THE BEST GARDENING BOOKS

Last week we brought you a DIY post via our gardening guru, Carmen Johnston. Today we share part two of our garden series -- Carmen's pick's for the best gardening books. These beautiful, educational guides can be utilized by both the skilled gardener and green thumb novice. See her original post here. Enjoy!

[1] I love the unique and innovative images in Nicolai Bergmann’s Florescence. It gives me all the permission I need to break the rules.

[2] Private Gardens of Georgia by Polly McLeod Mattox and Helen Mattox Bost. The stunning gardens captured by Erica George Dines are truly something to see for yourself. Flipping through the pages and seeing the private gardens photographed in this book is like being invited on a secret tour of some extraordinary world.

[3] A kitchen counter classic: “Heirloom Fruits & Vegetables” by Tony Musgrave and Clay Perry. I am so inspired to grow my own fruits and vegetables every time I flip through these delicious-looking pages.

[4] “Flowers” by Carolyne Roehm is a beautiful book from beginning to end and a staple in my coffee table collection. 

[5] The Complete Garden Handbook is a must. The information is incredibly useful, but the illustrations are my absolute favorite. I just love the simplicity. Such a stunning approach to educating first-time gardeners and seasoned experts alike.

[6] “The Layered Garden” by David L. Culp is a key ingredient in my collection, one that every gardener needs. I am often an advocate for breaking the rules when it comes to gardening, but layers are to gardening what salt is to cooking–add a little bit here and there and, just like that, everything looks better. I could not possibly offer you better proof than the photos in this book.

[7] Always save the best for last! “On Garden Style” by Bunny Williams. Bunny is famous for her incredible designs. She swears that the key to a successful garden is good bones. I couldn’t agree more! Over the years, my collection of gardening books has really grown into something I adore. Each book has a special place in my heart and each book meets a specific need. Every now and then I flip through the pages of one of these books and find new insights and inspirations each time. Through this series I hope to share some of that with all of you. Let me know which one is your favorite!

All images (c) of Haley Sheffield Photography.