Customer Reviews

The 3,000 Mile Garden: An Exchange of Letters Between Two Eccentric Gourmet Gardeners

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Having seen the PBS series based on this book, I was very anxious to actually read the book. I wasn't disappointed. Meeting the challenge of one's own ecosystem and making a garden work is interesting reading. This book doubles that interest by going back and forth between two completely different eco- systems and two completely different gardeners. Roger Phillips is in charge of a very public garden in the center of London and enjoys not only working with others but also conversing with visitors that are a part of his daily routine. Leslie Land gets very upset one morning when a strange woman wanders into her garden to admire and comment on it. This is her private domain and she considers the woman to be a rude trespasser. Even Roger finds that difficult to believe. As their friendship develops, however, they rely more and more on the advice they receive from each other and, as a novice gardener myself, I found myself combining their expertise to benefit my own garden.Very interesting reading.

After reading this book, I have a) a somewhat revived interest in gardening (with some new planting ideas); 2) a deep aversion to ever having to read/watch anything by Mr.Phillips, who is completely self-absorbed with his own knowledge; 3) bemused speculations about What Might Have Been, vis a vis what seemed an almost flirtatious beginning between the two, which then subsided once Land found herself a guy [after that, copious references to children and mates--before, nothing]! An interesting read for gardeners, but not a great one--this book's a borrower, not a buyer (sorry, amazon.com)..

The 3,OOO Mile Garden is a pure delight. While full of useful gardening information, interesting recipes, unusual plants and vegetables, it is in no way dry or pedantic. It is instead a lively and spirited correspondence between two very unique gardeners- their gardens, their countries and their lives.

The 3,OOO Mile Garden is a pure delight. While full of useful gardening information, interesting recipes, unusual plants and vegetables, it is in no way dry or pedantic. It is instead a lively and spirited correspondence between two very unique gardeners- their gardens, their countries and their lives.

it was a bit tedious at times but for those who are gardeners, or like to read about personal, day to day cultural differences between America and England, it was fun and quite informative.

This is a wonderful time honored letter exchange between London and Maine from the days shortly before email and reality television. Passionate renowned garden experts and writers Roger Phillips and Leslie Land write about the trials and tribulations of their respective garden projects which on a scale not for the faint hearted and have a good old spirited chat across the pond about the important things in life. Both authors are foodies and Leslie is an established cookery book writer which means there is the added bonus of a few lovely nurturing recipes too, the nectarine upside down cake is heaven on a plate! The book evolved into a delightful documentary series, surprisingly not available on DVD despite continued interest... check out the blogs. In the meantime I recommend this book is best enjoyed guilt free from the comfort of ones own squishy armchair whilst someone else gets on with the garden.