Thoughts From a Garden Seat (Hardcover)

Review
This book seems to take a retrospective approach compared to the other, more colourful books that are appearing on gardening shelves today. A slim volume with black and white drawings and a mere 158 pages, this is more a fireside or bedtime book for those moments when one can only garden in the imagination. It will, however, enthuse and inspire the reader to renewed efforts at the next available opportunity. Stuart Thomas is a venerable name in horticulture, a prolific author and plant painter. He has also supervised the restoration of National Trust gardens and been awarded several of the highest honours by the Royal Horticultural Society. He takes a broad view as he guides us through the seasons giving his thoughts on landscaping and garden styles, drawing attention to individual plants, their appearance and requirements. His eclectic choice of subjects includes lawns, avenues, large-leaved plants, paths, rhododendrons, garden seats and roses. A small book like this relies on distilled wisdom and conciseness and Stuart Thomas's varied experience has given him a perspective, gravitas and authority that many younger more high profile garden writers should envy. This book is considerably enhanced by the beautiful pen drawings of Simon Dorrell. (Kirkus UK)

Product Description
Graham Stuart Thomas, plantsman and writer on gardens, takes a moment to pause on a garden seat. He allows the seasons to pass before his eyes and, as he does so, he recaptures highlights of a lifetime's experience - ideas that lie behind successful planting and garden design and how to catch the best of the months as the year glides by. He ponders on the first signs of spring, the best early bulbs and the need to be alert to "false spring", on flowers and early work for summer, planting as in the wild and foliage colour and size to give perspective to a small garden. His thoughts move on through summer to the design of paths, the placing of seats and the right position for ornaments, of topiary in all its forms and where to see examples of fine avenues. As autumn progresses he focuses on the importance of winter colours and how to prepare the best lawns.