my cool allotment: an inspirational guide to stylish allotments and community gardens

by Lia Leendertz, Mark Diacono (Photographer)

The 5th in the series, my cool allotment c overs gorgeous allotments and community gardens. From the historic Edgbaston Guinea Gardens in Birmingham, the  hortillonages  or floating gardens in Amiens to rooftop gardens in New York City, the book is an inspiration for anybody who already has a vegetable patch, kitchen garden or allotment. An allotment is one of the best – and cheapest ways – of getting hold of valuable gardening space to grow your own produce, along with being sociable places, great for meeting like-minded people. This stylish book is the fifth title in the highly successful  my cool  series and is packed with gorgeous photography and plenty of planting advice. The book takes a peak at allotments and community gardens from all walks of from the historic Edgbaston Guinea Gardens in Birmingham, the  hortillonnages  or floating gardens in Amiens to an artist's rooftop garden in Brussels. Themes include Historic, A Feast of Flowers, Community, Growing inside the Box, Edible Jungle, Food from Home, By Water, Fruit and a Quick Getaway.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2013

About the author

Lia Leendertz is a gardener and writer. She writes about gardening, growing food and cooking, and her work has appeared in for the Telegraph, the Guardian, Gardens Illustrated, The Garden, and Simple Things magazine. She publishes an annual garden almanac.

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming look at some eccentric, magnificent and innovative allotments....mostly in the UK. Lots of allotment gardeners are featured too, and they are often every bit as interesting as their gardens.

The photographs are informal and full of character. One gets a lovely sense of being there, up to your waist in runner beans, dahlias and other green-leafed goodies. A thoroughly enjoyable flick-through read :-)

[Joi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A look at allotments, mostly in the UK, and the people who work them in innovative ways. Although some of the ideas may be workable, many are unique to the particular environment, so not so great as a how-to. I enjoyed the pictures and the stories told throughout the book.