Publishers Weekly
06/15/2020
Loades, editor of The Alpine Gardener, inspires with this delightful exploration of the process of creating a “modern cottage garden.” After explaining how he defines this term, as a combination of the traditional English cottage garden and the more naturalistic “New Perennial Movement,” Loades dispenses extensive instructions on assembling attractive arrays of plants for backyards as well as smaller spaces, such as a “selection of mixed containers” on a patio. He then goes through the seasons, telling readers what to expect at every stage, such as that the “cottage garden’s star performers... have a habit of peaking in early summer.” He wraps up with a list of 50 essential plants (including dainty cyclamen coum and the salvia Hot Lips, which “starts flowering in summer and continues through until the first frost”). Gorgeous, full-page color photos of gardens designed using Loades’s approach will propel readers to the nearest plant nursery. Wry aphorisms (“It’s not just death and taxes that are inevitable. A lot of frustrated gardeners would add slugs to this saying too”) charmingly punctuate the how-to. Herbophiles will find it impossible not to get drawn into Loades’s blossoming world. (July)
From the Publisher
Greg’s enthusiasm for plants and for this unbridled gardening approach is clear. The result is encouragement for those new to the style and reassurance to embolden the spirit of those already convinced of its merits.” —Chris Beardshaw, garden designer and broadcaster “An inspirational book, with encouraging words and down-to earth advice for achieving a year-round beautiful garden.” —Michael Marriott, chief rosarian at David Austin Roses “Gorgeous, full-page color photos of gardens designed using Loades’s approach will propel readers to the nearest plant nursery. Herbophiles will find it impossible not to get drawn into Loades’s blossoming world.” —Publisher’s Weekly “Loades writes in a lively and enthusiastic style, using many a fetching simile to illustrate a point. This is a practical book, well-founded in personal experience, and will empower its readers to indulge their passions and experiment, no matter how limited a space they have at their disposal.” —Gardens Illustrated “With Loades’ guidance, avid and beginning gardeners will feel comfortable designing and choosing the plant heroes of their cottage garden.” —Booklist “Greg Loades reveals the secret technique that opens up a world of nostalgia for gardeners with small spaces.” —The Telegraph “Well written and beautifully illustrated, this one is highly recommended.” —Dirt Therapy “In The Modern Cottage Garden, different needs and desires come together to make a modern cottage or cottage-style garden truly special.” —English Home “A practical and inspirational guide to a new style of planting.” —Country Homes & Interiors “What stands out in this book is practical advice mixed with an experienced appraisal of the attributes of selected perennial plants.” —The Press-Enterprise “An inspiring and imaginative guide.” —The Daily Mail
