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Gardening is one of the fastest-growing leisure activities in the country and more and more people are becoming interested in the design of their gardens as well as enjoying the satisfaction gained from keeping them in tip-top condition. This wonderfully comprehensive gardening encyclopedia combines an essential practical reference book with an inspirational sourcebook and demonstrates how to make the most of every element of the garden. It includes a seasonal gardening guide that enables readers to see exactly when every task should be planned and carried out, so that they can pursue their favourite pastime all the way through the year.
Clever and effective design is vital to good gardening, and the first section of the book takes you from the planning stage to the realization of your ideas in the garden's features, structures and plants. The section Elements of Design starts at the very beginning, with ideas for even the most awkward shapes and environments; Features and Structures shows how to put your plan into action with step-by-step instructions for constructing all the popular garden features such as walls, fences, paths, patios and rock gardens, as well as inspirational photographs that illustrate the wide range of options available; Choosing Plants gives advice on plants for every situation and need - plants for colour and texture, plants that like sun and shade, plants for a tropical look, and many, many more.
The guide to the gardening year is structured by season, with meticulous step-by-step photography demonstrating how to tackle with confidence the gardening tasks appropriate to each. The section begins with spring, the real start of the gardener's year, when the improving weather encourages sowing and planting; summer allows some time for reflection and enjoyment but in a season of rapid growth, careful weeding and nurturing are vital; autumn, like spring, is a busy period, for it involves not only the sowing of the following year's crops but also the protection of existing plants from frost and other hazards; even in the depths of winter there are important jobs to be done. With The Complete Encyclopedia of Practical Gardening as a guide, you can decide how best to employ your time and resources at every stage.
