I thought I would share with you my absolute favourite gardening and nature books, plus a podcast I adore, in case you are looking for some inspiration. I have so many books, that I could include in this list, but I want to keep it simple for you.
In no particular order, let’s begin…
No-Dig Organic Home & Garden by Charles Dowding & Stephanie Hafferty.
If you want everything you need to know about edibles in one book… this is the one! Two incredible experts guiding you through how to grow, cook, use and store your delicious homegrown produce.
It’s brilliant and if I had to pick only one how-to book to have on my bookshelf, it would be this one.
The Creative Kitchen by Stephanie Hafferty.
Yes, two of the books are by Steph Hafferty…what can I say, she writes beautiful and fantastic books! I must add that I trust her knowledge and guidance 100%, plus she is incredibly lovely.
Her second book is full of amazing plant based recipes for both meals, drinks and self care beauty. All easy to grow and make at home.
Food for Free by Richard Mabey.
I love this book so much that I have the hardcover and paperback versions! It was first published in 1972 and has been inspiring many including myself ever since.
Food for Free raises the awareness of seasonal, fresh, local and unusual produce – many that you can forage for free whilst on a walk or hike exploring. It is designed to help you identify 240 wild foods, including fungi, seaweed, roots, vegetables, herbs, spices, flowers, fruits and nuts.
Not forgetting that the illustrations are incredibly beautiful!
Personally I prefer the paperback A5 version shown below, as it can easily fit in a rucksack. The hardcover is a fantastic coffee table book though.
When dealing with ornamental plants and client’s gardens, this handy sized RHS book is always by my side or in the car! I was recommended it by a fellow gardener and garden designer, and it’s helped me so many times since.
The Wild Remedy by Emma Mitchell.
This beautiful and inspiring book is Emma’s hand-illustrated diary about how nature can mend us. Sharing her own struggles with mental health, the trails she has followed and gently showing how nature walks and the great outdoors can be as medicinal as any talking therapy or drug.
Oh and of course, lastly, I’m a little biased, but my own children’s gardening book….YOU CAN grow your food! Available to pre-order now and out on the 11th June!
The podcast… I could list many here that I know and have listened to, but I want to share just one with you now. One, that feels extra special when you listen and really digs deep (no pun intended) in to getting to know the guests and their adventures. Asking the questions you may not be expecting, but the ones that you really need to hear the answers to.
Gardens, weeds and words by Andrew O’brien.
In Andrew’s words, his podcast is a blend of slow radio, gardening advice, conversation and readings from the best garden and wildlife writing. He forgets to mention his calm, soothing tone, humour and ability to create utter audio beauty. It’s a must listen and if you are left needing more, then his Instagram account is equally stunning.
What are your favourite gardening and nature books and podcasts? Comment below and help inspire others & myself, as you can’t have too many books can you?!
I love the really old gardening books that you come across in charity shops. I have a couple that my Grandpa gave to my Mum and she has then handed down to me which I treasure. They have all hand drawn illustrations which are just gorgeous. I haven’t listened to Andrew’s podcast- I will add it to my list. I do struggle a bit with gardening podcasts as I think i’m quite a visual learner so sometimes just listening isn’t enough. Maybe i’m more of a YouTube girl myself. Hope you are well lovely. K.