Book News and New Book Reviews

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Thursday, March 31, 2011

Twilight garden : a guide to enjoying your garden in the evening hours

View full image  by Lia LeendertzTo show how easily we can have inviting nighttime gardens, Leendertz (gardening columnist, Guardian, UK; Family Garden) highlights night-flowering plants, foliage that sparkles in soft lighting, and exotic scents and sounds that lure mysterious creatures. She explains the heightened importance of creating coziness and using intriguing silhouettes, whether in a front garden or a more private, contemplative one. Several party ideas are included, some with kid-friendly themes. The majority of the book is a plant directory, including color photos and USDA zone information for over 60 plants. As with other books originally published in Britain, U.S. gardeners should be careful here because, for example, building pergolas often requires permission and winter may not be your optimal planting time in northern states. Leendertz addresses things like moths, fireflies, and bats, but Peter Loewer (The Evening Garden) discusses attracting nocturnal wildlife and highlighting the night sky in greater detail. VERDICT Few books devoted to night gardening exist. This one is beautifully designed right down to the endpapers. Highly recommended to gardeners with any size garden. --Library journal (Check Catalog)