Product Description

A 688-page volume jam-packed with practical information, advice, tips, and quirky wisdom, both basic enough for the novice and complete enough to help those with more experience improve their gardening habits, The Garden Primer leads all readers down the path to a simpler and more successful garden. Combining easy "how-to" instruction with quirky wisdom and tried-and-true advice, the author reassuringly guides the reader through the flower garden, the decorative garden, the vegetable patch, and more. Each fully illustrated chapter is a book in itself, from planning your property and stocking the tool shed to growing perennials, annuals, roses, bulbs, vegetables, herbs, fruits, lawns & groundcover, trees, shrubs, vines, and more. Instructions are included for growing and tending approximately 300 plants. Selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club, the Quality Paperback Book Club, and the Better Homes & Gardens Family Book Service. 364,000 copies in print. A Regina Ryan Book.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1211693 in Books
• Published on: 1987-12-13
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 688 pages

From Publishers Weekly
"Keep gardening simple" is the reassuring maxim invoked by Damrosch ( Theme Gardens ) time and again in this outstanding compendium of garden lore, information and advice for novices and old-timers. The author, an "old-fashioned dirt gardener," advocates common sense, respect for the delicate balance of nature and a hands-on approach. Her book brims with sound advice for garden planning, planting and maintenance, and her relaxed attitude about equipment ("buy a few good implements and treat them well") and disease and pest control ("when in doubt, don't spray") is refreshing. Ornamental plants, from vines ("willful children") to herbs ("anarchists of the garden"), are evaluated thoughtfully, and gardeners will profit from Damrosch's manageable lists of annuals, perennials, ground covers, shrubs and trees. They will be entertained, as well, by the author's engaging, witty voice. Vegetables and fruits are discussed in mini-chapters; illustrations and an appendix of mail-order sources, etc., round out the book. BOMC and QPBC main selections; Better Homes & Gardens Book Club selection ; a uthor tour.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Beginning gardeners can be overwhelmed by the vast amount of printed information available. Damrosch offers a comprehensive book for the new gardener that clearly explains the basics of garden planning, plant care, and equipment. Detailed chapters on the different categories of plants--annuals, perennials, vegetables, fruits, lawns, shrubs, roses, vines, trees, wildflowers, and even house plants--give general advice on how to use and care for these varieties. A valuable book for public libraries.
- Peter C. Leonard, Mt. Lebanon P.L., Pa.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Ingram
A cornucopia of garden information, technique, advice and opinion complete with totally up-to-date source lists on gardening gear and supplies, seed and plant catalogs, gardening societies and other resources. From the author of Theme Gardens. Illustrated.