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Make Your Own Indoor Garden: How to Fill Your Home with Low Maintenance Greenery
This book aims to cover the most commonly asked questions by new plant owners and will help people who want to have more greenery in their lives but don't know where to start. It will advise on the best plant for a variety of home conditions so that everyone should be able to find plants that suit their space.
Having and maintaining an indoor garden can be possible for anyone, the book will give you step-by-step guides to creating and designing your own terrariums, cacti & succulent gardens and even kokedamas (Japanese for Moss Ball). It includes descriptions of the equipment needed, and how to find this inexpensively so that the hobby is accessible to everyone. Readers of the book will discover a newfound joy of plants and nature as well as learn a brand-new skill.
The book goes into detail about what may be causing damage to a plant, and how to look after plants so that they last. It also focuses on how plants can improve physical and mental health, to encourage readers to fill their homes with greenery for practical and aesthetic reasons.
The innate human need to be around nature is called Biophilia, and this book will tap into that need without over complicating things, with the focus on low maintenance, good-looking greenery.
Having and maintaining an indoor garden can be possible for anyone, the book will give you step-by-step guides to creating and designing your own terrariums, cacti & succulent gardens and even kokedamas (Japanese for Moss Ball). It includes descriptions of the equipment needed, and how to find this inexpensively so that the hobby is accessible to everyone. Readers of the book will discover a newfound joy of plants and nature as well as learn a brand-new skill.
The book goes into detail about what may be causing damage to a plant, and how to look after plants so that they last. It also focuses on how plants can improve physical and mental health, to encourage readers to fill their homes with greenery for practical and aesthetic reasons.
The innate human need to be around nature is called Biophilia, and this book will tap into that need without over complicating things, with the focus on low maintenance, good-looking greenery.
- GenresGardeningNonfiction
112 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2021
3 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 17, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Make your own Indoor Garden is a starters guide to growing your own plants indoors. This book is ideal for beginners and has some great information on things such as soils, plant types, how to care for different plant types, best places to place them, how to populate your plants etc. I did find it sparse in information on populating plants and hoped for more information and photographs in this particular area.
This book would be an ideal gift for someone looking to grow house plants or take up a new hobby.
Make your own Indoor Garden is a starters guide to growing your own plants indoors. This book is ideal for beginners and has some great information on things such as soils, plant types, how to care for different plant types, best places to place them, how to populate your plants etc. I did find it sparse in information on populating plants and hoped for more information and photographs in this particular area.
This book would be an ideal gift for someone looking to grow house plants or take up a new hobby.
February 21, 2021
I made a mistake with this book and thought by the title that it was about growing garden plants inside like vegetables and popular garden flowers. As a Minnesota gardener I love to bring in flowering plants like begonias and geraniums and have flowers for half the winter, and I've had moderate success doing things like taking tomato cuttings and rooting them in water to fill my windowsills with lush tomato plants to keep going in various incarnations until spring. I have friends who keep their potted peppers as houseplants during the winter and then get peppers again very early in the spring once they set them back out. I was really excited to learn some new tips for doing this sort of thing, but that's not the focus of the book. It was my fault for making assumptions. The word garden is meant in a general way, as in you'll have plants inside the way plants make up a garden. This is a houseplant book. It's a nice houseplant book, but there are so many of them that this one didn't stand out for me any more than the many others I have read. It will be a good manual for those who are new to houseplants or who are looking for some new ideas for plants to purchase.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
March 14, 2021
This is such an aesthetically pleasing novice guide to houseplants!
I already have some plants and succulents (not enough, never enough), but I still love this guide! It covers all the basics: the easiest plants to own, which plants should go where, and how to avoid common issues.
There is also a lovely step-by-step guide for making your own terrariums, hanging plant display, or Kokedama!
I think this book would make a lovely gift.
[I received a copy of this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review]
I already have some plants and succulents (not enough, never enough), but I still love this guide! It covers all the basics: the easiest plants to own, which plants should go where, and how to avoid common issues.
There is also a lovely step-by-step guide for making your own terrariums, hanging plant display, or Kokedama!
I think this book would make a lovely gift.
