The Garden Handbook by Ian Cooke, hardback published by New Holland. ISBN 978-184537-6703, price 12.99 from www.newhollandpublishers.com
For those confused by the winding path of horticulture, here is a book that demystifies gardening. Read through the book as a whole or delve into it to find the answer to a specific task or problem. Subtitled ‘A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Fruit, Vegetables and Flowers’, this 192-page book offers a concise look at how to grow plants. I found the choice of plants somewhat limited, particularly the flower section.
The book is illustrated with good line drawings. It is an adequate book, but given that there are so many similar books on the market, many of which go into greater depth, I am not convinced that any gardener needs this book.