The Book of Container Gardening

The double-page color photos feature different planters bursting with blooms. With each one, there's a brief note of soil requirements, site, watering and plants to duplicate the example. I like the labels for the photo which helps you see which plants are which. The first section divides the projects by type of container (window boxes, pots, low bowls, urns/jars, barrels/tubs, sinks/troughs, hanging baskets). The next section shows plantings by site (sunny positions, semi-shade, shady, exposed positions, and varied locations like arbors, steps, etc.). A really useful section covers: *planting a basket *converting a chimney pot (or pipe) *disguising a sink (converting a porcelain sink to look like an old stone sink) *planting in old buckets *making a wooden window box & decorating those *evergreen topiary *constructing a herb tower *training standards *support for the plants The final eight pages cover pests and diseases, planting and repotting tips, watering, pruning and deadheading, and propagation. A useful book for anyone wanting to start container gardening.

Last year, I bought both Hillier's BOOK OF CONTAINER GARDENING and David Joyce's book THE COMPLETE CONTAINER GARDEN. Joyce's book is a Reader's Digest book. RD distills a lot of information in a small space (i.e. the Time-Warner of gardening), however, RD books are never as well developed or thorough as those by Rodale. Joyce and Hillier both hit the high points, although Joyce's book contains over 500 color photographs, many dealing with color arrangements which I found visually appealing. Joyce's book is practical and could serve as a coffe table book. Hillier's book is funtional and not as visually appealing to me. Both books contain discussions of containers, plant stock and construction methods. Neither book provides enough information about the pitfalls of container gardening including the synergistic effects of plants. Other pitfalls include moisture requirements--what happens when moisture loving stock are mixed with plants that can withstand a bit of neglect. Light requirements are also an issue--petunias don't do well in the same locations as impatients. Joyce provides a climate-zone growing information and a short section on overwintering. Neither provides a great deal of information about what will survive which conditions. Joyce includes some information about annuals, but deals with perennial stock more than Hillier. Hillier's book is a less complex and will appeal to those just beginning to make container arrangements for balconies and other small areas. I gave Hillier's book to my daughter who is beginning her gardening career, and kept Joyce's book for my self as I am ready to experiment a bit with longer term arrangements (cacti/succulent, topiary, bulbs).

Malcom Hillier's book is lovely to look at, full of creative ideas...and best of all, is a step-by-step guide to duplicating his creations! For each container garden illustrated, Hillier addresses its needs relative to soil, light and water. He also gives detailed information about each plant used, and tells how many of each plant was used in the arrangement. He leaves nothing to chance for the beginner!A must-have for both the seasoned container gardner and the total novice.