Saturday, January 9, 2016

Winter Reading

I think Santa has a soft spot for gardeners. He always seems to find something garden related to leave under the tree. The blog would like to know what garden related items you received this year.  Were there books, tools, plants, seeds, perhaps gift certificates for goodies, workshops or garden related travel? Once we have a good list we will put them on the blog. Everyone likes to shop with their eyes don't they?

To start the ball rolling here are the two books I received this year.


Digging Deep-Unearthing Your Creative Roots Through Gardening by Fran Sorin



This is a book for adding another dimension to your gardening. Fran Sorin believes that the creativity we develop in the garden can be used in any area of your life. Through seven chapters she takes the reader through seven stages of designing, planting and caring for a garden and relates what is learned to the creativity she believes lies within us all.  While not everyone is on a path to self discovery the tips, exercises and "to try" ideas are all practical, sensible, intriguing and thought provoking. The main goal is to end up with a garden which reflects our moods and meets our needs. I am enjoying this book as a winter read as it is making me think deeply about what I want and need from my garden. 

If you need to rush to judgment and get things done quickly, you’re going to lose out on all of the juicy stuff that needs time to marinate. Patience is one of the greatest traits to possess in life. For most of us, it doesn’t come easy. FS

The author has an honours degree in psychology-her thesis was on creativity.  She has trained and worked professionally as a landscape designer for many years. www.fransorin.com  amazon.ca

Paradise Gardens: Spiritual Inspiration and Earthly Expression by Toby Musgrave



This is a fascinating account of the importance and meaning of gardens spanning 5,000 years and 17 cultures. Using historical and contemporary images the book travels from Ancient Egypt, Crete, Asia and through to Renaissance Italy, North America and present day London. Although easy to read this is a work based on academic research and requires careful attention. It will be a long read perfect for winter.
Pond in a Garden from the Tomb of Nebamun, Thebes. 
c 1350 BCE  courtesy publisher

An independent scholar and consultant since 1994, Toby Musgrave is an authority on garden history and design. His website: www.gardenhistorymatters.com,   amazon.ca



4 comments:

  1. Santa brought me two 'Weed Dragons'; the mini and the acreage level versions. I am very excited :)! In a nutshell, it's chemical free weed and plant mgmt. The mini is light weight and very easy to use. I've been climbing around on our rock ridge with it, turning weeds to dust in mere moments. Next, I'll pull out the acreage size to develop lovely organic soil for building my edibles beds. I just finished using it on our aggregate driveway. Took more time than chemicals would, but we'll have no toxins leach into our ground and well water, and it's far more economical. People, planet, and Per Friendly... Yahoo.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Tracey, I looked up Weed Dragons-it was very interesting. Once we get a few comments I'll do a post with pictures and links so everyone can find out more if they are interested.

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    2. Weed Dragons---tell me more. My front yard is all weeds of different varieties, choking out the grass, but maybe the earth there is trying to tell me something. I wish I could understand it better. Grass lawns are an artificial concept anyway so I am not sure I need to break my back to reseed it when the "others" are healthy and are low enough to mow. Ideas?

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    3. powell river garden clubJanuary 19, 2016 at 7:32 PM

      Here is a link to get you started. http://www.gardentoolreview.com/weed-torch-review/

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