I recently picked up the book, Garden Anywhere by Alys Fowler. The gardening tips are pretty basic but even if you're a seasoned gardener, you may find it a nice refresher. I like looking at plants through a different point of view, and Alys certainly has a lovely one.
I like how she plants veggies and flowers in old boxes, and rusty cans (something Jamie Oliver does a lot too, and also our friend Elly, and by coincidence, I am working on a project today involving old cans and plants!).
Alys has inspired me to configure a raised bed on my Juliet balcony. It might be crazy, but I am excited for the challenge. Pick up this book if you are looking to learn a bit more about gardening or want to catch a fresh take on it. A garden really can be planted anywhere by anyone. Happy Earth Day!
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These are so pretty! I wish I had a balcony to do this- I especially love the champagne box planters :)
Posted by: Lindsay | April 22, 2010 at 02:40 PM
I have this book too and LOVE it! I just need a wee patch to play with!
Posted by: Jane Flanagan | April 22, 2010 at 04:20 PM
you should totally do it...even if it is just herbs...it would be so great and i cant wait to see your photos of it...the champagne box planters are fantastic!
Posted by: shellie | April 22, 2010 at 04:29 PM
I love the idea of being able to make a garden out of anything...it's so inspiring! The red flowers in the window box are so pretty :)
Posted by: Caroline @ youngDCliving | April 22, 2010 at 04:50 PM
All these little hints and sneak peaks at what you're up to are killing me! First the spring flowers in a basket, now something about plants and cans...is there anything you don't have your talented fingers in lately!? I want to be you when I grow up!!
Posted by: Anne @ The City Sage | April 22, 2010 at 08:53 PM
I've never had a bed like this before, but we did have a garden in the back yard growing up.
Posted by: Chaucee | April 23, 2010 at 04:52 AM
i love the photos! of all the people i know, you should have a garden, even if it's small. small is good and manageable. enjoy your weekend!
Posted by: cindy | April 23, 2010 at 05:28 AM
thanks for the book review! i love this, i might just have to get this book! i agree, nature can grow in so many unexpected places, (even in the crack of concrete) its pretty amazing.
Posted by: rachel | April 23, 2010 at 07:01 AM
I have this book too, and love her ideas. You're right, she does have a very fresh take on gardening. Container gardens are the best option for me, and I've now repurposed some old wooden crates used for the grape harvest as containers for my summer veggies. Good luck with your balcony garden! I'm sure you could have a very successful herb garden out there, if not more...
Posted by: Anna | April 23, 2010 at 07:18 AM
I am definitely picking this one up...we are re-doing our tiny little backyard space and I'm looking for some inspiration!
Posted by: mary | April 23, 2010 at 07:45 AM
Oh my goodness! I've been looking for some information on growing things like veggies, etc. on my balcony... this will totally help! Thanks for sharing...
Posted by: Daniella | April 23, 2010 at 08:36 AM
I'm a huge fan of Alys Fowler! I think she's lovely and very down to earth. She has a program going on right now on BBC2 called "THe Edible Graden" and has just published a book by the same name. Yay for Alys!
Posted by: Concha | April 23, 2010 at 12:53 PM
I love Alys. She gets on my train to work...she has the cutest little dog who travels in the basket of her bicycle. She's great. Love her on TV. Must get that book!
Posted by: claire | April 26, 2010 at 01:53 PM