Dirt: The Lowdown on Growing a Garden With Style

Rating:
Summary: One of the best gardening books ever written
Review: Although Ms. Benson is apparently a garden neighbor of the great "Martha", her book is refreshingly different. We get to see not only what worked in the garden but also the things that didn't. There is extensive written information on how plants work together in different combinations. For the next version, I hope there are pictures.I especially liked the chapters on what the well dressed gardener wears and finding a new home in the garden for loved but broken pottery. Alas, I loaned my copy to a (former) gardening friend who has not returned it and am desperately seeking another copy. I can't believe this book is out of print.

Rating:
Summary: Dirt : the lowdown on growing a garden with style
Review: As the ower of a fixer-upper, I was immediately drawn into the book by Diane's description of her own property and house at first view. "The house was awful. Sort of '50s and not even gracious enough to be called ranch style. But the property was so raw and beautiful and overgrown....." I can relate!

This book is delightful and informative down to the details of what you should expect to pay and who has the best selection. Who would have guessed that a fashion maven like Diane B. would comparison shop so astutely. I love this book and very happy that it's been re-printed since I'm now telling all my friends about this delightful tomb.

Rating:
Summary: This Book is Wonderful
Review: Hello - I have just received word that DIRT is now officially live and can be ordered immediately from iUniverse.com. It should be available here on amazon and other major on-line booksellers soon. I am still working on the DIRTier version.

Rating:
Summary: The next Vita Sackville -West!
Review: I love to read books about gardening, and the best ones are also autobiographical.Dianne Benson Has imagination ,guts and grit!!I was hoping by now that she has written a new one because I read this one every year in the spring.She is inspiring about what to plant and how to plant and does her homework about the latest stuff out there.She is funny,personal and very, very sharp. More books Dianne , More Please!!!

Rating:
Summary: Great gardening book for the intermediate
Review: If you are past the pictures stage on key shrubs and perennials and not too keen on annuals, and you want a clear detailed book with a point-of-view and some humor, this is the book to choose. Good list of plant choices with a good rating scale. Good info on flower groups, which to order and which to buy locally, the architecture of gardens ("bones"), etc.Should not be out of print. An updated version from Ms Benson with the perspective of an additional 5/6 years would be wonderful. (Are you there Ms Benson?)

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding; a must read and re-read
Review: Ms. Benson created a masterful book on home gardening. Her advice is practical and down-to-earth, and eminently useful. All I can add is...where is the second edition of Dirt?