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A Way to Garden: A Hands-On Primer for Every Season
For Margaret Roach gardening is more than a hobby, it’s a calling. Her unique approach to gardening, which she refers to as “horticultural how-to and woo-hoo,” is a blend of vital information to memorize (like how to plant a bulb) and intuitive steps gardeners simply feel and surrender to. Roach first shared her gardening methods more than twenty years ago. Now, in a completely revised celebratory edition of A Way to Garden, she returns to the source and explores how she and her way of gardening have changed over the years. Following the cycle of life, she explores the garden from conception to the afterlife. Throughout, she shares helpful advice on ornamental plants, vegetable gardening, garden design, and organic practices. Most importantly, she challenges gardeners to think beyond their borders and consider the many ways that gardening can enrich the world. Lushly illustrated with hundreds of photographs and from one of the most trusted voices in gardens, A Way to Garden is a must-have for gardeners everywhere
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 27, 1998
103 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Roach
20 books110 followers"I garden because I cannot help myself," says Margaret Roach, and "The Backyard Parables" (January 2013) shares what she has learned about horticulture, and life, in the process of digging ever deeper. In December 2007, Roach walked away from New York City and her job as EVP/Editorial Director of Martha Stewart, because she craved other rewards: solitude, a return to the creativity of writing, and a closer connection to nature and her first passion, the garden she'd been making on weekends for 20 years. Roach moved to a rural New York town of 300, began AWayToGarden.com (called "the best garden blog" by the New York Times and named for her prize-winning 1998 book), and wrote the dropout memoir "And I Shall Have Some Peace There." She is the former garden editor of Newsday newspaper, and was an editor at the New York Times. Today she lectures, teaches and blogs about what she calls "horticultural how-to and woo-woo." (Erica Berger photo.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 5, 2019
This is such a wonderful book for garden lovers. It's broken down into 6 seasons of two month periods, with lots of text and photos all about what gardeners are doing that time of year, the author's thoughts on garden topics, favorite plants, tips, etc. There are helpful charts of oodles of garden related topics (how long veggie seeds last for all different types from 4 different seed companies, seed starting guides, you name it) and photos of the author's gardens all through the year. The photos have a more old fashioned feel to them, as opposed to the modern Instagram trend of tweaking colors in garden books and cookbooks so that everything is a little over-saturated and glowy. There's lots of Roach's long wandering thoughts, which can make for nice reading on a Sunday afternoon or could just annoy someone who wants just the facts and be quick about it. I love that Roach updated this book after years in print to reflect modern garden issues from fewer garden companies to GM seeds to climate change, and also that she talks about how she has changed as a gardener in these years. A great book for those who really love their gardens, whether they are new or old at it.
I read a digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
I read a digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
August 5, 2019
I'm a big fan of the "A Way to Garden" podcast, so I was delighted to receive this book. Although author Margaret Roach lives in up-state New York, much of the wisdom from this book can be applied here in California with the trusty "Western Garden Book" in hand. Her many years of experience (and acres of gardens developed over 30? years), provides me with something useful, by description and season, each time I turn to it. She writes just like she talks on the podcast-- irreverent and acknowledging past mistakes and styles in gardening behavior. This book is a remake of the original "A Way to Garden" book published in 1998. I think she knows every genus and gardening expert in the U.S., but I could be wrong. Gorgeous photos of her gardens. Roach spent 12 years at "Martha Stewart Living" before she dropped out, and the professionalism shows in her writing, podcasts and other media endeavors. Inspiring.
May 1, 2019
A Way to Garden is a seasonal compilation of gardening wisdom that is both practical and uplifting. Roach, the first garden editor of Martha Stewart Living Magazine, is one of America's best-known garden writers. She approaches gardening with a combination of awe and erudition, enthusing over the Latin derivatives of plant names while marveling at beneficial bugs in her garden. Roach is the gardening neighbor we all want to have.
A coming-of-age garden story, this is an updated version of an earlier book by the same name, published to acclaim 21 years ago. As such, Roach shares her personal evolution as a gardener as well as changes within the horticultural industry during this period of time. These include the growth of organic planting practices, an appreciation for the use of native species and an awareness of the impacts of climate change.
These changes fuel Roach's passion for observation and affinity for the garden as a laboratory for data collection. An ardent citizen-scientist, she is a staunch advocate for maintaining a garden journal. References to field guides and websites where the reader can contribute to scientific databases are included.
