The First-Time Gardener

Growing up, I personally hated gardening. All the creepy crawlies meandering through your clothes; All the sharp things to catch yourself on; All the dirt... it just wasn't for me. Then I grew up. After losing my job a few years ago I ended up landscaping a garden for my partner and her family at the time. 6 Tonnes of earth and a vegetable patch later I got hooked on getting my hands dirty and expanding my green-fingered knowledge. Since I enjoy spices, I started off with chillies and it's really picked up from there. However, when it came to cutting back the garden before spring & summer gets into full flow, it quickly dawned on me that I have no idea what I'm doing out there. I couldn't tell a weed from a nice plant. Soil? It's all the same isn't it? If your dictionary had pictures in it (haha) then there would be a picture of me underneath "Clueless Gardener". That's where Ms Tophill's book came in. In her friendly demeanour she guides the reader from start to finish about almost everything you need to know about gardening. Each page is a practical library of references and suggestions that will make you exclaim phrases such as, "OH! THAT'S how it works!" and "Wow, I'm going to give that a go!". Unlike a lot of books starring celebrities and TV personalities that end up plastering the author's face all over every page, this one doesn't. It is very much focused on getting the best out of your garden in a way that is most enjoyable to you and beneficial to your plants, insects and other wildlife. After doing what limited research I could on Frances (I don't watch TV) I think this approach to writing reflects just how much she really cares about gardening and getting people more interested in the industry. So, hats off to her for not succumbing to the usual trap of exploiting the public to boost an ego. The world is going to have more beautiful gardens and younger gardeners in no time at all. Good points - Absolutely everything in it is excellent, well thought out content. - Ms Tophill articulates key points and themes very well and in an easy to understand format, suitable for most ages. - LOTS of pictures of everything to look out for. - Helps point you in the right direction when it comes to managing your garden. Not-so-good points - Absolutely none.

Informative and well received as a gift for family as first time gardeners.

Bought this book with the best of intentions but haven’t put any of it into practice yet! After reading it though, it does explain things well and seems very simple

FULL of information, FULL of ideas, and FULL of charisma. That is without mentioning the stunning photography on each and every page. I own many gardening books and buy gardening magazines by the bundle, and it's true that there probably is not any unique information in First Time Gardener. However, the presentation of this book makes it feel so alive so full of vibrance and evocation. It is a fully comprehensive gardening book but just so much more fun and enjoyable than the rest. Frances Tophill (who must surely become a big media star in gardening within the next couple of years, as she is going to feature more and more on Gardeners World) stamps her charismatic and engaging personality on not just the design and fun, information packed pages, but on the prose of the text, which has a feel that makes you feel like you are talking to her, not just a ghost-writer. This is my favourite gardening book.

This is an excellent book which looks as good as it reads. There is a lot of information and some lovely achievable ideas for gardeners. it might say first time gardener, but this book is a valuable tool for more experienced and confident growers out there. Each page is accompanied with a well shot picture that captures the independent slightly quirky appeal of the writer Frances Tophill. This is not a book about lawn and borders. what I liked was that this books makes those more interesting and intriguing gardens that you can only dream about achievable with a little work. you can create your own secret garden. This isn't a patronising book, it's fun and inspiring and it captures Frances Tophill's likeable enthusiasm well. .

Although I bought this book as a gift I did have a look through it, This book has lots of information and ideas and I really think this book will make a very useful gift.

Bought for a friend , who has never had a garden , so knew nothing . Nows he know so much her garden is looking good Before we started work on it .it wa just a load of weed no lawn or even a plant . After reading this book , he now feels more confident , and has planted some flower for the firt time . So if like her you hav'nt done any gardeing before I would recomend you buy this book

Almost comprehensive handy "Gardening Book". Messing very little things like; when it is best to prune plants? But I learnt so much from it and by applying its information with what I watch on TV gardening programs. Recommended.