The Way We Garden Now: 41 Pick-and-Choose Projects for Planting Your Paradise Large or Small
A self-described "hands-on gardener with a healthy disregard for fancy  tools, an aversion to spending, and no time to recover from extreme  exhaustion," Whitestone (Forcing, Etc.)  urges readers to forget "perfection" when it comes to gardening, and instead  turn it into something pleasurable. Whiteside categorizes projects by size;  gives a "recipe" for each one with numbered steps so that in case you get  distracted in the middle, you can easily continue later; and, with 21st-century  pragmatism, informs readers of "the payoff" for each project before they get  their hands dirty. Her first 10 projects cover gardening basics, including such  essentials as preparing beds (the no-dig easy way), purchasing and organizing  tools, attracting birds and avoiding pests, and fertilization. The potpourri of  remaining projects, including cutting gardens, pea trellises, and scented night  gardens, as well as recipes scattered among the vegetable chapters, are likely  to tickle the fancy of more experienced gardeners. Whiteside's philosophy is  generally, although not strictly, organic, and her writing is clear and  easygoing, if a bit cutesy. Generously illustrated with whimsical drawings,  this book may entice nervous novices into their backyards and give tired  old-timers unexpected inspiration.(Feb.)Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.