This is a practical book full of advice, seasonally articulated. Chapters artfully align in two-month intervals. From "Conception" to "Death and Afterlife" it is all here, a parable about the garden as a metaphor for life, with, of course, charts about what to plant when, seed viability and how to make tomato sauce, in case you want to know - and you should.
A blend of "stuff you need to memorize" and "stuff you need to feel," A Way to Garden is both accessible and beautiful, abundantly illustrated with full-color photographs by Roach and Nick Hales. A table of contents provides a detailed overview of each chapter, including garden tasks, accounts of individual plants and, what may be described as, gardening issues.
For those wishing for hands-on advice, A Way to Garden contains lots of tips about what to plant and how to plant effectively. Nearly every category of planting is covered with individual species highlighted. From growing, storing and preserving garlic to the use of conifers, no garden detail is too small (or large) for Roach to tackle.
This attention to detail extends to all aspects of life in the garden where every action has a consequence. Mulching, weeding, making the best possible match between the seeds she orders and the way she gardens, these represent conscious and even political choices for Roach. While the way she gardens, honed through years of experience, study and conscious decision making is offered to the reader as a gift to be considered, she is clear it is not the only way.
Roach gardens because she cannot help herself. Gardening and writing are the "two interwoven threads" that have shaped her adult life, both a calling and a life-practice. While that practice is evidenced in her successes, of which there are many, it is the humility of her failures that resonate most. For it is in her humility, a word that Roach reminds us is derived from the Latin word humus, for earth, that she is grounded.
And grounded Roach is. Wisdom shared, she concludes A Way to Garden where she began, with the "green side up" firmly entrenched in the soil, pulling weeds. This Zen-like inevitability reminds us all that, like Roach, we will never have the upper hand in the "labor intensive contrivance" called a garden but every year we are more than willing to give it a go.
A coming-of-age garden story, this is an updated version of an earlier book by the same name, published to acclaim 21 years ago. As such, Roach shares her personal evolution as a gardener as well as changes within the horticultural industry during this period of time. These include the growth of organic planting practices, an appreciation for the use of native species and an awareness of the impacts of climate change.
These changes fuel Roach's passion for observation and affinity for the garden as a laboratory for data collection. An ardent citizen-scientist, she is a staunch advocate for maintaining a garden journal. References to field guides and websites where the reader can contribute to scientific databases are included.
This is a practical book full of advice, seasonally articulated. Chapters artfully align in two-month intervals. From "Conception" to "Death and Afterlife" it is all here, a parable about the garden as a metaphor for life, with, of course, charts about what to plant when, seed viability and how to make tomato sauce, in case you want to know - and you should.
A blend of "stuff you need to memorize" and "stuff you need to feel," A Way to Garden is both accessible and beautiful, abundantly illustrated with full-color photographs by Roach and Nick Hales. A table of contents provides a detailed overview of each chapter, including garden tasks, accounts of individual plants and, what may be described as, gardening issues.
For those wishing for hands-on advice, A Way to Garden contains lots of tips about what to plant and how to plant effectively. Nearly every category of planting is covered with individual species highlighted. From growing, storing and preserving garlic to the use of conifers, no garden detail is too small (or large) for Roach to tackle.
This attention to detail extends to all aspects of life in the garden where every action has a consequence. Mulching, weeding, making the best possible match between the seeds she orders and the way she gardens, these represent conscious and even political choices for Roach. While the way she gardens, honed through years of experience, study and conscious decision making is offered to the reader as a gift to be considered, she is clear it is not the only way.
Roach gardens because she cannot help herself. Gardening and writing are the "two interwoven threads" that have shaped her adult life, both a calling and a life-practice. While that practice is evidenced in her successes, of which there are many, it is the humility of her failures that resonate most. For it is in her humility, a word that Roach reminds us is derived from the Latin word humus, for earth, that she is grounded.
And grounded Roach is. Wisdom shared, she concludes A Way to Garden where she began, with the "green side up" firmly entrenched in the soil, pulling weeds. This Zen-like inevitability reminds us all that, like Roach, we will never have the upper hand in the "labor intensive contrivance" called a garden but every year we are more than willing to give it a go.
April 15, 2019
A Way to Garden by Margaret Roach is a revised edition of the earlier work from 1998. This book includes updated resources and web addresses.
