Cullen: When the written word moves you
December 9, 2011
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Mark Cullen
You are reading the newspaper or you are reading this online, so I am going to assume something here: that you enjoy reading. That said, it will not come as a surprise to you that gardeners also enjoy reading and that there are a lot of gardeners who enjoy writing, too. Which explains why there is a rush of great new gardening books this year.
No Guff Vegetable Gardening
“No guff. Lots of fun” is the subtitle on this all-Canadian book. The expression on the faces of the two authors tells you that they mean it before you open the book. My friend, from our HGTV days, Donna Balzer, signed up with first-time author Steven Biggs to create a book that addresses the fastest growing trend in gardening today: food gardening.
It is appropriate, I think, that the younger Biggs takes the lead in most chapters, his enthusiasm coming through in the text. It is, after all, the 20- and 30-somethings that are driving the demand for local food. The explosion in popularity of farmers’ markets across the continent is a direct reflection of the keen interest that the new generation has in local food. When you boil it down, it is more about taking responsibility for the quality of the food that we put in our bodies than it is about gardening.
One can only hope that as this new generation gets their hands dirty in an effort to “grow their own” they will learn that the experience of growing plants has its own benefits, like exercise and fresh air. When you get into it gardening can be more fun than most anything (you name it).
All of this, of course, comes out in the book. The illustrations are funky and sometimes amusing. The tables and charts cut to the chase. (Want to know the ‘no sweat’ substitutions for harder-to-grow veggies? Check out page 60)
No Guff Vegetable Gardening is published by No Guff Press. $26.95
Toronto Gardener’s Journal & Source Book
If there is a gardener on your list that likes to be organized and informed, this publication is for them. Margaret Bennett Alder has done it again: The Toronto Gardener’s Journal & Source Book is much more than a diary or journal. It is more than the two combined. It is a handy reference for information through the many media outlets that provide gardening information.
The book is a comprehensive listing of all of the horticultural groups, clubs and societies that gather in and around our great city to nurture interest in gardening from virtually every point of view. You can connect with the African Violet Society or learn apiculture (beekeeping) and everything in between.
It provides a thorough list of sources for plants and supplies. Looking for native plants in the GTA? There is a list of 14 suppliers. Take your pick. There is even a supplier of delphiniums that, you guessed it, only grows delphiniums (Blossom Hill Nursery, Peterborough).
Websites? There are over 100 gardening sites listed.
Oh yeah, it is a daily journal and diary too.
The Toronto Gardener’s Journal & Source Book is available at Sheridan Nurseries, Book City, The Toronto Botanical Garden, Dickson Home Hardware and several other places.
For information go to www.torontogardenbook.com or call 416-488-3368
$24.99
Magazines
Canadian gardening magazines have gone through a bit of a renaissance of late. Time was, about three years ago, all but one had been left standing and that was Canadian Gardening. Now we have Gardens Central (specifically for Ontario and Quebec) and Garden Making. All three publications are worthy of a regular read. It just depends on what you want from a gardening magazine.
Canadian Gardening
There are a lot of recognizable names from the world of gardening who write for this magazine. Stephen Westcott-Gratton, Judith Adam, Frankie Flowers and more.
Subjects tend to lean to the practical side rather than aspirational. The photography is always above par and articles generally run two to four pages. Often Canadian Gardening features products and “torture test” reviews (The current issue offers all the information that you need to know about rakes.) The advertisers here help to keep you current on what is new and exciting on the market.
First gift subscription is $24.99 and the second is $19.99. www.canadiangardening.com
Garden Making
Becky Fox, the previous editor of Canadian Gardening, has created the newest magazine in the cadre. Garden Making provides useful information and is perhaps the best of the bunch at providing inspiration through frequent discussions about the use of colour in the garden.
The current edition, “The Design Issue,” provides some great ideas through text and drawings that will get you thinking differently about how to get the most out of your garden next season.
4 issues each year; $20 for the first subscription and $16 for additional subscriptions. Go to www.gardenmaking.com.
Gardens Central
Here is an inspired idea, considering we live in the most diverse country on the planet where weather is concerned. Create a Canadian magazine that addresses the issues specific to the growing zones across the country.
Gardens West (for B.C. and the Prairies) gave rise to Gardens Central (Ontario and Quebec) and that morphed into Gardens East (Atlantic Canada). This publication is practical, colourful and always offers a glimpse into the lives and lifestyles of individual Canadians who love to garden.
Full disclosure: I write for Gardens East and I love it.
9 issues a year for $32 and two-year subscription for $53.50
Go to www.gardenswest.com for more info.
I must add two of my favourite publications from outside Canada. The unique nature of gardening in this country notwithstanding, the best place in the world to find both the latest information and a 500-year pedigree of gardening is Britain. The Royal Horticultural Society produces perhaps the best gardening magazine in the world. As a member you receive 12 issues of The Garden (what else?) Go to http://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/RHS-Publications/Journals/The-Garden for information.
Green Prints is not exactly a magazine, nor is it a book. It is a regularly issued perfect bound reader. Think “Weeders Digest” for gardeners. It always inspires and gets your mind going in directions that otherwise might be missed. Published in Kentucky, it is unique, fun and inspiring all at the same time. Go to https://greenprints.com/.
It is winter: a gardener’s perfect excuse to get educated through the written word.
Question of the Week
Q: Now that the snow has arrived, what should I keep in mind when clearing the driveway and walkways?
A: Pay attention to where you pile the snow. A heavy snow load can damage plants and lawns. If you usually spread salt to melt the ice you should choose an environmentally friendly product like Get A Grip® Natural Ice Melter. It will not harm grass, plants or pets if used as directed. Or Alaskan Ice Melter, which has a blue marker in it so that you know where you have spread it.
Mark Cullen is an expert gardener, author and broadcaster. You can sign up for his free monthly newsletter at www.markcullen.com, and watch him on CTV Canada AM every Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. You can reach Mark through the “contact” button on his website and follow him on Twitter @MarkCullen4 and Facebook. Mark’s latest book, The Canadian Garden Primer, is available at Home Hardware and all major bookstores.