Crockett's Flower Garden

I was a fan of Jim Crockett on PBS and have owned his Victory Garden book since its publication, however I only recently bought this book (published posthumously). I wish I'd bought it years ago because it has so many tips, warnings and ideas for gardeners of all skill levels. He was definitely the consummate expert gardener whose advice was practical and down-to-earth. It's arranged by month (based on Boston-area weather) but has an outstanding index which makes it easy to find specific information. There are lots of photos and drawings which add to the text. It's an invaluable reference book.

If you want down to earth advice on gardening and creating a fun garden to work in--this may be old but it's still the best book out there.

Despite its age, if you live in Zones 5 - 7 in the Northeast, this may still be the most useful "what to do when" book you can find. The book is arranged by month, with what should be done to various plant species arranged alphabetically (by common name), along with a few broader pointers, also by month. It can be a bit frustrating to have to look in 2 or 3 places to read all that is written about, say, Phlox, but now that it is, say, June, it is very useful to be able to scan one short chapter to see what can be done now, and what you might have overlooked. Has color photos of given plants on almost every page, but with an emphasis on practical, cultural information, and not much on putting together plant combinations, or on good garden design. (Jim Crockett was the first host of the PBS show "Crockett's Victory Garden" - this, his last book, was finished by Marjorie Waters and John Pelrine, who received credit only inside the book.) http://www.woodedpaths.blogspot.com/

Crockett's Flower Garden is a fantastic reference book for anyone who enjoys gardening, novice or experienced. The book is written in month-by-month format, which makes it easy to follow and easy to chart your gardening tasks. Crockett's love for gardening shows through, as does his practical approach. He discusses both, buying plants and starting from seed (when practical). I highly recommend the book.