I love, love, love this book. I read it in a few days and just basked in the author's beautiful use of language and glorious accompanying photographs. The book is written in bi-monthly chunks that gardeners can use to plan, guide, or just enjoy. I would recommend reading it in sections rather than in a day or two as there is so much wonderful advice to implement throughout the year.
Although the author's garden is expansive and located in the northeast, I am able to apply much of her wisdom in my PNW postage stamp garden. I would give this book 10 stars out of 5. It is a must have.
I received this eARC from #netgalley and #timberpress for an unbiased review.
I love, love, love this book. I read it in a few days and just basked in the author's beautiful use of language and glorious accompanying photographs. The book is written in bi-monthly chunks that gardeners can use to plan, guide, or just enjoy. I would recommend reading it in sections rather than in a day or two as there is so much wonderful advice to implement throughout the year.
Although the author's garden is expansive and located in the northeast, I am able to apply much of her wisdom in my PNW postage stamp garden. I would give this book 10 stars out of 5. It is a must have.
I received this eARC from #netgalley and #timberpress for an unbiased review.
March 13, 2019
A lovely, well written book that is part memoir and also a fact filled reference book. It's organized by seasons, and is quite readable. The author describes her garden in Hudson Valley. I am not the primary gardener in our household, but we shared this and both learned and gathered references. Her dedication to organic and sustainable use of land is laudable. A pleasure to read. We'll be using her ideas, references and philosophy in our garden.
September 21, 2019
I loved Margaret’s book as much as her podcast. I love how she makes me feel so humbled in the face of nature. Yes it’s beautiful. But there’s also so much about nature that I don’t know because I don’t understand or simply because I don’t stop and look enough. This book has some good how-tos and advice but it more reminds me why I love to garden. Because it’s not *the* way to garden; it’s *a* way to garden. And the fun and adventure is figuring out *my* way to garden.
July 17, 2019
I loved it! I love reading about gardening as much as I enjoy gardening. It was a relaxing and enjoyable read!
May 21, 2019
The first thing I noticed about this book was the way the author divided her chapters and gardening into cycles of two months, ranging from Conception in January/February to Death and Afterlife in November/December. By looking at the gardening calendar, this way made me realize that gardening is more than those beautiful springtime blooms, we all love so much. Nature is living and often thriving during other times of the year as well.
A Way to Garden is full of tips on everything imaginable. But it is also a personal story of how the author has changed her approach to gardening over the years. The reader is encouraged to take note of their surroundings to learn more about what works and when it works in their garden.
I enjoyed all the beautiful photography in this book, and I'm grateful the author shared photos of her garden with readers. I'm sure this book is going to become my go-to reference for all things concerning the garden. Whether it be growing vegetables, attracting insects, how to cut the grass, or learning the classification of plants, this is a book that every gardener will want to have.
Thanks to Library Thing and Timber Press for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest view.
More reviews at: www.susannesbooklist.blogspot.com
A Way to Garden is full of tips on everything imaginable. But it is also a personal story of how the author has changed her approach to gardening over the years. The reader is encouraged to take note of their surroundings to learn more about what works and when it works in their garden.
I enjoyed all the beautiful photography in this book, and I'm grateful the author shared photos of her garden with readers. I'm sure this book is going to become my go-to reference for all things concerning the garden. Whether it be growing vegetables, attracting insects, how to cut the grass, or learning the classification of plants, this is a book that every gardener will want to have.
Thanks to Library Thing and Timber Press for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest view.
More reviews at: www.susannesbooklist.blogspot.com
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June 9, 2019I'll be honest.. I read the intro/beginning of the book in full, but then I picked sections most relevant to me. I glossed over the information on deer, shrubs, making a bed, etc. which may become more important at a later date. I enjoyed her botanical approach and the explanation of latin terms, but I disliked some of her flowery language and descriptions (I'm sure other readers would disagree and say they love that). I recommend this book for skimming through for what's relevant if you're short on time, but hopefully at a later date I can read it word for word. I love the 2 month system: conception, birth, etc. I skipped the seedling stuff because I'm not doing intensive transplants.. I have more questions about her seed choices and I'm realizing I have a lot to learn about organic gardening and our food system. E.g. when she says she buys organic seed because "she doesn't want to contribute her dollars to upstream pollution"… and that she has a strong preference for "seed companies that have on-farm breeding operations..." I know what these ideas mean, I guess, but I haven't dug into the full extent of the negative externalities of those choices.. I'm looking forward to learning more about gardening!
