Principles of Gardening: The Practice of the Gardener's Art

Johnson, former gardening correspondent for the New York Times, succeeds admirably in this completely revised and updated edition of his 1979 book. Tighter prose, new photographs and a smoother layout make this both a valuable reference book and an absorbing volume for leisure reading. Rather than address planting specifics of spinach and tomatoes, Johnson discusses concepts of weather patterns and the dynamics of soil, water and light as they relate to plant growth in every climate. He emphasizes learning to work with nature and provides historical examples of how cultures as diverse as the Chinese, French and English have addressed this concept. Entire chapters are devoted to the role and selection of trees, shrubs, vines, herbs and perennials in garden designs in various climates. Charts and illustrative photos demonstrate different uses and effects of color; Johnson also suggests artful additions of structures and statuary to enhance a garden scheme. Finally, he recognizes changing trends in the modern gardenscape which, because of busier lifestyles, doubles as a play and entertainment space. Garden Book Club selection. (Feb.)