Book Reviews

The Road To Le Tholonet by Monty Don, reviewed by Alison Levey

June 14, 2013

After the series the book, of course. Here’s Alison Levey’s reflections on Monty Don’s latest, connected in some way to his French Gardens programme. Anne Wareham, editor Alison Levey: When asked if I wanted to review this book I had to make a confession; I had watched the BBC series ‘Monty Don’s French Gardens’ and [...]

In an Irish Garden (1986) reviewed by Marie McLeish

April 11, 2013

You may wonder why we are reviewing a book which was published in 1986. Well, now that we can search and find books from any time on line, instead of only on dusty bookshelves in second hand bookshops (though that has its own charms, of course) it occurs to me there must be a lot [...]

Gardens in History by Louise Wickham reviewed by Tristan Gregory

February 21, 2013

The full title of the book under review here is “Gardens in History, a political perspective” and it reminds us once again that gardens have always been for more than gardening. Thanks to Tristan for this excellent review. Anne Wareham, editor Gardens in History is a book written to emphasise the importance of gardens as [...]

What are Gardens For? by Rory Stuart reviewed by Bridget Rosewell

November 22, 2012

Here is the second review, in this case by Bridget Rosewell. (yes, you did read something else by Bridget very recently. It was a long wait – then ….two at once..) Anne Wareham, editor What are Gardens for? Visiting, Experiencing and Thinking about Gardens Rory Stuart, Frances Lincoln, 2012 Bridget Rosewell: Don’t expect an [...]

What are Gardens for? by Rory Stuart, reviewed by Sheppard Craige

November 22, 2012

You may well wonder why we have two reviews of Rory Stuart’s new book for thinkingardens. Well, I was given one when I had already commissioned the other. It’s not the first time thinkingardens has offered more than one perspective, and it won’t be the last. And, as you will see, Rory himself has written [...]

An interesting book review by Abbie Jury

September 17, 2012

I haven’t named the book which is the subject of this review yet on purpose. Most of our readers are still from the UK so you might assume this book will not be especially interesting to you. But I think the review may be. It raises an issue which has bothered me for many years [...]

More books on Italian Gardens reviewed by Charles Hawes

March 27, 2012

Charles Hawes has a weakness for Italian Gardens and never misses a good opportunity to visit them. I think he’d quite like to take a tour of other interested garden visitors some day. Meanwhile, he is contenting himself with collecting books about them, and reviewing the books for thinkingardens. So here you are – more [...]

Understanding Garden Design by Vanessa Gardner Nagel, reviewed by Sarah Wilson

October 10, 2011

A book with a title suggesting a very modest agenda – will it really be useful and engaging for amateur and professional alike? An excellent book review from a reviewer new to thinkingardens. I should really let her get on with it, but the design of the website means that if I do that too [...]

The Omnipotent Magician, Jane Brown reviewed by Gary Webb,

August 22, 2011

A review of a new book on – was he ever called Capability? – Lancelot Brown, reviewed by Gary Web who is Grounds Manager at Compton Verney, a Lancelot Brown landscape. Anne Wareham editor The Omnipotent Magician by Jane Brown reviewed by Gary Webb Our great country is liberally sprinkled with gardens of all shapes, sizes and [...]

The Twilight Garden by Lia Leendertz, reviewed by Susan Wright.

June 27, 2011

Another book-I-got sent: and a new reviewer. Welcome to Susan Wright. Anne Wareham, editor. ‘The Twilight Garden’ by Lia Leendertz is all about “creating a garden that entrances by day and comes alive by night”. But does it offer that? Well, it’s glossily produced, has lots and lots of smart photographs and a foreword by [...]

“‘A Veritable Eden’ The Manchester Botanic Garden: a History” by Ann Brooks. Reviewed by Carl Legge

May 16, 2011

Another book review: thinkingardens has made it on to the publishers’ lists. So with thanks to a new contributor, Carl Legge, we introduce the Botanic Garden you have never heard of before. How many more will vanish in a similar sad fashion? Anne Wareham, editor Ann Brooks describes the decline and fall of the Manchester Botanic [...]

Gardens Of The World-The Great Traditions by Rory Stuart reviewed by Sara Venn

May 2, 2011

Gardens Of The World – The Great Traditions, is difficult book to review as its interest to the reader will depend upon what they expect from the book. Stuart covers a huge range of histories and garden styles, all of which will be familiar in part to anyone with an interest in gardening and [...]

‘Italy’s Private Gardens’ by Helena Attlee and ‘Great Gardens of Italy’ by Monty Don: reviewed by Charles Hawes

March 14, 2011

Helena Attlee recently published a lavishly illustrated book on Italian gardens and this has now been followed by Monty Don’s book of his BBC 2 television series ” ‘Monty Don’s’ Italian Gardens.” ( I don’t imagine he owns them all, but you never know..) It seemed appropriate and useful to review the two books together. Anne [...]

Gardening Women by Catherine Horwood

March 7, 2011

“I was astounded by how many plants I had considered to be native to this country….”

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