Review of 'The Raised Bed Book'
Image: DK / David Hurrion
There are few gardening books that are able to cover all aspects of a particular horticultural topic thoroughly, but author David Hurrion has managed it with The Raised Bed Book. David is a trained, qualified horticulturist of many years experience and it shows from cover to cover.
Whether you intend using your raised bed to garden at a more accessible height, to improve planting opportunities in difficult areas or to grow vegetables more easily, this book will walk you through planning, planting and aftercare.
Starting with the origins of raised beds, it moves through all the different types, from those used on a field scale, where soil conditions can be challenging, to ornamental raised beds designed and used as garden features.
The pros and cons of such beds are covered, highlighting the practicalities and benefits and how they can be used to make gardening easier and more attractive, even if you don’t have a garden. All the initial considerations, like weight on a balcony, are all covered.
The illustrations are a combination of stunning photographs and helpful, detailed art works, which can give gardeners (both experienced and new) ideas and suggestions. The practicalities are covered in detail, including soil types, bed depths and construction techniques along with handy plant suggestions for certain conditions and situations. The aftercare includes watering, feeding and the management of pests and diseases.
As well as being a great read, this is ultimately a very practical guide offering sound step-by-step help. It is a book that will be taken off the shelf to be consulted again and again. Eight international gardeners offer their suggestions for planting designs to help fire your imagination, but if you read this, you will already find yourself bursting with ideas.
If you are thinking of growing above ground anywhere around your home, in your garden or on your allotment, the only book you will need is this one.
Author: David Hurrion
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Ltd
ISBN: 9780241648728
Number of pages: 240
Price: £20 RRP