Royal Horticultural Society

RHS Garden Bridgewater is both a very attractive volume as well as a very informative one.

As one would expect, there are a number of wonderful garden photographs, from in process to finished result. What I found particularly interesting were the historical pictures, from many years ago to just before renovations began. If you're coming to this book for the visual elements, you won't be disappointed.

What set it apart for me was how interesting the text is. For those into horticulture there is some explanation of what was done and why, from soil to the plants themselves. Because of my areas of interest, I was especially interested in the history. Even there I was pleasantly surprised in the coverage of recent history during the time the garden was rundown, including raves and graffiti.

I asked a friend of mine who lives in the area, and she went on about the place. When I mentioned the book, she said she would definitely be getting a copy, her interest being as much historical as nostalgic.

I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in how gardens are reclaimed for public use. This was a major project and the book gives background, in process looks, and an overall view of what was, is, and will be.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (more)