[I received a copy of this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review]
March 10, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Make Your Own Indoor Garden is a tutorial and style guide to decorating with plants and helping them to thrive indoors. Due out 31st March 2021 from Pen & Sword on their White Owl imprint, it's 112 pages and will be available in paperback format.
This is such a beautifully presented, encouraging, beginner accessible book. The author is upbeat and positive and the book is graphically very appealing and easy to understand. She starts with a few good selections - low maintenance plants which are attractive and can withstand a fair bit of neglect - to begin readers' collections. Further suggestions will expand the readers' home indoor greenery to a modest collection. All of the plants she recommends have many (many) variations in foliage and habit, so a fairly large collection can be built up with just the plants she recommends in the first chapter.
The following chapters contain instructions for terraria (open and closed) and include a fair selection of plants which are suited to both. There's a chapter devoted to cacti and succulents (my favourites), troubleshooting problems and how to avoid many of them, hanging plants (with suggestions for culture and display), kokedama, air plants (tillandsia), propagation, siting your plants, plants and our well being, and improving air quality with plants.
Four stars. There are beautiful photographs on nearly every page. The typeset is good contrast and easy to read. This would be a superlative acquisition for school or public library, for gifting, or for a beginning indoor gardener (especially people who claim they can't succeed with indoor plants).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Make Your Own Indoor Garden is a tutorial and style guide to decorating with plants and helping them to thrive indoors. Due out 31st March 2021 from Pen & Sword on their White Owl imprint, it's 112 pages and will be available in paperback format.
This is such a beautifully presented, encouraging, beginner accessible book. The author is upbeat and positive and the book is graphically very appealing and easy to understand. She starts with a few good selections - low maintenance plants which are attractive and can withstand a fair bit of neglect - to begin readers' collections. Further suggestions will expand the readers' home indoor greenery to a modest collection. All of the plants she recommends have many (many) variations in foliage and habit, so a fairly large collection can be built up with just the plants she recommends in the first chapter.
The following chapters contain instructions for terraria (open and closed) and include a fair selection of plants which are suited to both. There's a chapter devoted to cacti and succulents (my favourites), troubleshooting problems and how to avoid many of them, hanging plants (with suggestions for culture and display), kokedama, air plants (tillandsia), propagation, siting your plants, plants and our well being, and improving air quality with plants.
Four stars. There are beautiful photographs on nearly every page. The typeset is good contrast and easy to read. This would be a superlative acquisition for school or public library, for gifting, or for a beginning indoor gardener (especially people who claim they can't succeed with indoor plants).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
August 16, 2022
Very handy beginner book for those just starting out. I did wish this book had more information for those who aren't beginners but otherwise there is some great info. The pictures were absolutely beautiful! Thank you NetGalley!
May 2, 2022
Big points for> large easy read print, to the point information, and great photos that clearly highlight the featured plants.
February 23, 2021
Everything about this book is bright and cheery, especially the photographs! It's so aesthetically pleasing and sweet and written with an encouraging tone. You just know the author's personality is as charming with Succulence as the delectable name of her plant shop. Though a master gardener, this book has inspired me anew and I am going to begin with a few terrariums. Plants and planting can seem daunting but really no more difficult than any other hobby and so very gratifying.
The author details the benefits of indoor gardens (there are many!) with information on temperature, light needs, equipment, "ingredients", propagating, planting and maintenance. There are plants which only require monthly watering. There is an extraordinary variety of plants in the book (just look at the delightful containers!) including echeveria succulents, zebra cactus, bunny ear cactus, powder puff cactus, ferns, string of pearls, string of hearts, prayer plant (I really need to find this one) and air plant ideas. In case you encounter problems there is trouble shooting, such as what happens if you water too little or too much. I particularly enjoy the "which plant for which room?" chapter. The copper watering can, though!
Growing houseplants does not take a so-called green thumb. You can do it with zero experience. This book is wonderful for those starting out but will inspire experts alike. Anyone with an inkling of interest please do start with this. I learned a lot!
My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for allowing me the privilege of reading this remarkable ARC...it is very enriching.
