Amazon.co.uk Review
On scanning the contents page of this book, you could be excused for thinking that this was just another gardening reference book. But oh, how wrong you would be! Closer examination of the text allows the reader to be transported into the gardens of truly expert gardeners, at the same time discovering the secrets of their success.
Classic Planting, by George Plumptre, with photographs by Tony Lord, is rather more than a mere reference book, for it includes the reasons why specific plants were chosen and the philosophies behind the associations of plants that the gardeners have created. Plumptre, renowned author, editor and journalist, is probably best-known as a garden writer and has written a series of successful books. He now lives in South Africa. Tony Lord is a writer, garden photographer and horticultural consultant, and is well-known for his superb garden photography being used by many gardening writers to illustrate their books. The talents of both have come together in creating an impressive book, featuring the gardens of Beth Chatto, Christopher Lloyd, Rosemary Verey, Penelope Hobhouse and many others; a book which is thematically arranged, containing practical advice and discussion, liberally interspersed with truly magnificent and breathtaking photographs. It can be enjoyed at different levels, from its aesthetic pleasure right through to its academic and informed debate. Certainly not a book for the fainthearted. --Susan Naylor
Synopsis
This guide to planting features the gardens of Beth Chatto, Christopher Lloyd, Penelope Hobhouse, Rosemary Verey and others, showing the planting schemes of these gardens. It explains why the gardeners used particular plants and the philosophies behind the plant associations they have created. Arranged thematically, the book covers seasonal planting as well as border planting, planting with water, ornaments and containers, planting a kitchen garden, wall planting, woodland planting and formal planting.
