Favourite Gardening Books

I like her and Christopher Lloyd's Dear Friend and Gardener. HE Bates was a good garden writer, A Fountain of Flowers for example. I have to be in the mood for reading about gardens, I do wish I had kept a record of those I have read as I never remember the titles of books or who wrote them. I read a lot, but when it comes to gardening books I am more likely to read my way through the RHS's Encyclopaedia of garden plants than a story of how a garden was made.

Beth Chatto's gardens are indeed incredibly beautiful, if you can get there in early June when all of the climbing roses are scrambling through the immense trees it is spectacular. I was lucky enough to meet her a couple of years ago, I was taken there by a friend who was taught by her when she was a florist, and they have stayed in touch. She is getting on a bit now but still lives there and still won't let them plant any new plant without her sayso! It's immaculate.

Hate all gardening books. More of a "suck it and see person" whenever possible.

My favourite gardening books are the seed and plant catalogues.

The Sunset Western Garden Book is my bible.
I didn't garden in the UK but can't resist it here. This book covers all the different climate zones of the United States and also has sections on which plants will do well in arid conditions, deter deer, attract birds and butterflies, not shed leaves in pools etc.

Monty Don's 'Ivington Diaries'...which we bought upon moving to Herefordshire....and, as it turned out (honest am not a stalker) only a few miles away from Ivington. Its a lovely philosophical read and although his garden is huge compared to ours, we share the same soil, weather and general climactic conditions which is hugely useful.

OK, HildaW I believe you

I read the Ivington Diaries last winter when the weather was absolutely dire. Reading of Monty's struggles with SAD made me want to stay under the duvet all day. His garden is wonderful although I'm not so keen on all the topiary.

Not a book, but I have a subscription to the french/belgian weekly, Rustica.
I think you can get it delivered in UK.
It's not just about gardening, but also seasonal fruits and veg. and ideas how to cook them. Plus health advice, and animals etc.
Articles about UK gardens too, this week the winter garden at Cambo.
Monty Don's book sounds interesting.