Down to Earth

As I write this at the end of November, I have beside me what I think of as the ‘two’ Monty Dons.  There’s the winter Monty Don and the growing season Monty Don.  I know that the author is not partial to the short days and suffers from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), so winter can be troublesome for him.  The two books I have near me are Down to Earth and Gardening at Longmeadow.

Down to Earth is growing season Monty Don.  It’s the practical, year-round look at gardening and growing, written in nice short sections that are practical and helpful and easily digested in a busy time.  There are all the usual signs of the reflective, considered gardener who is also down to earth, as the title suggests.  It’s sensibly divided into seasons, types of garden, aspects of gardening and a break down, month-by-month of what is happening and what to do.  I can’t help taking notes whenever I read it, as it suggests all sorts of projects and plans to me.  There’s a sensible section on weeds and lots of uplifting information on why weeds can be bearers of good tidings: 

“The good news is that the more weeds you have the healthier and better conditioned your soil. Secondly, the greater the diversity of weed types, the greater range of chosen plants that you will eventually be able to grow.” p.122

That’s a positive message about weeds from a gardener who, like me, doesn’t use chemicals.  On our chocolate boulder clay, we have lots of weeds and a range of weeds.  I’ve never seen weeds grow like they do here in the damp West of Scotland but it’s nice to know that our soil is firing on all pistons if it grows nettles, dock, chickweed, ground elder and a host of other invaders.

I’m not so convinced that I can truly embrace the advice not to “see weeding as a terrible burden imposed upon you but enjoy it as part of real gardening” but I suppose I’ll have to ‘fake it until I make it’ on that one.  When the midges are at their worst and there is a lot to do, it will take a bit of practice!

I’m leaving the review of Gardening at Longmeadow until another time.

One irritation is the omission, by the publishers, of details like ISBN, publication date and so on at the front of the book.  It’s all at the back.  

If you can read Down to Earth, I’ll guarantee you’ll take a while to get back outdoors.  It’s full of good, sensible advice, beautifully written, well structured and above all, encouraging.   And don’t forget the notebook.

Down to Earth, Monty Don (2017), Dorling Kindersley, £17.99, ISBN 978-0-2413-1827-0 Hardback