The author details the benefits of indoor gardens (there are many!) with information on temperature, light needs, equipment, "ingredients", propagating, planting and maintenance. There are plants which only require monthly watering. There is an extraordinary variety of plants in the book (just look at the delightful containers!) including echeveria succulents, zebra cactus, bunny ear cactus, powder puff cactus, ferns, string of pearls, string of hearts, prayer plant (I really need to find this one) and air plant ideas. In case you encounter problems there is trouble shooting, such as what happens if you water too little or too much. I particularly enjoy the "which plant for which room?" chapter. The copper watering can, though!
Growing houseplants does not take a so-called green thumb. You can do it with zero experience. This book is wonderful for those starting out but will inspire experts alike. Anyone with an inkling of interest please do start with this. I learned a lot!
My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for allowing me the privilege of reading this remarkable ARC...it is very enriching.
February 17, 2021
This is a helpful guidebook for the beginner indoor plant enthusiast! When my plant collection first began to grow, I was excited about all the varieties and options, but had no idea what would really grow well in the different rooms in my house. To make things worse, I live in a partial forest, so I often overestimated the amount of light my plants would receive during the day. If I had access to this helpful book, I may have avoided some of the beginner mistakes I made, like collecting succulents that had no hope of growing well in the limited sunlight.
Throughout the book, Durber introduces her readers to the many different kinds of indoor plants with detailed instructions for their care. She also includes a how-to for building terrariums--something I haven't attempted yet, but find fascinating and would like to try in the future. One thing I especially appreciated was that she wove plant introductions throughout the book, so she would talk about an aspect of plant care (like propagation) and then mention any particular plants that worked well with the concept she was explaining. This way of organizing the book kept the book from feeling like a plant dictionary. It's important to note that experienced plant caretakers may find this book more suited for the beginner caretakers. It's not exhaustive, and she doesn't touch on many of the more exotic plants.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and it was a good refresher on plant care, and would be a great reference book for anyone who is just beginning their plant journey.
Throughout the book, Durber introduces her readers to the many different kinds of indoor plants with detailed instructions for their care. She also includes a how-to for building terrariums--something I haven't attempted yet, but find fascinating and would like to try in the future. One thing I especially appreciated was that she wove plant introductions throughout the book, so she would talk about an aspect of plant care (like propagation) and then mention any particular plants that worked well with the concept she was explaining. This way of organizing the book kept the book from feeling like a plant dictionary. It's important to note that experienced plant caretakers may find this book more suited for the beginner caretakers. It's not exhaustive, and she doesn't touch on many of the more exotic plants.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and it was a good refresher on plant care, and would be a great reference book for anyone who is just beginning their plant journey.
March 10, 2021
What a handy little book! “Make Your Own Indoor Garden: How to Fill Your Home with Low Maintenance Greenery” by Sarah Durber is the perfect book for absolute beginners and those who are looking to dabble in the world of houseplants.
Durber provides readers with a series of low maintenance plants and details how much sun, water, and care each plant needs in order to thrive. She addresses potential issues new plant parents may face, how to propagate new plants, and frequently asked questions (such as what plant would go best in my bathroom?). I appreciated when she would note the more high-maintenance plants of her suggestions, and her instructions for terrariums and air plant displays left me feeling like I could care and keep these plants alive well after the initial planting (an element I feel is missing in many houseplant craft suggestions).
This book is strictly focused on house plants and is definitely written for beginners, so experienced plant owners should pass this by (unless they’re looking for lovely pictures, which this book has in abundance). However, I do recommend this book for those who are looking to nurture their own green thumb and haven’t a clue where to begin as it is very accessible and encouraging.
I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
Durber provides readers with a series of low maintenance plants and details how much sun, water, and care each plant needs in order to thrive. She addresses potential issues new plant parents may face, how to propagate new plants, and frequently asked questions (such as what plant would go best in my bathroom?). I appreciated when she would note the more high-maintenance plants of her suggestions, and her instructions for terrariums and air plant displays left me feeling like I could care and keep these plants alive well after the initial planting (an element I feel is missing in many houseplant craft suggestions).
