Category: Books & writers

Just checking to see if anyone in the marketing department over at Timber Press has their google alert set.

I listened to Ken Druse’s podcast interviewing Alan Detrick, author of Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers: The Essential Guide to Digital Techniques.

Great interview. I learned a lot. Of course I’m a highly motivated listener — given my penchant for getting in close in my photography. I’d probably learn a whole lot more if I read the book. That’s Craig Cramer, 1769 Ellis Hollow Rd. Ithaca NY 14850.

Just finished Beverley Nichols‘ 1963 book Garden Open Today. I’m glad that I’d forgotten about this post by Michelle over at GardenRant from a couple years ago (worth a visit if just for this image of Nichols in his more fabulous days) about the inauthenticity of Nichols and Hillary Clinton, or I’d have spent too much effort trying sniff out what was true and what was dramatic license. (And I’m totally thankful I’d forgotten that in the comments to that post I suggested that those who found Hillary too phony to look at John Edwards. Oy! We really dodged a bullet on that one. Thank you National Enquirer.)

Even if he fudged some facts, I found much that rang true in Nichols’ accounts. (If I arranged flowers inside, I’d find away to place the vase in front of a mirror, too.) As with most Britain-based garden books, the plant choices are useless here in the frigid north. But the principles remain the same.

I have already put into play two practical suggestions from the book: Placing clay pipes (and some broken pots) in the water garden to give the fish more places to hide from the herons. (I fear the koi will be too big when the herons visit in fall.) And I moved a clump of Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’ to the edge of the water garden so that it will be reflected in the water.

Obvious things I hadn’t thought of. They sound authentic. Time will tell.

I usually like to have read books before recommending them. But if you’re looking for stocking-stuffers for your gardening friends (or to add to your own wish list), here are two that I suspect will be winners:

Liberty Hyde Bailey: Essential Agrarian and Environmental Writings – As the promo copy says, “Before Wendell Berry and Aldo Leopold, there was the horticulturalist [sic] and botanist Liberty Hyde Bailey.” Even though I walk by lecture halls and conservatories named for the pioneering Cornell horticulturist every day, I’ll admit to having not read much of his writing. I think this will be a good place for me to catch up, considering these are the best from his prolific writings. (See this classic Life photo to understand just how much writing Bailey did before the advent of the digital age.)

Planthropology: The Myths, Miracles, and Mysteries of My Garden Favorites. – Let’s just say that I’ve never, ever been disappointed by a Ken Druse book. His photos and writing are top-shelf. I expect the content here will rise above a mere collection of plant trivia to deliver a level of insight and beauty that I’ve come to expect from Ken. Read Ken’s GuestRant over at Garden Rant on the backstory of titling the book and more.

Here’s a promotional video for the book:

The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. — Allen K. Chalmers

I read that quote in a short piece in the latest Funny Times by writer Tom Bodett of Motel 6 fame (“We’ll leave the light on for you.”) The ever humble Bodett was trying to disavow that he is the source of those words, even though it sounds like something he’d say.

I couldn’t help thinking that Chalmers must have been a gardener. Happiness is tough to find this time of year for gardeners in this neck of the woods because there really isn’t much to do. But it’s not totally out of reach, because there is still much to hope for as the plants we love begin to awaken.