Tuesday 29 March 2011

Book review - Dan Pearson

I feel very fortunate to have been asked if I would do a book review on Dan Pearson's new book
HOME GROUND : Sanctuary in the City.  Published 21st March 2011  by Conran Octopus

I received my copy on Saturday and it's such a beautiful book.  The cover is dreamy and it has a nice feel about it, I couldn't wait to open it and see what it was like. I wasn't disappointed ! the photography  (by Howard Sooley) is superb and it follows Dan for a year whilst he transforms  his garden in Peckham, South East London,  from an overgrown, bramble covered plot into his own Oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of London.

Dan's book isn't the usual gardening book in that it doesn't tell you how to garden, but leads you through the year in a series of diary like entries which are arranged in seasons. Much can be learned from this book and it certainly gives inspiration and ideas for planting and choosing plants.
























It's worth shopping around if you consider buying the book as prices vary.  I think it's worth buying and it's such a pleasure to look through.  It's also the kind of book that you can dip into to read and  it looks good on the coffee table.  Below is a YouTube link that takes you to a short video with Dan Pearson talking about his book. It's really worth watching as his garden is lovely.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQMjbchDRHk

5 comments:

Pam said...

Looks a lovely book Maureen - one to add to the wish list.
P x

Damo said...

Looks like a lovely book, I'm sure you had an enjoyable few hours reading through it.

Maureen said...

Hi PAM & DAMO, yes it's a really lovely book and any gardener would be delighted with it. I've only skimmed through it and looked at the photo's dozens of times. I look forward to having the time to sit in my summerhouse and read it right through.

Anna said...

This book is nearly at the top of my book wish list Maureen so pleased to read your impressions were favourable :) I have already had a sneaky peep in Waterstones and it will definitely hit my bookshelf soon.

Maureen said...

Hi Anna, I'm glad you have it on your wish list as it's a brilliant book and as you have had a sneaky peek already you already know how wonderful the photography is. I hope you get it soon and I know you will love it.
M x