Book Review
The Way We Garden Now
By Katherine Whiteside
Did you ever really sit down and create a garden design that inspired you? Okay, I admit I hired someone to do the first plans for my home garden. But that's where my budget ran out. Suffice to say that I didn't want to pay to have a garden "done" for me. I wanted it done, but in a way that showed my personality. And it did.
Sometimes it is full and vibrant and other times it's missing in spots.
My life is all about simple and pretty these days, and when I look out at my garden I must admit that I often see problems that need to be addressed. While I'm learning to be gentler with myself I am often perplexed by things that are missing in my lack of garden design know how.
Then I found The Way We Garden Now, by Katherine Whiteside.
Where was she two years ago when I really needed her? Writing this book probably.
The subtitle says it all: 41 Pick-and-Choose Projects for Planting your Paradise Large or Small. What? Really? I've found too many books that promise grace and easy weekend projects, and require lumber and nails. That is not my idea of leisurely gardening.
So along comes Katherine, who informed me in section Nineteen (of the 41) - Slip in some Shrubs - that in fact my bald problem in between seasons is in fact my lack of Shrub knowledge. Which she clears up in 4 short pages. Yes! It's like table scraps for my dogs. I loved it!
Finally, garden design projects made easy. The delightful watercolor pictures are all I need to make the point - which goes further than photographs. And I am on my way to a new hydrangea in that empty patch of dirt that gets a comment from every friend that visits: "Are you ever going to put something there?"
I also discovered that it's passé to call a shrub a bush or soil "dirt" - a slip in garden etiquette.
The sections of the book will easily walk you through the basics, and I dare say intrigue even the most seasoned gardener.
She always has a payoff...which is the lead to each digestible section. It is perfect for those of us who are result oriented.
In Section eleven, she suggests we determine a destination or purpose. Do you want to "sit, nap or dine?" I had heard years ago to look at the way furniture has been arranged by guests after a party and this will tell you where the focal point of a room is.
But what about outdoors? Whiteside suggests the same thing. Where is the furniture? That's a great place to start for your garden destination. She suggests that a place to sit is key. I've found wonderful outdoor furniture at Jackson & Perkins (I have a few of their pieces in my yard). Whiteside suggests you set out a table and chair where you'd like to sit and have coffee. Then the next day have coffee there and see if it's perfect or needs adjusting. That's a great way to determine if that's a focal point. Use this tip for any garden area. For more, you'll have to get this book, which I highly recommend.
Simple, easy and concise - you'll love The Way We Garden Now.
