Collins Gardener’s Bible

Collins Gardener’s Bible is the sixth title in this stunning and engaging series. It is packed with absolutely everything you need to be an effective, sustainable and fulfilled gardener.Collins Gardener’s Bible pairs a sumptuous aesthetic with practical tips on how to plan and prepare the right garden for you. This book highlights organic and sustainable gardening techniques, provides advice on troubleshooting, pruning, maintenance and care and helps to recognise native vs non-native plants. There are tips on considering the seasons, climate and altitude, as well as the best equipment and soil and advice on community gardening, swaps and much more. This all comes packaged in a beautiful illustrated gift book perfect for the gardening beginner all the way to the esteemed horticulturist. Discover how to prepare for and plant the best garden for your climate and lifestyle – from low-maintenance, drought-resistant beds, pollinator patches, atmospheric cottage arrangements and stunning Japanese-inspired gardens. With Collins Gardener’s Bible, embrace the botanical abundance of your home garden.CONTENTSHow to Use This Book · How to Garden Safely & Sustainably · Brief Glossary Chapter 1: Gardening Through the Ages Early Gardening · Modern Gardening Around the World · Notable Gardeners, Past and Present · Gardening for Sustenance and Gardening for Pleasure Chapter 2: Gardening for Beginners Becoming a Gardener · Times, Weather, Seasons · Climate, Altitude, and City vs Urban Gardening Basics · Planning, Preparing, and Beginning Your Home Garden · Native vs Non-native Plants · Organic and Sustainable Gardening · Complementary Planting Garden Types and How to Create Them, featuring: Pollinator Gardens, Low-maintenance Gardens, Annual and Perennial Gardens, Flower Gardens, Cottage Gardens, English/French/Mediterranean Gardens, Japanese-inspired Gardens, Fruit and Vegetable Gardens, Herb Gardens, Cocktail Gardens, Drought-resistant Gardens, Night Gardens, Shade Gardens, Healing/Medicinal Gardens · Balcony and Container Gardens · Plant Directory Chapter 3: Gardening Tools and Techniques Equipment and Supplies · Pruning, Maintenance, and Care · Troubleshooting · Soil, Fertilizers, and More · Raised Beds · Gardening Communities, Organizations, and Clubs · Composting and Sustainable Irrigation Chapter 4: The Art of Gardens Gardens in art · Beautiful Gardens Around the World · Make a Simple Trellis/A-frame · Make a Raised Bed · Make a Garden Path · Make a Gardening Station/Potting Bench Further Reading & Resources · Observing & Recording · Index