Life in a Cottage Garden: a delightful, personal account of a year spent delighting in and cherishing a beautiful garden from the BBC’s Carol Klein

This is a book to savour by reading it from cover to cover as I have, but you could equally dip into it for hints and tips relating to a specific time of year. It's literally a year in the life of Carol's own garden at Glebe Cottage in Devon. As the months pass, you experience the chill of snow-covered winter borders, the hopefulness of Spring and lush exuberance of Summer, and the fiery tints of Autumn. You peer through the shortening days of November and into December, the darkest month of the year. We don't have a television so I've never seen Carol in action but I've always enjoyed her articles in gardening magazines. In this book she comes over as a warm and energetic person, dedicated to gardening in a natural, environmentally friendly way. As an aside, I was delighted to discover that her birthday is the day before mine and that she's the same age. The style is rich in detail and beautiful imagery, accompanied on every page by gorgeous photographs. Although it feels more like a story than a textbook, there's no shortage of hints and advice and plenty of ideas to tempt and inspire. The only thing that annoyed me, and so slightly that it's the most minor of niggles, was the strange typeface that produced a circle above two adjoining letters, often s and t, in the opening section of each chapter. I've not seen it before and thought it distracting and gimmicky, but it's not serious enough to spoil a wonderful book. If you're at all interested in gardens it's a gardening book with a difference, and it would make a superb present for a gardening friend or relative. It's a lovely book to curl up with, preferably in front of the fire, but even though I've read it from cover to cover I shall enjoy dipping into it while relaxing with a cup of coffee in the sunshine. Be warned, though, Carol's energy and dedication will make you feel guilty that you're not out there with the trowel and secateurs getting on with the chores that she makes sound so enticing!

This sumptuous book is a personal account of Carol Klein's year in her own garden, with the usual superb photography from her long-time collaborator, Jonathan Buckley. Most of the book follows a diary-style format, with happenings throughout the year with Carol's own thoughts on the topic in hand. We are also treated to little essays on particular plants, and naturally heavily illustrated with the most gorgeous photographs of Carol's garden. Carol's writing, for me, puts her up there with Vita Sackville-West and Christopher Lloyd. She writes so eloquently and enthusiastically, she really inspires readers to go out and grow the plants she talks about. There are touching and poignant moments in her text too, but mostly it speaks volumes about her love of the plants she grows. There are lots of useful things gardeners can learn within these pages. It's not a manual though, so when looking for advice it's not so easy to find information - it's not that kind of book. It demands to be enjoyed in its own right, whether read cover to cover or dipped in and out of. A really lovely book, and aspirational in the nicest way; not trying to be too trendy, too modern, too traditional - just a wonderful garden book from a wonderful gardener.

As a gardener I love Carol and her knowledge and inspiration is fantastic, this is a beautiful book written in diary form in a year in her own home garden depicted with stunning photos throughout. A fabulous gift or excellent reference for anybody interested in country wildflower gardens.

One of the greatest pleasures of this book is the beautiful photography by Jonathan Buckley. When I have read enough at any one time I can't resist going through and looking at all the pictures again. Carol Klein's descriptions month by month live up to her usual exuberant flowery (if you will excuse the pun) standard and convey her love of plants. It is entertaining and informative at the same time and a book which I will pick up often if only to enjoy the wonderful photographs.

Such a lovely read worth beautiful photos

What can I say? I bought it when it first came out in 2011 and it STILL hasn't made it on to a bookshelf as I am constantly dipping into it. Particularly in the weirdness of 2020, it is a lovely diary of a garden year to dive into. Beautiful photos, thoughtfully written. Yes there are gardening tips, but also a feeling of calm continuation of life in a garden, which can't be overrated at this time. I can't recommend it highly enough.

I saw this at a friend's house and couldn't put it down! Carol Klein takes the reader through her garden for a year with tips on propagation and plant care illustrated with stunning photographs.The book just made me want to get out in my garden and get dirt under my finger nails (well nearly!)Seriously this book is full of ideas and directions on how to make the garden a fuller and more beautiful place. Its a good read too for a wet or cold day when gardening is impossible.A good present for a garden mad friend.

Excellent book, cheerfully written and with evocative illustrations.

Thank you for excellent service, delivery, and price! I shall certainly order from you again and can recommend you, too.

If you know Carol Klein from BBC Gardeners World, then you know what a delight she is. This book is just like watching one of her great, insightful segments. She conveys so much enthusiasm and makes you see color and pattern in ways you might not have thought to do.

Ein Muss für alle "Gardeners World" Zuschauer! Carol Klein ist eine sympathische Gärtnerin die alles wunderbar erklärt. Dazu noch tolle Bilder aus ihrem persönlichen Garten rund ums Jahr. Ein wenig Englisch sollte man schon können. ;-)

I am a long time fan of Carol Kline. I fell in love with the TV series this book is based on. A beautiful book, full of gorgeous photos and wonderful nuggets of gardening tips. Well worth the purchase. The book also came much quicker than anticipated. Highly recommend.

A magical gardening journal, full of beautiful photography and Klein's personal insights about her garden and plants. It's a seasonal book - with a strong emphasis on the cycle the garden goes through during the year.