Gardens of Plenty [Hardcover]

Marylyn Abbott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 25, 2001

From window sills and balconies to small town gardens and country estates, vegetable gardens that are both beautiful and productive have their roots in ancient tradition but are as relevant and fresh today as Marylyn Abbott traces the history of the potager around the world and discusses its interpretation by contemporary designers. As well as inspirational photography, there is practical advice on planning, designing and using a potager that is both productive and beautiful, as well as clever advice on making the most of smaller spaces such as patios and containers. A glossary of details gives information on the many decorative and useful aspects that can be incorporated into a potager. This title explores the resurgence of interest in ancient ways of producing natural foods and remedies from herbs, vegetables, fruit and flowers, and reflecting contemporary interest in all things natural, pure and organic. they were a thousand years ago.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A history of potagers, or ornamental vegetable gardens, is the subject of Gardens of Plenty. Written in an engaging style by Marylyn Abbott, she chronicles how her interest in this form of gardening was ignited and led to the development of her potagers at both her English home, West Green House in Hampshire and her Australian home, Kennerton Green. Her love of gardening, inspired by her mother and grandmother, has made Kennerton Green the most visited garden in Australia and her restoration of the gardens at the National Trust's West Green House which she has leased, is sure to follow suit. Beautifully illustrated with the photographs of renowned garden photographer Clay Perry, this books gives a visual feast of potagers from around the world from the restored gardens of the grand St Jean de Beauregarde in France to the smaller potagers of American homesteads. From colonial Australia to the Chelsea Flower Show, the diversity of potagers through the ages is brought to life. Originating over a thousand years ago it appears that potagers were first formed as monastic gardens, not only growing food for the monks but also flowers and medicinal herbs. Over the centuries they diversified into more ornate pleasure grounds but they never lost their original purpose of food and herb production. Marylyn Abbott journeys the world in search of potagers from the USA through Europe to her homeland of Australia, trying to trace the history of these ornate but practical gardens and discovering modern interpretations along the way. Design hints and tips are included together with the author's own personal favourite plants for edging, eating and ornamentation to enable gardeners to create their own piece of history in their gardens, be they country estate or small town gardens.

Book Description

It was at one time the preserve of only a few; now, the potager, or decorative kitchen garden, tradition that originated in France over a thousand years ago has become working practice for gardeners all over the world. This captivating book demonstrates that gardens based on these design and planting techniques boast arrangements of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are among the finest ever created.

This volume conveys the enduring appeal of these historically based gardens and describes how the integration of structured design with carefully balanced, color, texture and pattern can produce an extraordinary outdoor space.

Among the topics discussed and illustrated are:
-- Medieval garden designs
-- Traditional interpretations
-- Adding a personal touch
-- Planning a jardin potager

More than 100 full-color photographs illustrate the glories of the potager style and the principles that will help you devise gardens that work well and suit your needs. Detailed profiles demonstrate the virtues of strategic planting; tips give practical advice; and ideas for designs offer an abundance of inspiration. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Kyle Cathie (October 25, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1856263673
• ISBN-13: 978-1856263672
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,436,278 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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