The Ornamental Kitchen Garden

Carrots grow in the arms of blue trailing lobelia and spinach pokes through lipstick-red impatiens in this organic Eden that is beautiful and productive. Drawing on his BBC-TV series of the same title, the British author does away with the neat rows in rectangular beds that ape commercial farming's monoculture and promote chemical dependency. The untamed diversity of plants Hamilton advocates discourages disease and invites natural predators for pest control. Relevant information for the home gardener is provided in full: planning and design; construction of patios, paths, etc.; and various cultivation practices. Unfortunately, text and photos highlight individual plants-perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs and fruits (Zones 5-8)-while stinting on specific suggestions for combining plants-the very subject at hand. British vocabulary (e.g., courgettes for zucchini) may confuse some readers, and predictable plant selections won't excite adventurous gardening cooks. But all in all, this is a convincing presentation for a compelling environmental garden style. (Feb.)