Gardeners, Gurus and Grubs: The Stories of Garden Inventors & Innovators

by George Drower

Here are fifty stories of the inventions, innovations and discoveries that have revolutionized our gardens and gardening.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2001

Reviews

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This useful and interesting little book contains around 50 brief articles on various aspects of garden history. The book is helpfully divided into sections on various gardening topics such as 'Water Features', 'Tools of the Trade', 'Garden Nurseries' and 'Gardening Movements', so that the reader can easily find articles on whichever aspect of horticultural history interests them most.

The articles are easy to read but very informative; at the end of each chapter, Drower lists a relevant website if the reader wishes to find out more, and there are also lists of helpful books and websites at the back, under 'Further Reading'.

I was recently gifted a copy of 'The Remarkable Case of Dr Ward and Other Amazing Gardening Innovations', and while the books cover similar territory, Drower's book provides greater depth, whilst still remaining very readable. If you've ever wondered why garden twine is usually green, have speculated as to who first grew plants in containers or wanted to know why beans are traditionally grown up wigwams, this book will answer your questions! Recommended to anyone with an interest in garden history.

[Jane Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short essays on the people and inventions which influenced gardening. Drower crams a lot into a small space, with fascinating information.