Simple Pleasures of the Garden: Stories, Recipes & Crafts from the Abundant Earth [Hardcover]

Susannah Seton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1998

The beauty of nature, the delight of physical work, the soulfulness of planning a garden: Stories of these are combined here with inspirational quotes, tips for pesticide-free gardening, and suggestions for sharing the joys and charms of a garden with others. Projects include handcrafted lotions and oils; baskets and wreaths; simple, inexpensive home decorations; and easy recipes using the garden's bounty.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Simple Pleasures of the Garden is a follow-up to the very popular Simple Pleasures; Susannah Seton was inspired to write it because so many of the suggestions, stories, and recipes from the earlier book were about gardens and gardening. Organized by season, each section contains subheadings under which information is organized: "In the Garden," "With Family and Friends," "Into the Kitchen," "Beautifying Your Home," and "Nourishing Body and Soul." Seton's approach is thorough. She offers tips and stories on herb gardening, information on growing flowers for aroma or to attract butterflies, techniques for toxic-free gardening and composting, and instructions for making simple baskets and wreaths, floral-scented oils and lotions, and potpourri. Her advice doesn't neglect the palate, either: you'll find delightful, simple recipes for cooked vegetables, salads, blackberry jam, rhubarb-strawberry crisp, and many more. It is a delight to browse through Simple Pleasures of the Garden and fantasize, but the danger is that you will want to jump into your own gardening projects. Not to worry, though, beginning gardeners and those with almost no space will find plenty of guidance, including many indoor gardening projects. Just browsing through this book will probably lower your blood pressure.

From Booklist

Seton has collected 60 brief stories, arranged seasonally, on the pleasures of gardening. The narratives concern seeds, wildflowers, rose petals, butterflies, birds, fireflies, the language of flowers, pressed flowers, stones--and even weeds, worms, and muck. A selection of recipes is included for rose wine, herbal teas, soups, salads, relish, muffins, jams, buns, and natural headache remedies. Directions for making such items as paper cup lights, onion and garlic braids, a potted candle, napkin rings, a dried flower swag, baskets, wreaths, and potpourri are presented. George Cohen

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Conari Press (April 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573241040
• ISBN-13: 978-1573241045
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 6.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,755,266 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous!, May 4, 2010

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A. Win (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Simple Pleasures of the Garden: Stories, Recipes, and Crafts from the Abundant Earth (Paperback)

I have always enjoyed Simple Pleasures Books but this one is a definite favorite! It exceeded my expectations with gardening helpful hints and some outstanding recipes. An easy read and well worth the price!