Review: New Nordic Gardens

New Nordic Gardens

Annika Zettterman

As someone fascinated by the elements of Scandinavian design, I found New Nordic Gardens, a terrific book for getting to know more about how Scandinavians view nature, the outdoors and their gardens. This work focuses on gardens in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland. The author provides numerous insights on the importance of light, materials and simplicity of design. The book is well written and contains numerous garden examples illustrated with beautiful photography. It would no doubt be a great gift idea for gardening enthusiasts.

You don't need to live in a harsh northern climate to enjoy this book, either, or to adapt many of the ideas presented. The chapters, whether they cover, using color, light, materials or seasons will inspire new ideas for creating harmony within your environment, regardless of where that is. I personally loved the idea of incorporating more ornamental grasses in the garden. I will also be thinking more about how light, both during day and night as well as during different seasons, affects what and how I plant. All in all, I'm sure this is a book I will be coming back to again and again for ideas and inspiration.

This review was written by me for City Book Review.

Review: A Way to Garden

A Way to Garden

Margaret Roach

The first thing I noticed about this book was the way the author divided her chapters and gardening into cycles of two months, ranging from Conception in January/February to Death and Afterlife in November/December. By looking at the gardening calendar, this way made me realize that gardening is more than those beautiful springtime blooms, we all love so much. Nature is living and often thriving during other times of the year as well.

A Way to Garden is full of tips on everything imaginable. But it is also a personal story of how the author has changed her approach to gardening over the years. The reader is encouraged to take note of their surroundings to learn more about what works and when it works in their garden.

I enjoyed all the beautiful photography in this book, and I'm grateful the author shared photos of her garden with readers. I'm sure this book is going to become my go-to reference for all things concerning the garden. Whether it be growing vegetables, attracting insects, how to cut the grass, or learning the classification of plants, this is a book that every gardener will want to have.

Thanks to Library Thing and Timber Press for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest view.