This is the gardening book my mother used. I found it at the local book exchange. Seeing it gave me such a feeling of
deja vu, that I had to bring it home.
This edition was published in 1968. Fashions in gardening have changed. You don't see many massed pots of marigolds these days.
"Pruning is more of an art than it is a science, but it's an art that's quickly learned. The first thing to learn is that there is a difference between pruning and butchering." I agree with the principles stated here, though I'm not sure any art is quickly learned. I think pruning is more craft than art. Landscape design can be art, but is pruning ever truly inspired?
I also picked up this copy of
Black Beauty. I am trying to reduce my possessions, and always take more books to the exchange than I bring home, but I never come home empty handed.
I was a constant reader as a child. I lost myself in books, and found myself there too.
So cool to have the same garden book as your mom. I am trying to learn the art of pruning. It is so hard for me to make a cut. I don't know why. I almost cannot physically make myself do it. I'm getting better. I keep trying.
ReplyDeleteAre you afraid of hurting the plant?
DeleteHello Jen:
ReplyDeleteFor the sake of nostalgia alone we too would have found ourselves buying the old gardening book. And 'Black Beauty' was, in our day, essential reading for all children. And, of course, one cried!
I seem to remember a peek at your extensive collection of gardening books. And oh, the sadness of Black Beauty. It still aches to think of it.
DeleteHow wonderfully phrased: "I lost myself in books, and found myself there too". Reading as a child was my salvation. I remember being in a flea markety type store browing the books & finding myself in tears as I encountered a set of books I remember on my own bookshelves as a child. So glad you found the same book your mother used for gardening...what a sweet memory to have!
ReplyDeleteI have had that experience with childhood books. Some of them go so deep.
DeleteI remember this gardening book. I used to have it, and also I still like the idea of mass pots of marigolds. Yes, thank God for books as a child and today.
ReplyDeleteI love marigolds--their friendly orangeness and fresh smell. Have you seen any Indian movies where they use masses of them at weddings? Stunning.
DeleteI just love that line about pruning, it's classic, and so true. I guess it also applies to possessions, especially books. I find it difficult to part with them but have to for space reasons so I usually donate them to the library or leave them at the train station for others to pick up; then I walk into an antiques store and find a copy of Moby Dick from 1920 and have to cart it home. Oh well.
ReplyDeleteYou sound just like me. I recently went to a used book store looking for a copy of a book I'd donated there! I love the idea of leaving books at train stations.
DeleteHello Jen, sorry I haven't been in a while, I hope all is well with you? How lovely that you found that gardening book, like the one your mum owned. I rather like the marigolds clustered in pots. I am trying to de clutter too, it is an on going saga with me! Lots of love to you, Linda x
ReplyDeleteHi Linda! I love anything orange. As for decluttering, I feel like I've been doing it my entire adult life, and I'm not done yet!
DeleteHello Jen, it's interesting to read your thoughtful idea on craft and art.Sometimes it might be difficult to draw line between them, but in this case I garee with you definitely.
ReplyDeleteHad my nose in a book much of my childhood too, (we lived down the street from the library) but Black Beauty I never read. I like your pics from old books.
ReplyDelete