Review: Making Paths & Walkways ofMaking Paths & Walkways Making Paths & Walkways,by Paige Gilchrist Blomgren;Lars Books;softcover;144 pages;$25.95Whether you need to create a garden path that is totally practical or more of a design element, this book is a helpful guide. There are chapters on different types of materials and how to construct walkways with each. Photos, clear illustrations, lists of tools and step-by-step instructions make it easy to use.The author poses all the questions you need to consider: will the path be used for carrying groceries from the car, wheelbarrows full of soil or dragging the garbage can? For heavy usage, you need a path that's wide and quite straight. Will it be for a quiet stroll through flower beds? A narrow path that meanders can work nicely.Is the setting formal or informal? Is there a slope? Does the site get lots of rain? Working through these questions helps you determine the types of materials, from natural-pine needles, bark mulches, straw, grass and earth-to more formal-gravel, cut stone, concrete and brick-that are most suitable for the job. It also lets you know the level of difficulty involved in creating the various walkways.In addition, the book meanders down a few interesting paths of its own. There are lovely little essays on the history and purposes of walkways, and items on famous footpaths, such as Rome's Appian Way and the Ancient Ridgeway in Britain. So even if you decide not to construct a path, you'll have the pleasure of a good read.-Helen Keeler- Credit
- Helen Keeler
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Book Review: A History Of Canadian Gardening Book Review: A History Of Canadian Gardening
Book Review: A History Of Canadian Gardening ofA History Of Canadian Gardening A History Of Canadian Gardening,by Carol Martin;McArthur & Company;softcover;188 pages;$29.95Not a history of this magazine as its title might imply, Carol Martin's book offers a compact overview of gardening in Canada, and a parallel social history to boot. Cleanly written, it is far from being a dull, dusty tome, and engages the imagination as it examines the tribulations and triumphs of pioneering gardeners. The book's pages are peppered with fascinating historical documents and photographs.The reader is treated to juicy tidbits of information. About the Hurons: “They were highly successful gardeners who concentrated mainly on the Three Sisters-corn, beans and squash...The seeds of all three were planted together in hills. As the corn grew tall and strong, the beans twined around the stalks (fixing nitrogen and thus improving the soil), and the squash spread its broad leaves on the ground at the base of the corn, thereby controlling weeds, an excellent example of companion planting.”Elsewhere, Martin recounts England's lack of understanding of growing conditions in the colonies. The directors of the Hudson's Bay Company reasoned that as Fort Albany (on James Bay) shared a similar latitude to that of London, settlers would be able to grow similar crops, and sent them wildly unsuitable garden seeds and grains (a list is provided).Martin covers vast territory and subject matter in her slim book, including subjects as diverse as railroad gardens, seed companies, landscape architects, modern garden gurus-maybe too much territory. Being a sucker for details, I was left feeling hungry for more information. I would have liked to know much more about the astonishing work of some of Canada's horticulturists, for example. But this is a minor quibble.-Aldona Satterthwaite- Credit
- Aldona Satterthwaite
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Book Review: Classic Garden Features Book Review: Classic Garden Features
Book Review: Classic Garden Features ofClassic Garden Features Classic Garden Features by David StuartConran Octopus Limited, 160 pages, hardcover, $52.95.Garden enthusiasts of here and now often grumble at “old world” experts harping on about the gardens of there and then; the style, the scale and the budget seem completely irrelevant to today's time- and cash-strapped gardener.In his new book, Classic Garden Features, David Stuart steers mercifully clear of such tiresome proselytizing. While he clearly loves the historic and antique, he brings a designer's analytical perspective to the theme, suggesting that the lessons of “the classic” are timelessly relevant. Through a rich mix of photographs and pithy text, he persuasively demonstrates that understanding a garden's components is fundamental to good design.In each chapter Stuart addresses a type of garden feature, sets them in historical and cultural contexts, then discusses their varieties and uses. He provides insight into how these static, manmade and seasonless elements bring essential form, focus and style to the planted scene.Each photograph is accompanied by a generous caption that explains why and how a feature works within a particular garden-something that is often difficult for the non-trained eye to grasp. Stuart demonstrates the importance of symbiotic relationships, with each element complementing the other.This is a book for neophyte and connoisseur, for dipping or devouring and definitely for learning some useful lessons. It reminds us that garden style has been passed round the globe to be interpreted by countless generations, nationalities and cultures.-Penny Arthurs- Credit
- Penny Arthurs
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