Putting Down Roots: A Delightful Blend of Gardening, Wisdom, Wit & Whismy

I really enjoyed this book. Many essayists who attempt to gather together their work into some single body fail to gain a fluidity, a rational and ordered presentation. Johnson, though, succeeds by ordering his essays seasonally. Of course, his subject matter conforms pretty well to that progression! Nevertheless, Johnson allows us to enter separately into a gardener's spring state of mind and then a summer mindset, which appear to be quite distinct from the anxious fall state of mind. Looking past any particular bits of "wisdom", I believe that this feat is Johnson's book's greatest virtue. I cannot vouch much for the gardening tips; I myself am not involved in the hobby. What Johnson is able to demonstrate to me, however, is how to nurture a hobby. He shows us how to whole-heartedly pursue a secondary pursuit. Johnson truly loves gardening, and I recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn how the love of a hobby can breathe energy into you.

I thought PUTTING DOWN ROOTS was a delightful collection of thoughts and practices for the agronomically sensitive upper midwesterner. I immediately ordered one for each of my kids in Minneapolis. They'll love to explore the areas that are relevent to them. It's quite a collection!

I'm not much of a gardener or horticulturist. In fact, for several years, I have contemplated paving my yard. Pave it and paint it green. But Putting Down Roots has changed my opinion; now I'm anxious to plant, landscape, compost, and prune! Cliff has written a wonderful book. It's fun, informative, and very well-written. What's more, this is not a book just for gardeners and others of that ilk. This is a book for anyone that enjoys good writing. It's a keeper.

Mr. Johnson has compiled a collection of his gardening articles and grouped them by season. The result is fun, informative, and very readable. His style is somehow reminiscent of the work of James Herriot in his "All Creatures Great and Small" series. But don't let the entertainment fool you--the gardening information is solid!