Henry Mitchell on Gardening

Every year, at the dreariest moment of winter, one of life's great morale boosters is to unshelve a book on gardening by the great Henry Mitchell for some self-indulgent wallowing in his witty and highly knowlegable musings on gardening and nature. "Henry Mitchell on Gardening," published in 1998, was the writer's last book, regrettably. But nine years after its publication, its homey philosophy and unending practical advice about gardening have lost none of their zing and crackle. This book and its predecessors, "The Essential Earthman" and "One Man's Garden," largely consist of Mitchell's columns from The Washington Post, but they approach serious literature in their wonderful use of the English language and their warm-hearted and optimistic attitudes toward living. For those gardeners more interested in plant specifics than memorable prose, Mitchell provides endless comparisons of plants species, types, etc. and much, much advice on how, why, where and when to plant them. In my opinion, no one writing on this subject has ever come close to the books of Henry Mitchell.

I had spent many years reading Henry Mitchell's gardening columns in "The Washington Post," one of the greatest joys of that particular paper, and I was crushed by his death. How exciting to find anthologies of his columns! I've tossed the old, yellowing clippings of several columns that I had kept over the years. A wonderful reading experience, and wonderful stories (i.e. the hound and the clematis). Pity the folks who offered poor reviews and hope that their eyes will be opened.

I was compelled to comment, as I noticed one reviewer felt that the book had no merit whatsoever. I would disagree completely. Mitchell's book is a wonderful and relaxing read and can be quite informative, if in a offhand sort of way.The only bad thing about the book is my envy. Mitchell had so many more options in his zone 7 garden in DC, than my zone 4 in Minneaopolis. Regardless, it's a very nice read in the evenings.

Great reading, especially if you dont suffer from the perfection syndrome or belong to a teaspoon club.Henry Mitchell is like an old friend and this book brings him back in a new way....

This final volume of Henry Mitchell's pieces on gardening affirms my opinion that he is the finest writer of this genre ever. In just a few paragraphs, he is able to pull us right in to share his current gardening dilemma. We have all been there, but Mr. Mitchell's sense of humor and his indepth knowledge of gardening make this the volume the very best there is. This posthumous volume is the third to be published and we mourn the loss of this talented man. Required reading are the two earlier volumes," One Man's Garden" and "The Essential Earthman".