The Land Gardeners by Bridget Elworthy
As Heard on The Daily Gardener Podcast:
The Land Gardeners by Bridget Elworth and Henrietta Courtauld
This book came out in 2020, and the subtitle is Cut Flowers.
Ah, dear reader, the joy of tending to one's own garden!
There's a certain serenity that comes from nurturing plants, watching them grow, and reaping the rewards of your labor.
And what could be more rewarding than cultivating a garden of exquisite cut flowers?
The Land Gardeners by Bridget Elworthy and Henrietta Courtauld is a delightful and informative guide for the discerning gardener. With their passion for floral design and deep respect for the land, these authors have created a practical and inspiring book.
From the moment you open its pages, you'll be captivated by the stunning photographs of vibrant blooms and lush gardens. The author's writing is elegant and accessible, making complex horticultural concepts easy to understand.
Let me begin by setting the table for you - because that's precisely the cover of this book. There's a table with a beautiful tablecloth and then a variety of porcelain vases of different sizes and shapes. Behind that is a gallery of botanical art. Resting on the table are cut tulips, all kinds of tulips.
And then, in two vases are different arrangements of these beautiful, fresh-picked tulips. It's just an absolutely stunning cover. The Land Gardeners is also a five-star book on Amazon.
Together, Bridget and Henrietta are English gardeners, and they established a firm called Land Gardeners. So, the book references their work—as well as their shared passion—which is, of course, flowers.
In the real world, The Land Gardeners is a cut flower operation. The book The Land Gardeners provides everything you need to know to set up your own cut flower garden - and everything that comes after, including gathering the flowers and even arranging them.
Vogue was a fan of this book, saying,
A peak into their blossom-filled world. The book reads like a meander through their tumbling English gardens.
The Sunday Times wrote,
One of the Best Gardening Books of the Year.
And The Oregonian raved,
Packed with ideas and inspiration, passion and beauty... This large-size, hardcover book is filled with stellar photographs that will also inspire you to display a vase filled with flowers you grew and arranged yourself.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its emphasis on sustainable gardening practices. Elworthy and Courtauld believe that a healthy garden should be in harmony with nature, and they provide valuable advice on how to enrich the soil, conserve water, and attract beneficial insects.
The book is also a treasure trove of information on growing and arranging cut flowers. The authors offer detailed guidance on selecting the right plants for your climate, preparing your garden beds, and caring for your blooms throughout the growing season. They also share their expert tips for creating stunning floral arrangements that will bring joy to your home and delight your guests.
What I particularly appreciate about The Land Gardeners is its emphasis on the emotional benefits of gardening. The authors celebrate the therapeutic qualities of tending to plants and the joy of connecting with nature. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this book will inspire you to create a beautiful and productive garden that nourishes your soul and senses.
So, if you're longing to add a touch of beauty and tranquility to your life, I highly recommend The Land Gardeners. This exquisite volume is a must-have for any gardener who appreciates the art of growing and arranging flowers.
This book is a big one. It's almost five pounds and has 391 pages of cut flowers from the garden to the vase.
SI HORTUM IN HORTORIA PODCASTA IN BIBLIOTEHCA HABES, NIHIL DEERIT.