Growing Food in Small Gardens by Barbara Segall, softback published by New Holland. ISBN 978-1-84773-696-3, price 7.99 available from www.newhollandpublishers.com

This is a handsome book full of good advice on growing vegetables accompanied by good layout and photography. It covers the usual vegetables and fruit but nothing out of the ordinary. There is a list of suppliers but again the usual names, nothing unusual or out of the ordinary. What a pity she did not mention the Seed Search, the book which helps gardeners to find all kinds of seed.

Love…Knitting by Val Pierce, softback published by New Holland. ISBN 978-1-84773-594-2, price 12.99 available from www.newhollandpublishers.com

Good beginner’s knitting instructions with excellent photography throughout. Toasty slippers are one of my favourites from the 25 projects in this book. The cashmere stole is also excellent as well as the skinny scarf and the shrug. Like its counterpart, Love…Crochet, I found the rest of the pattens a little dated but well worth buying for the patterns I have mentioned. There are hats, scarves and sweaters too.

Love…Crochet by Carol Meldrum, softback published by New Holland Publishers. ISBN 978-1-84773-595-9, price 12.99 available from www.newhollandpublishers.com

Crochet is fashionable once more. This book has a good mix of 25 projects that will build your confidence in crochet. There is an excellent how-to section. I love the cobweb gloves and spiky scarf. Some of the projects still a little old-fashioned, but a good introduction to crochet.

Make a Monster by Fiona Goble, hardback published by New Holland. ISBN 978-1-84773-596-6, price 14.99 available from www.newhollandpublishers.com

Bright, playful and full of joy, these monsters are not only for kids but for grown-ups too. Secretly, I’m in love with Rufus and dying to take him to bed – but don’t tell anyone. Instead of pinching the kids’ sweets, you could start pinching the toys. This book could divide families! 15 gorgeous, fun-loving projects made with easy fleece. Very clear instructions with templates, so suitable for beginners. More experienced sewers might like to add their own character faces to these wonderful patterns. I want them all. Recommended for the young and young at heart. A great introduction for kids starting to sew too, under supervision by an adult of course. Projects are graded. Sheer delight!

The Natural Garden Handbook by Caroline Foley, hardback published by New Holland Publishers. ISBN 978-1-84773-434-1, price 12.99 from www.newhollandpublishers.com

Subtitled ‘Creating The Perfect Environment For Local Plants and wildlife in a Biodiverse Garden’, yes, this is all about self-sustaining. Find out how to encourage wildlife into your garden. Discover how to green your shed roof or make a bird box. Learn about woodlands and hedges, water and stone, all the components of a natural garden. Create a meadow. This book includes a comprehensive list of natural flora including advice on trees so that you can grow the right plants for your area. There is also a delightful sections on native birds, see how many you can encourage into your garden. Gardens these days are in danger of becoming concrete jungles with gas guzzling patio heaters. Take the steps to biodiversity in this book and get closer to nature by giving something back to the environment.

The Girl’s Guide to Growing Your Own by Alex Mitchell, softback published by New Holland. ISBN 978-1-84773-510-2, price 12.99 from www.newhollandpublishers.com

Subtitled ‘How to grow Fruit and vegetables without getting Your Hands Too Dirty’, seems and odd title for a gardening book lauding the pleasures of ‘growing your own’. Gardening without dirt – a good name for a hydroponics book! Aimed at absolute beginners, this book is divided into seasons. It has a useful difficulty rating for sowing seed. This funky style book aimed at young women, is sprinkled throughout with tips, the odd recipe and much more. Well-illustrated, practical and down to earth information on growing your first fruit, vegetables and salad greens. The book is aimed at the modern women, with not too much time on her hands and who does not have acres and acres in which to grow. Not for horticultural heavyweights but for green gardeners who want to have a bit of fun.

Drawing With Coloured Pencils by Jonathan Newey, softback published by New Holland Publishers. ISBN 978-1-84773-662-8, price 9.99 from www.newhollandpublishers.com

This fabulous 128 page book is one of the best I have seen for coloured pencils. There is an excellent introduction. The book then covers four different areas – still life, landscapes, people and animals. In each section, skills are taught such as achieving realism, skin tones and much more. Each section contains four step-by-step drawings, making a total of sixteen. So often with this type of book, the step-by steps are not at all interesting, but this book has achieved a balance between the ease of instruction and maintaining the interest in the subject. I love the turtle, the cat is brilliant too (and I’m not a cat person). I want to have a go at all 16 demonstrations. Well illustrated, this 128 page book is well worth the money.

Serene Gardens by Yoko Kawaguchi, softback published by New Holland Publishers. ISBN 978-1-84537-916-2, price 12.99 from www.newhollandpublishers.com

Subtitled ‘Creating Japanese Design and Detail in the Western Garden’. This is a very reasonably priced book with excellent glossy photographs supported by good text. Learn how to adapt Japanese style to create a peaceful garden. You’ll find the elements of the Japanese garden can be used in traditional and contemporary designs alike. Easy to use and understand, this is a great introduction to the subject and how to interpret this style for your own use. Discover gardens to visit, suppliers and plants and so much more. One of my favourite garden books of those reviewed recently.

Marine Painting by Francoise Coffrant, hardback published by New Holland Publishers. ISBN 978-1-84773-071-8, price 14.99 from www.newhollandpublishers.com

This book has a sumptuous feel with a traditional cloth bound spine. It’s beautifully produced inside too. If you love marine painting – whether it’s boats, stormy skies, harbours or beaches and cliff tops – this is the book for you. There is a general introduction to the subject, which is followed by six step-by-step instructions to paintings. At the end is an inspiring gallery.

The book was originally published in French and contains the work of French artists, united under one theme. Tips and techniques are given along the way. I liked this book 100 page, lavishly illustrated book very much.

Bamboo – A Journey with Chinese Food by Sally and Gordon Hammond, softback published by New Holland. ISBN 978-1-7411-0569-8, price 16.99 from www.newhollandpublishers.com

I originally considered reviewing this book because I thought it was about bamboo- the plants. When I realised it was a cookery book, I thought  well, why not. I’m glad I did, for this book does not disappoint.

I have to say that I am not a fan of Chinese food as it is found in take-aways here in England, and I would never normally consider eating Chinese. However, it is not just the recipes that score in tis book. The Hammonds have made full use of their travels to China, and their obvious love of the land shines through this book. It is wonderfully illustrated bringing about a feel for China that is missing from most cook books. I love the photos and references and yes, I’m even tempted to try some of the recipes. This is a treasure fo anyone who loves all things Chinese.