The Garden Primer

The most comprehensive, entertaining, down-to-earth one-volume gardening reference ever, and highly praised: "Barbara Damrosch delivers the goods."—Chicago Tribune "Best of the crop."—House Beautiful "Barbara Damrosch's writing has the snap of a good snowpea and the spice of an old rose."—The Seattle Times/Post Intelligencer "Covers just about everything you could think of and then some." — The Atlanta Journal-Constitution "An extraordinarily comprehensive guide." — The San Francisco Examiner-Chronicle "Takes your soaring visions of garden splendor and plants them firmly in the ground."—The Toronto Star Now the beloved classic is revised front-to-back. The new edition has gone 100% organic, which in Barbara Damrosch's hands also means completely accessible. It reflects the latest research on plants, soils, tools, and techniques. There is updated and expanded information on planning a garden, recommended plants, and best tools. Ecological issues are addressed much more extensively, covering lawn alternatives, the benefits of native species, wildlife-friendly gardens, and how to avoid harmful invasive species. More attention is paid to plants appropriate to the South, Southwest, and West Coast, while cold-climate gardeners are given detailed advice on how to extend the growing season. Simply put, the book is a richer and fuller compendium than ever before, with more text, more illustrations and garden plans, expanded plant lists, and gardener's resources. But Barbara Damrosch's core of practical, creative ideas and friendly style remain—she is still an "old-fashioned dirt gardener" at heart.