Description

An elegant new edition of a classic book from one of the twentieth century’s greatest garden writers.

This landmark work on creating a garden was first published in 1956 and has rarely been out of print since. We Made a Garden is the story of how Margery Fish, one of the leading British gardeners of the mid-20th century, and her husband Walter transformed an acre of wilderness into a stunning cottage garden, still open to the public at East Lambrook Manor, Somerset, England. Quirky and readable, this book details her creation of a world-renowned cottage garden, as well as her battles with Walter in the process, who preferred the standard suburban approach.

In this beautiful and timeless work, she recounts the trials and tribulations, the successes and failures of her venture with ease and humour. Topics covered are colourful and diverse, ranging from the most suitable hyssop for the terraced garden through composting, hedges and making paths to the best time to lift and replant tulip bulbs. This book has been hailed as everything from a blueprint for the creation of a modern cottage garden to a feminist manifesto, and the author’s practical knowledge, imaginative ideas and general good sense will encourage and inspire gardeners everywhere.

Publisher Review

‘[Margery Fish is] the doyenne of cottage garden style’. — Jim Cable ‘[Margery Fish is] pone of the most influential female horticulturalists… who in her own way was as revolutionary as The Beatles.’ — Constance Craig Smith ‘It is still a horticultural classic to be read and re-read.’ — Jim Cable, * The Guardian * ‘A breath of fresh air to the rigid horticultural scene of the time.’ — Constance Craig Smith, * Daily Mail Weekend * ‘Crammed with good advice… I defy any amateur gardener not to find pleasure encouragement and profit from We Made A Garden’ — Vita Sackville-West ‘A classic.’ — Robin Lane Fox, * Financial Times *