I had seen Gardeners' World in newsagents many times, but always glanced past it thinking it would be nothing more than information about how to grow potatoes, mending wheelbarrow wheels, and Latin names galore. But no. What you find is an extensive, colourful, and informative collection of just about everything – enough to spur anyone to get stuck into his or her garden and mingling amongst the cornflowers.
I recently received a free copy through the post, and the 160 or so pages that fill each issue make the magazine more of a book, with something for everyone. At £3.20, it is a little pricey, but most magazines are similarly priced nowadays. It is possible to get it cheaper by subscribing – currently by direct debit; this will cost £27.90 for 12 of the monthly-published issues (approximately £2.33 per issue). Subscribing is advantageous, giving you exclusive discounts, competitions, and a subscriber privilege card (gives you 10% off at many garden centres); and it is all delivered free to your door.
I’m no Alan Titchmarch (and I’m definitely no Charlie Dimmock), but I truly think Gardeners’ World is capable of reaching out to young and old, those with lots of experience and those with none, those with acres of land or a humble balcony, and perhaps an inspiration to those who’ve always thought gardening was just too much effort.
The magazine as a whole is well-organised,
broken into “chapters” making it easy to navigate to the section you want. The style of writing is simple and personal, and far from encyclopaedia botanica. Yes, there are Latin names of plant species, allowing the experienced gardeners to know exactly what they are dealing with, but the common names are also included.
The initial section has a collection of small, snappy articles, usually giving some seasonal creative ideas (the March edition gave some imaginative information about how to create some fun Easter gifts and projects), closely followed by an in depth look at plants that will be appearing in gardens during the month and some detailed, stunning photographs to complement the details.
Some 25 pages follow on in the ‘Plants’ section, which has numerous articles, short and long, on a myriad of plant topics. Advice and information is abundant here, and prior botany knowledge is not assumed. Experts make valuable contributions throughout – including Alan himself, and fellow gardener Monty Don – so you can be confident that all knowledge is wise knowledge. Issues discussed in this section range from: full discussions about different species of sweet peas; dealing with mildew; propagating dahlias and chrysanthemums; places to buy particular plants; plants for all-year round displays; a comprehensive insight into new plant species available, and much much more. You can even expect some more ‘unusual’ articles. One recent article follows one mans encounter with the somewhat bizarre yellow skunk cabbage, which seems to love growing in Glastonbury style-mud and exudes a rather pungent fragrance. Apparently there is nothing more heart stopping than “...a swampy woodland of yellow skunk cabbage in bloom”! Light anecdotes like this make the whole magazine even more free-flowing and bouncy.
Continuing through the pages, there is a very brief section dealing with containers, and issues that would prove useful for those with very small gardens or balconies. Personally, I feel this section could be a little more extensive, but nonetheless it can again include some interesting ideas. I quite enjoyed the snippet showing how to construct a wire box in which could be filled pebbles and assorted alpine plants. It’s these modern and unusual twists on gardening, that make this magazine really enjoyable.
Of course, gardening can be as much about design and ‘where-to-put-what’ than knowing your lobelias from your pansies, so they have dedicated a whole section to showing and describing in some detail about already established gardens. Often written by the creators of the gardens themselves, you gain in-depth knowledge of all the thinking that went in his or her garden, why they planted things the way they did, things that worked and things that were just a disaster. Illustrated by a host of clear and informative photos and plans, this section is pitched towards the serious gardener, but there is plenty for amateurs to pick out too. I was particularly intrigued and drawn-in to a double-page spread demonstrating how certain plants and methods of planting could transform a garden to traditional, calming, or fresh and funky!
The centre pages contain a handy pull-out with reminders about up and coming things that need to be done in the garden, whether it be fruit and veg, flowers coming into bloom, weeding, pruning, setting or cutting! It is all there - comprehensive and concise. There is no excuse for droopy strawberries or daisy disasters with this at hand.
The subsequent wildlife section provides a relief from the pages of colourful flowers and trees, and it is always a fascinating read. Again, tailored around the month the issue is published, you are treated to a selection of animals which are likely to be seen in your garden. In addition, there are tips and ideas regarding attracting wildlife to gardens. Recently featured was a thrifty guide to forming a wildlife haven, and how to construct a bee hotel. What more could you ask for? Certainly a good section to get children out and about into the garden.
The final major section, ‘Grow and eat’, is summed up in the title. Whether you are looking to harvest broad beans, cabbages, strawberries, garlic or chicory, it will be here. With plenty of tips for success, and comprehensive details to help you plan your crops, you really cannot go wrong. Interspersed are recipes, occasionally from the likes of famous chefs such as Rick Stein – tasty stuff.
The remaining pages are left for smaller themed subjects. Here, you will find ‘Best buys’- a collection of unusual, cheap or simple products. The recently featured pink shears and herb garden were not really my cup of tea, but expect some similarly chic items in here. The requisite ‘Q&A’ deals will a good number of common and more unusual questions which the experts lend their advice to, and closely followed is a ‘Have your say’ section, with discussions ranging from clever composting to growing pineapples in Scotland! Competitions, special deals and some pages informing about forthcoming events and shows in the British Isles form the remainder of the section.
Overall, Gardeners’ World is well worth the read. There is plenty in each issue to maintain the readers interest, and justifies the price. It is informative throughout, and writen in a clear and unconvoluted style which all ages should be able to follow. There are plenty of adverts throughout, most of which are clumped into the rear portion of the magazine so they do not interfere too much which the flow. The majority are also centred on things that many gardeners will find useful, namely seeds, garden equipment and specialist plant dealers. Overall, I feel this magazine is a brilliant source of inspiration and advice, so go forth and get those hands dirty. Marigolds available on request.
Happy gardening! (not in this weather though..)
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Good review! will give this book a go. Hopefully will give me some good advice for my allotment. Self sufficiency here I come lol. ; )
queenmaebh 14.07.2007 07:25
For the first time there is not a leaf left on my runner beans! And I thought they were foolproof! So much for my theory that if you remove the lover leaves the slugs cant climb the stalks - back out come the environmentally unfriendly pellets I'm afraid - little pests!
Thamks for the VH - adding to trust
torr 11.07.2007 14:47
Good analytical review. I'm not much of a gardener myself, but my wife seems to rate this rather lowly among the gardening mags she sees. Too much based on the BBC presenters and too much published in support of the programme, rather than simply about gardening, so I'm told. Duncan
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