Book Review - The Self-Sustaining Garden - the guide to matrix planting

The Lake District is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, tranquil lakes and unique conditions. As one of Britain's best loved National Parks the area attracts thousands each year who come to walk, sail or simply enjoy a very special landscape.

The Lake District also has a long history of distinguished gardens in many different styles and in 'Gardens of the Lake District' Tim Longville brings alive, not only the area’s well known gardens, but some of the lesser known treasures as well.

While the lakes and mountains make unbeatable backdrops, the reliable moisture and peaty soil are ideal for a large range of plants illustrated by the diversity of the gardens featured in the book.

A real coffee table book with sumptuous photographs by Val Corbett, ‘Gardens of the Lake District’ is a treasure you won’t want to put down. The garden descriptions include each owner’s choice of favourite plants, which I found really useful and interesting, and there are good explanations of the virtues of individual plants as well as the purposes and situations for which they are suited.

Among the gardens included by Tim are the 17th century Levens Hall, renowned for its topiary; picturesque gardens such as Rydal Hall; woodland and parkland gardens; gardens made by Wordsworth and Ruskin and grand 19th century rhododendron gardens such as Muncaster Castle.

I am biased because I live in Cumbria so any book which covers the area’s wonderful gardens is going to find favour with me, but in ‘Gardens of the Lake District’, Tim and Val have managed to bring together a very special collection of gardens which really do illustrate the history of gardening in this part of the country.

The book highlights the two forms of 19th and early 20th century gardens which are particularly characteristic of Cumbria, from the grand rhododendron garden - Muncaster Castle being the ultimate example - to the ‘super-cottage-cum-mini-country-house’ gardens typical of Cumbrian designer Thomas Mawson, whose gardens are amply illustrated by Rydal Hall and Graythwaite Hall.

What I like about the book is the author’s attention to detail with the narration of each garden taking the reader through in an easy and informative style. The colour plates are stunning, vividly bringing to life all those aspects of Cumbrian gardens which make them so special. I also liked the fact that the author sought out more recent gardens such as Yewbarrow House at Grange-over-Sands as well as the more traditional established gardens.

Similarly, not only the grand gardens are covered but also the more intimate gardens such as Pear Tree Cottage in Burton-in-Kendal and the romantic Brackenburn at Manesty, Borrowdale. The book certainly re-awakened in me an appreciation of the fine gardens we have in Cumbria and I warn readers that their ‘gardens to visit’ list will get longer after reading this fine book.

Tim Longville, who lives in Cumbria, writes regularly for Cumbria Life and Hortus and contributes to many national magazines. Val Corbett is a freelance photographer working from her home in the Lakes District whose work will be familiar to readers of national magazines such as The English Garden and Country Life.

The book is published on 8th November 2007, by Frances Lincoln Ltd, priced £25.00. .... Or purchase online at Amazon (as going to print) for £16.50 and save 34% off the RRP!