This book is strictly focused on house plants and is definitely written for beginners, so experienced plant owners should pass this by (unless they’re looking for lovely pictures, which this book has in abundance). However, I do recommend this book for those who are looking to nurture their own green thumb and haven’t a clue where to begin as it is very accessible and encouraging.
I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
February 21, 2021
This book is very good for a beginner like myself. It is really focused on beginner plants. Which is super appreciated but I also wanted to know more about other "cooler looking" plants and not only "easy" plants.
I liked how it is sectioned. There were parts of the book that didn't relate to my interest so I was able to skip it, for now, and went straight to the types of plants to have indoors and how to take care of them.
I liked how in depth it describes to care for the plant,
the different types of plants from hanging to free standing and what part of the house it will thrive in. Also, which plants purifies the house.
Towards the end it also discusses ways to reuse plastic starter pots to reduce plastic waste.
Thank you #Netgalley and #PenAndSword White Owl For this E-ARC.
The netgalley shelf was very well arranged but the kindle version was a little muddled. The side of the page description started mixing into the text and it broke it up.
It was a nice short read. And the homemaker in me took extensive notes and will be adding more indoor plants in the house CONFIDENTLY.
I liked how it is sectioned. There were parts of the book that didn't relate to my interest so I was able to skip it, for now, and went straight to the types of plants to have indoors and how to take care of them.
I liked how in depth it describes to care for the plant,
the different types of plants from hanging to free standing and what part of the house it will thrive in. Also, which plants purifies the house.
Towards the end it also discusses ways to reuse plastic starter pots to reduce plastic waste.
Thank you #Netgalley and #PenAndSword White Owl For this E-ARC.
The netgalley shelf was very well arranged but the kindle version was a little muddled. The side of the page description started mixing into the text and it broke it up.
It was a nice short read. And the homemaker in me took extensive notes and will be adding more indoor plants in the house CONFIDENTLY.
February 18, 2021
Make Your Own Indoor Garden: How to Fill Your Home with Low Maintenance Greenery by Sarah Durber
Publisher: Pen & Sword, White Owl
Genre: Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Nonfiction (Adult)
Release Date: March 31, 2021
Make Your Own Indoor Garden: How to Fill Your Home with Low Maintenance Greenery by Sarah Durber is a great resource for indoor gardening.
The author provides so much incredible information, like how to make your own terrarium, how to make a kokedama, how to propagate your plants, as well as the well-being of your plants. My favorite chapter was on how to combat air pollution using plants in your home.
There is a lot of great information packed into this book! I definitely recommend reading this is you are looking to add plants to your home!
I'm so grateful to Sarah Durber, Pen & Sword, White Owl, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Pen & Sword, White Owl
Genre: Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Nonfiction (Adult)
Release Date: March 31, 2021
Make Your Own Indoor Garden: How to Fill Your Home with Low Maintenance Greenery by Sarah Durber is a great resource for indoor gardening.
The author provides so much incredible information, like how to make your own terrarium, how to make a kokedama, how to propagate your plants, as well as the well-being of your plants. My favorite chapter was on how to combat air pollution using plants in your home.
There is a lot of great information packed into this book! I definitely recommend reading this is you are looking to add plants to your home!
I'm so grateful to Sarah Durber, Pen & Sword, White Owl, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
February 21, 2021
I would have loved to have received this book as a housewarming gift when I first moved out on my own. I can’t tell you how many plants I killed by over or under watering them.
This short read has recommendations for easy-to-care-for indoor plants, step-by-step instructions for making indoor terrariums (both enclosed and open), showcases cacti and air plants as well as how to use all of these to decorate indoors.
Watering, light and feeding requirements are also listed. The pictures included are really lovely. I wish it had been a bit longer with a few more easy-care specific plants listed. That would have made this a 5-star for me.
A quick and easy read with tons of tips and tricks for the beginner indoor gardener. A great addition to any new home.
This short read has recommendations for easy-to-care-for indoor plants, step-by-step instructions for making indoor terrariums (both enclosed and open), showcases cacti and air plants as well as how to use all of these to decorate indoors.
Watering, light and feeding requirements are also listed. The pictures included are really lovely. I wish it had been a bit longer with a few more easy-care specific plants listed. That would have made this a 5-star for me.
