Chapter 1: Arrivals and Departures
This chapter introduces the concept of a garden as a microcosm of life, where plants, animals, and insects thrive and interact. The author, Rosemary Verey, shares her experiences of creating her own garden at Barnsley House in Gloucestershire, England. She describes the joy of observing the arrival of new plants and animals, as well as the sadness of witnessing their departure.
Example: Verey recalls the thrill of planting a new rose bush, its vibrant petals promising a future filled with beauty. However, she also notes the bittersweet realization that the rose's life will be relatively short, and that one day it will have to be replaced.
Chapter 2: The Structure of the Garden
In this chapter, Verey discusses the importance of structure in a garden design. She believes that a well-planned garden should have a clear framework that allows for both flexibility and adaptability. She explores different types of garden structures, such as paths, borders, and hedging, and explains how they can be used to create a cohesive and visually appealing space.
Example: Verey describes the creation of a new herbaceous border at Barnsley House. She carefully selected a variety of plants that would provide color and interest throughout the year, and arranged them in a staggered pattern to maximize their visual impact.
Chapter 3: Color and Form in the Garden
This chapter focuses on the use of color and form to create a harmonious and visually appealing garden. Verey discusses the principles of color theory and explains how different colors can be used to create different effects. She also explores the importance of form in garden design, and explains how plants with different shapes and sizes can be used to add interest and variety to a space.
Example: Verey describes how she used a combination of warm and cool colors to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere in the courtyard garden at Barnsley House. She planted bright yellow sunflowers and red geraniums to create a sense of warmth, while balancing them with cooler blues and greens from hydrangeas and hostas.
Chapter 4: The Garden Through the Seasons
This chapter examines the changing nature of a garden throughout the year. Verey describes the different seasons in her garden, from the depths of winter to the exuberance of spring, the warmth of summer to the mellow beauty of autumn. She shares her observations of the plants and animals that thrive in each season, and explains how to adapt garden care to the changing conditions.
Example: Verey describes the transformation of her garden in the springtime. After a long winter, the daffodils emerge with their cheerful yellow blooms, followed by a riot of color from tulips and hyacinths. Birds fill the air with their songs, and the garden comes alive with the sounds of nature.
Chapter 5: The Wildlife Garden
This chapter explores the importance of creating a wildlife-friendly garden. Verey believes that gardens should be designed with wildlife in mind, and that it is possible to create a beautiful space that is also beneficial to birds, bees, butterflies, and other animals. She shares practical tips on how to attract wildlife to the garden, such as planting native plants, providing water sources, and creating nesting boxes.
Example: Verey describes the creation of a wildlife pond in her garden. She dug a hole and lined it with a flexible liner, then filled it with water and added aquatic plants. The pond quickly became a haven for frogs, newts, and dragonflies, and provided a vital source of water for birds and other animals in the garden.
