Kayote B. (kayote) reviewed on 4/18/2009 + 254 more book reviews

Ha! Who knew a gardening book could be interesting and highly entertaining? Even if you don't garden, if you have any interest in green things that grow (even if you aren't so much into growing them), I recommend this book.

This was a very entertaining book that preached being realistic in gardening. 20 minutes is enough. Pick things that can be done in 20 minutes, have a healthy sense of what you want to do (do that) what you don't (then don't) and define gardening so it fits in 20 minutes and you enjoy it.

They split yard work and gardening. They do have some hints for making yardwork less work, but it isn't the focus of the book. (Hire a teen, make sure you don't have to back up to mow the lawn--if you do, move whatever it is or plant something else so you don't).

I was interested in their discussion of weeds, though I still am not going to eat mine. It was useful to be reminded the main problem with weeds is the soil is always disturbed. If it wasn't, then eventually non-weeds would take over.

They had quite a few 20 minute projects. I'm not convinced yet by the tubs. If I have to dig/store plants over winter I'm not doing it. On the other hand, the evening garden is fascinating and I might do that. I can put a trellis out back.

The author's play off each other. One is a horticulturist, the other is a city-transplant. I'm more on the city-transplant attitude (You want me to do what?! No, I'm not watering every day if it means hauling four hoses out every time. Why designs, can't we just plant something?)

I giggled through the book, learned some stuff, gained some motivation, and am now looking for two more books. Another copy of this one for my father-in-law, and a copy of their composting book because I think it would also be a hoot to read!

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