Book Check–Small-Space Container Gardens

Spring is fast approaching. Garden thoughts are starting to focus on plans for the upcoming season.

Fortunately, American author, Fern Richardson, has written a rich resource for gardening on the small scale, entitled Small-Space Container Gardens–Transform Your Balcony, Porch, or Patio with Fruits, Flowers, Foliage & Herbs. (Timber Press, 2012)

If you have ever dreamed of having a garden but are constrained by price or space, this is the book for you!

Publisher's photo.

Fern Richardson, blogger and master gardener, has compiled a handbook of hints, advice and photos to inspire any wannabe gardener.

In less than 200 pages, the reader is introduced to the concept of container gardens, their delight and challenges.

Richardson’s book is divided into 9 chapters. Each segment is written in user-friendly gardening tone, enabling the reader to learn the fundamentals of working in small spaces, plant choices, pest management and aesthetic approaches to container gardening.

The strengths of the book, for me, were the visual aspects—frequent photos and planning sketches (Those on p.72 & 94 were especially helpful!) with creative, economical suggestions for patios and balconies.

It is a great book for novice gardeners, in general, and for those more experienced gardeners, in particular, who wish to downsize into smaller settings.

Although Fern Richardson is based in California, she has provided relevant information on temperature zones to assist in plant selections, along with a handy list of further reading references.

The author, also, blogs at lifeonthebalcony.com and is connected, as well, through social media contacts.

This is a handy book to have on your gardening shelf! It will make a great Spring read!

Related articles

• Basic Steps To Planting A Container Garden (backyardgardeningtips.com)
• Spotted: Wine Box Container Garden (greenupgrader.com)
• Container Gardening – Cut Watering Time In Half (hbb2obm.com)