September 30, 2019
I enjoyed this so much and was delighted to find Margaret Roach's podcast. She wrote something that made a little lightbulb go off in head: nature has done this for millennia, so if we don't the bushes trimmed or the shrubs shaped or the perennials cut back, it won't be the end of the world. There is something very comforting about that!
It was also really inspired to see her garden - the drifts under her trees made me spend a morning digging out the grass under one of my trees. We have much different types of gardens - hers is forest, mine is just shy of desert (!) but I really appreciated her tips on what to plant and why. I aim for a four-season garden and I appreciated her by-the-month approach to writing about what to do and when. I am hell-bent and determined to get some winter interest in my garden, and to be guided by what I see when I look out the window or stare out from the deck.
I highly recommend this one - it was a great read, even if it had dozens of (shudder) frog photos in int.
It was also really inspired to see her garden - the drifts under her trees made me spend a morning digging out the grass under one of my trees. We have much different types of gardens - hers is forest, mine is just shy of desert (!) but I really appreciated her tips on what to plant and why. I aim for a four-season garden and I appreciated her by-the-month approach to writing about what to do and when. I am hell-bent and determined to get some winter interest in my garden, and to be guided by what I see when I look out the window or stare out from the deck.
I highly recommend this one - it was a great read, even if it had dozens of (shudder) frog photos in int.
May 6, 2022
This book is so readable, and of course includes beautiful pictures, so it was a soothing book to read before falling asleep at night. It falls in the same category as cook books that are good enough to read in bed. I didn't give it a higher rating because for a non-fiction book, I didn't come away with a lot of new information. Things I did learn are 1.) As soon as my seedlings are potted up, just take them outside for the day and bring them back in. Even a cloudy day produces so many more lumens than the best grow light on the market, which means a stronger, less leggy plant. 2.) Design your outside space by standing in each of the windows of your house and looking out. Yup -- that's how you'll see your garden most of the time, so stand there to design. I would recommend this book for both landscaping and vegetable gardeners, not as a reference, how-to book, but one of those books best read in January / February to inspire you and tide you over through the winter months.
September 3, 2019
Just finished the 2019 re-issue of this book, updated with new information and photos as described in the preface.
This is a great resource for anyone seeking garden wisdom, along with absolutely beautiful photos, many of which are by the author. The personal essays throughout the book make it well worth the read, even if you never plan for your garden to be home to conifers.
I also like that the author covers topics including wildlife (birds, spiders, bees, mice, snakes, bobcats, etc.) amidst what she describes as the six seasons of the garden: conception, birth, youth, adulthood, senescence, death/afterlife.
This is a great resource for anyone seeking garden wisdom, along with absolutely beautiful photos, many of which are by the author. The personal essays throughout the book make it well worth the read, even if you never plan for your garden to be home to conifers.
I also like that the author covers topics including wildlife (birds, spiders, bees, mice, snakes, bobcats, etc.) amidst what she describes as the six seasons of the garden: conception, birth, youth, adulthood, senescence, death/afterlife.
February 23, 2019
The best recommendation of this book is that it seems like the author is talking to you. It is not a book filled with technical terms, many do’s and don’ts or just telling you what you must do. She talks of her first experience in gardening, how she planned and was honest about her impatience to just see everything there! It covers everything, from buying the seeds to mulching. An excellent book whether you are a beginner to gardening or have experience. I love the photographs!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 9, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this book.
Having read many gardening books, I just assumed this would be another ‘recipe’ book of how-to-garden. It was not! The author’s experiences and ideas were interesting and entertaining. Her writing style was conversational, like talking with a gardening friend. The photos were excellent and added much to the book. It definitely deserves a shelf in my garden library. This book is one to be pulled out for reading when you can’t get into the garden on a snowy or rainy day.
Having read many gardening books, I just assumed this would be another ‘recipe’ book of how-to-garden. It was not! The author’s experiences and ideas were interesting and entertaining. Her writing style was conversational, like talking with a gardening friend. The photos were excellent and added much to the book. It definitely deserves a shelf in my garden library. This book is one to be pulled out for reading when you can’t get into the garden on a snowy or rainy day.
June 15, 2019
Pragmatism and inspiration all rolled into one! Reading this is like having a garden expert as your best friend who takes you by their side through the gardening year and provides some life advice along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it for beginning and seasoned gardeners alike. If you are like me, you'll come away from the book with a keener eye for the natural world - always a good thing!
