A recommended good read ..............

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New additions to Hillier’s Gardening Guides series

Two new publications have just been added to the Hillier's Gardening Guides series and we feel sure they will  prove as popular as the other Guides. "Herbaceous Perennials" by Andrew McIndoe and Kevin Hobbs and "Planting for Colour" by Susan Chivers both follow the same format as "Shrubs" and "Plants for Small Spaces".

Both new titles have excellent colour illustrations, a clear and concise text and are crammed full with useful advice, planting ideas and details of plants.

"Herbaceous Perennials" provides answers to maintaining colour in the garden, suitable plants for different situations, advice on division and ideas for planting themes and combinations. I found the plant profile pages and the sections on growing conditions particularly useful. There is also a good introduction section which covers the history of perennials, soil preparation and planting and maintenance.

In "Planting for Colour" Susan Chivers explores which colours complement or contrast each other, effects of various foliage and suggestions for creating different moods. The year round garden is not forgotten with suggestions for colour in autumn and winter. Once again the text is straight forward and informative.

Susan's section on Colour Theory with its colour wheel and explanation of harmonies was particularly clear and certainly helped put colour in context for me.

Both are published in A4 format which makes them easy to take to the garden centre with you and they will also make a welcome addition to your coffee table for those times when you want to dip and browse.

Both books are published by David & Charles and priced £14.99. Purchase online at Amazon for massive savings!

© Reckless Gardener Magazine 2005 Mill Cottage New Media