Frances Tophill – författare

**A SUNDAY TIMES GARDENING BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020**''A must-read for every gardener who wants to up their game for wildlife and do their bit for the planet.'' -- Isabella Tree''A refreshing, uplifting and positive look at the true value of a garden.'' -- Alan TitchmarshThe perfect book for any gardener looking to get back in touch with their wild side.The rewilding of public spaces and farmland is vitally important to conservation, but how can we support native species and provide rich habitats on our own doorsteps?In this practical, beautifully illustrated guide horticulturalist and Gardener''s World presenter Frances Tophill shows you how to plan and maintain a beautiful garden that will attract bees and birds as well as a throng of unsung garden heroes. Whether you have a small balcony or a large open space, discover the joys of welcoming natural ecosystems back into your garden - along with a host of new visitors.

''Frances Tophill is not only a qualified horticulturalist but is fast becoming the fresh new face of television gardening.'' Daily MailWe no longer just want to garden, we want to engage with the land; the plants in it, the animals, insects and even the fungi. The Modern Gardener isn''t just about creating a space that simply looks visually stunning, but about encouraging wildlife, reducing our carbon footprint and making our outdoor and indoor space more useful in all areas of our lives. As well as how to select and grow your plants, there is also information for how to design your garden alongside a variety of plant-based recipes - from delicious drinks to natural dyes - that can easily be made at home.

Whether you love growing, love creating, or just want to liven up your outdoor space, a container garden is just the answer. So many of us nowadays are crammed into our homes and a garden is a luxury that few can afford. But there is always room for a bit of greenery; whether it''s herbs and spices to add fresh flavour to your food, or putting a jungle on your windowsill, a container can enable growers to bring nature to the most inhospitable and smallest spaces. Frances Tophill covers the sustainable, crafty and culinary aspects of container gardening. From urns and troughs to chimney stacks and hanging baskets alongside what to grow inside them - bonsai to annuals, bulbs, grasses and bamboos, tumbling and creeping plants and flowers - there are also 40 ideas on how to pair plants and pots, including upcycling existing items and creating your own containers.

''A brilliant and inspirational starter kit for anyone who wants to make a garden to suit their own needs.'' - Alan TitchmarshAlthough excited by the prospect of moving into their own home for the first time, many people are mystified at the thought of what to do with their outdoor space. Frances Tophill''s fuss-free, practical guide shows you how to create a space outside your own back door that''s designed by you, built by you and enjoyed by you. Beginning with advice on getting to know your garden - what type of soil you have, what the drainage and light is like - then on getting to know yourself as a gardener - do you want a vegetable patch, an abundance of flowers or simply an extension of your indoor living space? - and then moving on to the practical design, including hard and soft landscaping and building materials and guidance, Frances guides you through different types of plants and how to source and plant them. There is also a section on aftercare, telling you the best way to keep your garden well cared for and easy to maintain throughout the year.