June 16, 2019
I am still reading Margaret Roach’s “ A Way To Garden” and am enjoying every page. I also listen to her podcasts when I am at the gym. The photos are lovely but I mostly enjoy Margaret’s easy writing style that makes it feel as though she is talking to you. I checked her book out from the library and it is due today(!) so I will have to return it as there is a waiting list. I plan to purchase a copy for myself.
Gardeners, read this book!
Gardeners, read this book!
August 29, 2021
A wonderful writer about a subject dear to my heart. This is an inspiring book, challenging gardeners to make gardening more sustainable, for the sake of the planet. Roach’s garden is a big canvas in the country, and mine is just a little postage stamp in suburbia, so sometimes I felt intimidated by the scale of her garden. But she is always kind and encouraging, and she shares her failures generously to demonstrate how garden wisdom is gained — by mistakes.
January 19, 2023
This is a very readable book about the authors garden and what she has learned over the years. It's well stocked with lovely pictures, many of them frogs. Its divided into chapters each covering 2 months of the year and the activities appropriate for that time in New England USA. Even for those of us located in other regions the presentation and style of writing makes this a highly enjoyable book that we can all take something from.
November 18, 2023
"Be thoughtful, keep weeding."
I've thoroughly enjoyed reading along with the gardening year. Definitely one for my library.
"So as the year began, it closes: with Margaret bending, to pull more weeds. And if I am blessed to garden another year, I know the next one will start and end just exactly the same way (with the in-between part heavily punctuated by weeding, tool)."
There are always weeds to pull.
I've thoroughly enjoyed reading along with the gardening year. Definitely one for my library.
"So as the year began, it closes: with Margaret bending, to pull more weeds. And if I am blessed to garden another year, I know the next one will start and end just exactly the same way (with the in-between part heavily punctuated by weeding, tool)."
There are always weeds to pull.
June 14, 2019
What an amazing book! I loved the style of writing, the humour and how she talks about gardening.
It's one of the best book I read about gardening and I'm happy I got this ARC because it was a great discovery.
The pictures are gorgeous and made crave to be able to enter them.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I
It's one of the best book I read about gardening and I'm happy I got this ARC because it was a great discovery.
The pictures are gorgeous and made crave to be able to enter them.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I
September 24, 2019
A must-read for every gardener. I wound up buying four copies (so far) -- one to keep, and three to give as gifts to some of my favorite fellow gardeners. I loved the structure of the book (life cycle corresponding to months), the photography, and the thoughtful tips. There's something for everyone, whether a novice or veteran gardener.
September 27, 2019
I really liked Margaret's writing and anecdotes from her home garden. There is a lot of (good!) emphasis on vegetable gardening; although that isn't particularly relevant to my gardening goals, it will definitely be useful for others! I liked the heavier emphasis on native plants in the new version as well.
May 30, 2023
I've been growing vegetables for years, but I'm new to flower and plant gardens. I've listened to Margaret Roach's podcast and read her in the New York Times for years, and am glad to add this book to my gardening library. Invaluable resource, broken down into the seasons of the garden. I'll be returning to this book again and again.
December 17, 2019
This is a great guide if you’re new to gardening. It outlines all kinds of information that is helpful for planting and caring for your plants. Highly recommend!
*Thank you to NetGalley for gifting me this ebook.
*Thank you to NetGalley for gifting me this ebook.
January 25, 2020
I thought I would use this as a reference but after reading the first section on winter months I kept going. It is like having a conversation with a friend who is a fantastic gardener. I do have lots of sticky notes on pages for reference but this is so much more than a garden how to book.
January 27, 2021
This is a lovely way to spend a few hours. It contains a parade of gardening advice organized by the seasons and lavish photos. The short sections are otherwise unconnected, so it reads more like a blog than a monograph.
September 22, 2021
I use this book as a gardening guide for the year. I have notes tucked into it and refer to it all the time as a resource for my garden, recipes, ideas for food preservation and just general enjoyment.
January 15, 2024
This is well done with good photography and funny anecdotes and the gardener is knowledgeable and a good writer, but I didn’t like it. It made me go away feeling stubborn. Apparently her way to garden is not mine.
July 12, 2019
Solid advice, though I think it is most helpful for those who live in similar climes (she lives in upstate NY) and have very large gardens.
August 17, 2019
A mature gardener's book to be read and savoured, wisdom, philosophy and practical arranged seasonally.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews