Best Borders

by Tony Lord (Photographer)

In Best Borders, Tony Lord looks behind the scenes to discover how top gardeners tackle a defining, yet often neglected, element of the the border. He examines 12 different herbaceous and mixed borders, providing an in-depth analysis of both the quality and variety of the plantings. Illuminating interviews with their designers, and with the gardeners who maintain them, reveal how each border’s distinctive style and individuality are attained. Stunning, full-color photographs of each border throughout the year are supplemented by detailed planting plans and hands-on tips and techniques. The planting schemes, based on borders created by some of England’s most innovative gardeners, range from formal double-borders to artfully designed beds for a narrow, city garden to rich plantings providing year-round interest. With a wealth of expert advice and inspiring ideas, Best Borders is an essential resource for every discerning gardener.

Genres: Gardening, Horticulture

144 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1995

Reviews

[Patty · Rating 2 out of 5]

This has quite a bit of information and I would have rated it higher except that it is difficult to read and understand what is being said through most of it, especially if you are a beginner in gardening. At times the flow was easy to read and then other times he added so much wording along with the official (latin?) names of the flowers, but neglected to describe the plants in a manner so that anyone who has never heard of the flower would fail to picture what he is describing.

It may be wise to learn of Gertrude Jekyll and her style of planting as he makes many references to it.

I liked how Lord talked much of the care of these plants. There were some beautiful borders, but if you don't want to put a lot of time in maintaining them then you wouldn't want to do some of these. Lord makes sure that you know when this will be a real problem. He writes how certain gardens need to be seriously staked, or cared for gently etc.

I wish the pictures showed more of what he meant. Sometimes he will go into detail about problems or great things about a plant combination, but fails to show any picture that would help you see the difference - a real problem for sight learning people.

While I didn't feel this was for a beginning I learned some things from it which I am grateful for.

[False · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice visual guide to think about planting borders and what it means. In terms of the nuts and bolts and practicality of it...not so much. I've discovered over time that perennial borders take a ton of money and labor, and you don't always have the best results over time...so I'm rethinking borders in terms of more shrubs with a few perennials and some underplantings.

[Cheryl S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

so gorgeous to look at--I want my gardens to look like this

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too warm for my taste, so not really inspiring...