Gardening is a wonderful art and a complex science, and this lavishly illustrated volume shows how the world's greatest gardeners have combined the elements of both in creating the most magnificent gardens in the world. Destined to be a classic, "The Principles of Gardening" examines the art and science of gardening from every possible point of view: horticultural, historical, aesthetic, and practical.

"Principles of Gardening is a treatise on the foundations and essential premises of gardening rather than a volume of directions; it provides the logic of the big picture rather than an inventory of details. Johnson expands the vision of the gardener beyond the minutiae of instruction books, illuminating the primal connection to nature that is the essence of gardening. In the opening chapter on climate, for instance, he goes beyond an explanation of hardiness zones to explore the character of plant tenderness, the elements of climate, and the role of the gardener. In a discussion of how plants come to be cultivated by gardeners, he marvels at the horticultural niches to which different plants have been assigned." "While specific information abounds - the correct distance between canes of raspberries, or how to build a garden pond - the strength of Principles of Gardening lies in the commonsense elemental advice that appears throughout."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

A guide to the world of the garden. All the elements of the gardener's lore, from the science, philosophy and history of garden design to the plants themselves and how to care for them are set out in this revised edition of The Principles of Gardening.

This colourful guide will introduce you to the fundamentals of horticulture, whether you are taking an RHS course, are a keen amateur or seasoned gardener. Written in a clear and accessible style, this book explains the principles that underlie the cultivation of flowers, fruits, vegetables, turf and ornamental planting in the outdoors and in protected culture. It has a wide breadth of coverage, from the subject’s more commercial aspects, through to matters of the garden and allotment, with the latest information on conservation, practical propagation techniques, and garden design. With highlighted definitions and key points, and illustrated in full colour, this book will be a useful companion as you progress in the study and practice of horticulture.