A quick and easy read with tons of tips and tricks for the beginner indoor gardener. A great addition to any new home.
March 4, 2021
I've always thought I was just "one of those people" who couldn't possibly keep a small plant alive for more than a few weeks, and that I was just condemned to never getting to enjoy what all those instagrammers seem to have - a bunch of luxurious plants hanging on their shelves and thriving everywhere in their apartment, seemingly effortlessly. This books is here to teach me otherwise - and it does the job well ! It's accessible, easy to read, beautifully illustrated, and the examples are useful and directly applicable to your own living situation. I would definitely recommend this, if not for you, then as a gift for a friend who'd be interested in keeping some cool looking plants alive !
March 11, 2022
This is a good book for anyone who'd like more greenery in their home and doesn't know where to start. Sarah Durber provides good information without overburdening the reader without a lot of excess. Her personal story of how she discovered her own love for indoor plants enhances the text -- it's a narrative many of us who work in sterile office environments will know well! Ms. Durber also cites facts about how house plants can enhance the air quality of the home as well as provide beauty. A plentitude of large, colorful photos make plant identification easy for the reader. This book would be a good gift for a newlywed, burgeoning gardener or new homeowner.
April 5, 2021
I know basically nothing about gardening. I have a plant that I assume is Devil's Ivy that is taking over my kitchen, and thankfully not even my worst neglect has killed it. I kind of chose this book because I'd like to have more plants, but wanted some tips on how to properly take care of them. I was happy to see that this was seemingly made for me, as it details how to care for plants that don't need much attention. Things like enclosed terrariums, cacti, air plants, and even succulents. Perhaps, the next time I go to a garden center I will keep some tips in mind!
March 8, 2021
This is a good guide to houseplants for beginners with clear photos of the suggested plants. It’s comprehensive, including the conditions needed for each plant described, common problems, as well as ideas for indoor gardens, such as open and closed terrariums. I enjoyed reading it. My thanks to Netgalley and publisher Pen & Sword Books for providing a digital copy for me to review.
September 22, 2021
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Having gardened most of my life, this book is primarily for starting gardeners, but I found it helpful in refreshing myself on soil and types for various plants, as well as wintering over many flowering plants and propagation techniques. Well done!
Having gardened most of my life, this book is primarily for starting gardeners, but I found it helpful in refreshing myself on soil and types for various plants, as well as wintering over many flowering plants and propagation techniques. Well done!
March 1, 2025
Pretty generic house plant book, there are way better ones out there. The title is misleading- I thought it would have detail about filling space rather than just generic basic house plant tips. Also doesn’t talk at all about plant or people toxicity, which seems to me would be a very important thing to mention in such a basic book??
April 25, 2022
Great book for absolute houseplant beginners who don’t need extraneous info. Basics for starting a collection of plants but a couple of new tips for more experienced plant owners. I borrowed from the library. Not a reference book but a nice gift to a newbie with a plant.
November 9, 2023
"Make Your Own Indoor Garden by Sarah Durber is a beginner-friendly guide to indoor gardening. It's filled with vivid pictures and simple instructions that make plant care seem less daunting. The section on propagation is concise yet informative. A great read for novice gardeners!"
April 22, 2021
Reviewed for Library Journal. This is a sweet and short book for absolute beginners, but I am also going to make my husband read it as review.
May 6, 2023
very informative, yet still easy to read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to keep indoor plants.
July 10, 2023
Nice easy indoor plant care/plant starting tips.
some repetitive parts.
some repetitive parts.
October 20, 2024
I just wanted a simple book on basic plant care, how to make terrariums, and the easiest plants to care for . This was a good first book on those subjects for me.
November 16, 2024
A nice, basic book on house plants. Would be great for a novice plant owner just dipping their toes.
December 26, 2024
It’s an informative, easy read. Definitely a good book to help getting started in plants. 😃
March 13, 2025
Helpful and full of beautiful houseplants!
December 31, 2021
Easy plants to start with and a decent variety of plants (photograph and how to take care of them). How to make different terrariums and to take care of them.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews