Synopses & Reviews
Since 1993, truly fortunate gardeners have been those who have subscribed to Allen Lacy's HOMEGROUND, a quarterly newsletter. Now over a hundred pieces of writing taken from this lively periodical appear as IN A GREEN SHADE. Many of them grow from the author's thirty years of experience transforming a small suburban lot into a private Eden, with its woodland garden, its cottage garden, and its extensive deck and container gardens. Readers will find thoughtful discussions of perennials, annuals, and woody plants, as well as the tropical and subtropical plants that are of such keen interest today. After taking in Lacy's spirited recommendations, they will find themselves unable to do without the daffodil called 'Hawera', the hosta 'Sum and Substance', fragrant-leaved geraniums, or the Roughneck Stool from Rubbermaid (a weeder's helper). IN A GREEN SHADE also travels farther afield, commenting on botanical history and such matters as the perennial conflict between gardeners and television weather reporters, or between proponents of native plants and their more cosmopolitan colleagues. As Henry Mitchell wrote of Lacy's THE GARDEN IN AUTUMN, "Among other virtues, it is based on firsthand experience by a gardener who happens to be an admirable writer."
Review
"Lacy's writing is a model of clarity and modesty." - Michael Pollan, author of SECOND NATURE
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"[An]eloquent and informative book"
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"[Lacy]writes with inveterate, infectious delight..."
Review
"Lacy, formerly garden columnist for the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, has gathered over 100 pieces of writing from his quarterly newsletter, Homeground, which he has published since 1993. These short, lively essays are grouped into sections called "Spring," "Summer Annuals and Perennials," "Summer - Decks and Tender Plants," "Fall and Winter," "Reflections on Gardening and Its Work," and "Complaints, Observations, and Peeves." Most gardeners can easily identify with this comfortable writer as he touches on subjects like gourd growing, dahlia breeding, and leaf raking. Lacy inspires growers by including garden history along with his sown horticultural experiences, giving his book appeal to beginners as well as experienced gardeners. Recommended for public libraries and academic libraries with horticulture departments."-- Library Journal, March 15, 2000
About the Author
Allen Lacy is professor emeritus of philosophy at Stockton College and the author or editor of ten books on gardening. He was the garden columnist for the WALL STREET JOURNAL for five years and for the NEW YORK TIMES for seven. A native Texan, he lives and gardens in southern New Jersey.