Amazon.com Review
With its humble title, The Essential Gardener might be dismissed without a glance as a smattering of rudimentary information on the simplest gardening techniques. But make no mistake--this is a gardening tome worthy of even an experienced green thumb's attention. In the introduction, Derek Fell writes, "This book represents a compendium of the most important plants for North American gardens, with an emphasis on those that are relatively carefree, easy to obtain, and most likely to add the strongest visual interest to your landscape." Originally published as a six-part series, The Essential Gardener is presented here under one rather hefty cover. In the straightforward manner that characterizes the entire book, Fell breaks the general subject into seven specific categories: annuals, perennials, bulbs, trees, shrubs, herbs, and vegetables; with a special section specifically dedicated to roses. The thorough text is accompanied by hundreds of handsome color photographs (taken by the author himself) and easily interpreted illustrations. Fell's writing is logical and thoroughly researched, providing concise information on garden design, soil preparation, plant selection, planting, pruning, harvesting, and general garden maintenance. It would be helpful to find greater information specific to the various geographical zones of the continent, but that's an awful lot of ground to cover, and if this book were any heavier it would require its own wheelbarrow. --George Laney
