Synopses & Reviews
It may seem like gardeners belong to a super-secret, esoteric club, made up of members who know all about Latin plant names and mysterious methods familiar only to the serious few. Not true, says Ellen Zachos. She is here to reassure the uninitiated that anyone can have fun in the dirt. As proof she points out the millions who have actually planted something and succeeded in making it grow without a degree in horticulture or vast experience in design and color theory. Anyone can be a gardener.
The secret, Zachos believes, is to start with one small project, make it work (thats where her expertise comes in!), learn by doing, and move on to another. Easy! It couldnt be simpler or more fun, and the satisfaction that comes with helping things grow is unbeatable.
Zachoss broad range of creative projects encourages would-be gardeners to discover the joys of getting down and dirty. Theres something for every taste, from planting a tree to designing a small stonescape to starting a strawberry bed. The projects teach fundamental skills and give beginners the confidence to keep learning. Taken together, they are the building blocks of a beginners course in planting, designing, and creating. Gardening is really as easy as that. Spend a few weekends on fun projects that brighten up the home and backyard and learn basic gardening skills in the process. Proficiency in Latin is another matter.
Review
"Zachos offers more than 40 fun and funky projects for kids, novice gardeners and the young at heart."
The Detroit News
"Ellen Zachos' new book for beginning gardeners showcases this expert at her irreverent best...She's both garden guru and cheerleader for novices, but her projects work for more experienced gardeners as well... Fun for all!"
Container Gardens, 2007
"A gentle introduction to gardening and related pleasures...Down & Dirty takes a fun approach, and offers ideas and instructions suitable for all ages and interest levels."
Michigan Gardener
"This is a fun, easy-to-read book.... It's a very practical approach to all kinds of backyard or terrace projects, including outdoor firepits, window-box herb gardens, raised beds, dividing perennials, forcing bulbs, growing blueberries and strawberries and drawing hummingbirds and other wildlife to your garden."
The Journal News (Westchester County, N.Y.)
Synopsis
Get outside and start digging Designed for the novice gardener, Down & Dirty provides clear instructions, simple strategies, helpful advice, and lots of encouragement for those looking to brighten a small yard, porch, or home. Build up your gardening skills through 43 fun projects that cover everything from managing flower baskets and attracting birds to preparing delicious treats with homegrown strawberries. Perfect for the first-time homeowner or apartment dweller, this guide will inspire you get your hands dirty."
About the Author
Ellen Zachos leads foraging walks and currently teaches at the New York Botanical Garden, where she received her certification in Commercial Horticulture and Ethnobotany. She writes two blogs, which can be found at downanddirtygardening.com and gardenbytes.com and has written numerous gardening books and contributed to publications including Horticulture and Better Homes & Gardens.