Reviews
Publisher's Weekly Review
Though the title suggests that this will be a guide to low-maintenance, low-anxiety gardening, garden lecturer and author Rushing (Passalong Plants) invites gardeners to make enjoyment and creative expression central to the gardening experience. Whether one loves strict formality or careless chaos, Rushing delightfully urges gardeners to follow their own bliss in the garden. Marigolds in military lines, flocks of lawn flamingos, and homemade art are as welcome as boxwood parterres and immaculate lawns. Rushing is a horticultural inspirational speaker who offers solid advice along with encouragement. Beginning gardeners will benefit from his hard-won tricks of the trade, proven plant combinations, and easy maintenance plans. The more experienced will appreciate his tips on making compost, propagating plants, and engaging all the senses in the garden. All will find some inspiration in his infectious enthusiasm and good humor. 126 color photos. (July)
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Kirkus Reviews
SLOW GARDENING (reviewed on July 15, 2011)
Achieve gardening nirvana by employing basic principles and a don’t-worry-be-happy attitude.
All too often, gardeners make the mistake of becoming preoccupied with what the neighbors might think instead of designing gardens for their own pleasure. Rushing (Tough Plants for Southern Gardens, 2003, etc.) cautions gardeners against falling into this trap; plant perfection, he writes, especially cosmetic perfection, is not obtainable—so why even try? If something doesn’t work out, just throw it in the compost pile and plant something else. It is this attitude that sets this book apart from other gardening how-to books. Embracing the author’s gardening philosophy will allow readers to savor their time out in the dirt. Rushing’s bit-by-bit approach is likely to encourage gardeners of all enthusiasm levels. The author includes enlightened strategies gardeners should practice in order to achieve optimal results, including tips for how to make their own compost—or at least keep a pile of leaves that will eventually turn into compost. He suggests reducing the size of the lawn and several varieties of low-maintenance plants. As for pests? Avoid the pesticides and opt for pest-resistant plants instead. When it comes to fertilizer, Rushing advises for quality over quantity.
The author’s slow and natural approach should strike a chord with those who are tired of quick-fix alternatives in the backyard.
Pub Date: July 1st, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60358-267-4
Page count: 240pp
Publisher: Chelsea Green
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