A Breath from Elsewhere

For readers who enjoyed "Secret Gardens of France" and the more personal " Gentle Plea for Chaos," Ms. Osler has treated us to the story of the creation of her latest garden. She has opinions about everything and is not shy about sharing them with readers. Often outrageously funny, she forges ahead ignoring established rules of rigid gardiners. In drawing up an imaginary list of people one would like to have to dinner, Ms. Osler would be first on my list. Richard Cornett

I like to read something calming just before bed, and Ms. Osler's book struck me as suitable for that purpose. Like a bedtime story, it put me to sleep night after night for several weeks. Her observations left me feeling "God's in his heaven, All's right with the world." Ms. Osler lives and gardens in England, so her observations are not particularly applicable for most gardeners in the states. However, her book is not meant to be a "how to" book. It is filled with general observations gardeners everywhere can relate to. Ms. Osler wrote "A Gentle Plea for Chaos" about a garden she built with her husband, who apparently died before that book was published as she dedicated it to him. "Breath" is about her life after his death. In this book, Ms. Osler describes how she settled into a new house and garden and a new life. Although it's ostensibly a gardening book, it could be viewed as a book about getting on with your life when you're on your own.Ms Osler's books are autobiographical, gentle, and kindly.