Whether you are looking for inspiration or practical advice, here are my recommendations...
#1 The RHS Guide to Pruning & Training
No matter how knowledgeable you might be, there is always something you need to check and this is an easy to use guide on how to prune trees, shrubs and climbing plants. I often double check before cutting something back – particularly on the time of year. Many plants flower and fruit on last year’s growth but others flower and fruit on new growth, thus affecting when and how you prune.
#2 The RHS ‘What Plant Where’ Encyclopedia
It is important to consider position according to light levels, orientation, soil type etc. It is not always good to rely on complete luck and this book is excellent in helping you to keep your plants happy and at their best.
#3 Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden
I follow Floret Farm on Instagram @floretflower and have been inspired by their growing program. They are based in Washington State, US but they grow wonderful cut flowers and this book focuses on individual flowers and particularly varieties, giving tips for growing, cutting, and arranging. It is a feast of colour on the eyes.
#4 Grow Your Own Cut Flowers, Sarah Raven
This is essential if you want to start a cut flower garden. It focuses on layout of the garden, annuals, biennials, bulbs, perennials and shrubs.
#5 The Land Gardeners Cut Flowers, Bridget Elworthy & Henrietta Courtauld
This is a stunning coffee table book charting the journey of Bridget and Henrietta who have grown cut flowers within their beautiful Manor House garden. They have a stunning old world style utilising antique vases and jugs to display their creations, as well as being kind to the land and investing in the most ecological methods.
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