Elizabethan Era Gardener's Handbook

About the Book

none

About the Author

I am a flower show judge and I deal with gardening and the concerns of hobbyists – everyday. I provide one-to-one counseling and present throughout the country, workshop’s on gardening and the connection between horticulture, floral design and flower shows. My unique status has given me an insider’s perspective on how gardening affects people’s lives in general, and how it magnifies the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of our modern lives with that of the past. In my graduate studies, I had an “A-ha” moment when I realized that natural period type gardening of the Elizabethan Era and beauty intersect and can become possible if the information can be presented in a way that does not “overwhelm”. Once I became aware of the intimidation and lack of information available to the average person, I seemed to recognize it everywhere, personally and professionally – with clients, workshop attendees, students and friends – and it piqued my curiosity. I studied and wrote The Elizabethan Era Gardener’s Handbook to address the concept that these types of period gardens are probably not possible by most in today’s modern lifestyle – even on a smaller scale. However, I do believe that before anyone can effectively participate in this type of gardening you must engage yourself in a constructive conversation and plan. You must be aware of your expectations, fears and beliefs with respect to your garden. As Soren Kierkegaard states “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards”. I am asking you to pioneer a new garden for yourself with little evidence to offer you that it is the right thing to do. We know that what we have been doing with regard to pesticides and the lack of gardening in general does not work – our health care rates due to obesity and disease have increased rapidly and the average age expectancy in many cases as declined. Our relationship to ourselves and gardening should be healthier and more accurately informed. And, while you may not know where this journey with the Elizabethan Era Garden will take you, it is, nonetheless, time to start the study.